Dolby Laboratories (DLB) 10-K 24 Nov 15 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Oct. 30, 2015	Mar. 27, 2015
Entity Registrant Name	Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,308,547
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-25
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Sep. 25, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 1.1
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		51,635,498
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		49,215,750

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 531,926	$ 568,472
Restricted cash	2,936	2,142
Short-term investments	138,901	231,208
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,615 and $514	101,563	86,168
Inventories	13,872	8,536
Deferred taxes	97,101	86,445
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	32,031	22,880
Total current assets	918,330	1,005,851
Long-term investments	321,015	296,335
Property, plant and equipment, net	403,091	289,755
Intangible assets, net	127,507	63,700
Goodwill	307,708	277,574
Deferred taxes	46,178	41,746
Other non-current assets	9,464	9,051
Total assets	2,133,293	1,984,012
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	20,710	15,898
Accrued liabilities	169,307	158,376
Income taxes payable	754	2,600
Deferred revenue	18,910	12,496
Total current liabilities	209,681	189,370
Long-term deferred revenue	30,581	19,279
Other non-current liabilities	77,024	43,715
Total liabilities	317,286	252,364
Stockholders' equity:
Additional paid-in capital	17,571	46,415
Retained earnings	1,800,857	1,660,485
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(11,462)	3,014
Total stockholders’ equity – Dolby Laboratories, Inc.	1,807,068	1,710,017
Controlling interest	8,939	21,631
Total stockholders’ equity	1,816,007	1,731,648
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,133,293	1,984,012
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	51	51
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	$ 51	$ 52

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2015USD ($)vote / shares$ / sharesshares	Sep. 26, 2014USD ($)vote / shares$ / sharesshares
Allowance for doubtful accounts | $	$ 1,542	$ 1,615
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Common stock, par value (usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock voting right per share (votes per share) | vote / shares	1	1
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued	50,291,426	50,658,627
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	50,291,426	50,658,627
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Common stock, par value (usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock voting right per share (votes per share) | vote / shares	10	10
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued	50,743,311	51,610,239
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	50,743,311	51,610,239

Consolidated Statements Of Oper

Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Revenue:
Licensing	$ 868,111	$ 878,844	$ 807,081
Products	83,904	59,219	80,603
Services	18,623	22,113	21,990
Total revenue	970,638	960,176	909,674
Cost of revenue:
Cost of licensing	10,879	10,814	16,856
Cost of products	70,490	45,132	64,270
Cost of services	13,447	14,230	15,593
Total cost of revenue	94,816	70,176	96,719
Gross margin	875,822	890,000	812,955
Operating expenses:
Research and development	201,324	183,128	168,746
Sales and marketing	279,174	252,647	231,103
General and administrative	182,176	178,104	161,970
Restructuring charges	(80)	2,403	5,874
Total operating expenses	662,594	616,282	567,693
Operating income	213,228	273,718	245,262
Other income/expense:
Interest income	4,544	3,344	3,848
Interest expense	(183)	183	(575)
Other income/(expense), net	28,193	(1,146)	2,111
Total other income	32,554	2,381	5,384
Income before income taxes	245,782	276,099	250,646
Provision for income taxes	(62,542)	(67,379)	(60,344)
Net income including controlling interest	183,240	208,720	190,302
Less: net (income) attributable to controlling interest	(1,850)	(2,617)	(1,031)
Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.	$ 181,390	$ 206,103	$ 189,271
Net Income Per Share:
Basic (usd per share)	$ 1.77	$ 2.02	$ 1.86
Diluted (usd per share)	$ 1.75	$ 1.99	$ 1.84
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Basic (shares)	102,354	102,151	101,879
Diluted (shares)	103,862	103,632	102,788
Related party rent expense:
Included in operating expenses	$ 3,136	$ 2,125	$ 2,526
Included in net income attributable to controlling interest	$ 4,091	$ 4,827	$ 3,636
Cash dividend declared per common share	$ 0.42	$ 0	$ 4
Cash dividend paid per common share	$ 0.40	$ 0	$ 4

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income including controlling interest	$ 183,240	$ 208,720	$ 190,302
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(14,858)	(5,004)	(2,037)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(155)	302	(876)
Comprehensive income	168,227	204,018	187,389
Less: comprehensive (income) attributable to controlling interest	(1,326)	(2,715)	(991)
Comprehensive income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.	$ 166,901	$ 201,303	$ 186,398

Consolidated Statements Of Stoc

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Total Dolby Laboratories,Inc.[Member]	Controlling Interest [Member]	Class B Common Stock [Member]Common Stock [Member]	Class A Common Stock [Member]Common Stock [Member]
Beginning balance, shares at Sep. 28, 2012							56,599,000	46,497,000
Beginning balance, value at Sep. 28, 2012	$ 1,743,233	$ 0	$ 1,709,479	$ 10,687	$ 1,720,269	$ 22,964	$ 57	$ 46
Net income	190,302		189,271		189,271	1,031
Translation adjustments, net of taxes	(2,037)			(1,997)	(1,997)	(40)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(876)			(876)	(876)
Distributions to controlling interest	(5,039)					(5,039)
Stock-based compensation expense	64,328	64,328			64,328
Repurchase of common stock, shares								(2,557,000)
Repurchase of common stock, value	(82,245)	(46,081)	(36,162)		(82,245)			$ (2)
Cash dividends declared and paid on common stock	(408,206)		(408,206)		(408,206)
Tax benefit/(deficiency) from the stock incentive plans	(6,564)	(6,564)			(6,564)
Class A common stock issued under employee stock plans, shares								1,380,000
Class A common stock issued under employee stock plans, value	15,602	15,601			15,602			$ 1
Shares repurchased for tax witholdings on vesting of restricted stock, shares								(263,000)
Shares repurchased for tax witholdings on vesting of restricted stock, value	(8,828)	(8,828)			(8,828)
Transfer of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, shares							(1,806,000)	1,806,000
Transfer of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, value							$ (2)	$ 2
Exercise of Class B stock options, shares							83,000
Exercise of Class B stock options, value	356	356			356
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 27, 2013							54,876,000	46,863,000
Ending balance, value at Sep. 27, 2013	1,500,026	18,812	1,454,382	7,814	1,481,110	18,916	$ 55	$ 47
Net income	208,720		206,103		206,103	2,617
Translation adjustments, net of taxes	(5,004)			(5,102)	(5,102)	98
Unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	302			302	302
Stock-based compensation expense	65,680	65,680			65,680
Repurchase of common stock, shares								(1,390,000)
Repurchase of common stock, value	(56,028)	(56,027)			(56,028)			$ (1)
Tax benefit/(deficiency) from the stock incentive plans	(1,770)	(1,770)			(1,770)
Class A common stock issued under employee stock plans, shares								2,143,000
Class A common stock issued under employee stock plans, value	32,994	32,992			32,994			$ 2
Shares repurchased for tax witholdings on vesting of restricted stock, shares								(337,000)
Shares repurchased for tax witholdings on vesting of restricted stock, value	(13,651)	(13,651)			(13,651)
Transfer of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, shares							(3,380,000)	3,380,000
Transfer of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, value							$ (3)	$ 3
Exercise of Class B stock options, shares							114,000
Exercise of Class B stock options, value	379	379			379
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 26, 2014							51,610,000	50,659,000
Ending balance, value at Sep. 26, 2014	1,731,648	46,415	1,660,485	3,014	1,710,017	21,631	$ 52	$ 51
Net income	183,240		181,390		181,390	1,850
Translation adjustments, net of taxes	(14,858)			(14,321)	(14,321)	(537)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(155)			(155)	(155)
Distributions to controlling interest	(5,615)					(5,615)
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 67,069	67,069			67,069
Repurchase of common stock, shares	(2,938,899)							(2,939,000)
Repurchase of common stock, value	$ (107,349)	(107,346)			(107,349)			$ (3)
Cash dividends declared and paid on common stock	(41,018)		(41,018)		(41,018)
Tax benefit/(deficiency) from the stock incentive plans	(1,484)	(1,484)			(1,484)
Class A common stock issued under employee stock plans, shares								2,087,000
Class A common stock issued under employee stock plans, value	28,620	28,618			28,620			$ 2
Shares repurchased for tax witholdings on vesting of restricted stock, shares								(382,000)
Shares repurchased for tax witholdings on vesting of restricted stock, value	$ (15,708)	(15,708)			(15,708)
Transfer of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, shares							(867,000)	867,000
Transfer of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, value							$ (1)	$ 1
Exercise of Class B stock options, shares	717,000
Exercise of Class B stock options, value	$ 7	7			7
Deconsolidation of subsidiary	(8,390)					(8,390)
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 25, 2015							50,743,000	50,292,000
Ending balance, value at Sep. 25, 2015	$ 1,816,007	$ 17,571	$ 1,800,857	$ (11,462)	$ 1,807,068	$ 8,939	$ 51	$ 51

Consolidated Statements Of Sto7

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity And Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation tax	$ 864	$ (46)	$ 497
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities, tax	$ (87)	$ (131)	$ 493

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Operating activities:
Net income including controlling interest	$ 183,240	$ 208,720	$ 190,302
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	69,133	53,278	53,245
Stock-based compensation	67,069	65,680	64,328
Amortization of premium on investments	9,162	9,398	10,234
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	(2,544)	(2,434)	(475)
Provision for doubtful accounts	33	1,119	(174)
Deferred income taxes	(14,484)	(6,696)	(19,642)
Gain on sale of ownership interest in subsidiary (pre-tax)	(26,221)	0	0
Other non-cash items affecting net income	5,125	1,821	(1,026)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(7,008)	10,165	(53,639)
Inventories	5,835	3,818	9,166
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(3,595)	(354)	5,731
Accounts payable and other liabilities	(7,384)	24,124	21,890
Income taxes, net	21,767	951	2,314
Deferred revenue	8,981	(8,734)	(1,076)
Other non-current liabilities	268	691	(4,677)
Net cash provided by operating activities	309,377	361,547	276,501
Investing activities:
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	(392,936)	(389,282)	(485,370)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities	305,225	159,559	548,739
Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale securities	146,152	137,059	143,754
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(157,552)	(78,718)	(26,711)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(93,516)	0	0
Purchases of intangible assets	(37,416)	(37,950)	(4,050)
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment and assets held for sale	26	3,355	503
Proceeds from sale of ownership interest in subsidiary (net)	27,216	0	0
Change in restricted cash	(794)	1,033	(1,840)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities	(203,595)	(204,944)	175,025
Financing activities:
Payments on debt	0	0	(79)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	28,627	33,373	15,958
Repurchase of common stock	(107,349)	(56,028)	(82,245)
Payment of cash dividend	(41,018)	0	(408,206)
Distribution to controlling interest	(5,615)	0	(5,039)
Excess tax benefit from the exercise of stock options	2,544	2,434	475
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock	(15,708)	(13,651)	(8,828)
Payment of deferred consideration for prior business combination	0	(6,708)	0
Net cash used in financing activities	(138,519)	(40,580)	(487,964)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(3,809)	(1,948)	(1,765)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(36,546)	114,075	(38,203)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	568,472	454,397	492,600
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	531,926	568,472	454,397
Supplemental disclosure:
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received	51,881	72,177	77,701
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	15,725	6,982	584
Non-cash investing activities:
Purchase consideration payable for acquisition	$ 95	$ 0	$ 0

Basis Of Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Principles of Consolidation The 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. Use of Estimates The preparation of our financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in our 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 PP&E, goodwill and intangible assets; fair values of investments; accrued liabilities including liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, deferred income tax assets and liabilities 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 years presented herein include the 52 week periods ended September 25, 2015 (fiscal 2015 ), September 26, 2014 (fiscal 2014 ), and September 27, 2013 (fiscal 2013 ). Our fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 will consist of 53 weeks.

Summary Of Significant Accounti

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Concentration of Credit Risk Our financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk principally consist of cash, cash equivalents, investments, and accounts receivable. Our investment portfolio consists of investment grade securities diversified amongst security types, industries, and issuers. All our securities are held in custody by a recognized financial institution. Our policy limits the amount of credit exposure to a maximum of 5% to any one issuer, except for the U.S. Treasury, and we believe no significant concentration risk exists with respect to these investments. Our products are sold to businesses primarily in the Americas and Europe, and the majority of our licensing revenue is generated from customers outside of the U.S. We manage this risk by evaluating in advance the financial condition and creditworthiness of our products and services customers and performing regular evaluations of the creditworthiness of our licensing customers. In fiscal 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , revenue from one customer, Samsung, accounted for approximately 12% , 11% and 12% of our total revenue, respectively, and consisted primarily of licensing revenue from our mobile and broadcast markets. Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of funds held in general checking accounts, money market accounts, commercial paper, and U.S. agency notes. Restricted Cash Restricted cash on our consolidated balance sheets consist of cash contributed by third-party licensors to Via Licensing Corporation, our wholly-owned subsidiary, that may only be used in defending patent pools administered by Via. Investments All of our investments are classified as available-for-sale securities, with the exception of our mutual fund investments held in our supplemental retirement plan, which are classified as trading securities. Investments that have an original maturity of 91 days or more at the date of purchase and a current maturity of less than one year are classified as short-term investments, while investments with a current maturity of more than one year are classified as long-term investments. Our investments are recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains and losses on our available-for-sale securities are reported as a component of AOCI, while realized gains and losses, other-than-temporary impairments, and credit losses are reported as a component of net income. Upon sale, gains and losses are reclassified from AOCI into earnings, and are determined based on specific identification of securities sold. We evaluate our investment portfolio for credit losses and other-than-temporary impairments by comparing the fair value with the cost basis for each of our investment securities. An investment is impaired if the fair value is less than its cost basis. If any portion of the impairment is deemed to be the result of a credit loss, the credit loss portion of the impairment is included as a component of net income. If we deem it probable that we will not recover the full cost basis of the security, the security is other-than-temporarily impaired and the impairment loss is recognized as a component of net income. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts We continually monitor customer payments and maintain a reserve for estimated losses resulting from our customers’ inability to make required payments. In determining the reserve, we evaluate the collectibility of our accounts receivable based upon a variety of factors. In cases where we are aware of circumstances that may impair a specific customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations, we record a specific allowance against amounts due, and thereby reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount reasonably believed to be collectible. For all other customers, we recognize allowances for doubtful accounts based on our actual historical write-off experience in conjunction with the length of time the receivables are past due, the creditworthiness of the customer, geographic risk and the current business environment. Actual future losses from uncollectible accounts may differ from our estimates. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market (net realizable value). We evaluate our ending inventories for estimated excess quantities and obsolescence. Our evaluation includes the analysis of future sales demand by product within specific time horizons. Inventories in excess of projected future demand are written down to their net realizable value. In addition, we assess the impact of changing technology on our inventory balances and write-off inventories that are considered obsolete. Write-downs and write-offs of inventory are recorded as a cost of products in our consolidated statements of operations. We classify inventory that we do not expect to sell within twelve months as other non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheets. Property, Plant and Equipment PP&E is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis according to estimated useful lives assigned to each of our different categories of PP&E as summarized within the following table: PP&E Category Useful Life (Depreciable Base) Computer systems and software 3 to 5 years Machinery and equipment 3 to 8 years Furniture and fixtures 5 to 8 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of useful life or related lease term Cinema equipment provided under operating leases 15 years Buildings and building improvements Up to 40 years We capitalize certain costs incurred during the construction phase of a project or asset into construction-in-progress until the construction process is complete. Once the related asset is placed into service, we transfer its carrying value into the appropriate fixed asset category and begin depreciating the value over its useful life. Cinema Equipment Provided Under Operating Leases. We account for our cinema equipment installed at third party sites under collaborative or other arrangements as operating leases, and depreciate these assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life. Internal Use Software. We account for the costs of computer software developed for internal use by capitalizing costs of materials and external consultants. These costs are included in PP&E, net of accumulated amortization in our consolidated balance sheets. Our capitalized internal use software costs are typically amortized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of three to five years. Costs incurred during the preliminary project and post-implementation stages are charged to expense. Goodwill, Intangible Assets, and Long-Lived Assets We test goodwill for impairment annually during our third fiscal quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. Pursuant to the provisions of FASB's accounting standard (ASU 2011-08), we perform a qualitative assessment as a determinant for whether the two-step annual goodwill impairment test should be performed. In performing the qualitative assessment, we consider events and circumstances, including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, changes in management or key personnel, changes in strategy, changes in customers, changes in the composition or carrying amount of a reporting unit's net assets, and changes in the price of our common stock. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, then the two-step goodwill impairment test is not performed. If the two-step goodwill test is performed, we evaluate and test our goodwill for impairment at a reporting-unit level using expected future cash flows to be generated by the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill over the calculated fair value of the goodwill. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below. Our operating segments are aligned with the management principles of our business. We completed our annual goodwill impairment assessment for fiscal 2015 in the fiscal quarter ended June 26, 2015 at which time the consolidated balance of goodwill totaled $312.5 million . We determined, after performing a qualitative review for each of our separate reporting units, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of each of our reporting units substantially exceeds their respective carrying amounts. Accordingly, there was no indication of impairment, and the two-step goodwill impairment test was not required. We did not incur any goodwill impairment losses in either fiscal 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . Intangible assets are stated at their original cost less accumulated amortization, and those with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Our intangible assets principally consist of acquired technology, patents, trademarks, customer relationships and contracts, the majority of which are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives using a range from three to seventeen years. We review long-lived assets, including intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or a change in circumstances indicate an asset’s carrying value may not be recoverable. Recoverability of an asset is measured by comparing its carrying value to the total future undiscounted cash flows that the asset is expected to generate. If it is determined that an asset is not recoverable, an impairment loss is recorded in the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Revenue Recognition We enter into revenue arrangements with our customers to license technologies, trademarks and other aspects of our technological expertise and to sell products and services. We recognize revenue when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been completed, the seller's price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectability is probable. Multiple Element Arrangements. Some of our revenue arrangements include ME, such as hardware, software, maintenance and other services. We evaluate each element in a multiple-element arrangement to determine whether it represents a separate unit of accounting. An element constitutes a separate unit of accounting when it has standalone value and delivery of an undelivered element is both probable and within our control. When these criteria are not met, the delivered and undelivered elements are combined and the arrangement fees are allocated to this combined single unit. If the unit separation criteria are met, we account for each element within a ME arrangement separately, whereby the total arrangement fees are allocated to each element based on its relative selling price, which we establish using a selling price hierarchy. We determine the selling price of each element based on its VSOE, if available, TPE, if VSOE is not available, or ESP, if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. For some arrangements, customers receive certain elements over a period of time, after delivery of the initial product. These elements may include support and maintenance or the right to receive upgrades. Revenue allocated to the undelivered element is recognized either over its estimated service period or when the upgrade is delivered. We do not recognize revenue that is contingent upon the future delivery of products or services or upon future performance obligations. We recognize revenue for delivered elements only when we have completed all contractual obligations. We determine our ESP for an individual element within a ME revenue arrangement using the same methods used to determine the selling price of an element sold on a standalone basis. If we sell the element on a standalone basis, we estimate the selling price by considering actual sales prices. Otherwise, we estimate the selling price by considering internal factors such as pricing practices and margin objectives. Consideration is also given to market conditions such as competitor pricing strategies, customer demands and industry technology lifecycles. Management applies judgment to establish margin objectives, pricing strategies and technology lifecycles. We account for the majority of our digital cinema server and processor sales as ME arrangements that may include up to four separate units, or elements, of accounting. ▪ The first element consists of our digital cinema server hardware and the accompanying software, which is essential to the functionality of the hardware. This element is typically delivered at the time of sale. ▪ The second element is the right to receive support and maintenance, which is included with the purchase of the hardware element and is typically delivered over a service period subsequent to the initial sale. ▪ The third element is the right to receive specified upgrades, which is included with the purchase of the hardware element and is typically delivered when a specified upgrade is available, subsequent to the initial sale. Under revenue recognition accounting standards, sales of our digital cinema servers typically result in the allocation of a substantial majority of the arrangement fees to the delivered hardware element based on its ESP, which we recognize as revenue at the time of sale once delivery has occurred. A small portion of the arrangement fee is allocated to the undelivered support and maintenance element, and when applicable, to the undelivered specified upgrade element based on the VSOE or ESP of each element. The portion of the arrangement fees allocated to the support and maintenance element are recognized as revenue ratably over the estimated service period, and the portion of the arrangement fees allocated to specified upgrades are recognized as revenue upon delivery of the upgrade. ▪ The fourth element is the right to receive commissioning services performed solely in connection with our digital servers necessary for the installation of Dolby Atmos-enabled theaters. These services consist of the review of venue designs specifying proposed speaker placement, as well as calibration services performed for installed speakers to ensure optimal playback. A small portion of the arrangement fee is allocated to these services based on their ESP which we recognize as revenue once the services have been completed. Software Arrangements. Revenue recognition for transactions that involve software, such as fees we earn from certain system licensees, may include multiple elements. For some of our ME arrangements, customers receive certain elements over a period of time or after delivery of the initial software. These elements may include support and maintenance. The fair values of these elements are recognized over the estimated period for which these elements will be delivered, which is sometimes the estimated life of the software. If we do not have VSOE of fair value for any undelivered element included in these ME arrangements for software, we defer revenue until all elements are delivered or services have been performed, or until we have VSOE of fair value for all remaining undelivered elements. If the undelivered element is support and we do not have fair value for the support element, revenue for the entire arrangement is bundled and recognized ratably over the support period. In certain cases, our arrangements require the licensee to pay a fixed fee for the right to distribute units in the future. These fees are generally recognized upon contract execution, unless the arrangement includes contingency terms wherein we assess the totality of the existing facts and circumstances and conclude upon an accounting treatment thereon, or is considered a ME arrangement. Licensing. Our licensing revenue is primarily derived from royalties paid to us by licensees of our intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, and trade secrets. Royalties are recognized when all revenue recognition criteria have been met. We determine that there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement upon the execution of a license agreement or upon the receipt of a licensee’s royalty report and payment. Generally, royalties are deemed fixed or determinable upon receipt of a licensee’s royalty report in accordance with the terms of the underlying executed agreement. We determine collectibility based on an evaluation of the licensee’s recent payment history, the existence of a standby letter-of-credit between the licensee’s financial institution and our financial institution, and other factors. If we cannot determine that collectibility is probable, we recognize revenue upon receipt of cash, provided that all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Corrective royalty statements generally comprise less than 1% of our net licensing revenue and are recognized when received, or earlier if a reliable estimate can be made of an anticipated reduction in revenue from a prior royalty statement. An estimate of anticipated reduction in revenue based on historical negative correction royalty statements is also recorded. Deferred revenue represents amounts that we have already collected that are ultimately expected to be recognized as revenue, but for which not all revenue recognition criteria have been met. Licensing revenue also includes fees we earn for administering joint patent licensing programs (“patent pools”) containing patents owned by us and/or other companies. Royalties related to patent pools are recorded net of royalties payable to third party patent pool members and are recognized when all revenue recognition criteria have been met. We generate the majority of our licensing revenue through our licensing contracts with OEMs ("system licensees") and implementation licensees. Our revenue recognition policies for each of these arrangements are summarized below. Licensing to system licensees. We license our technologies to system licensees who manufacture consumer electronics products and, in return, the system licensee pays us a royalty generally for each unit shipped that incorporates our technologies. Royalties from system licensees are generally recognized upon receipt of a royalty report from the licensee and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. In certain cases, our arrangements require the licensee to pay up-front, non-refundable royalties for units they may distribute in the future. These up-front fees are generally recognized upon contract execution, unless the arrangement includes extended payment terms or is considered a ME arrangement. In addition, in some cases we receive initial license fees for our technologies and provide post-contract support. In these cases we recognize the initial fees ratably over the expected support term. Licensing to software vendors. We license our technologies for resale to software vendors and, in return, the software vendor pays us a royalty for each unit of software distributed that incorporates our technologies. Royalties from software vendors are generally recognized upon receipt of a royalty report from the licensee and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. In addition, in some cases we receive initial license fees for our technologies and provide post-contract upgrades and support. In these cases, we recognize the initial fees ratably over the expected support term, as VSOE of fair value typically does not exist for the upgrade and support elements of the contract. Recovery Payments From Licensees. Licensing revenue recognized in any given quarter may include recovery payments representing back payments and/or settlements from licensees. These payments arise as a result of ongoing collection efforts as well as activities aimed at identifying potential unauthorized uses of our technologies. Although such collections have become a recurring part of our business, we cannot predict the timing or magnitude of such payments with certainty. Back payments represent incremental royalties that relate to amounts not previously reported by licensees under existing licensing agreements. Consistent with the manner in which royalty revenue is recognized, we recognize reported back payments as revenue in either the period the fee becomes due and payable, or when collectability is deemed probable, whichever is later. Settlements represent new agreements under which a third party has agreed to remit payments to us based on past use of our technology. We recognize settlements as revenue in the period in which all revenue recognition criteria have been met. Generally, settlement fees are deemed to be fixed or determinable upon execution of the settlement agreement, provided such agreement contains no contingency terms. If we are unable to determine that collectability is probable based on an evaluation of a customer's creditworthiness, we recognize revenue upon the receipt of cash, provided the other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Legal costs associated with back payments and settlements from licensees are classified as S&M in our consolidated statements of operations. Product Sales. Revenue from the sale of products is recognized when the risk of ownership has transferred to our customer, as provided under the terms of the governing purchase agreement, and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Generally, these purchase agreements provide that the risk of ownership is transferred to the customer when the product is shipped, except in specific instances in which certain foreign regulations stipulate that the risk of ownership is transferred to the customer upon their receipt of the shipment. In these instances, we recognize revenue when the product is received by the customer. Services. Services revenue is recognized as completed and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Collaborative Arrangements. In partnership with established cinema exhibitors, we launched Dolby Cinema, a branded premium cinema offering for movie audiences. Under such collaborations, Dolby and the exhibitor are both active participants, and are equally exposed to significant risks and rewards. Accordingly, these collaborations are governed by revenue sharing arrangements under which Dolby receives a fee based on theatrical box-office revenues in exchange for the use of our imaging and sound technologies, the use of our equipment at the exhibitor’s venue, as well as the use of our proprietary designs and corporate branding. Dolby's share of revenue, which is contingent upon ticket sales, is recognized when all revenue recognition criteria are met in accordance with ASC 605-45, Principal Agent Considerations and ASC 605, Revenue Recognitio n, being on receipt of quarterly box office reports from exhibitors, and on determining that collectability is probable. We recognize our share of ticket sales as services revenue in our consolidated statements of operations. Cost of Revenue Cost of licensing. Cost of licensing primarily consists of amortization expenses associated with purchased intangible assets and intangible assets acquired in business combinations. Cost of licensing also includes royalty obligations to third parties for licensing intellectual property rights as part of arrangements with our customers. Cost of products. Cost of products primarily consists of the cost of materials related to products sold, applied labor, and manufacturing overhead. Our cost of products also includes third party royalty obligations paid to license intellectual property that we include in our products. Cost of services. Cost of services primarily consists of the personnel and personnel-related costs of employees performing our professional services, the cost of outside consultants, and reimbursable expenses incurred on behalf of customers. Stock-Based Compensation We measure expenses associated with all employee stock-based compensation awards using a fair-value method and record such expense in our consolidated financial statements on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Advertising and Promotional Costs Advertising and promotional costs are charged to S&M expense as incurred. Our advertising and promotional costs were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, Advertising and promotional costs $ 46,202 $ 37,895 $ 32,834 Foreign Currency Activities Foreign Currency Translation. We maintain business operations in foreign countries. We translate the assets and liabilities of our international subsidiaries, the majority of which are denominated in non-U.S. dollar functional currencies, into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the end of each period. Revenues and expenses of these subsidiaries are translated using the average rates for the period. Gains and losses from these translations are included in AOCI within stockholders’ equity. Foreign Currency Transactions. Certain of our foreign subsidiaries transact in currencies other than their functional currency. Therefore, we re-measure non-functional currency assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries using exchange rates at the end of each period. As a result, we recognize foreign currency transaction and re-measurement gains and losses, which are recorded within other income, net in our consolidated statements of operations. These gains/(losses) were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, Foreign currency transaction gains/(losses) $ (142 ) $ 498 $ 73 Foreign Currency Exchange Risk. In an effort to reduce the risk that our earnings will be adversely affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, we enter into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge against assets and liabilities for which we have foreign currency exchange rate exposure. These derivative instruments are carried at fair value with changes in the fair value recorded to other income/(expense), net, in our consolidated statements of operations. While not designated as hedging instruments, these foreign currency forward contracts are used to reduce the exchange rate risk associated primarily with intercompany receivables and payables. These contracts do not subject us to material balance sheet risk due to exchange rate movements as gains and losses on these derivatives are intended to offset gains and losses on the related receivables and payables for which we have foreign currency exchange rate exposure. As of September 25, 2015 and September 26, 2014 , the outstanding derivative instruments had maturities of 38 days or less and the total notional amounts of outstanding contracts were $22.3 million and $22.9 million , respectively. The fair values of these contracts were nominal as of September 25, 2015 and September 26, 2014 , and were included within prepaid expenses and other current assets and within accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Income Taxes We use the asset and liability method, under which deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities, and NOL carryforwards are measured using the enacted tax rate expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the differences are expected to be reversed. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The realization of deferred tax assets is additionally dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. We consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities and projected future taxable income in making this assessment, and record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets when uncertainty regarding their realizability exists. We record an unrecognized tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. We include interest and penalties related to gross unrecognized tax benefits within our provision for income taxes. To the extent accrued interest and penalties do not ultimately become payable, amounts accrued are reduced in the period that such determination is made and are reflected as a reduction of the overall income tax provision. Repatriation of Undistributed Foreign Earnings. Beginning in fiscal 2010 , we initiated a policy election to indefinitely reinvest a portion of the undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries with operations outside of the U.S. We consider the earnings of these foreign subsidiaries to be indefinitely invested outside the U.S. on the basis of estimates that future domestic cash generation will be sufficient to meet future domestic cash needs, and our specific plans for reinvestment of those subsidiary earnings. A majority of the amounts held outside of the U.S. are generally utilized to support non-U.S. liquidity needs in order to fund operations and other growth of our foreign subsidiaries and acquisitions. Sales Tax. We account for sales tax on a net basis by excluding sales tax from our revenue. 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. Recently Issued Accounting Standards 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. 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 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. In May 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 existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective, and may also impact the accounting for certain direct costs associated with revenues. The new standard is effective for us on September 29, 2018. Early adoption is permitted one year earlier. The new 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. In February 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 met

Composition Of Certain Financia

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 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 September 25, 2015 and September 26, 2014 (amounts displayed in thousands, except as otherwise noted). Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable, Net September 25, September 26, Trade accounts receivable $ 94,559 $ 78,189 Accounts receivable from patent administration program customers 8,546 9,594 Accounts receivable, gross 103,105 87,783 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (1,542 ) (1,615 ) Total $ 101,563 $ 86,168 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Balance at Beginning of Fiscal Year Charged to Operations Deductions Balance at End of Fiscal Year For fiscal year ended: September 27, 2013 $ 956 $ (174 ) $ (268 ) $ 514 September 26, 2014 514 1,119 (18 ) 1,615 September 25, 2015 1,615 33 (106 ) 1,542 Inventories Inventories September 25, September 26, Raw materials $ 3,246 $ 1,013 Work in process 3,279 47 Finished goods 7,347 7,476 Total $ 13,872 $ 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 $1.4 million and $1.7 million of raw materials inventory within other non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheets as of September 25, 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 September 25, September 26, Prepaid expenses $ 13,680 $ 11,665 Other current assets 7,525 7,152 Income tax receivable 10,826 4,063 Total $ 32,031 $ 22,880 Other current assets as of September 25, 2015 and September 26, 2014 includes the carrying value of $0.9 million and $1.0 million , respectively, of land and building that is currently held for sale. Management has committed to a plan to sell the property and expects to do so within the next twelve months. For additional information, see Note 5 " Property, Plant & Equipment " to our consolidated financial statements. Accrued Liabilities Accrued Liabilities September 25, September 26, Accrued royalties $ 1,951 $ 2,526 Amounts payable to patent administration program partners 40,466 43,438 Accrued compensation and benefits 70,317 71,677 Accrued professional fees 6,523 6,162 Other accrued liabilities 50,050 34,573 Total $ 169,307 $ 158,376 Other accrued liabilities include the accrual for unpaid PP&E additions of $21.9 million and $8.7 million as of September 25, 2015 and September 26, 2014 , respectively. Other Non-Current Liabilities Other Non-Current Liabilities September 25, September 26, Supplemental retirement plan obligations $ 2,400 $ 2,409 Non-current tax liabilities 62,843 30,715 Other liabilities 11,781 10,591 Total $ 77,024 $ 43,715 Refer to Note 10 “ Income Taxes ” for additional information related to tax liabilities.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Investments and 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, all of our investments are classified as available-for-sale securities. Investments held in our supplemental retirement plan are classified as trading securities. Our investments primarily consist of municipal debt securities, corporate bonds, 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. Our cash and investment portfolio, which is recorded as cash equivalents and both short and long-term investments, consists of the following: September 25, Cost Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Gains Losses Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 511,736 $ 511,736 Cash equivalents: Money market funds 19,014 19,014 19,014 Corporate bonds 1,176 1,176 1,176 Cash and cash equivalents 531,926 — — 531,926 19,014 1,176 — Short-term investments: Government bonds 2,000 1 — 2,001 2,001 Commercial paper 6,478 — — 6,478 6,478 Corporate bonds 86,543 46 (11 ) 86,578 86,578 Municipal debt securities 43,746 98 — 43,844 43,844 Short-term investments 138,767 145 (11 ) 138,901 2,001 136,900 — Long-term investments: U.S. agency securities 1,999 1 — 2,000 2,000 Government bonds 30,505 19 (17 ) 30,507 30,507 Corporate bonds 167,394 138 (392 ) 167,140 167,140 Municipal debt securities 117,552 189 (60 ) 117,681 117,681 Other long-term investments (1) 2,961 726 — 3,687 726 Long-term investments 320,411 1,073 (469 ) 321,015 33,233 284,821 — Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments $ 991,104 $ 1,218 $ (480 ) $ 991,842 $ 54,248 $ 422,897 $ — Investments held in supplemental retirement plan: Assets 2,498 2,498 2,498 Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets & other non-current assets Liabilities 2,498 2,498 2,498 Included in accrued liabilities & other non-current liabilities Contingent consideration related to acquisition: Liabilities 95 95 95 Included in accrued liabilities (1) Other long-term investments as of September 25, 2015 include a marketable equity security of $0.7 million , and other investments that are not carried at fair value including an equity method investment of $0.5 million and two cost method investments of $2.0 million and $0.5 million . September 26, 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) $ 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 that was made during fiscal 2014 and which is not carried at fair value. 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. 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 the 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 September 25, 2015 and September 26, 2014 (in thousands): September 25, 2015 September 26, 2014 Investment Type Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses (1) Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses (1) U.S. agency securities $ 19,005 $ (17 ) $ 31,930 $ (9 ) Corporate bonds 148,034 (403 ) 78,166 (90 ) Municipal debt securities 35,476 (60 ) 55,979 (35 ) Total $ 202,515 $ (480 ) $ 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 September 25, 2015 and September 26, 2014 . Although we had certain securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of September 25, 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 September 25, 2015 or September 26, 2014 to be 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 September 25, 2015 and September 26, 2014 , which are recorded within cash equivalents and both short and long-term investments in our consolidated balance sheets: September 25, 2015 September 26, 2014 Range of maturity Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Due within 1 year $ 158,957 $ 159,090 $ 232,944 $ 233,208 Due in 1 to 2 years 173,571 173,577 179,177 179,536 Due in 2 to 3 years 143,879 143,752 116,204 116,299 Total $ 476,407 $ 476,419 $ 528,325 $ 529,043

Property, Plant & Equipment (No

Property, Plant & Equipment (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	PP&E 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. Depreciation expense was $48.2 million , $38.1 million and $37.4 million in fiscal 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. PP&E consist of the following (in thousands): Property, Plant And Equipment September 25, September 26, Land $ 43,537 $ 45,842 Buildings and building improvements 248,390 61,712 Leasehold improvements 61,455 56,665 Machinery and equipment 70,143 47,639 Computer systems and software 136,666 108,225 Furniture and fixtures 25,489 13,540 Cinema equipment provided under operating leases 7,638 — Construction-in-progress 11,448 127,569 Property, plant and equipment, gross 604,766 461,192 Less: accumulated depreciation (201,675 ) (171,437 ) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 403,091 $ 289,755 Purchase Of 1275 Market Commercial Office Building In San Francisco, CA. During fiscal 2012 , we purchased commercial office property in San Francisco, California for $109.8 million of which we allocated $35.5 million and $74.3 million to the land and building, respectively. As of September 26, 2014 , construction-in-progress included both the book value of the building and costs for ongoing construction. Following our partial occupation of the building during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 , we completed work for the occupation of the building as our new worldwide headquarters in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 . As of September 25, 2015 , construction-in-progress only included costs for ongoing construction on ancillary facilities. Sale Of Properties In U.K. During fiscal 2014 , we sold the land and building from one of our properties located in Wootton Bassett, U.K for $3.3 million . In connection with the sale, we recognized a gain of $0.4 million within other income/(expense), net in our consolidated statements of operations. Prior to sale, the carrying value of both the land and building sold as part of this transaction as well as a parcel of adjacent land not part of the sale were classified as held for sale and included in other current assets as management had previously committed to a plan to sell these properties. Management still intends to sell the remaining unsold parcel of land within the next twelve months, and will therefore continue to classify it as held for sale. Accordingly, other current assets as of September 25, 2015 includes the carrying value of this parcel of land of $0.9 million . Purchase Of Commercial Office Building In Sunnyvale, CA. During fiscal 2014 , we purchased a commercial office building in Sunnyvale, California for $19.7 million that we had been occupying under a 7.5 year lease that had not yet run its full term. The amount capitalized as the building’s carrying value is comprised of the amount allocated to the building from the acquisition price in addition to the carrying value of existing leasehold improvements, less existing lease-related liabilities. Sale of Ownership Interest in Affiliated Entity. During fiscal 2015, we entered into an Agreement with entities affiliated with the Dolby to sell our ownership interest in Dolby Properties, LLC. For additional details, see Note 16 , “ Related Parties ."

Goodwill & Intangible Assets (N

Goodwill & Intangible Assets (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill The following table outlines changes to the carrying amount of goodwill (in thousands): Goodwill Balance at September 27, 2013 $ 279,724 Translation adjustments (2,150 ) Balance at September 26, 2014 $ 277,574 Acquired goodwill (1) 37,094 Translation adjustments (6,960 ) Balance at September 25, 2015 $ 307,708 (1) Total initial acquired goodwill recorded during fiscal 2015 consists of $36.4 million from the acquisition of Doremi and $0.7 million from an immaterial acquisition. Intangible Assets Intangible assets are stated at their original cost less accumulated amortization. Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of the following (in thousands): September 25, 2015 September 26, 2014 Intangible Assets, Net Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Acquired patents and technology $ 172,787 $ (74,398 ) $ 98,389 $ 99,262 $ (61,678 ) $ 37,584 Customer relationships 56,933 (28,275 ) 28,658 30,717 (22,739 ) 7,978 Other intangibles 22,564 (22,104 ) 460 38,694 (20,556 ) 18,138 Total $ 252,284 $ (124,777 ) $ 127,507 $ 168,673 $ (104,973 ) $ 63,700 During fiscal 2015 and 2014 , we purchased various patents and developed technology for cash consideration of $37.4 million and $38.0 million , and upon acquisition, these intangible assets had a weighted-average useful life of 18.0 years and 13.6 years, respectively. 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. Amortization expense was $21.0 million , $15.1 million and $15.8 million in fiscal 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. As of September 25, 2015 , expected amortization expense of our intangible assets in future periods is as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Amortization Expense 2016 $ 17,533 2017 14,647 2018 9,784 2019 9,657 2020 9,775 Thereafter 66,111 Total $ 127,507

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 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, RSUs and SARs 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 September 25, 2015 , we had authorized 500,000,000 Class A shares and 500,000,000 Class B shares. At September 25, 2015 , we had 50,291,426 shares of Class A common stock and 50,743,311 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, provides 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. During fiscal 2015, the remaining options outstanding under this plan were exercised. As of September 25, 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 IPO. Our 2005 Stock Plan, as amended and restated, provides for the ability to grant ISOs, NQs, restricted stock, RSUs, SARs, deferred stock units, performance units, performance bonus awards and performance shares. A total of 29.0 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. 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 grant date 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 tables summarize information about stock options issued under our 2000 Stock Incentive Plan and 2005 Stock Plan. As mentioned above, all remaining options outstanding to purchase shares of our Class B common stock were exercised during fiscal 2015, and therefore there were no outstanding options to purchase shares of Class B common stock as of September 25, 2015 . Accordingly, all outstanding options as of September 25, 2015 shown within the table below (including those vested and exercisable) relate to shares of our Class A common stock. Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) (in thousands) (in years) (in thousands) Options outstanding at September 26, 2014 7,611 $ 32.96 Grants 2,573 42.45 Exercises (717 ) 28.14 Forfeitures and cancellations (632 ) 36.67 Options outstanding at September 25, 2015 8,835 35.85 7.2 $ 8,591 Options vested and expected to vest at September 25, 2015 8,438 35.57 7.1 8,582 Options exercisable at September 25, 2015 4,527 $ 32.35 5.8 7,856 (1) Aggregate intrinsic value is based on the closing price of our common stock on September 25, 2015 of $31.40 and excludes the impact of options that were not in-the-money. The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at September 25, 2015 : Outstanding Options Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Price Shares Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life Weighted-Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in thousands) (in years) (in thousands) $13.90 - $24.59 22 0.5 $ 18.39 22 $ 18.39 $24.60 - $28.90 1,876 4.7 27.82 1,779 27.81 $28.91 - $33.40 1,647 6.7 30.48 1,145 30.42 $33.41 - $37.33 248 6.3 35.09 154 34.70 $37.34 - $47.45 4,981 8.4 40.55 1,366 38.94 $47.46 - $58.07 41 3.6 49.00 41 49.00 $58.08 - $62.29 20 5.2 59.69 20 59.69 8,835 4,527 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 two years , with 50% vesting per year, while awards granted from November 2010 onward to ongoing directors generally vest over 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 September 25, 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 1,322 41.89 Vested (1,108 ) 31.37 Forfeitures (287 ) 32.25 Non-vested at September 25, 2015 2,830 $ 40.73 The fair value as of the respective vesting dates of RSUs was as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, Restricted stock units - vest date fair value $ 45,175 $ 40,810 $ 27,013 Stock Appreciation Rights. We have previously granted SARs to certain of our foreign employees. These awards are settled in cash rather than stock, and are classified as liability awards. This liability is classified within other non-current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. 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 the volatility of our stock price over the 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 for a period that is commensurate with the expected term. Implied volatility is based upon externally traded option contracts of our common stock. Dividend Yield. The dividend yield is based on our anticipated dividend payout over the expected term of our option awards. Aside from a special cash dividend paid in fiscal 2013 that was considered a one-time occurrence, the expected dividend yield for all option awards granted up until our fiscal year ended September 26, 2014, was zero. This reflected management’s intention that no dividends would be paid. As described within Part II, Item 5 " Market For Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters And Issuer Purchases Of Equity Securities ", we announced that our Board of Directors approved the initiation of a quarterly dividend to its stockholders on October 23, 2014 . Dividend declarations and the establishment of future record and payment dates are subject to the Board of Directors’ continuing determination that the dividend policy is in the best interests of our stockholders. The dividend policy may be changed or canceled at the discretion of the Board of Directors at any time. The weighted-average assumptions used in the determination of the fair value of our stock options were as follows: Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, Expected term (in years) 4.64 4.58 4.37 Risk-free interest rate 1.5 % 1.4 % 0.5 % Expected stock price volatility 29.6 % 32.0 % 40.1 % Dividend yield 0.9 % — % — % The following table summarizes the weighted-average fair value (per share) of stock options granted and the total intrinsic value of stock options exercised (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, Stock options granted - weighted-average grant date fair value $ 10.54 $ 11.11 $ 10.23 Stock options exercised - intrinsic value 8,546 15,300 3,781 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 cost recorded in our consolidated statements of operations related to these equity awards is recognized net of estimated forfeitures, which reduces the gross value of awards such that compensation expense included within our consolidated financial statements reflects our estimate of the number of share-based payment awards that will actually eventually vest. Our methodology used to derive estimated forfeiture rates is based on an evaluation of historical forfeitures. We revise our estimates, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from our estimates. Beginning in fiscal 2015, we revised the method under which we estimate forfeitures. The impact of this change in estimate was not material. The estimated forfeiture rates used for awards granted were 9.98% in fiscal 2015 and 6.13% in fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, respectively. The following two tables separately present stock-based compensation expense both by award type and classification in our consolidated statements of operations (in thousands). Compensation Expense - By Award Type Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, 2013 Compensation Expense - By Type Stock options $ 22,972 $ 19,680 $ 21,334 Restricted stock units 40,332 42,221 39,644 Employee stock purchase plan 3,765 3,779 3,350 Total stock-based compensation 67,069 65,680 64,328 Benefit from income taxes (19,606 ) (19,315 ) (19,316 ) Total stock-based compensation, net of tax $ 47,463 $ 46,365 $ 45,012 Compensation Expense - By Income Statement Line Item Classification Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, Compensation Expense - By Classification Cost of products $ 949 $ 812 $ 765 Cost of services 457 402 387 Research and development 18,682 18,510 17,117 Sales and marketing 24,283 23,236 21,507 General and administrative 22,698 22,720 22,685 Restructuring — — 1,867 Total stock-based compensation 67,069 65,680 64,328 Benefit from income taxes (19,606 ) (19,315 ) (19,316 ) Total stock-based compensation, net of tax $ 47,463 $ 46,365 $ 45,012 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 Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, 2013 Tax benefit - stock option exercises & shares issued under ESPP $ 328 $ 538 $ 417 Unrecognized Compensation Expense. At September 25, 2015 , total unrecorded compensation expense associated with employee stock options expected to vest was $38.5 million , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years. At September 25, 2015 , total unrecorded compensation expense associated with RSUs expected to vest was $73.9 million , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.6 years. Special Dividend and Equity Award Modification During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, our Board of Directors declared a special dividend of $4.00 per share on our Class A and Class B common stock. Payment of the dividend was also made during the first quarter of fiscal 2013, and based on the 102,051,386 shares of Class A and Class B common stock outstanding as of the December 27, 2012 record date, the total dividend payment amounted to $408.2 million . In connection with the declaration of this dividend in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 , we adjusted the number and exercise price of certain eligible outstanding stock options and SARs granted under our 2005 Stock Plan and 2000 Stock Incentive Plan in a manner intended to preserve the pre-cash dividend economic value of these awards. Eligible awards include stock options and SARs that were granted prior to December 2012 and were outstanding as of the day following the record date, with the exception of stock options held by employees in Australia that were not adjusted due to tax considerations. The modification of these existing awards at the dividend declaration date resulted in a total net incremental compensation cost of approximately $7.9 million , which is being recognized over the vesting periods of the original awards, determined on a grant-by-grant basis, based on the extent to which the awards were vested as of the date of modification. The incremental charge related to all fully-vested awards as of the modification date was recognized immediately in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 , while the vesting period for those awards not fully-vested at the time of modification range from one to four years. Of the total incremental charge, $1.1 million , $1.2 million and $4.6 million was recognized in fiscal 2015 , fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 , respectively. Additionally, all outstanding RSUs under the 2005 Stock Plan that were unvested on the day following the record date, including RSUs that were granted on the record date, were modified to allow for the granting of a dividend equivalent (as such term is defined in the 2005 Stock Plan) with respect to each share of our Class A common stock underlying the unvested RSU. The dividend equivalent is payable in cash in a per share amount equal to the per share cash dividend on the same date that the related underlying RSU shares vest. The granting of the dividend equivalent for all outstanding RSUs resulted in a total net incremental compensation cost of approximately $11.9 million , which is being recognized over the remaining vesting periods of the RSUs at the date of modification, determined on a grant-by-grant basis. These vesting periods range from one to four years beginning on the first anniversary of the grant. Of the total incremental charge, $2.4 million , $3.0 million and $4.3 million was recognized in fiscal 2015 , fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 , respectively. 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 September 25, 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 September 25, 2015 , the remaining authorization to purchase additional shares is $152.7 million . The following table provides information regarding share repurchase activity under the program during fiscal 2015 : Quarterly Repurchase Activity Shares Repurchased Cost (1) Average Price Paid Per Share (2) (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 Q3 - Quarter ended June 26, 2015 390,000 15,592 39.96 Q4 - Quarter ended September 25, 2015 1,769,399 59,393 33.55 Total 2,938,899 $ 107,349 (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 October 21, 2014 November 3, 2014 November 20, 2014 $ 0.10 $10.2 million Fiscal 2015 Q1 - Quarter ended December 26, 2014 January 19, 2015 February 2, 2015 February 10, 2015 $ 0.10 $10.3 million Q2 - Quarter ended March 27, 2015 April 20, 2015 May 4, 2015 May 12, 2015 $ 0.10 $10.3 million Q3 - Quarter ended June 26, 2015 July 20, 2015 August 3, 2015 August 11, 2015 $ 0.10 $10.2 million Q4 - Quarter ended September 25, 2015 October 19, 2015 November 2, 2015 November 10, 2015 $ 0.12 $12.1 million

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	OCI 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 AOCI, a subsection within stockholders’ equity in our consolidated balance sheets. 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 Year Ended September 25, 2015 Fiscal Year Ended September 26, 2014 Investment Securities Currency Translation Adjustments Total Investment Securities Currency Translation Adjustments Total Balance, beginning of period $ 505 $ 2,509 $ 3,014 $ 203 $ 7,611 $ 7,814 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications: Unrealized gains - investment securities 290 290 801 801 Foreign currency translation (losses) (1) (15,185 ) (15,185 ) (5,056 ) (5,056 ) Income tax effect - benefit/(expense) (87 ) 864 777 (286 ) (46 ) (332 ) Net of tax 203 (14,321 ) (14,118 ) 515 (5,102 ) (4,587 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI into earnings: Realized (gains) - investment securities (1) (446 ) (446 ) (368 ) (368 ) Income tax effect - expense (2) 88 88 155 155 Net of tax (358 ) — (358 ) (213 ) — (213 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss) (155 ) (14,321 ) (14,476 ) 302 (5,102 ) (4,800 ) Balance, end of period $ 350 $ (11,812 ) $ (11,462 ) $ 505 $ 2,509 $ 3,014 (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	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
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 RSUs and shares issued under our ESPP. 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 Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, 2013 Numerator: Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. $ 181,390 $ 206,103 $ 189,271 Denominator: Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic 102,354 102,151 101,879 Potential common shares from options to purchase common stock 811 582 287 Potential common shares from restricted stock units 697 899 622 Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted 103,862 103,632 102,788 Net income per share attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.: Basic $ 1.77 $ 2.02 $ 1.86 Diluted $ 1.75 $ 1.99 $ 1.84 Antidilutive awards excluded from calculation: Stock options 4,270 3,987 5,348 Restricted stock units 127 1,835 1,817

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
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 U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the consolidated income tax expense. The components of our income before provision for income taxes were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, United States $ 17,091 $ 160,839 $ 155,777 Foreign 228,691 115,260 94,869 Total $ 245,782 $ 276,099 $ 250,646 The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, Current: Federal $ 24,262 $ 20,533 $ 30,428 State 130 543 691 Foreign 52,461 52,999 49,003 Total current 76,853 74,075 80,122 Deferred: Federal (9,593 ) (2,345 ) (11,353 ) State (3,686 ) (3,544 ) (4,748 ) Foreign (1,032 ) (807 ) (3,677 ) Total deferred (14,311 ) (6,696 ) (19,778 ) Provision for income taxes $ 62,542 $ 67,379 $ 60,344 Repatriation of Undistributed Foreign Earnings Beginning in fiscal 2010 , we initiated a policy election to indefinitely reinvest a portion of the undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries with operations outside of the U.S. We consider the earnings of these foreign subsidiaries to be indefinitely invested outside the U.S. on the basis of estimates that future domestic cash generation will be sufficient to meet future domestic cash needs and our specific plans for reinvestment of those subsidiary earnings. A majority of the amounts held outside of the U.S. are generally utilized to support non-U.S. liquidity needs in order to fund operations and other growth of our foreign subsidiaries and acquisitions. As a result, we have not recorded a deferred tax liability on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries of approximately $513.2 million , which are permanently reinvested outside the U.S. If these undistributed earnings held by foreign subsidiaries are repatriated to the U.S., they may be subject to federal and state income taxes, less any applicable foreign tax credits and withholding taxes, estimated at approximately $129.4 million as of September 25, 2015 . Accordingly, if a determination is made to repatriate some or all of these foreign earnings, we would need to adjust our income tax provision in the period that the determination is made to accrue for taxes payable on earnings that will no longer be indefinitely invested outside the U.S. 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 Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, Withholding Taxes $ 45,372 $ 47,131 $ 42,567 Deferred Income Taxes Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, we believe it is more likely than not that the benefits of these deductible differences will be realized; therefore, a valuation allowance is not required. A summary of the tax effects of the temporary differences is as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, Deferred income tax assets: Investments $ 977 $ 2,033 Inventories 8,800 3,607 Net operating loss 1,406 2,062 Accrued expenses 16,843 16,759 Stock-based compensation 32,359 30,455 Revenue recognition 52,282 55,453 Intangibles 401 — Depreciation and amortization 6,443 4,423 Research and development credits 7,977 5,153 Foreign tax credits 11,119 2,854 Translation adjustment 719 — Other 9,092 8,786 Total gross deferred income tax assets 148,418 131,585 Less: valuation allowance — — Total deferred income tax assets 148,418 131,585 Deferred income tax liabilities: Translation adjustment — (579 ) Intangibles — (450 ) International earnings (4,646 ) (1,960 ) Unrealized gain on investments (493 ) (405 ) Deferred income tax assets, net $ 143,279 $ 128,191 Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net - Balance Sheet Classification Current deferred income tax assets $ 97,101 $ 86,445 Long-term deferred income tax assets, net 46,178 41,746 Deferred income tax assets, net $ 143,279 $ 128,191 NOL and Tax Credit Carryforwards As part of an acquisition in fiscal 2009 , we acquired a NOL carryforward for federal and California tax purposes of $9.7 million and $9.6 million , respectively. The losses carried forward for federal and California tax purposes as of September 25, 2015 were $3.9 million and $9.6 million , respectively, and will expire in fiscal 2029 if unused. 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. A reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate to our effective tax rate on income from continuing operations is as follows: Fiscal Year Ended September 25, 2015 September 26, 2014 September 27, 2013 Federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal effect 0.7 0.6 0.6 Stock-based compensation expense rate 1.7 1.4 1.3 Research and development tax credits (3.0 ) (1.6 ) (3.1 ) Tax exempt interest (0.2 ) (0.2 ) (0.2 ) U.S. manufacturing tax incentives (0.3 ) (2.0 ) (2.3 ) Foreign rate differential (9.1 ) (8.9 ) (4.5 ) Foreign reversal of deferred tax liabilities — — (3.0 ) Other 0.6 0.1 0.3 Effective tax rate 25.4 % 24.4 % 24.1 % Our effective tax rate increased from 24.4% in fiscal 2014 to 25.4% in fiscal 2015 . Our effective tax rate in fiscal 2015 reflects taxes attributed to the sale of our interest in a U.S.-based jointly-owned real estate entity whose primary asset was a building. This sale had a higher marginal tax rate than our entity-wide blended average. Additionally, our fiscal 2015 effective tax rate increased due to reduced benefits from U.S. manufacturing tax incentive deductions, offset by a discrete benefit from federal R&D tax credits that were retroactively reinstated for the 2014 calendar year only. In addition, our effective tax rate in fiscal 2015 reflects a benefit from a higher proportion of our overall earnings being attributable to lower tax-rate jurisdictions. Our effective tax rate increased from 24.1% in fiscal 2013 to 24.4% in fiscal 2014 . Our effective tax rate in fiscal 2014 reflects reduced benefits from federal R&D tax credits that were retroactively reinstated in January 2013 and which expired in December 2013. Additionally, we received a benefit to our effective tax rate in fiscal 2014 related to the re-organization of a foreign subsidiary which resulted in the release of certain deferred tax liabilities. The overall increase in the rate was partially offset by the fact that our effective tax rate in fiscal 2014 reflects a higher proportion of our overall earnings being attributable to lower tax-rate jurisdictions. Uncertain Tax Positions As of September 25, 2015 , the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $65.2 million , of which $53.0 million , if recognized, would reduce our effective tax rate. Our liability for unrecognized tax benefits is classified within other non-current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Over the next twelve months, we estimate that this amount will be reduced by $1.0 million and $8.4 million as a result of the expiration of certain statute of limitations and expected settlement of ongoing audits, respectively. Aggregate changes in the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, 2015 September 26, 2014 September 27, 2013 Balance at beginning of year $ 31,351 $ 32,468 $ 16,880 Gross increases - tax positions taken during prior years 507 333 9,082 Increases in balances related to tax positions taken during current year 34,293 2,916 10,422 Lapse of statute of limitations (990 ) (4,366 ) (3,064 ) Settlements — — (852 ) Balance at end of year $ 65,161 $ 31,351 $ 32,468 Classification of Interest and Penalties We include interest and penalties related to gross unrecognized tax benefits within our provision for income taxes. To the extent accrued interest and penalties do not ultimately become payable, amounts accrued are reduced in the period that such determination is made and are reflected as a reduction of the overall income tax provision. In fiscal 2015 , our current tax provision was increased by interest expense of $0.6 million and reduced by penalties of $0.4 million , while in fiscal 2014 , our current tax provision was increased by interest expense of $0.7 million and reduced by penalties of $0.5 million . Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability line item in our consolidated balance sheets. Our accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits as of September 25, 2015 and September 26, 2014 were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, Accrued interest $ 2,977 $ 2,390 Accrued penalties 589 1,022 Total $ 3,566 $ 3,412 We continue to monitor the progress of ongoing income tax controversies and the impact, if any, of the expected tolling of the statute of limitations in various taxing jurisdictions. We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in many state and foreign jurisdictions. Our tax filings remain subject to examination by applicable tax authorities for a certain length of time following the tax year to which those filings relate. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) is currently examining our tax filings from the 2011 and 2012 fiscal years. In addition, we are currently under audit by the State of California for the 2007 through 2011 fiscal years. In other major states and major foreign jurisdictions, the fiscal years subsequent to 2012 and 2008, respectively, remain open and could be subject to examination by the taxing authorities. Management does not believe that the outcome of any ongoing examination will have a material impact on our financial statements. We believe that an adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations. However, the outcome of tax audits cannot be predicted with certainty. If resolution of any tax issues addressed in our current audits are done in a manner inconsistent with management’s expectations, we could be required to adjust our tax provision for income taxes in the period such resolution occurs.

Restructuring

Restructuring	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring	cal 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 table presented below summarizes changes in restructuring accruals under this plan, and reflects the completion of activity during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 (in thousands): Severance and associated costs Restructuring charges $ 3,301 Cash payments (3,164 ) Non-cash and other adjustments 9 Balance at September 26, 2014 $ 146 Restructuring (credits) (39 ) Cash payments (10 ) Non-cash and other adjustments (97 ) Balance at September 25, 2015 $ — Fiscal 2013 Restructuring Program. In April 2013 , we implemented a plan to reorganize certain activities and personnel within our marketing function under a strategic restructuring program, and as a result, recognized $5.9 million in restructuring costs during fiscal 2013 . This charge included $2.8 million in severance and other related benefits offered to 36 employees that were affected as a result of this action and $1.9 million of stock-based compensation expense for previously awarded grants that vested through the second quarter of fiscal 2014 pursuant to their original vesting schedule. Expenses of $1.2 million associated with the exit of a facility leased from our principal stockholder in Wootton Basset, U.K. are also included in restructuring charges in the fiscal 2013 consolidated statements of operations. During fiscal 2014 , we recognized a $0.7 million credit representing the release of a facility exit obligation accrued under this plan following the sale of certain property located in Wootton Bassett, U.K. Changes in restructuring accruals under the fiscal 2013 restructuring program were as follows (in thousands): Severance and associated Facilities and termination costs Total Restructuring charges $ 4,723 $ 1,151 $ 5,874 Cash payments (2,097 ) (108 ) (2,205 ) Other non-cash adjustments (1,832 ) — (1,832 ) Balance at September 27, 2013 $ 794 $ 1,043 $ 1,837 Restructuring (credits) — (898 ) (898 ) Cash payments (794 ) — (794 ) Other non-cash adjustments — (145 ) (145 ) Balance at September 26, 2014 $ — $ — $ — Accruals for restructuring charges are included within accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets while restructuring charges are included within restructuring charges in our consolidated statements of operations.

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	he 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 September 25, 2015 (in thousands): Payments Due By Fiscal Period Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Thereafter Total Naming rights $ 7,525 $ 7,619 $ 7,715 $ 7,811 $ 7,909 $ 102,980 $ 141,559 Donation commitments — 6,045 67 67 67 738 6,984 Operating leases 11,605 10,695 9,161 8,088 7,565 30,683 77,797 Purchase obligations 10,933 823 — — — — 11,756 Total $ 30,063 $ 25,182 $ 16,943 $ 15,966 $ 15,541 $ 134,401 $ 238,096 Naming Rights. In fiscal 2012 , we entered into 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. 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 fifteen years from its expected opening date in 2017. Operating Leases. Operating lease payments represent our commitments for future minimum rent made under non-cancellable leases for office space, including those payable to our principal stockholder and portions attributable to the controlling interests in our wholly owned subsidiaries. The following table summarizes information about our total rental expenses under operating leases, including the portion of this total rent expense which is payable to our principal stockholder (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, Total rent expense $ 15,349 $ 14,278 $ 13,092 Rent expense payable to principal stockholder 3,136 2,125 1,375 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 R&D 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	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Doremi Technologies. On October 31, 2014 ("acquisition date"), we completed our acquisition of all outstanding interests of Doremi Technologies LLC ("Doremi"), a privately held company, and certain assets related to the business of Doremi from Doremi Labs, Inc. and Highlands Technologies SAS (the “Doremi-related assets”). Doremi was 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 September 25, 2015 are included in our consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2015 . However, these results did not have a material impact on our total consolidated revenues or net income for the period, and accordingly, we have not provided pro forma information. We acquired Doremi and the Doremi-related assets 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. W e 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 . Upon acquisition, we 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 . 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 measurement period associated with the acquisition was closed in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. 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 and $5.9 million during fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively. These costs were included in G&A expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, we reduced the value of acquired goodwill by $3.3 million to reflect an immaterial adjustment to amounts initially recorded as part of purchase accounting in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. The impact of the adjustment also resulted in a decrease in compensation expense of $1.65 million and an increase in accrued liabilities by $1.65 million . Additionally, based on current estimates, the fair value of the contingent consideration liability was remeasured from $0.7 million to $0.1 million as of September 25, 2015 .

Operating Segments and Geograph

Operating Segments and Geographic Data	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Segments, Geographical Areas [Abstract]
Operating Segments and Geographic Data	Operating Segments. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available, and which are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. Our CODM is our Chief Executive Officer. Reporting segments are operating segments exceeding specified revenue, profit or loss, or asset thresholds for which separate disclosure of information is necessary. We operate as a single reporting segment. This reflects the fact that our CODM evaluates the Company’s financial information and resources, and assesses the performance of these resources on a consolidated basis. Since the Company operates as one reporting segment, all required financial segment information is included in the consolidated financial statements. Geographic Information. Revenue by geographic region, which was determined based on the location of our licensees’ headquarters for licensing revenue, the destination to which we ship our products for products revenue, and the location where we perform our services for services revenue, was as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended Location September 25, September 26, September 27, United States $ 276,733 $ 316,256 $ 255,956 International 693,905 643,920 653,718 Total revenue $ 970,638 $ 960,176 $ 909,674 The concentration of our revenue from individual geographic regions was as follows: Fiscal Year Ended Location September 25, September 26, September 27, United States 29 % 33 % 28 % South Korea 21 % 20 % 20 % Japan 13 % 13 % 18 % Europe 13 % 12 % 13 % Taiwan 10 % 3 % 5 % China 7 % 12 % 9 % Other 7 % 7 % 7 % Total 100 % 100 % 100 % Long-lived tangible assets, net of accumulated depreciation, by geographic region was as follows (in thousands): Location September 25, September 26, United States $ 374,203 $ 257,064 International 28,888 32,691 Total long-lived tangible assets, net of accumulated depreciation $ 403,091 $ 289,755

Legal Proceedings

Legal Proceedings	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 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 requested information relating to our business practices in Korea and we cooperated during its review. As a result of this review, in July 2015, the KFTC issued an order and we agreed to modify certain terms in our standard licensing agreements going forward without admitting to any liability or wrongdoing. In March 2014, the National Development and Reform Commission of China ("NDRC") initiated a review of our business practices under the Chinese competition laws, and requested information relating to our business practices in China. In early May 2015, the NDRC confirmed that the matters under review have been resolved on mutually agreeable terms. The implementation of these terms remains uncertain. 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, including as a result of required changes to our licensing terms, monetary penalties and other potential consequences. 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.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	We maintain contractual agreements relating to certain entities affiliated with the Dolby family, who is considered a related party as our principal stockholder. These jointly-owned entities were established for the purpose of acquiring and leasing commercial property in the U.S. and U.K. primarily for our operational use. Although the entities affiliated with the Dolby family are the limited member or LP in each of these entities, they have a controlling interest based on holding majority economic ownership. We are the managing member or general partner in each of these affiliated entities, and with the exception of isolated instances where portions of these facilities are leased to third parties, we occupy the majority of the space. Therefore, since these affiliated entities are an integrated part of our operations, we have consolidated the entities’ assets and liabilities and results of operations in our consolidated financial statements. The share of earnings and net assets of the entities attributable to the limited member or LP, as the case may be, is reflected as controlling interest in our consolidated financial statements. Our interests in these consolidated affiliated entities and the location of the property leased to Dolby Laboratories as of September 25, 2015 is as follows: Entity Name Minority Ownership Interest Location Of Properties Dolby Properties Brisbane, LLC 49.0 % Brisbane, California Dolby Properties Burbank, LLC 49.0 % Burbank, California Dolby Properties UK, LLC 49.0 % Wootton Bassett, England Dolby Properties, LP 10.0 % Wootton Bassett, England Jointly-Owned Real Estate Entities. We lease from our principal stockholder a commercial office building located at 100 Potrero Avenue in San Francisco, California under a term that expires on October 31, 2024 , and we lease additional facilities located in California and the U.K. from the jointly-owned real estate entities described above. Related party rent expense included in operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations was as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, 2013 (1) Related party rent expense included in operating expenses $ 3,136 $ 2,125 $ 2,526 (1) Related party rent expense recorded during fiscal 2013 from the table above includes a restructuring charge of $1.2 million associated with the exit of a facility. Note that this charge is excluded from our disclosure of rent expense payable to our principal stockholder during fiscal 2013 within Note 12 " Commitments & Contingencies ." Distributions. Distributions made by the jointly-owned real estate entities to our principal stockholder were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, Distributions to principal stockholder $ 5,615 $ — $ 5,039 Related Party Transaction: Sale of interests in Affiliated Entity. During fiscal 2015, we entered into an Agreement with entities affiliated with the Dolby family to sell our 37.5% ownership interest in Dolby Properties, LLC, a jointly-owned real estate entity. As a result of this related party transaction, we no longer have a continuing involvement with, nor retain the rights previously held to control the operations of this entity, and it was therefore deconsolidated from our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 25, 2015 . Upon deconsolidation, we recognized a pre-tax gain on sale of $26.2 million , which is included within other income/(expense), net in our consolidated statements of operations. As shown within the table presented below, the gain on sale was measured as the cash consideration received in exchange for our interests of $31.3 million , less the net book value of Dolby Properties, LLC as of the August 5, 2015 transaction date (in thousands). Dolby Properties, LLC was established for operating the commercial office building and approximate 122,000 square feet of space located at 999 Brannan Street in San Francisco, California, and its primary assets represented the land, building and capital improvements made to the property. Therefore, determination of the fair value of the interests sold was based upon an independent appraisal completed by real estate valuation experts. Deconsolidation of Subsidiary Cash consideration received (1) $ 31,263 Less: net book value of Dolby, Properties, LLC (5,042 ) Gain on sale (pre-tax) $ 26,221 (1) Net cash proceeds from the sale of $27.2 million as disclosed within our consolidated statements of cash flows is derived by deducting cash balances of $4.1 million held by the Subsidiary and acquired by the Purchaser from gross cash consideration received of $31.3 million . The arrangements and nature of our involvement in the four other real estate entities jointly-owned with Dolby family-affiliated entities were unaffected by this transaction.

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	Retirement Plans We maintain a tax-qualified Section 401(k) retirement plan for employees in the United States and similar plans in foreign jurisdictions. Under the plan, employees are eligible to receive matching contributions and profit-sharing contributions from the Company. We also maintain a SERP, a non-qualified, employer-funded retirement plan for certain senior executives employed in the United States. The plan was adopted in October 2004 prior to our IPO and was terminated in fiscal 2005 . We have not made any contributions to the SERP since fiscal 2006 . The purpose of the plan was to provide these executives with the opportunity to receive retirement income benefits in addition to the benefits generally available to all employees. The benefits provided to participants were based on defined contributions that we made to the plan and the gains and losses on the investment of those contributions. At September 25, 2015 , the balance in the SERP account represents amounts contributed prior to the plan's termination, with the underlying plan investments consisting primarily of mutual fund investments. SERP assets are included within prepaid expenses and other current assets and within other non-current assets, while SERP liabilities are included within accrued liabilities and within other non-current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Retirement plan expenses, which are included in cost of products, cost of services, R&D, S&M and G&A expense in our consolidated statements of operations, are as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, Retirement plan expenses $ 19,431 $ 17,369 $ 15,810

Selected Quarterly Financial Da

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	Fiscal Year 2015 Fiscal Year 2014 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 (in thousands, except per share amounts) Revenue: Licensing $ 216,598 $ 243,333 $ 204,855 $ 203,325 $ 205,660 $ 258,616 $ 205,625 $ 208,943 Products 13,263 22,985 22,596 25,060 18,104 14,563 12,971 13,581 Services 4,377 5,632 4,251 4,363 7,513 5,413 4,754 4,433 Total revenue 234,238 271,950 231,702 232,748 231,277 278,592 223,350 226,957 Cost of revenue 19,410 25,149 24,880 25,377 21,382 17,505 18,869 12,420 Gross margin 214,828 246,801 206,822 207,371 209,895 261,087 204,481 214,537 Income before taxes and controlling interest 54,316 79,885 47,378 64,203 60,701 102,922 51,814 60,662 Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories $ 41,357 $ 57,974 $ 35,506 $ 46,553 $ 44,515 $ 75,868 $ 39,779 $ 45,941 Earnings per share: Basic $ 0.40 $ 0.57 $ 0.35 $ 0.46 $ 0.44 $ 0.74 $ 0.39 $ 0.45 Diluted $ 0.40 $ 0.56 $ 0.34 $ 0.45 $ 0.43 $ 0.73 $ 0.38 $ 0.44 Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 102,303 102,509 102,670 101,935 101,750 102,291 102,350 102,211 Diluted 104,275 103,904 104,105 103,059 103,192 103,934 103,942 104,116

Subsequent Events (Notes)

Subsequent Events (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events Patent Portfolio Acquisition. On September 30, 2015 , we completed an asset purchase of a patent portfolio that fits within our existing patent licensing programs for total consideration of $105.0 million . We are in the process of allocating the purchase price to the acquired assets based upon their estimated fair values as of the date of closing.

Basis Of Presentation Organizat

Basis Of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Principles Of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The 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.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of our financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in our 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 PP&E, goodwill and intangible assets; fair values of investments; accrued liabilities including liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, deferred income tax assets and liabilities 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 years presented herein include the 52 week periods ended September 25, 2015 (fiscal 2015 ), September 26, 2014 (fiscal 2014 ), and September 27, 2013 (fiscal 2013 ). Our fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 will consist of 53 weeks.

Summary Of Significant Accoun29

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk Our financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk principally consist of cash, cash equivalents, investments, and accounts receivable. Our investment portfolio consists of investment grade securities diversified amongst security types, industries, and issuers. All our securities are held in custody by a recognized financial institution. Our policy limits the amount of credit exposure to a maximum of 5% to any one issuer, except for the U.S. Treasury, and we believe no significant concentration risk exists with respect to these investments. Our products are sold to businesses primarily in the Americas and Europe, and the majority of our licensing revenue is generated from customers outside of the U.S. We manage this risk by evaluating in advance the financial condition and creditworthiness of our products and services customers and performing regular evaluations of the creditworthiness of our licensing customers. In fiscal 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , revenue from one customer, Samsung, accounted for approximately 12% , 11% and 12% of our total revenue, respectively
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of funds held in general checking accounts, money market accounts, commercial paper, and U.S. agency notes.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash Restricted cash on our consolidated balance sheets consist of cash contributed by third-party licensors to Via Licensing Corporation, our wholly-owned subsidiary, that may only be used in defending patent pools administered by Via.
Investments	Investments All of our investments are classified as available-for-sale securities, with the exception of our mutual fund investments held in our supplemental retirement plan, which are classified as trading securities. Investments that have an original maturity of 91 days or more at the date of purchase and a current maturity of less than one year are classified as short-term investments, while investments with a current maturity of more than one year are classified as long-term investments. Our investments are recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains and losses on our available-for-sale securities are reported as a component of AOCI, while realized gains and losses, other-than-temporary impairments, and credit losses are reported as a component of net income. Upon sale, gains and losses are reclassified from AOCI into earnings, and are determined based on specific identification of securities sold. We evaluate our investment portfolio for credit losses and other-than-temporary impairments by comparing the fair value with the cost basis for each of our investment securities. An investment is impaired if the fair value is less than its cost basis. If any portion of the impairment is deemed to be the result of a credit loss, the credit loss portion of the impairment is included as a component of net income. If we deem it probable that we will not recover the full cost basis of the security, the security is other-than-temporarily impaired and the impairment loss is recognized as a component of net income.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts We continually monitor customer payments and maintain a reserve for estimated losses resulting from our customers’ inability to make required payments. In determining the reserve, we evaluate the collectibility of our accounts receivable based upon a variety of factors. In cases where we are aware of circumstances that may impair a specific customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations, we record a specific allowance against amounts due, and thereby reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount reasonably believed to be collectible. For all other customers, we recognize allowances for doubtful accounts based on our actual historical write-off experience in conjunction with the length of time the receivables are past due, the creditworthiness of the customer, geographic risk and the current business environment. Actual future losses from uncollectible accounts may differ from our estimates.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market (net realizable value). We evaluate our ending inventories for estimated excess quantities and obsolescence. Our evaluation includes the analysis of future sales demand by product within specific time horizons. Inventories in excess of projected future demand are written down to their net realizable value. In addition, we assess the impact of changing technology on our inventory balances and write-off inventories that are considered obsolete. Write-downs and write-offs of inventory are recorded as a cost of products in our consolidated statements of operations. We classify inventory that we do not expect to sell within twelve months as other non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheets.
Property, Plant, and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment PP&E is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis according to estimated useful lives assigned to each of our different categories of PP&E as summarized within the following table: PP&E Category Useful Life (Depreciable Base) Computer systems and software 3 to 5 years Machinery and equipment 3 to 8 years Furniture and fixtures 5 to 8 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of useful life or related lease term Cinema equipment provided under operating leases 15 years Buildings and building improvements Up to 40 years We capitalize certain costs incurred during the construction phase of a project or asset into construction-in-progress until the construction process is complete. Once the related asset is placed into service, we transfer its carrying value into the appropriate fixed asset category and begin depreciating the value over its useful life.
Internal Use Software	Internal Use Software. We account for the costs of computer software developed for internal use by capitalizing costs of materials and external consultants. These costs are included in PP&E, net of accumulated amortization in our consolidated balance sheets. Our capitalized internal use software costs are typically amortized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of three to five years. Costs incurred during the preliminary project and post-implementation stages are charged to expense.
Goodwill, Intangible Assets, and Long-Lived Assets	Goodwill, Intangible Assets, and Long-Lived Assets We test goodwill for impairment annually during our third fiscal quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. Pursuant to the provisions of FASB's accounting standard (ASU 2011-08), we perform a qualitative assessment as a determinant for whether the two-step annual goodwill impairment test should be performed. In performing the qualitative assessment, we consider events and circumstances, including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, changes in management or key personnel, changes in strategy, changes in customers, changes in the composition or carrying amount of a reporting unit's net assets, and changes in the price of our common stock. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, then the two-step goodwill impairment test is not performed. If the two-step goodwill test is performed, we evaluate and test our goodwill for impairment at a reporting-unit level using expected future cash flows to be generated by the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill over the calculated fair value of the goodwill. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below. Our operating segments are aligned with the management principles of our business. We completed our annual goodwill impairment assessment for fiscal 2015 in the fiscal quarter ended June 26, 2015 at which time the consolidated balance of goodwill totaled $312.5 million . We determined, after performing a qualitative review for each of our separate reporting units, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of each of our reporting units substantially exceeds their respective carrying amounts. Accordingly, there was no indication of impairment, and the two-step goodwill impairment test was not required. We did not incur any goodwill impairment losses in either fiscal 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . Intangible assets are stated at their original cost less accumulated amortization, and those with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Our intangible assets principally consist of acquired technology, patents, trademarks, customer relationships and contracts, the majority of which are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives using a range from three to seventeen years. We review long-lived assets, including intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or a change in circumstances indicate an asset’s carrying value may not be recoverable. Recoverability of an asset is measured by comparing its carrying value to the total future undiscounted cash flows that the asset is expected to generate. If it is determined that an asset is not recoverable, an impairment loss is recorded in the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition We enter into revenue arrangements with our customers to license technologies, trademarks and other aspects of our technological expertise and to sell products and services. We recognize revenue when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been completed, the seller's price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectability is probable. Multiple Element Arrangements. Some of our revenue arrangements include ME, such as hardware, software, maintenance and other services. We evaluate each element in a multiple-element arrangement to determine whether it represents a separate unit of accounting. An element constitutes a separate unit of accounting when it has standalone value and delivery of an undelivered element is both probable and within our control. When these criteria are not met, the delivered and undelivered elements are combined and the arrangement fees are allocated to this combined single unit. If the unit separation criteria are met, we account for each element within a ME arrangement separately, whereby the total arrangement fees are allocated to each element based on its relative selling price, which we establish using a selling price hierarchy. We determine the selling price of each element based on its VSOE, if available, TPE, if VSOE is not available, or ESP, if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. For some arrangements, customers receive certain elements over a period of time, after delivery of the initial product. These elements may include support and maintenance or the right to receive upgrades. Revenue allocated to the undelivered element is recognized either over its estimated service period or when the upgrade is delivered. We do not recognize revenue that is contingent upon the future delivery of products or services or upon future performance obligations. We recognize revenue for delivered elements only when we have completed all contractual obligations. We determine our ESP for an individual element within a ME revenue arrangement using the same methods used to determine the selling price of an element sold on a standalone basis. If we sell the element on a standalone basis, we estimate the selling price by considering actual sales prices. Otherwise, we estimate the selling price by considering internal factors such as pricing practices and margin objectives. Consideration is also given to market conditions such as competitor pricing strategies, customer demands and industry technology lifecycles. Management applies judgment to establish margin objectives, pricing strategies and technology lifecycles. We account for the majority of our digital cinema server and processor sales as ME arrangements that may include up to four separate units, or elements, of accounting. ▪ The first element consists of our digital cinema server hardware and the accompanying software, which is essential to the functionality of the hardware. This element is typically delivered at the time of sale. ▪ The second element is the right to receive support and maintenance, which is included with the purchase of the hardware element and is typically delivered over a service period subsequent to the initial sale. ▪ The third element is the right to receive specified upgrades, which is included with the purchase of the hardware element and is typically delivered when a specified upgrade is available, subsequent to the initial sale. Under revenue recognition accounting standards, sales of our digital cinema servers typically result in the allocation of a substantial majority of the arrangement fees to the delivered hardware element based on its ESP, which we recognize as revenue at the time of sale once delivery has occurred. A small portion of the arrangement fee is allocated to the undelivered support and maintenance element, and when applicable, to the undelivered specified upgrade element based on the VSOE or ESP of each element. The portion of the arrangement fees allocated to the support and maintenance element are recognized as revenue ratably over the estimated service period, and the portion of the arrangement fees allocated to specified upgrades are recognized as revenue upon delivery of the upgrade. ▪ The fourth element is the right to receive commissioning services performed solely in connection with our digital servers necessary for the installation of Dolby Atmos-enabled theaters. These services consist of the review of venue designs specifying proposed speaker placement, as well as calibration services performed for installed speakers to ensure optimal playback. A small portion of the arrangement fee is allocated to these services based on their ESP which we recognize as revenue once the services have been completed. Software Arrangements. Revenue recognition for transactions that involve software, such as fees we earn from certain system licensees, may include multiple elements. For some of our ME arrangements, customers receive certain elements over a period of time or after delivery of the initial software. These elements may include support and maintenance. The fair values of these elements are recognized over the estimated period for which these elements will be delivered, which is sometimes the estimated life of the software. If we do not have VSOE of fair value for any undelivered element included in these ME arrangements for software, we defer revenue until all elements are delivered or services have been performed, or until we have VSOE of fair value for all remaining undelivered elements. If the undelivered element is support and we do not have fair value for the support element, revenue for the entire arrangement is bundled and recognized ratably over the support period. In certain cases, our arrangements require the licensee to pay a fixed fee for the right to distribute units in the future. These fees are generally recognized upon contract execution, unless the arrangement includes contingency terms wherein we assess the totality of the existing facts and circumstances and conclude upon an accounting treatment thereon, or is considered a ME arrangement. Licensing. Our licensing revenue is primarily derived from royalties paid to us by licensees of our intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, and trade secrets. Royalties are recognized when all revenue recognition criteria have been met. We determine that there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement upon the execution of a license agreement or upon the receipt of a licensee’s royalty report and payment. Generally, royalties are deemed fixed or determinable upon receipt of a licensee’s royalty report in accordance with the terms of the underlying executed agreement. We determine collectibility based on an evaluation of the licensee’s recent payment history, the existence of a standby letter-of-credit between the licensee’s financial institution and our financial institution, and other factors. If we cannot determine that collectibility is probable, we recognize revenue upon receipt of cash, provided that all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Corrective royalty statements generally comprise less than 1% of our net licensing revenue and are recognized when received, or earlier if a reliable estimate can be made of an anticipated reduction in revenue from a prior royalty statement. An estimate of anticipated reduction in revenue based on historical negative correction royalty statements is also recorded. Deferred revenue represents amounts that we have already collected that are ultimately expected to be recognized as revenue, but for which not all revenue recognition criteria have been met. Licensing revenue also includes fees we earn for administering joint patent licensing programs (“patent pools”) containing patents owned by us and/or other companies. Royalties related to patent pools are recorded net of royalties payable to third party patent pool members and are recognized when all revenue recognition criteria have been met. We generate the majority of our licensing revenue through our licensing contracts with OEMs ("system licensees") and implementation licensees. Our revenue recognition policies for each of these arrangements are summarized below. Licensing to system licensees. We license our technologies to system licensees who manufacture consumer electronics products and, in return, the system licensee pays us a royalty generally for each unit shipped that incorporates our technologies. Royalties from system licensees are generally recognized upon receipt of a royalty report from the licensee and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. In certain cases, our arrangements require the licensee to pay up-front, non-refundable royalties for units they may distribute in the future. These up-front fees are generally recognized upon contract execution, unless the arrangement includes extended payment terms or is considered a ME arrangement. In addition, in some cases we receive initial license fees for our technologies and provide post-contract support. In these cases we recognize the initial fees ratably over the expected support term. Licensing to software vendors. We license our technologies for resale to software vendors and, in return, the software vendor pays us a royalty for each unit of software distributed that incorporates our technologies. Royalties from software vendors are generally recognized upon receipt of a royalty report from the licensee and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. In addition, in some cases we receive initial license fees for our technologies and provide post-contract upgrades and support. In these cases, we recognize the initial fees ratably over the expected support term, as VSOE of fair value typically does not exist for the upgrade and support elements of the contract. Recovery Payments From Licensees. Licensing revenue recognized in any given quarter may include recovery payments representing back payments and/or settlements from licensees. These payments arise as a result of ongoing collection efforts as well as activities aimed at identifying potential unauthorized uses of our technologies. Although such collections have become a recurring part of our business, we cannot predict the timing or magnitude of such payments with certainty. Back payments represent incremental royalties that relate to amounts not previously reported by licensees under existing licensing agreements. Consistent with the manner in which royalty revenue is recognized, we recognize reported back payments as revenue in either the period the fee becomes due and payable, or when collectability is deemed probable, whichever is later. Settlements represent new agreements under which a third party has agreed to remit payments to us based on past use of our technology. We recognize settlements as revenue in the period in which all revenue recognition criteria have been met. Generally, settlement fees are deemed to be fixed or determinable upon execution of the settlement agreement, provided such agreement contains no contingency terms. If we are unable to determine that collectability is probable based on an evaluation of a customer's creditworthiness, we recognize revenue upon the receipt of cash, provided the other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Legal costs associated with back payments and settlements from licensees are classified as S&M in our consolidated statements of operations. Product Sales. Revenue from the sale of products is recognized when the risk of ownership has transferred to our customer, as provided under the terms of the governing purchase agreement, and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Generally, these purchase agreements provide that the risk of ownership is transferred to the customer when the product is shipped, except in specific instances in which certain foreign regulations stipulate that the risk of ownership is transferred to the customer upon their receipt of the shipment. In these instances, we recognize revenue when the product is received by the customer. Services. Services revenue is recognized as completed and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.
Cost of Revenue	Cost of Revenue Cost of licensing. Cost of licensing primarily consists of amortization expenses associated with purchased intangible assets and intangible assets acquired in business combinations. Cost of licensing also includes royalty obligations to third parties for licensing intellectual property rights as part of arrangements with our customers. Cost of products. Cost of products primarily consists of the cost of materials related to products sold, applied labor, and manufacturing overhead. Our cost of products also includes third party royalty obligations paid to license intellectual property that we include in our products. Cost of services. Cost of services primarily consists of the personnel and personnel-related costs of employees performing our professional services, the cost of outside consultants, and reimbursable expenses incurred on behalf of customers.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation We measure expenses associated with all employee stock-based compensation awards using a fair-value method and record such expense in our consolidated financial statements on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.
Advertising and Promotional Costs	Advertising and Promotional Costs Advertising and promotional costs are charged to S&M expense as incurred. Our advertising and promotional costs were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, Advertising and promotional costs $ 46,202 $ 37,895 $ 32,834
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Activities Foreign Currency Translation. We maintain business operations in foreign countries. We translate the assets and liabilities of our international subsidiaries, the majority of which are denominated in non-U.S. dollar functional currencies, into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the end of each period. Revenues and expenses of these subsidiaries are translated using the average rates for the period. Gains and losses from these translations are included in AOCI within stockholders’ equity. Foreign Currency Transactions. Certain of our foreign subsidiaries transact in currencies other than their functional currency. Therefore, we re-measure non-functional currency assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries using exchange rates at the end of each period. As a result, we recognize foreign currency transaction and re-measurement gains and losses, which are recorded within other income, net in our consolidated statements of operations. These gains/(losses) were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, Foreign currency transaction gains/(losses) $ (142 ) $ 498 $ 73 Foreign Currency Exchange Risk. In an effort to reduce the risk that our earnings will be adversely affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, we enter into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge against assets and liabilities for which we have foreign currency exchange rate exposure. These derivative instruments are carried at fair value with changes in the fair value recorded to other income/(expense), net, in our consolidated statements of operations. While not designated as hedging instruments, these foreign currency forward contracts are used to reduce the exchange rate risk associated primarily with intercompany receivables and payables. These contracts do not subject us to material balance sheet risk due to exchange rate movements as gains and losses on these derivatives are intended to offset gains and losses on the related receivables and payables for which we have foreign currency exchange rate exposure. As of September 25, 2015 and September 26, 2014 , the outstanding derivative instruments had maturities of 38 days or less and the total notional amounts of outstanding contracts were $22.3 million and $22.9 million , respectively. The fair values of these contracts were nominal as of September 25, 2015 and September 26, 2014 , and were included within prepaid expenses and other current assets and within accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We use the asset and liability method, under which deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities, and NOL carryforwards are measured using the enacted tax rate expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the differences are expected to be reversed. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The realization of deferred tax assets is additionally dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. We consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities and projected future taxable income in making this assessment, and record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets when uncertainty regarding their realizability exists. We record an unrecognized tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. We include interest and penalties related to gross unrecognized tax benefits within our provision for income taxes. To the extent accrued interest and penalties do not ultimately become payable, amounts accrued are reduced in the period that such determination is made and are reflected as a reduction of the overall income tax provision. Repatriation of Undistributed Foreign Earnings. Beginning in fiscal 2010 , we initiated a policy election to indefinitely reinvest a portion of the undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries with operations outside of the U.S. We consider the earnings of these foreign subsidiaries to be indefinitely invested outside the U.S. on the basis of estimates that future domestic cash generation will be sufficient to meet future domestic cash needs, and our specific plans for reinvestment of those subsidiary earnings. A majority of the amounts held outside of the U.S. are generally utilized to support non-U.S. liquidity needs in order to fund operations and other growth of our foreign subsidiaries and acquisitions. Sales Tax. We account for sales tax on a net basis by excluding sales tax from our revenue. 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.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Issued Accounting Standards 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. 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 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. In May 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 existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective, and may also impact the accounting for certain direct costs associated with revenues. The new standard is effective for us on September 29, 2018. Early adoption is permitted one year earlier. The new 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. In February 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. Inventory. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory , which affects reporting entities that measure inventory using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost. Specifically, ASU 2015-11 requires that inventory be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Subsequent measurement is unchanged for inventory measured using LIFO or the retail inventory method. The amendments in this Update are effective for us on September 30, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adoption on our consolidated financial statements. Business Combinations. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments . The new guidance simplifies the accounting for measurement-period adjustments in a business combination by requiring the acquirer to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined. The acquirer is also required to record in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, and other items resulting from the change to the provisional amounts. The new guidance is effective for us on October 1, 2016. We are currently evaluating the impact of adoption on our consolidated financial statements. Balance Sheet Classification - Deferred Taxes. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes . The new standard will require that we classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current. The new standard is effective for us on September 30, 2017, though early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an earlier interim or annual reporting period. We have not yet selected the timing or the transition method of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.

Summary Of Significant Accoun30

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule Of Property, Plant, And Equipment, Estimated Useful Life	PP&E is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis according to estimated useful lives assigned to each of our different categories of PP&E as summarized within the following table: PP&E Category Useful Life (Depreciable Base) Computer systems and software 3 to 5 years Machinery and equipment 3 to 8 years Furniture and fixtures 5 to 8 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of useful life or related lease term Cinema equipment provided under operating leases 15 years Buildings and building improvements Up to 40 years
Advertising and Promotional Costs	Advertising and promotional costs are charged to S&M expense as incurred. Our advertising and promotional costs were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, Advertising and promotional costs $ 46,202 $ 37,895 $ 32,834
Schedule of Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses)	These gains/(losses) were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, Foreign currency transaction gains/(losses) $ (142 ) $ 498 $ 73

Composition Of Certain Financ31

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Schedule Of Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable, Net September 25, September 26, Trade accounts receivable $ 94,559 $ 78,189 Accounts receivable from patent administration program customers 8,546 9,594 Accounts receivable, gross 103,105 87,783 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (1,542 ) (1,615 ) Total $ 101,563 $ 86,168
Schedule Of Allowance For Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Balance at Beginning of Fiscal Year Charged to Operations Deductions Balance at End of Fiscal Year For fiscal year ended: September 27, 2013 $ 956 $ (174 ) $ (268 ) $ 514 September 26, 2014 514 1,119 (18 ) 1,615 September 25, 2015 1,615 33 (106 ) 1,542
Schedule Of Inventories	Inventories Inventories September 25, September 26, Raw materials $ 3,246 $ 1,013 Work in process 3,279 47 Finished goods 7,347 7,476 Total $ 13,872 $ 8,536
Schedule Of Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets	Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets September 25, September 26, Prepaid expenses $ 13,680 $ 11,665 Other current assets 7,525 7,152 Income tax receivable 10,826 4,063 Total $ 32,031 $ 22,880
Schedule Of Accrued Liabilities	Accrued Liabilities September 25, September 26, Accrued royalties $ 1,951 $ 2,526 Amounts payable to patent administration program partners 40,466 43,438 Accrued compensation and benefits 70,317 71,677 Accrued professional fees 6,523 6,162 Other accrued liabilities 50,050 34,573 Total $ 169,307 $ 158,376
Schedule Of Other Non-Current Liabilities	Other Non-Current Liabilities September 25, September 26, Supplemental retirement plan obligations $ 2,400 $ 2,409 Non-current tax liabilities 62,843 30,715 Other liabilities 11,781 10,591 Total $ 77,024 $ 43,715

Investments and Fair Value Meas

Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	Our cash and investment portfolio, which is recorded as cash equivalents and both short and long-term investments, consists of the following: September 25, Cost Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Gains Losses Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 511,736 $ 511,736 Cash equivalents: Money market funds 19,014 19,014 19,014 Corporate bonds 1,176 1,176 1,176 Cash and cash equivalents 531,926 — — 531,926 19,014 1,176 — Short-term investments: Government bonds 2,000 1 — 2,001 2,001 Commercial paper 6,478 — — 6,478 6,478 Corporate bonds 86,543 46 (11 ) 86,578 86,578 Municipal debt securities 43,746 98 — 43,844 43,844 Short-term investments 138,767 145 (11 ) 138,901 2,001 136,900 — Long-term investments: U.S. agency securities 1,999 1 — 2,000 2,000 Government bonds 30,505 19 (17 ) 30,507 30,507 Corporate bonds 167,394 138 (392 ) 167,140 167,140 Municipal debt securities 117,552 189 (60 ) 117,681 117,681 Other long-term investments (1) 2,961 726 — 3,687 726 Long-term investments 320,411 1,073 (469 ) 321,015 33,233 284,821 — Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments $ 991,104 $ 1,218 $ (480 ) $ 991,842 $ 54,248 $ 422,897 $ — Investments held in supplemental retirement plan: Assets 2,498 2,498 2,498 Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets & other non-current assets Liabilities 2,498 2,498 2,498 Included in accrued liabilities & other non-current liabilities Contingent consideration related to acquisition: Liabilities 95 95 95 Included in accrued liabilities (1) Other long-term investments as of September 25, 2015 include a marketable equity security of $0.7 million , and other investments that are not carried at fair value including an equity method investment of $0.5 million and two cost method investments of $2.0 million and $0.5 million . September 26, 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) $ 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 that was made during fiscal 2014 and which is not carried at fair value.
Available for sale Securities, Unrealized Loss Position	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 September 25, 2015 and September 26, 2014 (in thousands): September 25, 2015 September 26, 2014 Investment Type Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses (1) Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses (1) U.S. agency securities $ 19,005 $ (17 ) $ 31,930 $ (9 ) Corporate bonds 148,034 (403 ) 78,166 (90 ) Municipal debt securities 35,476 (60 ) 55,979 (35 ) Total $ 202,515 $ (480 ) $ 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 September 25, 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 September 25, 2015 and September 26, 2014 , which are recorded within cash equivalents and both short and long-term investments in our consolidated balance sheets: September 25, 2015 September 26, 2014 Range of maturity Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Due within 1 year $ 158,957 $ 159,090 $ 232,944 $ 233,208 Due in 1 to 2 years 173,571 173,577 179,177 179,536 Due in 2 to 3 years 143,879 143,752 116,204 116,299 Total $ 476,407 $ 476,419 $ 528,325 $ 529,043

Property, Plant & Equipment (Ta

Property, Plant & Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	consist of the following (in thousands): Property, Plant And Equipment September 25, September 26, Land $ 43,537 $ 45,842 Buildings and building improvements 248,390 61,712 Leasehold improvements 61,455 56,665 Machinery and equipment 70,143 47,639 Computer systems and software 136,666 108,225 Furniture and fixtures 25,489 13,540 Cinema equipment provided under operating leases 7,638 — Construction-in-progress 11,448 127,569 Property, plant and equipment, gross 604,766 461,192 Less: accumulated depreciation (201,675 ) (171,437 ) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 403,091 $ 289,755

Goodwill & Intangible Assets (T

Goodwill & Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	Goodwill The following table outlines changes to the carrying amount of goodwill (in thousands): Goodwill Balance at September 27, 2013 $ 279,724 Translation adjustments (2,150 ) Balance at September 26, 2014 $ 277,574 Acquired goodwill (1) 37,094 Translation adjustments (6,960 ) Balance at September 25, 2015 $ 307,708 (1) Total initial acquired goodwill recorded during fiscal 2015 consists of $36.4 million from the acquisition of Doremi and $0.7 million from an immaterial acquisition. Intangible Assets Intangible assets are stated at their original cost less accumulated amortization. Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of the following (in thousands): September 25, 2015 September 26, 2014 Intangible Assets, Net Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Acquired patents and technology $ 172,787 $ (74,398 ) $ 98,389 $ 99,262 $ (61,678 ) $ 37,584 Customer relationships 56,933 (28,275 ) 28,658 30,717 (22,739 ) 7,978 Other intangibles 22,564 (22,104 ) 460 38,694 (20,556 ) 18,138 Total $ 252,284 $ (124,777 ) $ 127,507 $ 168,673 $ (104,973 ) $ 63,700 During fiscal 2015 and 2014 , we purchased various patents and developed technology for cash consideration of $37.4 million and $38.0 million , and upon acquisition, these intangible assets had a weighted-average useful life of 18.0 years and 13.6 years, respectively. 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. Amortization expense was $21.0 million , $15.1 million and $15.8 million in fiscal 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. As of September 25, 2015 , expected amortization expense of our intangible assets in future periods is as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Amortization Expense 2016 $ 17,533 2017 14,647 2018 9,784 2019 9,657 2020 9,775 Thereafter 66,111 Total $ 127,507
Schedule of Goodwill	Goodwill Balance at September 27, 2013 $ 279,724 Translation adjustments (2,150 ) Balance at September 26, 2014 $ 277,574 Acquired goodwill (1) 37,094 Translation adjustments (6,960 ) Balance at September 25, 2015 $ 307,708 (1) Total initial acquired goodwill recorded during fiscal 2015 consists of $36.4 million from the acquisition of Doremi and $0.7 million from an immaterial acquisition.
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	Intangible assets are stated at their original cost less accumulated amortization. Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of the following (in thousands): September 25, 2015 September 26, 2014 Intangible Assets, Net Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Acquired patents and technology $ 172,787 $ (74,398 ) $ 98,389 $ 99,262 $ (61,678 ) $ 37,584 Customer relationships 56,933 (28,275 ) 28,658 30,717 (22,739 ) 7,978 Other intangibles 22,564 (22,104 ) 460 38,694 (20,556 ) 18,138 Total $ 252,284 $ (124,777 ) $ 127,507 $ 168,673 $ (104,973 ) $ 63,700
Future Amortization Expense	As of September 25, 2015 , expected amortization expense of our intangible assets in future periods is as follows (in thousands):

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc35

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule of Treasury Stock Authorizations [Table Text Block]	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 September 25, 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 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 Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, Expected term (in years) 4.64 4.58 4.37 Risk-free interest rate 1.5 % 1.4 % 0.5 % Expected stock price volatility 29.6 % 32.0 % 40.1 % Dividend yield 0.9 % — % — %
Summary Of Weighted-Average Fair Value Of Stock Options Granted And Total Intrinsic Value Of Stock Options Exercised	The following table summarizes the weighted-average fair value (per share) of stock options granted and the total intrinsic value of stock options exercised (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, Stock options granted - weighted-average grant date fair value $ 10.54 $ 11.11 $ 10.23 Stock options exercised - intrinsic value 8,546 15,300 3,781
Summary Of Stock Options Issued To Officers, Directors, And Employees Under 2000 Stock Incentive Plan And 2005 Stock Plan	The following tables summarize information about stock options issued under our 2000 Stock Incentive Plan and 2005 Stock Plan. As mentioned above, all remaining options outstanding to purchase shares of our Class B common stock were exercised during fiscal 2015, and therefore there were no outstanding options to purchase shares of Class B common stock as of September 25, 2015 . Accordingly, all outstanding options as of September 25, 2015 shown within the table below (including those vested and exercisable) relate to shares of our Class A common stock. Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) (in thousands) (in years) (in thousands) Options outstanding at September 26, 2014 7,611 $ 32.96 Grants 2,573 42.45 Exercises (717 ) 28.14 Forfeitures and cancellations (632 ) 36.67 Options outstanding at September 25, 2015 8,835 35.85 7.2 $ 8,591 Options vested and expected to vest at September 25, 2015 8,438 35.57 7.1 8,582 Options exercisable at September 25, 2015 4,527 $ 32.35 5.8 7,856
Summary Of Stock Options Outstanding And Exercisable	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at September 25, 2015 : Outstanding Options Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Price Shares Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life Weighted-Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in thousands) (in years) (in thousands) $13.90 - $24.59 22 0.5 $ 18.39 22 $ 18.39 $24.60 - $28.90 1,876 4.7 27.82 1,779 27.81 $28.91 - $33.40 1,647 6.7 30.48 1,145 30.42 $33.41 - $37.33 248 6.3 35.09 154 34.70 $37.34 - $47.45 4,981 8.4 40.55 1,366 38.94 $47.46 - $58.07 41 3.6 49.00 41 49.00 $58.08 - $62.29 20 5.2 59.69 20 59.69 8,835 4,527
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 1,322 41.89 Vested (1,108 ) 31.37 Forfeitures (287 ) 32.25 Non-vested at September 25, 2015 2,830 $ 40.73
Schedule of Share-Based Payment Fair Value by Vesting Date	The fair value as of the respective vesting dates of RSUs was as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, Restricted stock units - vest date fair value $ 45,175 $ 40,810 $ 27,013
Schedule Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense By Plan	The following two tables separately present stock-based compensation expense both by award type and classification in our consolidated statements of operations (in thousands). Compensation Expense - By Award Type Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, 2013 Compensation Expense - By Type Stock options $ 22,972 $ 19,680 $ 21,334 Restricted stock units 40,332 42,221 39,644 Employee stock purchase plan 3,765 3,779 3,350 Total stock-based compensation 67,069 65,680 64,328 Benefit from income taxes (19,606 ) (19,315 ) (19,316 ) Total stock-based compensation, net of tax $ 47,463 $ 46,365 $ 45,012
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs	Compensation Expense - By Income Statement Line Item Classification Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, Compensation Expense - By Classification Cost of products $ 949 $ 812 $ 765 Cost of services 457 402 387 Research and development 18,682 18,510 17,117 Sales and marketing 24,283 23,236 21,507 General and administrative 22,698 22,720 22,685 Restructuring — — 1,867 Total stock-based compensation 67,069 65,680 64,328 Benefit from income taxes (19,606 ) (19,315 ) (19,316 ) Total stock-based compensation, net of tax $ 47,463 $ 46,365 $ 45,012
Schedule of Stock Repurchase Activity	The following table provides information regarding share repurchase activity under the program during fiscal 2015 : Quarterly Repurchase Activity Shares Repurchased Cost (1) Average Price Paid Per Share (2) (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 Q3 - Quarter ended June 26, 2015 390,000 15,592 39.96 Q4 - Quarter ended September 25, 2015 1,769,399 59,393 33.55 Total 2,938,899 $ 107,349 (1) Cost of share repurchases includes the price paid per share and applicable commissions. (2) Average price paid per share excludes commission costs.
Schedule of Tax Benefit from Exercise of Options [Table Text Block]	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 Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, 2013 Tax benefit - stock option exercises & shares issued under ESPP $ 328 $ 538 $ 417

Accumulated Other Comprehensi36

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 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 Year Ended September 25, 2015 Fiscal Year Ended September 26, 2014 Investment Securities Currency Translation Adjustments Total Investment Securities Currency Translation Adjustments Total Balance, beginning of period $ 505 $ 2,509 $ 3,014 $ 203 $ 7,611 $ 7,814 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications: Unrealized gains - investment securities 290 290 801 801 Foreign currency translation (losses) (1) (15,185 ) (15,185 ) (5,056 ) (5,056 ) Income tax effect - benefit/(expense) (87 ) 864 777 (286 ) (46 ) (332 ) Net of tax 203 (14,321 ) (14,118 ) 515 (5,102 ) (4,587 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI into earnings: Realized (gains) - investment securities (1) (446 ) (446 ) (368 ) (368 ) Income tax effect - expense (2) 88 88 155 155 Net of tax (358 ) — (358 ) (213 ) — (213 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss) (155 ) (14,321 ) (14,476 ) 302 (5,102 ) (4,800 ) Balance, end of period $ 350 $ (11,812 ) $ (11,462 ) $ 505 $ 2,509 $ 3,014 (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)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 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 Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, 2013 Numerator: Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. $ 181,390 $ 206,103 $ 189,271 Denominator: Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic 102,354 102,151 101,879 Potential common shares from options to purchase common stock 811 582 287 Potential common shares from restricted stock units 697 899 622 Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted 103,862 103,632 102,788 Net income per share attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.: Basic $ 1.77 $ 2.02 $ 1.86 Diluted $ 1.75 $ 1.99 $ 1.84 Antidilutive awards excluded from calculation: Stock options 4,270 3,987 5,348 Restricted stock units 127 1,835 1,817

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components Of Income Before Provision For Income Taxes	The components of our income before provision for income taxes were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, United States $ 17,091 $ 160,839 $ 155,777 Foreign 228,691 115,260 94,869 Total $ 245,782 $ 276,099 $ 250,646
Schedule Of Provision For Income Taxes	The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, Current: Federal $ 24,262 $ 20,533 $ 30,428 State 130 543 691 Foreign 52,461 52,999 49,003 Total current 76,853 74,075 80,122 Deferred: Federal (9,593 ) (2,345 ) (11,353 ) State (3,686 ) (3,544 ) (4,748 ) Foreign (1,032 ) (807 ) (3,677 ) Total deferred (14,311 ) (6,696 ) (19,778 ) Provision for income taxes $ 62,542 $ 67,379 $ 60,344
Schedule of Withholding Taxes	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 Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, Withholding Taxes $ 45,372 $ 47,131 $ 42,567
Summary Of Tax Effects Of The Temporary Differences Between Carrying Amounts And Amounts Used For Tax	A summary of the tax effects of the temporary differences is as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, Deferred income tax assets: Investments $ 977 $ 2,033 Inventories 8,800 3,607 Net operating loss 1,406 2,062 Accrued expenses 16,843 16,759 Stock-based compensation 32,359 30,455 Revenue recognition 52,282 55,453 Intangibles 401 — Depreciation and amortization 6,443 4,423 Research and development credits 7,977 5,153 Foreign tax credits 11,119 2,854 Translation adjustment 719 — Other 9,092 8,786 Total gross deferred income tax assets 148,418 131,585 Less: valuation allowance — — Total deferred income tax assets 148,418 131,585 Deferred income tax liabilities: Translation adjustment — (579 ) Intangibles — (450 ) International earnings (4,646 ) (1,960 ) Unrealized gain on investments (493 ) (405 ) Deferred income tax assets, net $ 143,279 $ 128,191 Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net - Balance Sheet Classification Current deferred income tax assets $ 97,101 $ 86,445 Long-term deferred income tax assets, net 46,178 41,746 Deferred income tax assets, net $ 143,279 $ 128,191
Reconciliation Of Federal Statutory Tax Rate To Our Effective Tax Rate	A reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate to our effective tax rate on income from continuing operations is as follows: Fiscal Year Ended September 25, 2015 September 26, 2014 September 27, 2013 Federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal effect 0.7 0.6 0.6 Stock-based compensation expense rate 1.7 1.4 1.3 Research and development tax credits (3.0 ) (1.6 ) (3.1 ) Tax exempt interest (0.2 ) (0.2 ) (0.2 ) U.S. manufacturing tax incentives (0.3 ) (2.0 ) (2.3 ) Foreign rate differential (9.1 ) (8.9 ) (4.5 ) Foreign reversal of deferred tax liabilities — — (3.0 ) Other 0.6 0.1 0.3 Effective tax rate 25.4 % 24.4 % 24.1 %
Aggregate Changes In Balance Of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Interest And Penalties	ggregate changes in the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, 2015 September 26, 2014 September 27, 2013 Balance at beginning of year $ 31,351 $ 32,468 $ 16,880 Gross increases - tax positions taken during prior years 507 333 9,082 Increases in balances related to tax positions taken during current year 34,293 2,916 10,422 Lapse of statute of limitations (990 ) (4,366 ) (3,064 ) Settlements — — (852 ) Balance at end of year $ 65,161 $ 31,351 $ 32,468
Schedule of Accrued Interest and Penalties on Unrecognized Tax Benefits	Our accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits as of September 25, 2015 and September 26, 2014 were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, Accrued interest $ 2,977 $ 2,390 Accrued penalties 589 1,022 Total $ 3,566 $ 3,412

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Schedule Of Changes In Restructuring Accruals	Severance and associated costs Restructuring charges $ 3,301 Cash payments (3,164 ) Non-cash and other adjustments 9 Balance at September 26, 2014 $ 146 Restructuring (credits) (39 ) Cash payments (10 ) Non-cash and other adjustments (97 ) Balance at September 25, 2015 $ — : During fiscal 2014 , we recognized a $0.7 million credit representing the release of a facility exit obligation accrued under this plan following the sale of certain property located in Wootton Bassett, U.K. Changes in restructuring accruals under the fiscal 2013 restructuring program were as follows (in thousands): Severance and associated Facilities and termination costs Total Restructuring charges $ 4,723 $ 1,151 $ 5,874 Cash payments (2,097 ) (108 ) (2,205 ) Other non-cash adjustments (1,832 ) — (1,832 ) Balance at September 27, 2013 $ 794 $ 1,043 $ 1,837 Restructuring (credits) — (898 ) (898 ) Cash payments (794 ) — (794 ) Other non-cash adjustments — (145 ) (145 ) Balance at September 26, 2014 $ — $ — $ —

Commitments And Contingencies (

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 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 September 25, 2015 (in thousands): Payments Due By Fiscal Period Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Thereafter Total Naming rights $ 7,525 $ 7,619 $ 7,715 $ 7,811 $ 7,909 $ 102,980 $ 141,559 Donation commitments — 6,045 67 67 67 738 6,984 Operating leases 11,605 10,695 9,161 8,088 7,565 30,683 77,797 Purchase obligations 10,933 823 — — — — 11,756 Total $ 30,063 $ 25,182 $ 16,943 $ 15,966 $ 15,541 $ 134,401 $ 238,096
Schedule of Rent Expense	The following table summarizes information about our total rental expenses under operating leases, including the portion of this total rent expense which is payable to our principal stockholder (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, Total rent expense $ 15,349 $ 14,278 $ 13,092 Rent expense payable to principal stockholder 3,136 2,125 1,375

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 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

Operating Segments and Geogra42

Operating Segments and Geographic Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Segments, Geographical Areas [Abstract]
Revenue By Geographic Region	Revenue by geographic region, which was determined based on the location of our licensees’ headquarters for licensing revenue, the destination to which we ship our products for products revenue, and the location where we perform our services for services revenue, was as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended Location September 25, September 26, September 27, United States $ 276,733 $ 316,256 $ 255,956 International 693,905 643,920 653,718 Total revenue $ 970,638 $ 960,176 $ 909,674
Schedule Of Concentration Of Revenue From Individual Geographic Regions	The concentration of our revenue from individual geographic regions was as follows: Fiscal Year Ended Location September 25, September 26, September 27, United States 29 % 33 % 28 % South Korea 21 % 20 % 20 % Japan 13 % 13 % 18 % Europe 13 % 12 % 13 % Taiwan 10 % 3 % 5 % China 7 % 12 % 9 % Other 7 % 7 % 7 % Total 100 % 100 % 100 %
Schedule Of Long-Lived Tangible Assets, Net Of Accumulated Depreciation, By Geographic Region	Long-lived tangible assets, net of accumulated depreciation, by geographic region was as follows (in thousands): Location September 25, September 26, United States $ 374,203 $ 257,064 International 28,888 32,691 Total long-lived tangible assets, net of accumulated depreciation $ 403,091 $ 289,755

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule Of Ownership Interest In The Consolidated Affiliated Entities	Our interests in these consolidated affiliated entities and the location of the property leased to Dolby Laboratories as of September 25, 2015 is as follows: Entity Name Minority Ownership Interest Location Of Properties Dolby Properties Brisbane, LLC 49.0 % Brisbane, California Dolby Properties Burbank, LLC 49.0 % Burbank, California Dolby Properties UK, LLC 49.0 % Wootton Bassett, England Dolby Properties, LP 10.0 % Wootton Bassett, England Jointly-Owned Real Estate Entities. We lease from our principal stockholder a commercial office building located at 100 Potrero Avenue in San Francisco, California under a term that expires on October 31, 2024 , and we lease additional facilities located in California and the U.K. from the jointly-owned real estate entities described above. Related party rent expense included in operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations was as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, 2013 (1) Related party rent expense included in operating expenses $ 3,136 $ 2,125 $ 2,526 (1) Related party rent expense recorded during fiscal 2013 from the table above includes a restructuring charge of $1.2 million associated with the exit of a facility. Note that this charge is excluded from our disclosure of rent expense payable to our principal stockholder during fiscal 2013 within Note 12 " Commitments & Contingencies ." Distributions. Distributions made by the jointly-owned real estate entities to our principal stockholder were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, Distributions to principal stockholder $ 5,615 $ — $ 5,039

Retirement Plans Retirement Pla

Retirement Plans Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense [Abstract]
Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans	Retirement plan expenses, which are included in cost of products, cost of services, R&D, S&M and G&A expense in our consolidated statements of operations, are as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 26, September 27, Retirement plan expenses $ 19,431 $ 17,369 $ 15,810

Selected Quarterly Financial 45

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Schedule Of Selected Quarterly Financial Data	Fiscal Year 2015 Fiscal Year 2014 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 (in thousands, except per share amounts) Revenue: Licensing $ 216,598 $ 243,333 $ 204,855 $ 203,325 $ 205,660 $ 258,616 $ 205,625 $ 208,943 Products 13,263 22,985 22,596 25,060 18,104 14,563 12,971 13,581 Services 4,377 5,632 4,251 4,363 7,513 5,413 4,754 4,433 Total revenue 234,238 271,950 231,702 232,748 231,277 278,592 223,350 226,957 Cost of revenue 19,410 25,149 24,880 25,377 21,382 17,505 18,869 12,420 Gross margin 214,828 246,801 206,822 207,371 209,895 261,087 204,481 214,537 Income before taxes and controlling interest 54,316 79,885 47,378 64,203 60,701 102,922 51,814 60,662 Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories $ 41,357 $ 57,974 $ 35,506 $ 46,553 $ 44,515 $ 75,868 $ 39,779 $ 45,941 Earnings per share: Basic $ 0.40 $ 0.57 $ 0.35 $ 0.46 $ 0.44 $ 0.74 $ 0.39 $ 0.45 Diluted $ 0.40 $ 0.56 $ 0.34 $ 0.45 $ 0.43 $ 0.73 $ 0.38 $ 0.44 Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 102,303 102,509 102,670 101,935 101,750 102,291 102,350 102,211 Diluted 104,275 103,904 104,105 103,059 103,192 103,934 103,942 104,116

Summary Of Significant Accoun46

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Jun. 26, 2015
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Maximum credit exposure (percent)	5.00%
Goodwill	$ 307,708	$ 277,574	$ 279,724
Advertising expense	46,202	37,895	32,834
Transaction and re-measurement gains/losses	$ (142)	498	$ 73
Dolby Entertainment Technology [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Goodwill				$ 312,500
Minimum [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Intangible assets with definite lives, useful life, minimum years	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Internal Use Software [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Intangible assets with definite lives, useful life, minimum years	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Intangible assets with definite lives, useful life, minimum years	17 years
Corrective royalties, percentage of license revenue (percent)	1.00%
Maximum [Member] | Internal Use Software [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Intangible assets with definite lives, useful life, minimum years	5 years
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative	$ 22,300	$ 22,900
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percent of revenue from significant customer (percent)	12.00%	11.00%	12.00%

Summary Of Significant Accoun47

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Property, Plant, And Equipment, Estimated Useful Life) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015
Cinema equipment provided under operating leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, useful life, years	15 years
Minimum [Member] | Systems And Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, useful life, years	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Machinery And Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, useful life, years	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Furniture And Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, useful life, years	5 years
Maximum [Member] | Systems And Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, useful life, years	5 years
Maximum [Member] | Machinery And Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, useful life, years	8 years
Maximum [Member] | Furniture And Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, useful life, years	8 years
Maximum [Member] | Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, useful life, years	40 years

Composition Of Certain Financ48

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Raw materials	$ 3,246	$ 1,013
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Raw materials	$ 1,400	$ 1,700

Composition Of Certain Financ49

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Accounts Receivable) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable	$ 94,559	$ 78,189
Accounts receivable from patent administration program partners	8,546	9,594
Accounts Receivable, Gross	103,105	87,783
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(1,542)	(1,615)
Accounts Receivable, Net	$ 101,563	$ 86,168

Composition Of Certain Financ50

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Allowance For Doubtful Accounts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Fiscal Year	$ 1,615	$ 514	$ 956
Charged to Operations	33	1,119	(174)
Deductions	(106)	(18)	(268)
Balance at End of Fiscal Year	$ 1,542	$ 1,615	$ 514

Composition Of Certain Financ51

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Inventories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 3,246	$ 1,013
Work in process	3,279	47
Finished goods	7,347	7,476
Inventories	$ 13,872	$ 8,536

Composition Of Certain Financ52

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Prepaid assets	$ 13,680	$ 11,665
Other current assets	7,525	7,152
Income tax receivable	10,826	4,063
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	32,031	22,880
Land and building held for sale	$ 900	$ 1,000

Composition Of Certain Financ53

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Accrued Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Accrual for Unpaid, Property, Plant and Equipment Additions	$ 21,900	$ 8,700
Accrued royalties	1,951	2,526
Amounts payable to joint licensing program partners	40,466	43,438
Accrued compensation and benefits	70,317	71,677
Accrued professional fees	6,523	6,162
Other accrued liabilities	50,050	34,573
Accrued liabilities	$ 169,307	$ 158,376

Composition Of Certain Financ54

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Other Non-Current Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Supplemental retirement plan obligations	$ 2,400	$ 2,409
Non-current tax liabilities	62,843	30,715
Other liabilities	11,781	10,591
Other non-current liabilities	$ 77,024	$ 43,715

Investments and Fair Value Me55

Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Schedule Of Financial Assets Carried At Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	$ 531,926	$ 568,472
Short-term investments, cost	476,407	528,325
Short term investments, total	476,419	529,043
Long-term investments, unrealized gains		226
Long-term investments, total	321,015
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments, cost	991,104	1,095,295
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments, unrealized gains	1,218	854
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments, unrealized losses	(480)	(134)
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments, total	991,842	1,096,015
Assets	531,926	568,472
Other long-term Investments	321,015	296,335
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	95
US Treasury and Government [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, cost	30,505
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	19
Long-term investments, unrealized losses	(17)
Long-term investments, total	30,507
U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost	2,000	35,443
Short-term investments, unrealized gains	1	5
Short-term investments, unrealized losses	0	(3)
Short term investments, total	2,001	35,445
Long-term investments, cost	1,999	31,980
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	1	19
Long-term investments, unrealized losses	0	(6)
Long-term investments, total	2,000	31,993
Commercial paper
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost	6,478	21,788
Short-term investments, unrealized gains	0	0
Short-term investments, unrealized losses	0	0
Short term investments, total	6,478	21,788
Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	1,176
Short-term investments, cost	86,543	56,106
Short-term investments, unrealized gains	46	81
Short-term investments, unrealized losses	(11)	(10)
Short term investments, total	86,578	56,177
Long-term investments, cost	167,394	117,063
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	138
Long-term investments, unrealized losses	(392)	(80)
Long-term investments, total	167,140	117,209
Municipal debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost	43,746	117,606
Short-term investments, unrealized gains	98	197
Short-term investments, unrealized losses	0	(5)
Short term investments, total	43,844	117,798
Long-term investments, cost	117,552
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	189
Long-term investments, unrealized losses	(60)
Long-term investments, total	117,681
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments, cost	35,476	55,979
Other long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cost Method Investment, Fair Value Measurement Adjustment	700
Long-term investments, cost	2,961	295,880
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	726	571
Long-term investments, unrealized losses	0	(116)
Long-term investments, total	3,687	296,335
Long-term investments	500
Other long-term Investments		500
Short-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost	138,767	230,943
Short-term investments, unrealized gains	145	283
Short-term investments, unrealized losses	(11)	(18)
Short term investments, total	138,901	231,208
Long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, cost	320,411
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	1,073
Long-term investments, unrealized losses	(469)
Cash
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	511,736	564,745
Assets		564,745
Money market funds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	19,014	1,727
Assets		1,727
Commercial paper
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		2,000
Level 1
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	19,014	1,727
Short-term investments	2,001	35,445
Long-term investments	33,233	31,993
Assets	54,248	69,165
Level 1 | US Treasury and Government [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments	30,507
Level 1 | U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments	2,001	35,445
Long-term investments	2,000	31,993
Level 1 | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments	1,176
Level 1 | Other long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments	726
Level 1 | Investments held in supplemental retirement plan:
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets	2,498	2,507
Liabilities	2,498	2,507
Level 1 | Money market funds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	19,014	$ 1,727
Level 1 | Commercial paper
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash
Level 2
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	1,176	$ 2,000
Short-term investments	136,900	195,763
Long-term investments	284,821	263,842
Assets	422,897	461,605
Level 2 | Commercial paper
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		2,000
Short-term investments	6,478	21,788
Level 2 | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments	86,578	56,177
Long-term investments	167,140	117,209
Level 2 | Municipal debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments	43,844	117,798
Long-term investments, cost		146,337
Long-term investments, unrealized gains		326
Long-term investments, unrealized losses		(30)
Long-term investments, total		146,633
Long-term investments	117,681	$ 146,633
Level 2 | Money market funds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash
Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		$ 0
Short-term investments		0
Long-term investments	0	0
Assets	0	0
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 95
Level 3 | Other long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, cost		500
Long-term investments, unrealized gains		0
Long-term investments, unrealized losses		0
Long-term investments, total		$ 500
Long-term investments
Level 3 | Money market funds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash
Level 3 | Commercial paper
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash
Cost Method Investment 1 [Member] | Other long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Other long-term Investments	$ 2,000
Cost Method Investment 2 [Member] | Other long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Other long-term Investments	$ 500

Investments and Fair Value Me56

Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Unrealized Loss Position) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 202,515	$ 166,075
Gross Unrealized Losses	480	134
Investment Owned, at Cost	991,104	1,095,295
Investment Owned, Unrecognized Unrealized Appreciation	1,218	854
U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value	19,005	31,930
Gross Unrealized Losses	17	9
Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value	148,034	78,166
Gross Unrealized Losses	403	90
Municipal debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Gross Unrealized Losses	60	35
Investment Owned, at Cost	$ 35,476	$ 55,979

Investments and Fair Value Me57

Investments and Fair Value Measurements Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Investment Maturities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Amortized Cost
Due within 1 year	$ 158,957	$ 232,944
Due in 1 to 2 years	173,571	179,177
Due in 2 to 3 years	143,879	116,204
Total	476,407	528,325
Fair Value
Due within 1 year	159,090	233,208
Due in 1 to 2 years	173,577	179,536
Due in 2 to 3 years	143,752	116,299
Total	$ 476,419	$ 529,043

Property, Plant & Equipment (De

Property, Plant & Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2014	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross		$ 604,766	$ 461,192
Less: accumulated depreciation		201,675	171,437
Property, Plant And Equipment, Net		403,091	289,755
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	$ 3,300	26	3,355	$ 503
Gain on sale of properties	$ 400
Assets held for sale		900	1,000
Purchase of commercial office building			$ 19,700	109,800
Term of contract			7 years 6 months
Depreciation		48,200	$ 38,100	37,400
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross		43,537	45,842
Purchase of commercial office building				35,500
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross		248,390	61,712
Purchase of commercial office building				$ 74,300
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross		61,455	56,665
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross		70,143	47,639
Computer Systems and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross		136,666	108,225
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross		25,489	13,540
Cinema equipment provided under operating leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross		7,638	0
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross		$ 11,448	$ 127,569

Goodwill & Intangible Assets (D

Goodwill & Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	$ 37,094
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	277,574	$ 279,724
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	(6,960)	(2,150)
Goodwill	307,708	277,574	$ 279,724
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Cost	252,284	168,673
Accumulated Amortization	124,777	104,973
Net	127,507	63,700
Payments to acquire intangible assets	37,416	37,950	4,050
Amortization of intangible assets	21,000	15,100	$ 15,800
Acquired patents and technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Cost	172,787	99,262
Accumulated Amortization	74,398	61,678
Net	98,389	37,584
Payments to acquire intangible assets	$ 37,400	$ 38,000
Weighted-average useful life	18 years	13 years 7 months 6 days
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Cost	$ 56,933	$ 30,717
Accumulated Amortization	28,275	22,739
Net	28,658	7,978
Other intangibles
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Cost	22,564	38,694
Accumulated Amortization	22,104	20,556
Net	460	$ 18,138
Other Acquisitions [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	700
Doremi Labs [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	36,400
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	$ 39,672
Doremi Labs [Member] | Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Weighted-average useful life	10 years

Goodwill & Intangible Assets -

Goodwill & Intangible Assets - Future Amortization of Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 17,533
2,017	14,647
2,018	9,784
2,019	9,657
2,020	9,775
Thereafter	66,111
Net	$ 127,507	$ 63,700

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc61

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)

Jul. 20, 2015

Apr. 20, 2015

Jan. 19, 2015

Oct. 21, 2014

Dec. 21, 2012

Dec. 11, 2012

Sep. 25, 2015

Sep. 25, 2015

Sep. 26, 2014

Sep. 27, 2013

Sep. 28, 2012

Oct. 31, 2010

Mar. 28, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Feb. 29, 2012

Jul. 31, 2011

Jul. 31, 2010

Nov. 30, 2009

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Options granted under the plan

2,573,000

Options outstanding to purchase

7,611,000

Recognized tax benefit from the exercise of ISO and ESPP

$ 328,000

$ 538,000

$ 417,000

Percentage of vesting per year

50.00%

Share based compensation expense

67,069,000

65,680,000

64,328,000

Fair value of restricted stock units vested

$ 45,175,000

40,810,000

27,013,000

Year end stock price

$ 31.40

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period

1,322,000

Employee stock options expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period

7 years 1 month 6 days

Accrued liabilities included in employee withholdings.

$ 169,307,000

$ 169,307,000

158,376,000

Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense

67,069,000

$ 65,680,000

$ 64,328,000

Stock authorized for repurchase

1,100,000,000

1,100,000,000

$ 250,000,000

Remaining authorization to purchase additional shares

$ 152,700,000

$ 152,700,000

Common stock, dividends declared (in dollars per share)

$ 0.1

$ 0.1

$ 0.1

$ 0.1

$ 0.12

$ 0.42

$ 0

$ 4

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)

50,291,426

50,291,426

50,658,627

Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)

50,291,426

50,291,426

50,658,627

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)

50,743,311

50,743,311

51,610,239

Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)

50,743,311

50,743,311

51,610,239

2000 Stock Incentive Plan. [Member] | Class B Common Stock [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 maximum vesting period, months

4 years

2005 Stock Plan. [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Shares authorized under plan

29,000,000

29,000,000

Options outstanding to purchase

8,835,000

8,835,000

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Options outstanding

7 years 2 months 12 days

Options vested and exercisable

4,527,000

4,527,000

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

Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Share based compensation expense

$ 40,332,000

$ 42,221,000

$ 39,644,000

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Share based compensation expense

$ 3,765,000

3,779,000

$ 3,350,000

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 Purchase Plan [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Maximum value of common stock available for eligible employees

$ 25,000

Maximum number of common stock available for eligible employees

1,000

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Stock options expected to vest

$ 38,500,000

$ 38,500,000

Employee stock options expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period

2 years 4 months 24 days

Employee Stock Option [Member] | Options Granted Prior To June 2008 [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Options expiration period

10 years

Expiration period after termination of service, months

3 months

Employee Stock Option [Member] | Options Granted From June 2008 [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Options vesting period

4 years

36 months

Options expiration period

10 years

Expiration period after termination of service, months

3 months

Percentage of stock option becoming exercisable subjected to date of grant

25.00%

Options maximum vesting period, months

4 years

36 months

Additional Stock Approved [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Stock authorized for repurchase

$ 200,000,000

$ 100,000,000

$ 250,000,000

$ 300,000,000

Equity Award Modification [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)

102,051,386

Common stock, dividends declared (in dollars per share)

$ 4

Dividends, amount

$ 408,200,000

Share-based Compensation Expense, Total Incremental Charge

$ 7,900,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Compensation Expense, Total Incremental Charge

$ 1,100,000

1,200,000

$ 4,600,000

Equity Award Modification Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Expense, Total Incremental Charge

$ 11,900,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Compensation Expense, Total Incremental Charge

2,400,000

$ 3,000,000

$ 4,300,000

Minimum [Member] | Equity Award Modification [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Options vesting period

1 year

Options maximum vesting period, months

1 year

Minimum [Member] | Equity Award Modification Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Options vesting period

1 year

Options maximum vesting period, months

1 year

Maximum [Member] | Equity Award Modification [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Options vesting period

4 years

Options maximum vesting period, months

4 years

Maximum [Member] | Equity Award Modification Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Options vesting period

4 years

Options maximum vesting period, months

4 years

Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Stock options expected to vest

$ 73,900,000

$ 73,900,000

Employee stock options expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period

2 years 7 months 6 days

Employee and Officer [Member] | Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Options vesting period

4 years

Options maximum vesting period, months

4 years

Awards Granted Prior to November 2010 [Member] | Director [Member] | Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Options vesting period

3 years

1 year

Options maximum vesting period, months

3 years

1 year

Awards Granted After November 2010 [Member] | Director [Member] | Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Options vesting period

2 years

Options maximum vesting period, months

2 years

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc62

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) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Shares
Options outstanding at September 27, 2013 | shares	7,611
Grants | shares	2,573
Exercises | shares	(717)
Forfeitures and cancellations | shares	(632)
Options outstanding at September 26, 2014 | shares
Options vested and expected to vest at September 26, 2014 | shares	8,438
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Options outstanding at September 27, 2013	$ 32.96
Grants	42.45
Exercises	28.14
Forfeitures and cancellations	36.67
Options outstanding at September 26, 2014	35.85
Options vested and expected to vest at September 26, 2014	35.57
Options exercisable at September 26, 2014	$ 32.35
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Options vested and expected to vest at September 28, 2012	7 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Options exercisable	5 years 9 months 18 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options outstanding | $	$ 8,591
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options vested and expected to vest | $	8,582
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options exercisable | $	$ 7,856
Year End Stock Price	$ 31.40
Two Thousand Five Stock Plan Member | Common Class A [Member]
Shares
Options outstanding at September 26, 2014 | shares	8,835
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Options outstanding	7 years 2 months 12 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number | shares	4,527

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc63

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Options Outstanding And Exercisable) (Details) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Shares, Outstanding Options	8,835
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Options	$ 35.85	$ 32.96
Shares, Options Exercisable	4,527
$2.08 - $6.28 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Shares, Outstanding Options	22
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life, Outstanding Options	6 months
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Options	$ 18.39
Shares, Options Exercisable	22
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 18.39
$6.29 - $19.21 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Shares, Outstanding Options	1,876
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life, Outstanding Options	4 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Options	$ 27.82
Shares, Options Exercisable	1,779
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 27.81
$19.22 - 28.12 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Shares, Outstanding Options	1,647
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life, Outstanding Options	6 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Options	$ 30.48
Shares, Options Exercisable	1,145
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 30.42
$28.13 - $38.20 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Shares, Outstanding Options	248
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life, Outstanding Options	6 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Options	$ 35.09
Shares, Options Exercisable	154
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 34.70
$38.21 - $48.14 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Shares, Outstanding Options	4,981
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life, Outstanding Options	8 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Options	$ 40.55
Shares, Options Exercisable	1,366
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 38.94
$48.15 - $51.18 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Shares, Outstanding Options	41
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life, Outstanding Options	3 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Options	$ 49
Shares, Options Exercisable	41
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 49
$51.19 And Above [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Shares, Outstanding Options	20
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life, Outstanding Options	5 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Options	$ 59.69
Shares, Options Exercisable	20
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 59.69

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc64

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Restricted Stock Units Issued To Officers, Directors, And Employees Under 2005 Stock Incentive Plan) (Details) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015$ / sharesshares
Shares
Non-vested at September 27, 2013 | shares	2,903
Granted | shares	1,322
Vested | shares	(1,108)
Forfeitures | shares	(287)
Non-vested at September 26, 2014 | shares	2,830
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at September 27, 2013	$ 35.79
Granted	41.89
Vested	31.37
Forfeitures	32.25
Non-vested at September 26, 2014	$ 40.73

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc65

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (RSU Vest Date Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Restricted stock units - vest date fair value	$ 45,175	$ 40,810	$ 27,013

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc66

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Fair Value Of Stock-Based Awards Estimated Using Weighted-Average Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Expected life (in years)	4 years 7 months 21 days	4 years 6 months 29 days	4 years 4 months 13 days
Risk-free interest rate	1.50%	1.40%	0.50%
Expected stock price volatility	29.60%	32.00%	40.10%
Dividend yield	0.90%	0.00%	0.00%

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc67

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Weighted-Average Fair Value Of Stock Options Granted And Total Intrinsic Value Of Stock Options Exercised) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	4 years 7 months 21 days	4 years 6 months 29 days	4 years 4 months 13 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	2,830	2,903
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 40.73	$ 35.79
Weighted-average fair value at date of grant	$ 10.54	$ 11.11	$ 10.23
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 8,546	$ 15,300	$ 3,781
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	1,322
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 41.89
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	(1,108)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 31.37
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	(287)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 32.25
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	1.50%	1.40%	0.50%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	29.60%	32.00%	40.10%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	0.90%	0.00%	0.00%

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc68

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Forfeiture Rates) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Estimated forfeiture rate, percent	9.98%	6.13%	6.13%

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc69

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense By Plan) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 67,069	$ 65,680	$ 64,328
Share based compensation expense	67,069	65,680	64,328
Benefit from income taxes	(19,606)	(19,315)	(19,316)
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options	328	538	417
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax	47,463	46,365	45,012
Stock Option [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense	22,972	19,680	21,334
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense	40,332	42,221	39,644
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense	3,765	3,779	3,350
Restructuring Charges [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1,867

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc70

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation By Classification) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options	$ 328	$ 538	$ 417
Stock-based compensation expense	67,069	65,680	64,328
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	19,606	19,315	19,316
Cost of products [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	949	812	765
Cost of services [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	457	402	387
Research and development [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	18,682	18,510	17,117
Sales and marketing [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	24,283	23,236	21,507
General and administrative [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	22,698	22,720	22,685
Restructuring Charges [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1,867

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc71

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Repurchase) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Jun. 26, 2015	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 26, 2014	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Feb. 29, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Nov. 30, 2009
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$ 1,100,000				$ 1,100,000							$ 250,000
Shares repurchased (in shares)	1,769,399	390,000	390,000	389,500	2,938,899
Cost	$ 59,393	$ 15,592	$ 15,411	$ 16,953	$ 107,349	$ 56,028	$ 82,245
Average Price Paid per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 33.55	$ 39.96	$ 39.47	$ 43.51	$ 33.55
Additional Stock Approved [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount								$ 200,000	$ 100,000	$ 250,000	$ 300,000

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc72

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation Stockholders' Equity And Stock- Based Compensation - Dividends Declared (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Jul. 20, 2015	Apr. 20, 2015	Jan. 19, 2015	Oct. 21, 2014	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividend declared per common share	$ 0.1	$ 0.1	$ 0.1	$ 0.1	$ 0.12	$ 0.42	$ 0	$ 4
Dividends	$ 10.2	$ 10.3	$ 10.3	$ 10.2	$ 12.1

Accumulated Other Comprehensi73

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning Of Period		$ 3,014	$ 7,814
Income Tax Effect - Benefit/(Expense)		777	(332)
Net of tax		(14,118)	(4,587)
Realized (Gains) - Investment Securities	[1]	(446)	(368)
Income Tax Effect - Expense	[2]	88	155
Net Of Tax		(358)	(213)
Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)		(14,476)	(4,800)
Balance, End Of Period		(11,462)	3,014
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning Of Period		505	203
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax		290	801
Income Tax Effect - Benefit/(Expense)		(87)	(286)
Net of tax		203	515
Realized (Gains) - Investment Securities	[1]	(446)	(368)
Income Tax Effect - Expense	[2]	88	155
Net Of Tax		(358)	(213)
Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)		(155)	302
Balance, End Of Period		350	505
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning Of Period		2,509	7,611
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax	[1]	(15,185)	(5,056)
Income Tax Effect - Benefit/(Expense)		864	(46)
Net of tax		(14,321)	(5,102)
Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)		(14,321)	(5,102)
Balance, End Of Period		$ (11,812)	$ 2,509
[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 (Details)

Per Share Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Jun. 26, 2015	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 26, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	Mar. 28, 2014	Dec. 27, 2013	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Document Period End Date									Sep. 25, 2015
Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.	$ 46,553	$ 35,506	$ 57,974	$ 41,357	$ 45,941	$ 39,779	$ 75,868	$ 44,515	$ 181,390	$ 206,103	$ 189,271
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	101,935	102,670	102,509	102,303	102,211	102,350	102,291	101,750	102,354	102,151	101,879
Potential common shares from options to purchase Class A and Class B common stock									811	582	287
Potential common shares from restricted stock units									697	899	622
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	103,059	104,105	103,904	104,275	104,116	103,942	103,934	103,192	103,862	103,632	102,788
Basic (usd per share)	$ 0.46	$ 0.35	$ 0.57	$ 0.40	$ 0.45	$ 0.39	$ 0.74	$ 0.44	$ 1.77	$ 2.02	$ 1.86
Net income per share attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. - Diluted	$ 0.45	$ 0.34	$ 0.56	$ 0.40	$ 0.44	$ 0.38	$ 0.73	$ 0.43	$ 1.75	$ 1.99	$ 1.84
Stock Options [Member]
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities, excluded from calculations									4,270	3,987	5,348
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities, excluded from calculations									127	1,835	1,817

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012	Sep. 25, 2009
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred income tax withholding tax foreign earnings	$ 513,200
U.S. income taxes, adjusted for any foreign tax credits, and withholding taxes	129,400
Net operating loss carryovers for Federal tax purposes	3,900				$ 9,700
Net operating loss carryovers for California tax purposes	$ 9,600				$ 9,600
Effective tax rate	25.40%	24.40%	24.10%
Unrecognized tax benefits, gross	$ 65,161	$ 31,351	$ 32,468	$ 16,880
Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate	53,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, expected reduction as a result of settlement		8,400
Increase in interest expense for current tax provision	600	700
Reduction in penalties for current tax provision	$ (400)	$ (500)

Income Taxes (Components Of Inc

Income Taxes (Components Of Income Before Provision For Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Jun. 26, 2015	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 26, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	Mar. 28, 2014	Dec. 27, 2013	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S.									$ 17,091	$ 160,839	$ 155,777
Foreign									228,691	115,260	94,869
Income before income taxes	$ 64,203	$ 47,378	$ 79,885	$ 54,316	$ 60,662	$ 51,814	$ 102,922	$ 60,701	$ 245,782	$ 276,099	$ 250,646

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Provi

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Provision For Income Taxes ) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Current:
Federal	$ 24,262	$ 20,533	$ 30,428
State	130	543	691
Foreign	52,461	52,999	49,003
Total current	76,853	74,075	80,122
Deferred:
Federal	(9,593)	(2,345)	(11,353)
State	(3,686)	(3,544)	(4,748)
Foreign	(1,032)	(807)	(3,677)
Total deferred	(14,311)	(6,696)	(19,778)
Provision for income taxes	62,542	$ 67,379	$ 60,344
Deferred income tax withholding tax foreign earnings	513,200
Foreign income tax rate differential	$ 129,400

Income Taxes (Withholding Taxes

Income Taxes (Withholding Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Withholding taxes	$ 45,372	$ 47,131	$ 42,567

Income Taxes (Summary Of Tax Ef

Income Taxes (Summary Of Tax Effects Of The Temporary Differences Between Carrying Amounts And Amounts Used For Tax) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments	$ 977	$ 2,033
Inventories	8,800	3,607
Net operating loss	1,406	2,062
Accrued expenses	16,843	16,759
Stock-based compensation	32,359	30,455
Revenue recognition	52,282	55,453
Deferred Tax Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets	401
Depreciation and amortization	6,443	4,423
Research and development credits	7,977	5,153
Foreign tax credits	11,119	2,854
Deferred Tax Assets, Unrealized Currency Losses	719
Other	9,092	8,786
Total gross deferred income tax assets	148,418	131,585
Less: valuation allowance	0	0
Total deferred income tax assets	148,418	131,585
Translation adjustment	0	(579)
Intangibles	0	(450)
International earnings	(4,646)	(1,960)
Unrealized gain on investments	(493)	(405)
Deferred income tax assets, net	143,279	128,191
Current deferred income tax assets	97,101	86,445
Long-term deferred income tax assets, net	$ 46,178	$ 41,746

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Federal Statutory Tax Rate To Our Effective Tax Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal effect	0.70%	0.60%	0.60%
Stock-based compensation expense rate	1.70%	1.40%	1.30%
Research and development tax credits	(3.00%)	(1.60%)	(3.10%)
Tax exempt interest	(0.20%)	(0.20%)	(0.20%)
U.S. manufacturing tax incentives	(0.30%)	(2.00%)	(2.30%)
Foreign rate differential	(9.10%)	(8.90%)	(4.50%)
Foreign reversal of deferred tax liabilities	0.00%	0.00%	(3.00%)
Other	0.60%	0.10%	0.30%
Effective tax rate	25.40%	24.40%	24.10%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 65,161	$ 31,351	$ 32,468	$ 16,880
Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate	$ 53,000

Income Taxes (Aggregate Changes

Income Taxes (Aggregate Changes In Balance Of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Interest And Penalties) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate	$ 53,000
Estimated decrease in unrecognized tax benefits due to lapse in statute of limitations	1,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Expected Reduction as a Result of Settlement		$ 8,400
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Beginning Balance	31,351	32,468	$ 16,880
Increases in balances related to tax positions taken during prior years	507	333	9,082
Increases in balances related to tax positions taken during the current year	34,293	2,916	10,422
Lapse of statute of limitations	(990)	(4,366)	(3,064)
Settlements	0	0	(852)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Ending Balance	$ 65,161	$ 31,351	$ 32,468

Income Taxes (Interest and Pena

Income Taxes (Interest and Penalties on Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Accrued interest	$ 2,977	$ 2,390
Accrued penalties	589	1,022
Total	$ 3,566	$ 3,412

Restructuring (Details)

Restructuring (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 25, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 26, 2014USD ($)employee	Sep. 27, 2013USD ($)employee
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense		$ (67,069)	$ (65,680)	$ (64,328)
Related party rent expense		3,136	2,125	2,526
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charges		(80)	2,403	$ 5,874
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 | employee			50
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance		146
Restructuring charges		(39)	$ 3,301
Cash payments		(10)	(3,164)
Non-cash charges		(97)	9
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	$ 146	0	146
2013 Restructuring Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of positions eliminated | employee				36
Share based compensation expense				$ (1,900)
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance		0	1,837
Restructuring charges			(898)	5,874
Cash payments			(794)	(2,205)
Non-cash charges	(700)		(145)	(1,832)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	0		0	1,837
2013 Restructuring Program [Member] | Contract Termination [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance		0	1,043
Restructuring charges			(898)	1,151
Cash payments			0	(108)
Non-cash charges			(145)	0
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	0		0	1,043
2013 Restructuring Program [Member] | Severance And Other Associated Costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance		$ 0	794
Restructuring charges			0	4,723
Cash payments			(794)	(2,097)
Non-cash charges			0	(1,832)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	$ 0		$ 0	794
2013 Restructuring Program [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Recorded severance and other associated costs				2,800
2013 Restructuring Program [Member] | Facility Closing [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Related party rent expense				$ 1,200

Commitments And Contingencies84

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Term of agreement				20 years
Total rent expense	$ 15,349	$ 14,278	$ 13,092
Rent expense payable to principal stockholder	$ 3,136	$ 2,125	$ 1,375

Commitments And Contingencies85

Commitments And Contingencies (Schedule Of Contractual Obligations And Commitments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2015USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Naming rights, Fiscal 2016	$ 7,525
Naming rights, Fiscal 2017	7,619
Naming rights, Fiscal 2018	7,715
Naming rights, Fiscal 2019	7,811
Naming rights, Fiscal 2020	7,909
Naming rights, Thereafter	102,980
Naming rights, Total	141,559
Donation commitments
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2016	0
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2017	6,045
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2018	67
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2019	67
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2020	67
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2020	738
Donation commitments, Total	6,984
Operating leases
Operating leases, Fiscal 2016	11,605
Operating leases, Fiscal 2017	10,695
Operating leases, Fiscal 2018	9,161
Operating leases, Fiscal 2019	8,088
Operating leases, Fiscal 2020	7,565
Operating leases, Thereafter	30,683
Operating leases, Total	77,797
Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Purchase obligation, Fiscal 2016	10,933
Purchase obligation, Fiscal 2017	823
Purchase obligation, Fiscal 2018	0
Purchase Obligation, Fiscal 2019	0
Purchase Obligation, Fiscal 2020	0
Purchase Obligation, Thereafter	0
Purchase obligation, Total	11,756
Total
Total, due in Fiscal 2014	30,063
Total, due in Fiscal 2015	25,182
Total, due in Fiscal 2016	16,943
Total, due in Fiscal 2017	15,966
Total, due in Fiscal 2018	15,541
Total, due Thereafter	134,401
Total due	$ 238,096

Acquisitions (Details)

Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2014	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition-related transaction costs			$ 400	$ 5,900
Doremi Labs [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross purchase price	$ 99,142
Cash consideration		$ (98,402)	(98,402)
Cash acquired	8,400
Cash payment	98,402
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	$ 20,000	740	740
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Earnout Period	4 years
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Current	$ 700	100	$ 100
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Purchase Accounting Adjustment, Intangible Assets		4,600
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Purchase Accounting Adjustment, Receivables		4,200
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Purchase Accounting Adjustment, Goodwil		500
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		(3,300)
Decrease to compensation expense		(1,650)
Increase to accrued liabilities		$ 1,650

Acquisitions (Purchase Price Al

Acquisitions (Purchase Price Allocation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2014	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 45,600
Goodwill		307,708	$ 277,574	$ 279,724
Doremi Labs [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets		17,231
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory		16,372
Goodwill		39,672
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities		(11,653)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities		(8,820)
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$ 98,402
Total purchase price		98,402
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill		45,600
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	20,000	740
Gross purchase price	$ 99,142
Customer Relationships [Member] | Doremi Labs [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 25,600
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life		10 years
Developed Technology Rights [Member] | Doremi Labs [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 17,500
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life		7 years 6 months
Trade Names [Member] | Doremi Labs [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 1,300
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life		1 year
Order or Production Backlog [Member] | Doremi Labs [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 1,200
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life		1 year

Operating Segments and Geogra88

Operating Segments and Geographic Data (Revenue By Geographic Region) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Jun. 26, 2015	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 26, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	Mar. 28, 2014	Dec. 27, 2013	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 232,748	$ 231,702	$ 271,950	$ 234,238	$ 226,957	$ 223,350	$ 278,592	$ 231,277	$ 970,638	$ 960,176	$ 909,674
U.S. [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenue									276,733	316,256	255,956
International [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenue									$ 693,905	$ 643,920	$ 653,718

Operating Segments and Geogra89

Operating Segments and Geographic Data (Schedule Of Concentration Of Revenue From Individual Geographic Regions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Revenue From External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
U.S. [Member]
Revenue From External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
South Korea [Member]
Revenue From External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Japan [Member]
Revenue From External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Europe [Member]
Revenue From External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Taiwan [Member]
Revenue From External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
China [Member]
Revenue From External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Other [Member]
Revenue From External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Operating Segments and Geogra90

Operating Segments and Geographic Data (Schedule Of Long-Lived Assets, Net Of Accumulated Depreciation, By Geographic Region) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total long-lived tangible assets, net of accumulated depreciation	$ 403,091	$ 289,755
U.S. [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	374,203	257,064
International [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 28,888	$ 32,691

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Aug. 05, 2015
Related party rent expense		$ 3,136	$ 2,125	$ 2,526
Distributions to principal stockholder		5,615	0	5,039
Deconsolidation of Subsidiary
Gain on sale (pretax)		26,221	0	0
Proceeds from sale of ownership interest in subsidiary (net)		27,216	$ 0	0
Cash acquired by purchaser		$ 4,100
Dolby Properties, LLC [Member]
Ownership interest (percent)		37.50%
Deconsolidation of Subsidiary
Cash consideration received	[1]				$ 31,263
Less: net book value of Dolby, Properties, LLC					$ (5,042)
Gain on sale (pretax)		$ 26,221
Dolby Properties Brisbane, LLC [Member]
Ownership interest (percent)		49.00%
Dolby Properties Burbank, LLC [Member]
Ownership interest (percent)		49.00%
Dolby Properties United Kingdom, LLC [Member]
Ownership interest (percent)		49.00%
Dolby Properties, LP [Member]
Ownership interest (percent)		10.00%
Facility Closing [Member] | 2013 Restructuring Program [Member]
Related party rent expense				$ 1,200
[1]	Net cash proceeds from the sale of $27.2 million as disclosed within our consolidated statements of cash flows is derived by deducting cash balances of $4.1 million held by the Subsidiary and acquired by the Purchaser from gross cash consideration received of $31.3 million.

Retirement Plans (Details)

Retirement Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense [Abstract]
Retirement plan expenses	$ 19,431	$ 17,369	$ 15,810

Selected Quarterly Financial 93

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Schedule Of Selected Quarterly Financial Data) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2015	Jun. 26, 2015	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 26, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	Mar. 28, 2014	Dec. 27, 2013	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Licensing	$ 203,325	$ 204,855	$ 243,333	$ 216,598	$ 208,943	$ 205,625	$ 258,616	$ 205,660	$ 868,111	$ 878,844	$ 807,081
Products	25,060	22,596	22,985	13,263	13,581	12,971	14,563	18,104	83,904	59,219	80,603
Services	4,363	4,251	5,632	4,377	4,433	4,754	5,413	7,513	18,623	22,113	21,990
Total revenue	232,748	231,702	271,950	234,238	226,957	223,350	278,592	231,277	970,638	960,176	909,674
Cost of revenue	25,377	24,880	25,149	19,410	12,420	18,869	17,505	21,382	94,816	70,176	96,719
Gross margin	207,371	206,822	246,801	214,828	214,537	204,481	261,087	209,895	875,822	890,000	812,955
Income before taxes and controlling interest	64,203	47,378	79,885	54,316	60,662	51,814	102,922	60,701	245,782	276,099	250,646
Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.	$ 46,553	$ 35,506	$ 57,974	$ 41,357	$ 45,941	$ 39,779	$ 75,868	$ 44,515	$ 181,390	$ 206,103	$ 189,271
Net Income Per Share:
Basic (usd per share)	$ 0.46	$ 0.35	$ 0.57	$ 0.40	$ 0.45	$ 0.39	$ 0.74	$ 0.44	$ 1.77	$ 2.02	$ 1.86
Diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.45	$ 0.34	$ 0.56	$ 0.40	$ 0.44	$ 0.38	$ 0.73	$ 0.43	$ 1.75	$ 1.99	$ 1.84
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic (shares)	101,935	102,670	102,509	102,303	102,211	102,350	102,291	101,750	102,354	102,151	101,879
Diluted (shares)	103,059	104,105	103,904	104,275	104,116	103,942	103,934	103,192	103,862	103,632	102,788

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Acquisition of patent portfolio		$ 37,416	$ 37,950	$ 4,050
Patents [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Acquisition of patent portfolio	$ 105,000