Dolby Laboratories (DLB) 10-K 16 Nov 17 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Oct. 27, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Entity Registrant Name	Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,308,547
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-29
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Sep. 29, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
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			$ 1,684,632,316
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		59,415,802
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		42,873,597

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 627,017	$ 516,112
Restricted cash	7,351	3,645
Short-term investments	247,757	121,629
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,967 and $2,370	73,750	75,688
Inventories	25,051	16,354
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	30,508	26,302
Total current assets	1,011,434	759,730
Long-term investments	314,364	393,904
Property, plant and equipment, net	485,275	443,656
Intangible assets, net	189,648	215,342
Goodwill	311,087	309,616
Deferred taxes	190,915	166,790
Other non-current assets	30,831	21,068
Total assets	2,533,554	2,310,106
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	14,373	17,544
Accrued liabilities	207,034	169,055
Income taxes payable	1,216	2,304
Deferred revenue	23,150	24,180
Total current liabilities	245,773	213,083
Long-term deferred revenue	36,425	35,366
Other non-current liabilities	107,514	82,922
Total liabilities	389,712	331,371
Stockholders' equity:
Additional paid-in capital	61,331	42,032
Retained earnings	2,083,063	1,938,320
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(7,753)	(10,197)
Total stockholders’ equity – Dolby Laboratories, Inc.	2,136,742	1,970,256
Controlling interest	7,100	8,479
Total stockholders’ equity	2,143,842	1,978,735
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,533,554	2,310,106
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	58	57
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	$ 43	$ 44

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2017USD ($)vote / shares$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)vote / shares$ / sharesshares
Allowance for doubtful accounts | $	$ 2,967	$ 2,370
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	59,281,837	57,018,362
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	59,281,837	57,018,362
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	42,873,597	44,403,847
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	42,873,597	44,403,847

Consolidated Statements Of Oper

Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015
Revenue:
Licensing	$ 965,792	$ 917,032	$ 868,111
Products	95,290	90,543	83,904
Services	20,372	18,163	18,623
Total revenue	1,081,454	1,025,738	970,638
Cost of revenue:
Cost of licensing	39,216	28,333	10,879
Cost of products	61,256	64,853	70,490
Cost of services	17,835	15,796	13,447
Total cost of revenue	118,307	108,982	94,816
Gross margin	963,147	916,756	875,822
Operating expenses:
Research and development	233,312	219,607	201,324
Sales and marketing	296,661	295,267	279,174
General and administrative	171,686	168,854	182,176
Restructuring charges	12,856	1,233	(80)
Total operating expenses	714,515	684,961	662,594
Operating income	248,632	231,795	213,228
Other income/expense:
Interest income	9,577	5,684	4,544
Interest expense	(127)	(125)	(183)
Other income/(expense), net	(1,438)	(1,450)	28,193
Total other income	8,012	4,109	32,554
Income before income taxes	256,644	235,904	245,782
Provision for income taxes	(54,217)	(49,502)	(62,542)
Net income including controlling interest	202,427	186,402	183,240
Less: net (income) attributable to controlling interest	(625)	(542)	(1,850)
Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.	$ 201,802	$ 185,860	$ 181,390
Net Income Per Share:
Basic (usd per share)	$ 1.98	$ 1.85	$ 1.77
Diluted (usd per share)	$ 1.95	$ 1.81	$ 1.75
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Basic (shares)	101,784	100,717	102,354
Diluted (shares)	103,286	102,424	103,862
Related party rent expense:
Included in operating expenses	$ 3,142	$ 3,097	$ 3,136
Included in net income attributable to controlling interest	$ 702	$ 706	$ 4,091
Cash dividend declared per common share	$ 0.58	$ 0.50	$ 0.42
Cash dividend paid per common share	$ 0.56	$ 0.48	$ 0.40

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income including controlling interest	$ 202,427	$ 186,402	$ 183,240
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	3,653	85	(14,858)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(1,119)	392	(155)
Comprehensive income	204,961	186,879	168,227
Less: comprehensive (income) attributable to controlling interest	(715)	246	(1,326)
Comprehensive income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.	$ 204,246	$ 187,125	$ 166,901

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]	Common Class A [Member]Common Stock [Member]
Beginning balance, shares at Sep. 26, 2014							51,610,000	50,659,000
Beginning 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)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	67,069	67,069			67,069
Repurchase of common stock, shares								(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, 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
Net income	186,402		185,860		185,860	542
Translation adjustments, net of taxes	85			873	873	(788)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	392			392	392
Distributions to controlling interest	(214)					(214)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	66,985	66,985			66,985
Repurchase of common stock, shares								(2,616,000)
Repurchase of common stock, value	(100,854)	(100,851)			(100,854)			$ (3)
Cash dividends declared and paid on common stock	(48,397)		(48,397)		(48,397)
Tax benefit/(deficiency) from the stock incentive plans	850	850			850
Class A common stock issued under employee stock plans, shares								3,382,000
Class A common stock issued under employee stock plans, value	71,111	71,108			71,111			$ 3
Shares repurchased for tax witholdings on vesting of restricted stock, shares								(379,000)
Shares repurchased for tax witholdings on vesting of restricted stock, value	(13,632)	(13,631)			(13,632)			$ (1)
Transfer of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, shares							6,339,000	(6,339,000)
Transfer of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, value							$ 7	$ (7)
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2016							44,404,000	57,018,000
Ending balance, value at Sep. 30, 2016	1,978,735	42,032	1,938,320	(10,197)	1,970,256	8,479	$ 44	$ 57
Net income	202,427		201,802		201,802	625
Translation adjustments, net of taxes	3,653			3,563	3,563	90
Unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(1,119)			(1,119)	(1,119)
Distributions to controlling interest	(2,094)					(2,094)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	$ 65,343	65,343			65,343
Repurchase of common stock, shares	(2,025,470)							(2,025,000)
Repurchase of common stock, value	$ (100,000)	(99,998)			(100,000)			$ (2)
Cash dividends declared and paid on common stock	(57,059)		(57,059)		(57,059)
Tax benefit/(deficiency) from the stock incentive plans	1,634	1,634			1,634
Class A common stock issued under employee stock plans, shares								3,138,000
Class A common stock issued under employee stock plans, value	69,998	69,996			69,998			$ 2
Shares repurchased for tax witholdings on vesting of restricted stock, shares								(379,000)
Shares repurchased for tax witholdings on vesting of restricted stock, value	(17,676)	(17,676)			(17,676)
Transfer of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, shares							1,530,000	(1,530,000)
Transfer of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, value							$ 1	$ (1)
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 29, 2017							42,874,000	59,282,000
Ending balance, value at Sep. 29, 2017	$ 2,143,842	$ 61,331	$ 2,083,063	$ (7,753)	$ 2,136,742	$ 7,100	$ 43	$ 58

Consolidated Statements Of Sto7

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity And Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation tax	$ (621)	$ 586	$ 864
Unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities, tax	$ 38	$ 49	$ (87)

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015
Operating activities:
Net income including controlling interest	$ 202,427	$ 186,402	$ 183,240
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	84,308	85,152	69,133
Stock-based compensation	65,343	66,985	67,069
Amortization of premium on investments	2,758	3,824	9,162
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	(6,742)	(3,225)	(2,544)
Provision for doubtful accounts	924	1,017	33
Deferred income taxes	(29,368)	(22,798)	(14,484)
Gain on sale of ownership interest in subsidiary (pre-tax)	0	0	(26,221)
Other non-cash items affecting net income	2,886	1,779	5,125
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	1,041	24,886	(7,008)
Inventories	(11,922)	(2,949)	5,835
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(12,411)	(15,217)	(3,595)
Accounts payable and other liabilities	44,453	2,834	(7,384)
Income taxes, net	26,950	17,265	21,767
Deferred revenue	23	10,288	8,981
Other non-current liabilities	381	596	268
Net cash provided by operating activities	371,051	356,839	309,377
Investing activities:
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	(289,530)	(426,118)	(392,936)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities	84,047	262,125	305,225
Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale securities	152,324	103,987	146,152
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(99,617)	(100,762)	(157,526)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0	(93,516)
Purchases of intangible assets	(5,250)	(121,020)	(37,416)
Proceeds from sale of ownership interest in subsidiary (net)	0	0	27,216
Change in restricted cash	(3,706)	(709)	(794)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities	(161,732)	(282,497)	(203,595)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	69,998	71,111	28,627
Repurchase of common stock	(100,000)	(100,854)	(107,349)
Payment of cash dividend	(57,059)	(48,397)	(41,018)
Distribution to controlling interest	(2,094)	(214)	(5,615)
Excess tax benefit from the exercise of stock options	6,742	3,225	2,544
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock	(17,676)	(13,632)	(15,708)
Net cash used in financing activities	(100,089)	(88,761)	(138,519)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	1,675	(1,395)	(3,809)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	110,905	(15,814)	(36,546)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	516,112	531,926	568,472
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	627,017	516,112	531,926
Supplemental disclosure:
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received	56,760	55,085	51,881
Non-cash investing activities:
Change in PP&E purchases unpaid at period-end	(9,613)	(7,233)	15,725
Purchase consideration payable for acquisition	$ 0	$ 0	$ 95

Basis Of Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	. 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. Actual results could differ from our estimates. 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 • Stock-based compensation 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 53 week period ended September 30, 2016 (fiscal 2016 ) and the 52 week periods ended September 29, 2017 (fiscal 2017 ) and September 25, 2015 (fiscal 2015 ). Reclassifications We have reclassified certain prior period amounts within our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes to conform to our current period presentation. These reclassifications did not affect total revenue, operating income, operating cash flows or net income.

Summary Of Significant Accounti

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	. 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. The majority of our licensing revenue is generated from customers outside of the U.S. We manage this risk by performing regular evaluations of the creditworthiness of our licensing customers. In fiscal 2017 and 2016 , we did not have any individual customers whose revenue exceeded 10% of our total revenue. In fiscal 2015 , revenue from one customer, Samsung, accounted for approximately 12% of our total revenue, 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 Dolby and third-party licensors to Via Licensing Corporation, our wholly-owned subsidiary, that may only be used for licensor enforcement actions or licensee compliance activities related to certain Via-administered patent pools, as well as to disperse costs associated with any audit of Via Licensing Corporation for the Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) patent pool. 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 AFS 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 and 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 Computer equipment 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 Equipment provided under operating leases Lesser of lease term or 15 years Buildings and building improvements 20 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. 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. 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 segment is aligned with the management principles of our business. During the fiscal quarter ended December 30, 2016, we reorganized certain aspects of our internal business infrastructure primarily to integrate and align sales support more directly with our business units. In accordance with ASC Topic 350, we reviewed and reassigned our goodwill amongst our reporting units using a relative fair value allocation approach. Before doing so, we performed a “Step Zero” qualitative assessment during the quarter ended September 30, 2016 and determined that there was minimal risk of goodwill impairment in our pre-reorganization reporting units. Immediately after the reorganization, and related to our consolidated balance of goodwill of $307.1 million as of December 30, 2016, we initiated the "Step One" goodwill impairment assessment using a market approach and an income approach to value our reporting units. We completed this assessment as of March 31, 2017 and determined that there was no goodwill impairment. In addition, we completed our annual goodwill impairment assessment for fiscal 2017 in the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2017 . We determined, after performing a qualitative review, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units are substantially in excess of their respective carrying amounts. Accordingly, there was no impairment, and the "Step One" goodwill impairment test was not required. We did not incur any goodwill impairment losses in any of the periods presented. 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 eighteen 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, our price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectability is probable. Multiple Element Arrangements. Some of our revenue arrangements include multiple elements, 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 that involve software, customers receive certain elements over a period of time or after delivery of the initial software. These elements may include support, maintenance, and services. The fair value 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 of these ME arrangements that include 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 VSOE of fair value for the support element, revenue for the entire arrangement is bundled and recognized ratably over the support period. To the extent that the undelivered element is support within the context of a royalty usage based arrangement, and assuming all other revenue recognition criteria are met, we recognize the entire royalty fee as license revenue once reported. 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 IP 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 in cases where an agreement has expired, 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 or extended payment 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. In general, we classify legal costs associated with activities aimed at identifying potential unauthorized uses of our technologies, auditing existing licensees, and on occasion, pursuing litigation 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 the related services are performed and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Collaborative Arrangements. In partnership with established cinema exhibitors, we offer Dolby Cinema, a branded premium cinema experience for movie audiences. Under such collaborations, Dolby and the exhibitor are both active participants, and share the significant risks and rewards associated with the business. Accordingly, these collaborations are governed by revenue sharing arrangements under which Dolby receives a portion of the theatrical box-office revenues in exchange for the use of our imaging and sound technologies, our proprietary designs and corporate branding as well as for the use of our equipment at the exhibitor’s venue. The use of our equipment meets the definition of a lease, and for the related portion of Dolby's share of revenue, we apply ASC 840, Leases, and recognize revenue accordingly. For the use of our IP, the only other predominant deliverable, we apply ASC 605, Revenue Recognition, and recognize revenue when all revenue recognition criteria are met, which is generally upon receipt of quarterly box office reports from exhibitors, and on determining that collectability is probable. In general, revenues from collaboration arrangements are recognized as licensing 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 IP rights as part of arrangements with our customers, depreciation of our Dolby Cinema equipment provided under operating leases in collaborative arrangements, and direct fees incurred. 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 IP 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, and those 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 29, September 30, September 25, Advertising and promotional costs $ 47,402 $ 44,221 $ 46,202 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 losses were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Foreign currency transaction (losses) $ (74 ) $ (474 ) $ (142 ) 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 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016 , the outstanding derivative instruments had maturities of equal to or less than 31 days and 31 days, respectively, and the total notional amounts of outstanding contracts were $24.5 million and $18.3 million , respectively. The fair values of these contracts were nominal as of September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016 , 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 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 Consolidation. During fiscal 2017, we adopted ASU 2015-02, Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis , which amended the consolidation requirements in ASC 810 and changed the consolidation analysis required under U.S. GAAP. The ASU significantly amended how variable interests held by a reporting entity’s related parties or de facto agents affect its consolidation conclusion. Adoption of this new standard did not result in any changes to the entities we currently consolidate and did not otherwise

Composition Of Certain Financia

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
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 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016 (amounts displayed in thousands, except as otherwise noted). Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable, Net September 29, September 30, Trade accounts receivable $ 62,305 $ 66,229 Accounts receivable from patent administration program customers 14,412 11,829 Accounts receivable, gross 76,717 78,058 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (2,967 ) (2,370 ) Total $ 73,750 $ 75,688 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Beginning Balance Charged to G&A Deductions Ending Balance For fiscal year ended: September 25, 2015 $ 1,615 $ 33 $ (106 ) $ 1,542 September 30, 2016 1,542 1,017 (189 ) 2,370 September 29, 2017 2,370 924 (327 ) 2,967 Inventories Inventories September 29, September 30, Raw materials $ 6,812 $ 3,526 Work in process 4,954 4,020 Finished goods 13,285 8,808 Total $ 25,051 $ 16,354 Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Inventory with a consumption period expected to exceed twelve months is recorded within other non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheets. We have included $1.8 million and $1.6 million of raw materials inventory within other non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheets as of September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016 , 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 29, September 30, Prepaid expenses $ 16,681 $ 13,440 Other current assets 11,383 11,578 Income tax receivable 2,444 1,284 Total $ 30,508 $ 26,302 Accrued Liabilities Accrued Liabilities September 29, September 30, Accrued royalties $ 2,274 $ 1,939 Amounts payable to patent administration program partners 49,141 34,472 Accrued compensation and benefits 92,277 71,261 Accrued professional fees 5,530 6,528 Unpaid PP&E additions 10,096 17,100 Other accrued liabilities 47,716 37,755 Total $ 207,034 $ 169,055 Other Non-Current Liabilities Other Non-Current Liabilities September 29, September 30, Supplemental retirement plan obligations $ 2,928 $ 2,540 Non-current tax liabilities 91,013 68,254 Other liabilities 13,573 12,128 Total $ 107,514 $ 82,922 Refer to Note 10 “ Income Taxes ” for additional information related to tax liabilities.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Investments and Fair Value Measurements	Investments & Fair Value Measurements We use cash holdings to purchase investment grade securities diversified among security types, industries, and issuers. All of our investment securities are measured at fair value, and are recorded within cash equivalents and both short-term and long-term investments in our consolidated balance sheets. With the exception of our mutual fund investments held in our SERP and classified as trading securities, all of our investments are classified as AFS securities. Our investment securities primarily consist of government bonds, certificates of deposit, municipal debt securities, corporate bonds, U.S. agency securities, and commercial paper. In addition, our cash and cash equivalents also consist of highly-liquid money market funds. Consistent with our investment policy, none of our municipal debt investments are supported by letters of credit or standby purchase agreements. Our cash and investment portfolio consisted of the following (in thousands): September 29, Cost Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Gains Losses Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 623,244 $ 623,244 Cash equivalents: Commercial paper 1,223 — — 1,223 1,223 Money market funds 2,550 — — 2,550 2,550 Cash and cash equivalents 627,017 — — 627,017 2,550 1,223 — Short-term investments: Certificate of deposit (1) 17,236 9 (1 ) 17,244 17,244 U.S. agency securities 9,518 — (20 ) 9,498 9,498 Government bonds 2,034 — (6 ) 2,028 2,028 Commercial paper 15,160 2 (1 ) 15,161 15,161 Corporate bonds 174,750 54 (163 ) 174,641 174,641 Municipal debt securities 29,178 16 (9 ) 29,185 29,185 Short-term investments 247,876 81 (200 ) 247,757 2,028 245,729 — Long-term investments: Certificate of deposit (1) 22,940 5 (6 ) 22,939 22,939 U.S. agency securities 21,779 — (178 ) 21,601 21,601 Government bonds 17,839 — (107 ) 17,732 17,732 Corporate bonds 218,857 327 (537 ) 218,647 218,647 Municipal debt securities 28,913 29 (25 ) 28,917 28,917 Other long-term investments (2) 4,171 357 — 4,528 357 — Long-term investments 314,499 718 (853 ) 314,364 18,089 292,104 — Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments $ 1,189,392 $ 799 $ (1,053 ) $ 1,189,138 $ 22,667 $ 539,056 $ — Investments held in supplemental retirement plan: Assets 3,026 3,026 3,026 Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets & other non-current assets Liabilities 3,026 3,026 3,026 Included in accrued liabilities & other non-current liabilities (1) Certificates of deposit include marketable securities and those with a maturity in excess of one year as of September 29, 2017 are classified within long-term investments. (2) Other long-term investments as of September 29, 2017 include a marketable equity security of $0.4 million , and other investments that are not carried at fair value including an equity method investment of $0.6 million and two cost method equity investments of $3.0 million and $0.5 million . During fiscal 2017, we recorded a write-off charge to reduce the carrying value of a cost method equity investment to zero in recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment. September 30, Cost Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Gains Losses Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 501,863 $ 501,863 Cash equivalents: Commercial paper 1,099 1,099 1,099 Corporate bonds 2,240 — — 2,240 2,240 Money market funds 10,910 — — 10,910 10,910 Cash and cash equivalents 516,112 — — 516,112 10,910 3,339 — Short-term investments: Certificate of deposit (1) 13,912 6 13,918 13,918 Commercial paper 19,629 1 (10 ) 19,620 19,620 Corporate bonds 63,762 24 (14 ) 63,772 63,772 Municipal debt securities 24,334 (15 ) 24,319 24,319 Short-term investments 121,637 31 (39 ) 121,629 — 121,629 — Long-term investments: Certificate of deposit (1) 4,500 10 4,510 4,510 U.S. agency securities 27,536 24 (26 ) 27,534 27,534 Government bonds 31,971 77 (12 ) 32,036 32,036 Corporate bonds 295,921 715 (266 ) 296,370 296,370 Municipal debt securities 30,090 28 (32 ) 30,086 30,086 Other long-term investments (2) 3,002 366 3,368 366 Long-term investments 393,020 1,220 (336 ) 393,904 59,936 330,966 — Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments $ 1,030,769 $ 1,251 $ (375 ) $ 1,031,645 $ 70,846 $ 455,934 $ — Investments held in supplemental retirement plan: Assets 2,638 2,638 2,638 Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets & other non-current assets Liabilities 2,638 2,638 2,638 Included in accrued liabilities & other non-current liabilities (1) Certificates of deposit include marketable securities and those with a maturity in excess of one year as of September 30, 2016 are classified within long-term investments. (2) Other long-term investments as of September 30, 2016 include a marketable equity security of $0.4 million , and other investments that are not carried at fair value including an equity method investment of $0.5 million and two cost method equity investments of $2.0 million and $0.5 million . Fair Value Hierarchy. Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We minimize the use of unobservable inputs and use observable market data, if available, when determining fair value. We classify our inputs to measure fair value using the following three-level hierarchy: Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets at the measurement date for identical assets and liabilities. We base the fair value of our Level 1 financial instruments, which are traded in active markets, using quoted market prices for identical instruments. Level 2: Prices may be based upon quoted prices in active markets or inputs not quoted on active markets but are corroborated by market data. We obtain the fair value of our Level 2 financial instruments from a professional pricing service, which may use quoted market prices for identical or comparable instruments, or model driven valuations using observable market data or inputs corroborated by observable market data. To validate the fair value determination provided by our primary pricing service, we perform quality controls over values received which include comparing our pricing service provider’s assessment of the fair values of our investment securities against the fair values of our investment securities obtained from another independent source, reviewing the pricing movement in the context of overall market trends, and reviewing trading information from our investment managers. In addition, we assess the inputs and methods used in determining the fair value in order to determine the classification of securities in the fair value hierarchy. Level 3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available and reflect management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The following table describes the valuation techniques and inputs applicable to each class of security held within our investment portfolio as of September 29, 2017 : Asset Type Primary Source Update Frequency Fair Value Methodology Secondary Source Level 1 Money Market Funds Not Applicable Daily $1 per share Not Applicable U.S. Government Bonds FT Interactive Data Daily Market Prices Bloomberg Level 2 Certificates of Deposit ICE (Intercontinental Exchange) Monthly Market Prices Bloomberg Commercial Paper U.S. Bank Pricing Unit Daily Matrix Pricing Not Applicable Corporate Bonds ICE (Intercontinental Exchange) Daily Institutional Bond Quotes - evaluations based on various market and industry inputs Bloomberg Municipal Debt Securities Standard & Poor's Daily Evaluations based on various market and industry inputs ICE (Intercontinental Exchange) & US Agency Securities (1) ICE (Intercontinental Exchange) Daily Institutional Bond Quotes - evaluations based on various market and industry inputs Bloomberg Int'l Government Bonds ICE (Intercontinental Exchange) Daily Evaluations based on various market factors Bloomberg (1) US Agency Securities were transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 in the fiscal 2017 fair value hierarchy as quoted market prices or alternative pricing sources and models utilizing market observable inputs to determine their fair value may be used. Securities In Gross Unrealized Loss Position. We periodically evaluate our investments for other-than-temporary declines in fair value. The unrealized losses on our AFS 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 AFS securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016 (in thousands): September 29, 2017 September 30, 2016 Less Than 12 Months Greater Than 12 Months Less Than 12 Months Greater Than 12 Months Investment Type Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Certificate of deposit $ 19,750 $ (6 ) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — U.S. agency securities 19,713 (91 ) 11,386 (108 ) 22,988 (38 ) — — Government bonds 15,029 (64 ) 4,729 (49 ) — — — — Commercial paper 4,292 (1 ) — — 11,479 (10 ) — — Corporate bonds 125,890 (251 ) 109,806 (449 ) 153,491 (280 ) 1,000 — Municipal debt securities 26,749 (24 ) 3,625 (10 ) 35,625 (42 ) 4,615 (5 ) Total $ 211,423 $ (437 ) $ 129,546 $ (616 ) $ 223,583 $ (370 ) $ 5,615 $ (5 ) Although we had certain securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of September 29, 2017 , we expect to recover the full carrying value of these securities as we do not intend to, nor do we currently anticipate a need to sell these securities prior to recovering the associated unrealized losses. As a result, we do not consider any portion of the unrealized losses at either September 29, 2017 or September 30, 2016 to represent an other-than-temporary impairment, nor do we consider any of the unrealized losses to be credit losses. Investment Maturities. The following table summarizes the amortized cost and estimated fair value of the AFS securities within our investment portfolio based on stated maturities as of September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016 , which are recorded within cash equivalents and both short and long-term investments in our consolidated balance sheets (in thousands): September 29, 2017 September 30, 2016 Range of maturity Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Due within 1 year $ 251,649 $ 251,530 $ 135,886 $ 135,884 Due in 1 to 2 years 213,555 213,154 225,679 225,953 Due in 2 to 3 years 96,773 96,682 164,339 164,583 Total $ 561,977 $ 561,366 $ 525,904 $ 526,420

Property, Plant & Equipment

Property, Plant & Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant, & Equipment PP&E are recorded at cost, with depreciation expense included in cost of licensing, cost of products, cost of services, R&D, S&M, and G&A expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. Depreciation expense was $53.4 million , $52.0 million , and $48.2 million in fiscal 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. As of September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016 , PP&E consisted of the following (in thousands): Property, Plant, & Equipment September 29, September 30, Land $ 43,364 $ 43,325 Buildings and building improvements 281,196 251,700 Leasehold improvements 65,034 60,480 Machinery and equipment 98,437 88,943 Computer equipment and software 173,341 154,291 Furniture and fixtures 28,118 26,900 Equipment provided under operating leases 97,456 35,968 Construction-in-progress 3,673 32,576 Property, plant, and equipment, gross 790,619 694,183 Less: accumulated depreciation (305,344 ) (250,527 ) Property, plant, & equipment, net $ 485,275 $ 443,656

Goodwill & Intangible Assets

Goodwill & Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill & Intangible Assets Goodwill The following table outlines changes to the carrying amount of goodwill (in thousands): Goodwill Balance at September 25, 2015 $ 307,708 Translation adjustments 1,908 Balance at September 30, 2016 $ 309,616 Translation adjustments 1,471 Balance at September 29, 2017 $ 311,087 Intangible Assets Intangible assets are stated at their original cost less accumulated amortization. Intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following (in thousands): September 29, 2017 September 30, 2016 Intangible Assets, Net Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Acquired patents and technology $ 299,707 $ (128,986 ) $ 170,721 $ 293,824 $ (101,711 ) $ 192,113 Customer relationships 56,843 (38,368 ) 18,475 56,821 (34,113 ) 22,708 Other intangibles 22,742 (22,290 ) 452 22,716 (22,195 ) 521 Total $ 379,292 $ (189,644 ) $ 189,648 $ 373,361 $ (158,019 ) $ 215,342 During fiscal 2017 and 2016 , we purchased various patents and developed technology for cash consideration of $5.3 million and $121.0 million , and upon acquisition, these intangible assets had a weighted-average useful life of 18.0 years and 10.1 years, respectively. These acquisitions facilitate our R&D efforts, technologies and potential product offerings. Included within the total patent purchases made during fiscal 2016 was the acquisition of a large individual patent portfolio that fits within our existing patent licensing programs in exchange for consideration of $105.0 million . These assets are categorized within the "Acquired patents and technology" intangible asset class, and are being amortized over their weighted-average useful life of 9.0 years. 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 $30.9 million , $33.2 million , and $21.0 million in fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. As of September 29, 2017 , expected amortization expense of our intangible assets in future periods was as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Amortization Expense 2018 $ 25,581 2019 24,908 2020 24,445 2021 24,418 2022 22,191 Thereafter 68,105 Total $ 189,648

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation	. Stockholders' Equity & Stock-Based Compensation We provide stock-based awards as a form of compensation for employees, officers and directors. We have issued stock-based awards in the form of stock options and RSUs under our equity incentive plans, as well as shares under our ESPP. Common Stock - Class A and Class B Our Board of Directors has authorized two classes of common stock, Class A and Class B. At September 29, 2017 , we had authorized 500,000,000 Class A shares and 500,000,000 Class B shares. At September 29, 2017 , we had 59,281,837 shares of Class A common stock and 42,873,597 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. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan Following shareholder approval in January 2005, our 2005 Stock Plan was adopted by our Board of Directors 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 incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, RSUs, stock appreciation rights, deferred stock units, performance units, performance bonus awards, and performance shares. A total of 46.0 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 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 4 years , with equal annual cliff-vesting and expire on the earlier of 10 years after the date of grant or three months after termination of service. Options granted to employees and officers from June 2008 onward generally vest over four years , with 25% of the shares subject to the option becoming exercisable on the one-year anniversary of the date of grant and the balance of the shares vesting in equal monthly installments over the following 36 months . These options expire on the earlier of ten years after the date of grant or three 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. Our 2005 Stock Plan also allows us to grant stock awards which vest based on the satisfaction of specific performance criteria. Performance-Based Stock Options. In fiscal 2016, we began granting PSOs to our executive officers with shares of our Class A common stock underlying such options. The contractual term for the PSOs is seven years, with vesting contingent upon market-based performance conditions, representing the achievement of specified Dolby annualized TSR targets at the end of a three-year measurement period following the date of grant. If the minimum conditions are met, the PSOs earned will cliff vest on the third anniversary of the grant date, upon certification of achievement of the performance conditions by our Compensation Committee. Anywhere from 0% to 125% of the shares subject to a PSO may vest based on achievement of the performance conditions at the end of the three-year performance period. In valuing the PSOs which will be recognized as compensation cost, we used a Monte Carlo valuation model. Aside from the use of an expected term for the PSOs commensurate with their shorter contractual term, the nature of the valuation inputs used in the Monte Carlo valuation model were consistent with those used to value our non-performance based options granted under the 2005 Plan. Compensation cost is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. On December 15, 2016, we granted PSOs to our executive officers exercisable for an aggregate of 276,199 shares at the target award amount, which would be exercisable for an aggregate of up to 345,248 shares at 125% of the target award amount. On December 15, 2015, we granted PSOs to our executive officers exercisable for an aggregate of 335,699 shares at the target award amount, which would be exercisable for an aggregate of up to 419,623 shares at 125% of the target award amount. As of September 29, 2017 , PSOs exercisable for an aggregate of 571,398 shares at the target award amount, which would be exercisable for an aggregate of up to 714,246 shares at 125% of the target award amount, were outstanding. The following table summarizes information about stock options issued under our 2005 Stock Plan: Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) (in thousands) (in years) (in thousands) Options outstanding at September 30, 2016 8,690 $ 35.98 Grants 1,934 46.88 Exercises (1,679 ) 34.41 Forfeitures and cancellations (204 ) 37.64 Options outstanding at September 29, 2017 8,741 38.65 7.0 $ 164,950 Options vested and expected to vest at September 29, 2017 8,342 38.44 6.7 159,235 Options exercisable at September 29, 2017 4,783 $ 36.07 5.8 102,627 (1) Aggregate intrinsic value is based on the closing price of our Class A common stock on September 29, 2017 of $57.52 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 29, 2017 : 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) $24.60 - $28.90 785 3.6 $ 28.21 813 $ 27.64 $28.91 - $33.40 2,374 7.3 32.36 1,189 31.59 $33.41 - $37.33 110 5.4 35.37 85 35.03 $37.34 - $42.95 1,705 6.1 38.43 1,521 38.38 $42.96 - $47.45 3,374 8.0 44.30 1,125 43.12 $47.46 - $62.29 393 8.5 50.89 50 52.59 8,741 4,783 Restricted Stock Units. Beginning in fiscal 2008, we began granting RSUs to certain directors, officers and employees under our 2005 Stock Plan. Awards granted to employees and officers generally vest over four years , with equal annual cliff-vesting. Awards granted to directors prior to November 2010 generally vest over three years , with equal annual cliff-vesting. Awards granted after November 2010 and prior to fiscal 2014 to new directors vest over approximately two years , with 50% vesting per year, while awards granted from November 2010 onward to ongoing directors generally vest over approximately one year . Awards granted to new directors from fiscal 2014 onward vest on the earlier of the first anniversary of the award’s date of grant, or the day immediately preceding the date of the next annual meeting of stockholders that occurs after the award’s date of grant. Our 2005 Stock Plan also allows us to grant RSUs that vest based on the satisfaction of specific performance criteria, although no such awards had been granted as of September 29, 2017 . 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 Class A 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 30, 2016 2,872 $ 40.16 Granted 1,218 46.80 Vested (1,108 ) 36.69 Forfeitures (143 ) 39.75 Non-vested at September 29 , 2017 2,839 $ 44.38 The fair value as of the respective vesting dates of RSUs were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Restricted stock units - vest date fair value $ 51,985 $ 40,283 $ 45,175 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 lower of the closing price of our Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the first and last day of the 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 Class A 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 Class A 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 Class A common stock. Dividend Yield. The dividend yield is based on our anticipated dividend payout over the expected term of our option awards. 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 29, September 30, September 25, Expected term (in years) 5.13 5.24 4.64 Risk-free interest rate 2.1 % 1.7 % 1.5 % Expected stock price volatility 27.4 % 29.8 % 29.6 % Dividend yield 1.1 % 1.4 % 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 29, September 30, September 25, Stock options granted - weighted-average grant date fair value $ 11.39 $ 8.49 $ 10.54 Stock options exercised - intrinsic value 28,544 27,485 8,546 Stock-Based Compensation Expense Stock-based compensation expense for equity awards granted to employees is determined by estimating their fair value on the date of grant, and recognizing that value as an expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period in which our employees earn the awards. Compensation expense related to these equity awards is recognized net of estimated forfeitures, which reduce the expense recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. Our methodology under which estimated forfeiture rates are derived is based on an evaluation of trends in our historical forfeiture data with consideration for other potential driving factors. If in subsequent periods actual forfeitures significantly differ from our estimates, we will revise such estimates accordingly. 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 annual forfeiture rates used for awards granted were 10.16% , 10.49% and 9.98% in fiscal 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. The following tables separately present stock-based compensation expense both by award type and classification within our consolidated statements of operations (in thousands): Expense - By Award Type Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Stock options $ 18,630 $ 21,311 $ 22,972 Restricted stock units 43,171 42,201 40,332 Employee stock purchase plan 3,542 3,473 3,765 Total stock-based compensation 65,343 66,985 67,069 Benefit from income taxes (18,959 ) (19,627 ) (19,606 ) Total stock-based compensation, net of tax $ 46,384 $ 47,358 $ 47,463 Expense - By Income Statement Classification Fiscal Year Ended Compensation Expense - By Classification September 29, September 30, September 25, Cost of products $ 946 $ 859 $ 949 Cost of services 512 547 457 Research and development 18,497 17,771 18,682 Sales and marketing 26,175 27,579 24,283 General and administrative 19,213 20,229 22,698 Total stock-based compensation 65,343 66,985 67,069 Benefit from income taxes (18,959 ) (19,627 ) (19,606 ) Total stock-based compensation, net of tax $ 46,384 $ 47,358 $ 47,463 The tax benefit that we recognize from shares issued under our ESPP is excluded from the tables above. This benefit was as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Tax benefit - shares issued under ESPP $ 802 $ 550 $ 328 Unrecognized Compensation Expense. At September 29, 2017 , total unrecorded compensation expense associated with employee stock options expected to vest was approximately $30.9 million , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years. At September 29, 2017 , total unrecorded compensation expense associated with RSUs expected to vest was approximately $77.0 million , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.6 years. Common Stock Repurchase Program In November 2009, we announced a stock repurchase program ("program"), providing up to $250.0 million to be used for the repurchase 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 29, 2017 (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 Fiscal 2017: January 2017 200,000 Total $ 1,300,000 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 29, 2017 , the remaining authorization to purchase additional shares is approximately $152.0 million . The following table provides information regarding share repurchase activity under the program in fiscal 2017 : Quarterly Repurchase Activity Shares Repurchased Cost (1) Average Price Paid Per Share (2) (in thousands) Q1 - Quarter ended December 30, 2016 531,465 $ 25,001 $ 47.02 Q2 - Quarter ended March 31, 2017 519,917 24,999 48.07 Q3 - Quarter ended June 30, 2017 485,179 24,994 51.50 Q4 - Quarter ended September 29, 2017 488,909 25,006 51.13 Total 2,025,470 $ 100,000 (1) Cost of share repurchases includes the price paid per share and applicable commissions. (2) Average price paid per share excludes commission costs. Dividend Program In October 2014, our Board of Directors initiated a quarterly cash dividend program for our stockholders. The following table summarizes dividends declared under the program during fiscal 2017 : Fiscal Period Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Cash Dividend Per Common Share Dividend Payment Fiscal 2017 Q1 - Quarter ended December 30, 2016 January 25, 2017 February 6, 2017 February 15, 2017 $ 0.14 $14.3 million Q2 - Quarter ended March 31, 2017 April 26, 2017 May 8, 2017 May 16, 2017 $ 0.14 $14.3 million Q3 - Quarter ended June 30, 2017 July 24, 2017 August 7, 2017 August 15, 2017 $ 0.14 $14.3 million Q4 - Quarter ended September 29, 2017 October 25, 2017 November 6, 2017 November 15, 2017 $ 0.16 $16.3 million (1) (1) The dividend payment amount is estimated based on the number of shares of our Class A and Class B common stock that we estimate will be outstanding as of the Record Date.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income OCI consists of two components: unrealized gains or losses on our AFS 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 29, 2017 Fiscal Year Ended Investment Securities Currency Translation Adjustments Total Investment Securities Currency Translation Adjustments Total Beginning Balance $ 742 $ (10,939 ) $ (10,197 ) $ 350 $ (11,812 ) $ (11,462 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications: Unrealized gains/(losses) - investment securities (1,062 ) (1,062 ) (220 ) (220 ) Foreign currency translation gains/(losses) (1) 4,184 4,184 287 287 Income tax effect - benefit/(expense) 12 (621 ) (609 ) 188 586 774 Net of tax (1,050 ) 3,563 2,513 (32 ) 873 841 Amounts reclassified from AOCI into earnings: Realized gains/(losses) - investment securities (1) (95 ) (95 ) 563 563 Income tax effect - benefit/(expense) (2) 26 26 (139 ) (139 ) Net of tax (69 ) — (69 ) 424 — 424 Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss) (1,119 ) 3,563 2,444 392 873 1,265 Ending Balance $ (377 ) $ (7,376 ) $ (7,753 ) $ 742 $ (10,939 ) $ (10,197 ) (1) Realized gains or losses, if any, from the sale of our AFS 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. 29, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. by the number of weighted-average shares of Class A and Class B common stock outstanding during the period. Through application of the treasury stock method, diluted EPS is computed in the same manner, except that the number of weighted-average shares outstanding is increased by the number of potentially dilutive shares from employee incentive plans during the period. Potentially dilutive shares include the hypothetical number of shares issued under the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of outstanding RSUs. 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 29, September 30, September 25, 2015 Numerator: Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. $ 201,802 $ 185,860 $ 181,390 Denominator: Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic 101,784 100,717 102,354 Potential common shares from options to purchase common stock 1,098 1,013 811 Potential common shares from restricted stock units 404 694 697 Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted 103,286 102,424 103,862 Net income per share attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.: Basic $ 1.98 $ 1.85 $ 1.77 Diluted $ 1.95 $ 1.81 $ 1.75 Antidilutive awards excluded from calculation: Stock options 160 2,971 4,270 Restricted stock units — 30 127

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and reserves for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management's best assessment of estimated current and future taxes to be paid. We are subject to income taxes in both the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the consolidated income tax expense. Income Tax Provision The following two tables present the components of our income before provision for income taxes by geographic region and the portion of our provision for income taxes classified as current and deferred (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, United States $ 28,221 $ 37,223 $ 17,091 Foreign 228,423 198,681 228,691 Total $ 256,644 $ 235,904 $ 245,782 Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Current: Federal $ 30,719 $ 19,226 $ 24,262 State 610 521 130 Foreign 55,531 52,492 52,461 Total current 86,860 72,239 76,853 Deferred: Federal (27,345 ) (19,540 ) (9,593 ) State (4,596 ) (3,451 ) (3,686 ) Foreign (702 ) 254 (1,032 ) Total deferred (32,643 ) (22,737 ) (14,311 ) Provision for income taxes $ 54,217 $ 49,502 $ 62,542 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 $868.0 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 $224.8 million as of September 29, 2017 . 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 provision includes this withholding tax expense while the appropriate foreign tax credit benefit is included in current federal and foreign tax provision. Withholding taxes were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Withholding taxes $ 48,012 $ 45,151 $ 45,372 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 were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, Deferred income tax assets: Investments $ 2,327 $ 972 Inventories 6,821 7,855 Net operating loss 2,806 2,818 Accrued expenses 19,732 16,497 Stock-based compensation 26,970 31,397 Revenue recognition 53,843 54,043 Depreciation and amortization 52,876 26,364 Research and development credits 15,504 12,837 Foreign tax credits 10,140 9,727 Translation adjustment 625 1,223 Other 6,696 9,473 Total gross deferred income tax assets 198,340 173,206 Less: valuation allowance — — Total deferred income tax assets 198,340 173,206 Deferred income tax liabilities: Intangibles (2,277 ) (2,014 ) International earnings (4,855 ) (4,097 ) Unrealized gain on investments (293 ) (305 ) Deferred income tax assets, net (non-current) $ 190,915 $ 166,790 NOL and Tax Credit Carryforwards At September 29, 2017 , the NOL carried forward for federal and California tax purposes were $2.2 million and $9.7 million , respectively, and will expire in fiscal 2029 if unused. Additionally, we had a total foreign NOL carryforward of $7.9 million as of September 29, 2017 , an amount which is not subject to expiration. At September 29, 2017 , we also had foreign tax credit and federal R&D tax credit carryforwards of $7.7 million and $4.9 million , respectively, which will expire between fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2035, and California and foreign R&D tax credits of $20.9 million and $1.5 million , respectively, which will be carried forward indefinitely. 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. The benefit associated with the foreign rate differential shown below is net of the impact of uncertain tax positions affecting the amount of income subject to foreign taxation. A reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate to our effective tax rate on income from continuing operations was as follows: Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal effect 0.7 0.7 0.7 Stock-based compensation expense rate 1.4 1.5 1.7 Research and development tax credits (3.7 ) (5.2 ) (3.0 ) Tax exempt interest (0.1 ) (0.1 ) (0.2 ) U.S. manufacturing tax incentives (0.8 ) (1.1 ) (0.3 ) Foreign rate differential (11.7 ) (9.5 ) (9.1 ) Audit settlements (0.6 ) (2.3 ) — Other 0.9 2.0 0.6 Effective tax rate 21.1 % 21.0 % 25.4 % Our effective tax rate remained unchanged in fiscal 2017 , from 21.0% in fiscal 2016 to 21.1% in fiscal 2017 . The effective tax rate in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 reflects a benefit from a higher proportion of our overall earnings being attributable to lower tax-rate jurisdictions, offset by reduced benefits from both federal R&D tax credits and lower settlements from prior years' state audits. Our effective tax rate decreased from 25.4% in fiscal 2015 to 21.0% in fiscal 2016 . The decrease was primarily due to benefits from the settlement of a multi-year state audit and federal R&D tax credits that were retroactively reinstated in fiscal 2015 . Uncertain Tax Positions As of September 29, 2017 , the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $98.7 million , of which $85.0 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 $3.7 million as a result of the expiration of certain statute of limitations. Aggregate changes in the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Beginning Balance $ 75,168 $ 65,161 $ 31,351 Gross increases - tax positions taken during prior years 308 4,343 507 Gross decreases - tax positions taken during prior years — — — Gross increases - tax positions taken during current year 26,724 26,585 34,293 Gross decreases - settlements with tax authorities during current year (1,101 ) (20,086 ) — Lapse of statute of limitations (2,434 ) (835 ) (990 ) Ending Balance $ 98,665 $ 75,168 $ 65,161 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 2017 , our current tax provision was increased by interest expense of $1.8 million , while in fiscal 2016 , our current tax provision was increased by interest expense of $0.4 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 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016 were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, Accrued interest $ 3,733 $ 1,936 Accrued penalties 55 53 Total $ 3,788 $ 1,989 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. The material income tax jurisdictions are the United States (Federal), California, New York and the Netherlands. 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. During fiscal 2017 , we settled two multi-year examinations of our tax filings by taxing authorities, and as a result, recognized a total net tax benefit of $1.5 million related to the settlement of these audits. We settled the examination of our tax filings with the State of California for the 2009 through 2011 fiscal years and our tax filings with the State of New York for the 2011 through 2013 fiscal years. We are currently under audit by the State of New York for the 2014 through 2015 fiscal years. In the U.S federal jurisdiction, other major states, and major foreign jurisdictions, the fiscal years subsequent to 2013, 2011, and 2010, 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 consolidated 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. 29, 2017
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring	Restructuring Restructuring charges recorded in our statements of operations represent costs associated with separate individual restructuring plans implemented in various fiscal periods. 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. Fiscal 2017 Restructuring Plan. In September 2017, we implemented a plan to reduce certain activities in order to reallocate those resources towards higher priority investment areas. As a result, we recorded $12.9 million in restructuring costs during fiscal 2017, representing severance and other related benefits offered to approximately 80 employees that were affected by this action. The table presented below summarizes changes in restructuring accruals under this plan (in thousands): Severance and associated costs Restructuring charges $ 12,856 Cash payments (168 ) Non-cash and other adjustments — Balance at September 29, 2017 $ 12,688 Fiscal 2016 Restructuring Plan. In January 2016, we implemented a plan to reorganize and consolidate certain activities and positions within our global business infrastructure. As a result, we recorded $1.3 million in restructuring costs during fiscal 2016, representing severance and other related benefits offered to approximately 30 employees that were affected by this action. The table presented below summarizes changes in restructuring accruals under this plan, and reflects the completion of activity during fiscal 2016 (in thousands): Severance and associated costs Restructuring charges $ 1,294 Cash payments (1,233 ) Non-cash and other adjustments (61 ) Balance at September 30, 2016 $ —

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	Commitments & Contingencies In the ordinary course of business, we enter into contractual agreements with third parties that include non-cancelable payment obligations, for which we are liable in future periods. These arrangements can include terms binding us to minimum payments and/or penalties if we terminate the agreement for any reason other than an event of default as described by the agreement. The following table presents a summary of our contractual obligations and commitments as of September 29, 2017 (in thousands): Payments Due By Fiscal Period Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Thereafter Total Naming rights $ 7,715 $ 7,811 $ 7,909 $ 8,008 $ 8,108 $ 86,865 $ 126,416 Operating leases 15,593 12,887 11,874 10,210 8,960 25,291 84,815 Purchase obligations 12,105 24,072 21,010 — — — 57,187 Donation commitments 255 6,300 322 122 122 958 8,079 Total $ 35,668 $ 51,070 $ 41,115 $ 18,340 $ 17,190 $ 113,114 $ 276,497 Naming Rights. We are party to an agreement for naming rights and related benefits with respect to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, the location of the Academy Awards®. The term of the agreement is 20 years, over which we will make payments on a semi-annual basis until fiscal 2032. Our payment obligations are conditioned in part on the Academy Awards being held and broadcast from the Dolby Theatre. Operating Leases. Operating lease payments represent our commitments for future minimum rent made under non-cancelable leases for office space, including those payable to our principal stockholder and portions attributable to the controlling interests in our wholly owned subsidiaries. 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 29, September 30, September 25, Total rent expense $ 15,091 $ 13,288 $ 15,349 Purchase Obligations. Purchase obligations primarily consist of our commitments made under agreements to purchase goods and services related to Dolby Cinema and for purposes that include IT and telecommunications, marketing and professional services, and manufacturing and other R&D activities. Donation Commitments. Donation commitments primarily relate to a non-cancelable obligation entered into during fiscal 2014 to install and donate imaging and audio products to the Museum of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles, California, and to provide maintenance services for 15 years from its expected opening date in fiscal 2019 , in exchange for various marketing, branding, and publicity benefits. Purchase Obligations. Purchase obligations primarily consist of our commitments made under agreements to purchase goods and services related to Dolby Cinema and 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 agree to provide indemnification to the counterparty, most commonly to licensees in connection with licensing arrangements that include our IP. We have also entered into indemnification agreements with our officers, directors, and certain employees, and our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain similar indemnification obligations. Additionally, and although not a contractual requirement, we have at times elected to defend our licensees from third party IP 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.

Business Combinations

Business Combinations	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination	Business Combinations 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”) 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. Upon acquisition, the fair value of the contingent consideration liability was estimated to be $0.7 million , and based on revisions to initial estimates, the fair value of this liability was remeasured to $0.1 million as of September 25, 2015 and to zero as of September 30, 2016. The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation made to the net tangible and intangible assets acquired (including cash of $8.4 million ), and liabilities assumed based on their acquisition date fair values, with the excess amount recorded as goodwill, which is representative of the expected benefits from the integration of Doremi's technologies and assembled workforce (in thousands): 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. The value of these acquired intangibles was determined based on the present value of estimated future cash flows under various valuation techniques and inputs. 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 Total acquisition-related costs incurred in connection with the transaction were $0.4 million during fiscal 2015. These costs were included in G&A expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. Pro forma financial information has not been presented for any period since the impact of the Doremi acquisition was not material.

Operating Segments and Geograph

Operating Segments and Geographic Data	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Segments, Geographical Areas [Abstract]
Operating Segments and Geographic Data	Operating Segments & Geographic Information 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. During the fiscal quarter ended December 30, 2016, we reorganized certain aspects of our internal business infrastructure primarily to integrate and align sales support more directly with our business units. Following the reorganization, we reassessed our business units and concluded that the composition of our reportable segments remains unchanged and that we continue to operate as a single reportable segment. This reflects the fact that our CODM continues to evaluate our financial information and resources, and continues to assess the performance of these resources, on a consolidated basis. All required financial segment information is therefore included in our consolidated financial statements. Geographic Information The methods to determine revenue by geographic region for each of the three categories included within total revenue in our consolidated statements of operations are described within the table presented below. Revenue Category Basis For Determining Geographic Location Licensing Region in which our licensees’ headquarters are located Products Destination to which our products are shipped Services Location in which the relevant services are performed The following tables present selected information regarding total revenue by geographic location (amounts presented in thousands). Revenue Composition - United States & International Fiscal Year Ended Location September 29, September 30, September 25, United States $ 373,264 $ 320,129 $ 276,733 International 708,190 705,609 693,905 Total revenue $ 1,081,454 $ 1,025,738 $ 970,638 Revenue Concentration - Significant Individual Geographic Regions Fiscal Year Ended Location September 29, September 30, September 25, United States 35 % 31 % 29 % South Korea 16 % 17 % 21 % China 16 % 14 % 7 % Japan 12 % 12 % 13 % Europe 11 % 14 % 13 % Taiwan 4 % 4 % 10 % Other 6 % 8 % 7 % Total 100 % 100 % 100 % Long-lived tangible assets, net of accumulated depreciation, by geographic region were as follows (in thousands): Location September 29, September 30, United States $ 439,023 $ 412,447 International 46,252 31,209 Total long-lived tangible assets, net of accumulated depreciation $ 485,275 $ 443,656

Legal Matters

Legal Matters	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters [Abstract]
Legal Matters	Legal Matters We are involved in various legal proceedings that occasionally arise in the normal course of business. These can include claims of alleged infringement of IP 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 amounts are either immaterial, or it is not possible to provide an estimated amount of any such potential losses.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Parties 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 29, 2017 were 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 were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Related party rent expense included in operating expenses $ 3,142 $ 3,097 $ 3,136 Distributions. Distributions made by the jointly-owned real estate entities to our principal stockholder were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Distributions to principal stockholder $ (2,094 ) $ (214 ) $ (5,615 ) 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. 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. 29, 2017
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost) [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. 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 29, 2017 , 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, were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Retirement plan expenses $ 22,035 $ 20,471 $ 19,431

Selected Quarterly Financial Da

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	. Selected Quarterly Financial Data The following table presents selected unaudited quarterly financial information from fiscal 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except per share amounts): Fiscal Year 2017 Fiscal Year 2016 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Revenue: Licensing $ 232,699 $ 241,617 $ 278,106 $ 213,370 $ 211,129 $ 249,336 $ 253,026 $ 203,541 Products 28,211 20,713 22,569 23,797 24,809 20,063 20,638 25,033 Services 5,357 5,144 4,990 4,881 4,876 4,941 3,923 4,423 Total revenue 266,267 267,474 305,665 242,048 240,814 274,340 277,587 232,997 Cost of revenue 29,967 26,977 32,125 29,238 29,766 24,373 24,621 30,222 Gross margin 236,300 240,497 273,540 212,810 211,048 249,967 252,966 202,775 Income before taxes and controlling interest 67,656 66,194 96,303 26,491 39,484 83,823 81,784 30,813 Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories $ 53,374 $ 50,590 $ 76,043 $ 21,795 $ 30,901 $ 67,398 $ 63,628 $ 23,933 Earnings per share: Basic $ 0.53 $ 0.50 $ 0.75 $ 0.21 $ 0.31 $ 0.67 $ 0.63 $ 0.24 Diluted $ 0.51 $ 0.49 $ 0.73 $ 0.21 $ 0.30 $ 0.66 $ 0.62 $ 0.23 Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 101,483 101,787 101,905 101,959 100,734 100,456 100,533 101,145 Diluted 103,876 103,883 104,222 103,530 101,931 101,555 102,677 103,766

Basis Of Presentation (Policies

Basis Of Presentation (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
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. Actual results could differ from our estimates. 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 • Stock-based compensation
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 53 week period ended September 30, 2016 (fiscal 2016 ) and the 52 week periods ended September 29, 2017 (fiscal 2017 ) and September 25, 2015 (fiscal 2015 ).
Reclassifications	Reclassifications We have reclassified certain prior period amounts within our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes to conform to our current period presentation. These reclassifications did not affect total revenue, operating income, operating cash flows or net income.

Summary Of Significant Accoun28

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
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. The majority of our licensing revenue is generated from customers outside of the U.S. We manage this risk by performing regular evaluations of the creditworthiness of our licensing customers. In fiscal 2017 and 2016 , we did not have any individual customers whose revenue exceeded 10% of our total revenue. In fiscal 2015 , revenue from one customer, Samsung, accounted for approximately 12% of our total revenue, and consisted primarily of licensing revenue from our mobile and broadcast markets.
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 Dolby and third-party licensors to Via Licensing Corporation, our wholly-owned subsidiary, that may only be used for licensor enforcement actions or licensee compliance activities related to certain Via-administered patent pools, as well as to disperse costs associated with any audit of Via Licensing Corporation for the Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) patent pool
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 AFS 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 and 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 Computer equipment 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 Equipment provided under operating leases Lesser of lease term or 15 years Buildings and building improvements 20 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. 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	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. 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 segment is aligned with the management principles of our business. During the fiscal quarter ended December 30, 2016, we reorganized certain aspects of our internal business infrastructure primarily to integrate and align sales support more directly with our business units. In accordance with ASC Topic 350, we reviewed and reassigned our goodwill amongst our reporting units using a relative fair value allocation approach. Before doing so, we performed a “Step Zero” qualitative assessment during the quarter ended September 30, 2016 and determined that there was minimal risk of goodwill impairment in our pre-reorganization reporting units. Immediately after the reorganization, and related to our consolidated balance of goodwill of $307.1 million as of December 30, 2016, we initiated the "Step One" goodwill impairment assessment using a market approach and an income approach to value our reporting units. We completed this assessment as of March 31, 2017 and determined that there was no goodwill impairment. In addition, we completed our annual goodwill impairment assessment for fiscal 2017 in the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2017 . We determined, after performing a qualitative review, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units are substantially in excess of their respective carrying amounts. Accordingly, there was no impairment, and the "Step One" goodwill impairment test was not required. We did not incur any goodwill impairment losses in any of the periods presented. 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 eighteen 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, our price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectability is probable. Multiple Element Arrangements. Some of our revenue arrangements include multiple elements, 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 that involve software, customers receive certain elements over a period of time or after delivery of the initial software. These elements may include support, maintenance, and services. The fair value 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 of these ME arrangements that include 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 VSOE of fair value for the support element, revenue for the entire arrangement is bundled and recognized ratably over the support period. To the extent that the undelivered element is support within the context of a royalty usage based arrangement, and assuming all other revenue recognition criteria are met, we recognize the entire royalty fee as license revenue once reported. 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 IP 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 in cases where an agreement has expired, 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 or extended payment 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. In general, we classify legal costs associated with activities aimed at identifying potential unauthorized uses of our technologies, auditing existing licensees, and on occasion, pursuing litigation 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 the related services are performed and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Collaborative Arrangements. In partnership with established cinema exhibitors, we offer Dolby Cinema, a branded premium cinema experience for movie audiences. Under such collaborations, Dolby and the exhibitor are both active participants, and share the significant risks and rewards associated with the business. Accordingly, these collaborations are governed by revenue sharing arrangements under which Dolby receives a portion of the theatrical box-office revenues in exchange for the use of our imaging and sound technologies, our proprietary designs and corporate branding as well as for the use of our equipment at the exhibitor’s venue. The use of our equipment meets the definition of a lease, and for the related portion of Dolby's share of revenue, we apply ASC 840, Leases, and recognize revenue accordingly. For the use of our IP, the only other predominant deliverable, we apply ASC 605, Revenue Recognition, and recognize revenue when all revenue recognition criteria are met, which is generally upon receipt of quarterly box office reports from exhibitors, and on determining that collectability is probable. In general, revenues from collaboration arrangements are recognized as licensing revenue in our consolidated statements of operations.
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 IP rights as part of arrangements with our customers, depreciation of our Dolby Cinema equipment provided under operating leases in collaborative arrangements, and direct fees incurred. 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 IP 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, and those 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 29, September 30, September 25, Advertising and promotional costs $ 47,402 $ 44,221 $ 46,202
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 losses were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Foreign currency transaction (losses) $ (74 ) $ (474 ) $ (142 ) 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 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016 , the outstanding derivative instruments had maturities of equal to or less than 31 days and 31 days, respectively, and the total notional amounts of outstanding contracts were $24.5 million and $18.3 million , respectively. The fair values of these contracts were nominal as of September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016 , 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 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 Consolidation. During fiscal 2017, we adopted ASU 2015-02, Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis , which amended the consolidation requirements in ASC 810 and changed the consolidation analysis required under U.S. GAAP. The ASU significantly amended how variable interests held by a reporting entity’s related parties or de facto agents affect its consolidation conclusion. Adoption of this new standard did not result in any changes to the entities we currently consolidate and did not otherwise have any impact on our consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. Inventory. During fiscal 2017, we adopted ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which affected reporting entities that measure inventory using 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. Adoption of this new standard did not result in any material changes to inventory and did not otherwise have any impact on our consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. Standards Not Yet Effective Revenue Recognition. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which outlines a comprehensive revenue recognition model and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. The new standard defines a five-step approach for recognizing revenue, which may require a company to use more judgment and make more estimates than under the current guidance. Amongst the elements in the new standard are requirements for 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, to capitalize certain direct costs associated with revenues and contract acquisition costs, and to provide expanded disclosures. We are evaluating the impact of adoption of Topic 606 on all of our revenue streams and believe that the following are the most significant changes that could occur: • Estimating and recording royalty-based revenue earned from our licensees’ shipments in the same period in which those shipments occurred, rather than recognizing our royalty-based revenue in the quarter in which it is reported to us by our licensees, which is typically in the quarter after those shipments have occurred; • For certain transactions that have extended payment and minimum commitment terms with no further performance obligations, recognizing licensing revenues on contract execution instead of when the amounts are due and payable by the customer; • Specified performance obligations for which we have not historically had VSOE and which resulted in the deferral of significant revenue balances may accelerate revenue recognition as VSOE for the undelivered elements is no longer required to separately recognize revenue for the delivered elements; • Recording a one-time adjustment to retained earnings to reflect the loss of specified future revenues upon adoption. We have not yet quantified the impact of these anticipated changes. We may adopt the new standard by either the full retrospective method, whereby the standard is applied to all periods presented, or the modified retrospective method, whereby the standard is applied prospectively on the adoption date. We are currently evaluating our transition options. Although permitted, we do not intend to early-adopt the new standard, but will adopt it beginning September 29, 2018 being our first quarter of fiscal 2019. In addition to our ongoing evaluation of the accounting changes and of our transition options, the Company is also addressing the impact of the new accounting standard and its expanded disclosure requirements on our policies, processes, controls, and systems. Leases. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases , which amends the existing accounting standards for leases. Under the new guidance, a lessee will be required to recognize a lease liability and right-of-use asset for all leases. The new guidance also modifies the classification criteria and accounting for sales-type and direct financing leases, and requires additional disclosures to enable users of financial statements to understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The ASU must be applied using a modified retrospective approach. Upon adoption, we will recognize a lease liability and right-of-use asset for each of our long-term lease arrangements, which currently exceed 40 as of September 29, 2017 . We currently intend to early adopt this new standard concurrently with the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard beginning September 29, 2018. We have not yet quantified the impact of these changes, however, we anticipate this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets and will not have a material impact on our consolidated income statements. We currently expect the most significant impact will be the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for operating leases. Our accounting for capital leases is expected to remain substantially unchanged. Share-Based Compensation . In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. We will adopt the new standard beginning September 30, 2017. Currently, excess tax benefits or deficiencies from stock-based awards are recorded as additional paid-in capital. Upon adoption, excess tax benefits or deficiencies from stock-based awards will be recorded as a component of the income tax provision. As a result, upon adoption, income tax expense and the associated effective tax rate will be impacted by fluctuations in the stock price between the grant dates and exercise or vesting dates of the stock-based awards. Going Concern. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern . ASU 2014-15 requires management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards as specified in the guidance. The ASU is effective for us beginning September 29, 2018. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. We do not anticipate that the new standard will impact our consolidated financial statements. Cash Flow Classification. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments . The new guidance addresses eight specific cash flow issues, with the objective of reducing an existing diversity in practices regarding the manner in which certain cash receipts and payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The ASU is effective for us beginning September 29, 2018. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period, and we are currently evaluating the timing and impact of the standard on our consolidated financial statements. Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Asset Transfers. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory . The new guidance requires the recognition of the income tax consequences of an intercompany asset transfer, other than transfers of inventory, when the transfer occurs. For intercompany transfers of inventory, the income tax effects will continue to be deferred until the inventory has been sold to a third party. The ASU is effective for us beginning September 29, 2018. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. We do not anticipate that the new standard will materially impact our consolidated financial statements. Restricted Cash. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Restricted Cash — a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force , which clarifies how entities should present restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance requires entities to show the changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. The ASU is effective for us beginning September 29, 2018. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. Aside from conforming to new cash flow presentation and restricted cash disclosure requirements, we do not anticipate that the new standard will materially impact our consolidated financial statements. Accounting for Hedging Activities. In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, which enables entities to better portray the economics of their risk management activities in the financial statements while enhancing the transparency and understandability of hedge results. The new guidance eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness. The ASU is effective for us beginning September 29, 2018 and we do not currently plan to early adopt. We do not anticipate that the new standard will materially impact our consolidated financial statements.

Summary Of Significant Accoun29

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
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 Computer equipment 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 Equipment provided under operating leases Lesser of lease term or 15 years Buildings and building improvements 20 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 29, September 30, September 25, Advertising and promotional costs $ 47,402 $ 44,221 $ 46,202
Schedule of Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses)	These losses were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Foreign currency transaction (losses) $ (74 ) $ (474 ) $ (142 )

Composition Of Certain Financ30

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Schedule Of Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable, Net September 29, September 30, Trade accounts receivable $ 62,305 $ 66,229 Accounts receivable from patent administration program customers 14,412 11,829 Accounts receivable, gross 76,717 78,058 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (2,967 ) (2,370 ) Total $ 73,750 $ 75,688
Schedule Of Allowance For Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Beginning Balance Charged to G&A Deductions Ending Balance For fiscal year ended: September 25, 2015 $ 1,615 $ 33 $ (106 ) $ 1,542 September 30, 2016 1,542 1,017 (189 ) 2,370 September 29, 2017 2,370 924 (327 ) 2,967
Schedule Of Inventories	Inventories Inventories September 29, September 30, Raw materials $ 6,812 $ 3,526 Work in process 4,954 4,020 Finished goods 13,285 8,808 Total $ 25,051 $ 16,354
Schedule Of Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets	Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets September 29, September 30, Prepaid expenses $ 16,681 $ 13,440 Other current assets 11,383 11,578 Income tax receivable 2,444 1,284 Total $ 30,508 $ 26,302
Schedule Of Accrued Liabilities	Accrued Liabilities September 29, September 30, Accrued royalties $ 2,274 $ 1,939 Amounts payable to patent administration program partners 49,141 34,472 Accrued compensation and benefits 92,277 71,261 Accrued professional fees 5,530 6,528 Unpaid PP&E additions 10,096 17,100 Other accrued liabilities 47,716 37,755 Total $ 207,034 $ 169,055
Schedule Of Other Non-Current Liabilities	Other Non-Current Liabilities September 29, September 30, Supplemental retirement plan obligations $ 2,928 $ 2,540 Non-current tax liabilities 91,013 68,254 Other liabilities 13,573 12,128 Total $ 107,514 $ 82,922

Investments and Fair Value Meas

Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	Our cash and investment portfolio consisted of the following (in thousands): September 29, Cost Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Gains Losses Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 623,244 $ 623,244 Cash equivalents: Commercial paper 1,223 — — 1,223 1,223 Money market funds 2,550 — — 2,550 2,550 Cash and cash equivalents 627,017 — — 627,017 2,550 1,223 — Short-term investments: Certificate of deposit (1) 17,236 9 (1 ) 17,244 17,244 U.S. agency securities 9,518 — (20 ) 9,498 9,498 Government bonds 2,034 — (6 ) 2,028 2,028 Commercial paper 15,160 2 (1 ) 15,161 15,161 Corporate bonds 174,750 54 (163 ) 174,641 174,641 Municipal debt securities 29,178 16 (9 ) 29,185 29,185 Short-term investments 247,876 81 (200 ) 247,757 2,028 245,729 — Long-term investments: Certificate of deposit (1) 22,940 5 (6 ) 22,939 22,939 U.S. agency securities 21,779 — (178 ) 21,601 21,601 Government bonds 17,839 — (107 ) 17,732 17,732 Corporate bonds 218,857 327 (537 ) 218,647 218,647 Municipal debt securities 28,913 29 (25 ) 28,917 28,917 Other long-term investments (2) 4,171 357 — 4,528 357 — Long-term investments 314,499 718 (853 ) 314,364 18,089 292,104 — Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments $ 1,189,392 $ 799 $ (1,053 ) $ 1,189,138 $ 22,667 $ 539,056 $ — Investments held in supplemental retirement plan: Assets 3,026 3,026 3,026 Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets & other non-current assets Liabilities 3,026 3,026 3,026 Included in accrued liabilities & other non-current liabilities (1) Certificates of deposit include marketable securities and those with a maturity in excess of one year as of September 29, 2017 are classified within long-term investments. (2) Other long-term investments as of September 29, 2017 include a marketable equity security of $0.4 million , and other investments that are not carried at fair value including an equity method investment of $0.6 million and two cost method equity investments of $3.0 million and $0.5 million . During fiscal 2017, we recorded a write-off charge to reduce the carrying value of a cost method equity investment to zero in recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment. September 30, Cost Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Gains Losses Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 501,863 $ 501,863 Cash equivalents: Commercial paper 1,099 1,099 1,099 Corporate bonds 2,240 — — 2,240 2,240 Money market funds 10,910 — — 10,910 10,910 Cash and cash equivalents 516,112 — — 516,112 10,910 3,339 — Short-term investments: Certificate of deposit (1) 13,912 6 13,918 13,918 Commercial paper 19,629 1 (10 ) 19,620 19,620 Corporate bonds 63,762 24 (14 ) 63,772 63,772 Municipal debt securities 24,334 (15 ) 24,319 24,319 Short-term investments 121,637 31 (39 ) 121,629 — 121,629 — Long-term investments: Certificate of deposit (1) 4,500 10 4,510 4,510 U.S. agency securities 27,536 24 (26 ) 27,534 27,534 Government bonds 31,971 77 (12 ) 32,036 32,036 Corporate bonds 295,921 715 (266 ) 296,370 296,370 Municipal debt securities 30,090 28 (32 ) 30,086 30,086 Other long-term investments (2) 3,002 366 3,368 366 Long-term investments 393,020 1,220 (336 ) 393,904 59,936 330,966 — Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments $ 1,030,769 $ 1,251 $ (375 ) $ 1,031,645 $ 70,846 $ 455,934 $ — Investments held in supplemental retirement plan: Assets 2,638 2,638 2,638 Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets & other non-current assets Liabilities 2,638 2,638 2,638 Included in accrued liabilities & other non-current liabilities (1) Certificates of deposit include marketable securities and those with a maturity in excess of one year as of September 30, 2016 are classified within long-term investments. (2) Other long-term investments as of September 30, 2016 include a marketable equity security of $0.4 million , and other investments that are not carried at fair value including an equity method investment of $0.5 million and two cost method equity investments of $2.0 million and $0.5 million .
Available for sale Securities, Unrealized Loss Position	The following table presents the gross unrealized losses and fair value for those AFS securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016 (in thousands): September 29, 2017 September 30, 2016 Less Than 12 Months Greater Than 12 Months Less Than 12 Months Greater Than 12 Months Investment Type Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Certificate of deposit $ 19,750 $ (6 ) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — U.S. agency securities 19,713 (91 ) 11,386 (108 ) 22,988 (38 ) — — Government bonds 15,029 (64 ) 4,729 (49 ) — — — — Commercial paper 4,292 (1 ) — — 11,479 (10 ) — — Corporate bonds 125,890 (251 ) 109,806 (449 ) 153,491 (280 ) 1,000 — Municipal debt securities 26,749 (24 ) 3,625 (10 ) 35,625 (42 ) 4,615 (5 ) Total $ 211,423 $ (437 ) $ 129,546 $ (616 ) $ 223,583 $ (370 ) $ 5,615 $ (5 )
Available-for-sale Securities	Investment Maturities. The following table summarizes the amortized cost and estimated fair value of the AFS securities within our investment portfolio based on stated maturities as of September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016 , which are recorded within cash equivalents and both short and long-term investments in our consolidated balance sheets (in thousands): September 29, 2017 September 30, 2016 Range of maturity Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Due within 1 year $ 251,649 $ 251,530 $ 135,886 $ 135,884 Due in 1 to 2 years 213,555 213,154 225,679 225,953 Due in 2 to 3 years 96,773 96,682 164,339 164,583 Total $ 561,977 $ 561,366 $ 525,904 $ 526,420

Property, Plant & Equipment (Ta

Property, Plant & Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	As of September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016 , PP&E consisted of the following (in thousands): Property, Plant, & Equipment September 29, September 30, Land $ 43,364 $ 43,325 Buildings and building improvements 281,196 251,700 Leasehold improvements 65,034 60,480 Machinery and equipment 98,437 88,943 Computer equipment and software 173,341 154,291 Furniture and fixtures 28,118 26,900 Equipment provided under operating leases 97,456 35,968 Construction-in-progress 3,673 32,576 Property, plant, and equipment, gross 790,619 694,183 Less: accumulated depreciation (305,344 ) (250,527 ) Property, plant, & equipment, net $ 485,275 $ 443,656

Goodwill & Intangible Assets (T

Goodwill & Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The following table outlines changes to the carrying amount of goodwill (in thousands): Goodwill Balance at September 25, 2015 $ 307,708 Translation adjustments 1,908 Balance at September 30, 2016 $ 309,616 Translation adjustments 1,471 Balance at September 29, 2017 $ 311,087
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	Intangible assets are stated at their original cost less accumulated amortization. Intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following (in thousands): September 29, 2017 September 30, 2016 Intangible Assets, Net Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Acquired patents and technology $ 299,707 $ (128,986 ) $ 170,721 $ 293,824 $ (101,711 ) $ 192,113 Customer relationships 56,843 (38,368 ) 18,475 56,821 (34,113 ) 22,708 Other intangibles 22,742 (22,290 ) 452 22,716 (22,195 ) 521 Total $ 379,292 $ (189,644 ) $ 189,648 $ 373,361 $ (158,019 ) $ 215,342
Future Amortization Expense	As of September 29, 2017 , expected amortization expense of our intangible assets in future periods was as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Amortization Expense 2018 $ 25,581 2019 24,908 2020 24,445 2021 24,418 2022 22,191 Thereafter 68,105 Total $ 189,648

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc34

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule of Treasury Stock Authorizations [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the initial amount of authorized repurchases as well as additional repurchases approved by our Board of Directors as of September 29, 2017 (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 Fiscal 2017: January 2017 200,000 Total $ 1,300,000
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Stock-Based Awards Estimated Using Weighted-Average Assumptions	ime. The weighted-average assumptions used in the determination of the fair value of our stock options were as follows: Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Expected term (in years) 5.13 5.24 4.64 Risk-free interest rate 2.1 % 1.7 % 1.5 % Expected stock price volatility 27.4 % 29.8 % 29.6 % Dividend yield 1.1 % 1.4 % 0.9 %
Summary Of Weighted-Average Fair Value Of Stock Options Granted And Total Intrinsic Value Of Stock Options Exercised	s: Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Expected term (in years) 5.13 5.24 4.64 Risk-free interest rate 2.1 % 1.7 % 1.5 % Expected stock price volatility 27.4 % 29.8 % 29.6 % Dividend yield 1.1 % 1.4 % 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 29, September 30, September 25, Stock options granted - weighted-average grant date fair value $ 11.39 $ 8.49 $ 10.54 Stock options exercised - intrinsic value 28,544 27,485 8,546
Summary Of Stock Options Issued To Officers, Directors, And Employees Under 2000 Stock Incentive Plan And 2005 Stock Plan	The following table summarizes information about stock options issued under our 2005 Stock Plan: Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) (in thousands) (in years) (in thousands) Options outstanding at September 30, 2016 8,690 $ 35.98 Grants 1,934 46.88 Exercises (1,679 ) 34.41 Forfeitures and cancellations (204 ) 37.64 Options outstanding at September 29, 2017 8,741 38.65 7.0 $ 164,950 Options vested and expected to vest at September 29, 2017 8,342 38.44 6.7 159,235 Options exercisable at September 29, 2017 4,783 $ 36.07 5.8 102,627
Summary Of Stock Options Outstanding And Exercisable	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at September 29, 2017 : 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) $24.60 - $28.90 785 3.6 $ 28.21 813 $ 27.64 $28.91 - $33.40 2,374 7.3 32.36 1,189 31.59 $33.41 - $37.33 110 5.4 35.37 85 35.03 $37.34 - $42.95 1,705 6.1 38.43 1,521 38.38 $42.96 - $47.45 3,374 8.0 44.30 1,125 43.12 $47.46 - $62.29 393 8.5 50.89 50 52.59 8,741 4,783
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 30, 2016 2,872 $ 40.16 Granted 1,218 46.80 Vested (1,108 ) 36.69 Forfeitures (143 ) 39.75 Non-vested at September 29 , 2017 2,839 $ 44.38
Schedule of Share-Based Payment Fair Value by Vesting Date	The fair value as of the respective vesting dates of RSUs were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Restricted stock units - vest date fair value $ 51,985 $ 40,283 $ 45,175
Schedule Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense By Plan	The following tables separately present stock-based compensation expense both by award type and classification within our consolidated statements of operations (in thousands): Expense - By Award Type Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Stock options $ 18,630 $ 21,311 $ 22,972 Restricted stock units 43,171 42,201 40,332 Employee stock purchase plan 3,542 3,473 3,765 Total stock-based compensation 65,343 66,985 67,069 Benefit from income taxes (18,959 ) (19,627 ) (19,606 ) Total stock-based compensation, net of tax $ 46,384 $ 47,358 $ 47,463
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs	Expense - By Income Statement Classification Fiscal Year Ended Compensation Expense - By Classification September 29, September 30, September 25, Cost of products $ 946 $ 859 $ 949 Cost of services 512 547 457 Research and development 18,497 17,771 18,682 Sales and marketing 26,175 27,579 24,283 General and administrative 19,213 20,229 22,698 Total stock-based compensation 65,343 66,985 67,069 Benefit from income taxes (18,959 ) (19,627 ) (19,606 ) Total stock-based compensation, net of tax $ 46,384 $ 47,358 $ 47,463
Schedule of Stock Repurchase Activity	y $152.0 million . The following table provides information regarding share repurchase activity under the program in fiscal 2017 : Quarterly Repurchase Activity Shares Repurchased Cost (1) Average Price Paid Per Share (2) (in thousands) Q1 - Quarter ended December 30, 2016 531,465 $ 25,001 $ 47.02 Q2 - Quarter ended March 31, 2017 519,917 24,999 48.07 Q3 - Quarter ended June 30, 2017 485,179 24,994 51.50 Q4 - Quarter ended September 29, 2017 488,909 25,006 51.13 Total 2,025,470 $ 100,000 (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]	on Fiscal Year Ended Compensation Expense - By Classification September 29, September 30, September 25, Cost of products $ 946 $ 859 $ 949 Cost of services 512 547 457 Research and development 18,497 17,771 18,682 Sales and marketing 26,175 27,579 24,283 General and administrative 19,213 20,229 22,698 Total stock-based compensation 65,343 66,985 67,069 Benefit from income taxes (18,959 ) (19,627 ) (19,606 ) Total stock-based compensation, net of tax $ 46,384 $ 47,358 $ 47,463 The tax benefit that we recognize from shares issued under our ESPP is excluded from the tables above. This benefit was as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Tax benefit - shares issued under ESPP $ 802 $ 550 $ 328

Accumulated Other Comprehensi35

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
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 29, 2017 Fiscal Year Ended Investment Securities Currency Translation Adjustments Total Investment Securities Currency Translation Adjustments Total Beginning Balance $ 742 $ (10,939 ) $ (10,197 ) $ 350 $ (11,812 ) $ (11,462 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications: Unrealized gains/(losses) - investment securities (1,062 ) (1,062 ) (220 ) (220 ) Foreign currency translation gains/(losses) (1) 4,184 4,184 287 287 Income tax effect - benefit/(expense) 12 (621 ) (609 ) 188 586 774 Net of tax (1,050 ) 3,563 2,513 (32 ) 873 841 Amounts reclassified from AOCI into earnings: Realized gains/(losses) - investment securities (1) (95 ) (95 ) 563 563 Income tax effect - benefit/(expense) (2) 26 26 (139 ) (139 ) Net of tax (69 ) — (69 ) 424 — 424 Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss) (1,119 ) 3,563 2,444 392 873 1,265 Ending Balance $ (377 ) $ (7,376 ) $ (7,753 ) $ 742 $ (10,939 ) $ (10,197 ) (1) Realized gains or losses, if any, from the sale of our AFS 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. 29, 2017
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 29, September 30, September 25, 2015 Numerator: Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. $ 201,802 $ 185,860 $ 181,390 Denominator: Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic 101,784 100,717 102,354 Potential common shares from options to purchase common stock 1,098 1,013 811 Potential common shares from restricted stock units 404 694 697 Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted 103,286 102,424 103,862 Net income per share attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.: Basic $ 1.98 $ 1.85 $ 1.77 Diluted $ 1.95 $ 1.81 $ 1.75 Antidilutive awards excluded from calculation: Stock options 160 2,971 4,270 Restricted stock units — 30 127

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components Of Income Before Provision For Income Taxes	The following two tables present the components of our income before provision for income taxes by geographic region and the portion of our provision for income taxes classified as current and deferred (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, United States $ 28,221 $ 37,223 $ 17,091 Foreign 228,423 198,681 228,691 Total $ 256,644 $ 235,904 $ 245,782
Schedule Of Provision For Income Taxes	Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Current: Federal $ 30,719 $ 19,226 $ 24,262 State 610 521 130 Foreign 55,531 52,492 52,461 Total current 86,860 72,239 76,853 Deferred: Federal (27,345 ) (19,540 ) (9,593 ) State (4,596 ) (3,451 ) (3,686 ) Foreign (702 ) 254 (1,032 ) Total deferred (32,643 ) (22,737 ) (14,311 ) Provision for income taxes $ 54,217 $ 49,502 $ 62,542
Schedule of Withholding Taxes	The foreign current tax provision includes this withholding tax expense while the appropriate foreign tax credit benefit is included in current federal and foreign tax provision. Withholding taxes were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Withholding taxes $ 48,012 $ 45,151 $ 45,372
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 were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, Deferred income tax assets: Investments $ 2,327 $ 972 Inventories 6,821 7,855 Net operating loss 2,806 2,818 Accrued expenses 19,732 16,497 Stock-based compensation 26,970 31,397 Revenue recognition 53,843 54,043 Depreciation and amortization 52,876 26,364 Research and development credits 15,504 12,837 Foreign tax credits 10,140 9,727 Translation adjustment 625 1,223 Other 6,696 9,473 Total gross deferred income tax assets 198,340 173,206 Less: valuation allowance — — Total deferred income tax assets 198,340 173,206 Deferred income tax liabilities: Intangibles (2,277 ) (2,014 ) International earnings (4,855 ) (4,097 ) Unrealized gain on investments (293 ) (305 ) Deferred income tax assets, net (non-current) $ 190,915 $ 166,790
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 was as follows: Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal effect 0.7 0.7 0.7 Stock-based compensation expense rate 1.4 1.5 1.7 Research and development tax credits (3.7 ) (5.2 ) (3.0 ) Tax exempt interest (0.1 ) (0.1 ) (0.2 ) U.S. manufacturing tax incentives (0.8 ) (1.1 ) (0.3 ) Foreign rate differential (11.7 ) (9.5 ) (9.1 ) Audit settlements (0.6 ) (2.3 ) — Other 0.9 2.0 0.6 Effective tax rate 21.1 % 21.0 % 25.4 %
Aggregate Changes In Balance Of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Interest And Penalties	Aggregate changes in the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Beginning Balance $ 75,168 $ 65,161 $ 31,351 Gross increases - tax positions taken during prior years 308 4,343 507 Gross decreases - tax positions taken during prior years — — — Gross increases - tax positions taken during current year 26,724 26,585 34,293 Gross decreases - settlements with tax authorities during current year (1,101 ) (20,086 ) — Lapse of statute of limitations (2,434 ) (835 ) (990 ) Ending Balance $ 98,665 $ 75,168 $ 65,161
Schedule of Accrued Interest and Penalties on Unrecognized Tax Benefits	Our accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits as of September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016 were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, Accrued interest $ 3,733 $ 1,936 Accrued penalties 55 53 Total $ 3,788 $ 1,989

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Costs	Fiscal 2017 Restructuring Plan. In September 2017, we implemented a plan to reduce certain activities in order to reallocate those resources towards higher priority investment areas. As a result, we recorded $12.9 million in restructuring costs during fiscal 2017, representing severance and other related benefits offered to approximately 80 employees that were affected by this action. The table presented below summarizes changes in restructuring accruals under this plan (in thousands): Severance and associated costs Restructuring charges $ 12,856 Cash payments (168 ) Non-cash and other adjustments — Balance at September 29, 2017 $ 12,688 The table presented below summarizes changes in restructuring accruals under this plan, and reflects the completion of activity during fiscal 2016 (in thousands): Severance and associated costs Restructuring charges $ 1,294 Cash payments (1,233 ) Non-cash and other adjustments (61 ) Balance at September 30, 2016 $ —

Commitments And Contingencies (

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
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 29, 2017 (in thousands): Payments Due By Fiscal Period Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Thereafter Total Naming rights $ 7,715 $ 7,811 $ 7,909 $ 8,008 $ 8,108 $ 86,865 $ 126,416 Operating leases 15,593 12,887 11,874 10,210 8,960 25,291 84,815 Purchase obligations 12,105 24,072 21,010 — — — 57,187 Donation commitments 255 6,300 322 122 122 958 8,079 Total $ 35,668 $ 51,070 $ 41,115 $ 18,340 $ 17,190 $ 113,114 $ 276,497
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 29, September 30, September 25, Total rent expense $ 15,091 $ 13,288 $ 15,349

Business Combinations (Tables)

Business Combinations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation made to the net tangible and intangible assets acquired (including cash of $8.4 million ), and liabilities assumed based on their acquisition date fair values, with the excess amount recorded as goodwill, which is representative of the expected benefits from the integration of Doremi's technologies and assembled workforce (in thousands): 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. The value of these acquired intangibles was determined based on the present value of estimated future cash flows under various valuation techniques and inputs. 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 Geogra41

Operating Segments and Geographic Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Segments, Geographical Areas [Abstract]
Revenue By Geographic Region	Revenue Category Basis For Determining Geographic Location Licensing Region in which our licensees’ headquarters are located Products Destination to which our products are shipped Services Location in which the relevant services are performed The following tables present selected information regarding total revenue by geographic location (amounts presented in thousands). Revenue Composition - United States & International Fiscal Year Ended Location September 29, September 30, September 25, United States $ 373,264 $ 320,129 $ 276,733 International 708,190 705,609 693,905 Total revenue $ 1,081,454 $ 1,025,738 $ 970,638
Schedule Of Concentration Of Revenue From Individual Geographic Regions	Revenue Concentration - Significant Individual Geographic Regions Fiscal Year Ended Location September 29, September 30, September 25, United States 35 % 31 % 29 % South Korea 16 % 17 % 21 % China 16 % 14 % 7 % Japan 12 % 12 % 13 % Europe 11 % 14 % 13 % Taiwan 4 % 4 % 10 % Other 6 % 8 % 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 were as follows (in thousands): Location September 29, September 30, United States $ 439,023 $ 412,447 International 46,252 31,209 Total long-lived tangible assets, net of accumulated depreciation $ 485,275 $ 443,656

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
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 29, 2017 were 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 were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Related party rent expense included in operating expenses $ 3,142 $ 3,097 $ 3,136 Distributions. Distributions made by the jointly-owned real estate entities to our principal stockholder were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Distributions to principal stockholder $ (2,094 ) $ (214 ) $ (5,615 )
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	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 .

Retirement Plans Retirement Pla

Retirement Plans Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost) [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, were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 29, September 30, September 25, Retirement plan expenses $ 22,035 $ 20,471 $ 19,431

Selected Quarterly Financial 44

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Schedule Of Selected Quarterly Financial Data	The following table presents selected unaudited quarterly financial information from fiscal 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except per share amounts): Fiscal Year 2017 Fiscal Year 2016 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Revenue: Licensing $ 232,699 $ 241,617 $ 278,106 $ 213,370 $ 211,129 $ 249,336 $ 253,026 $ 203,541 Products 28,211 20,713 22,569 23,797 24,809 20,063 20,638 25,033 Services 5,357 5,144 4,990 4,881 4,876 4,941 3,923 4,423 Total revenue 266,267 267,474 305,665 242,048 240,814 274,340 277,587 232,997 Cost of revenue 29,967 26,977 32,125 29,238 29,766 24,373 24,621 30,222 Gross margin 236,300 240,497 273,540 212,810 211,048 249,967 252,966 202,775 Income before taxes and controlling interest 67,656 66,194 96,303 26,491 39,484 83,823 81,784 30,813 Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories $ 53,374 $ 50,590 $ 76,043 $ 21,795 $ 30,901 $ 67,398 $ 63,628 $ 23,933 Earnings per share: Basic $ 0.53 $ 0.50 $ 0.75 $ 0.21 $ 0.31 $ 0.67 $ 0.63 $ 0.24 Diluted $ 0.51 $ 0.49 $ 0.73 $ 0.21 $ 0.30 $ 0.66 $ 0.62 $ 0.23 Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 101,483 101,787 101,905 101,959 100,734 100,456 100,533 101,145 Diluted 103,876 103,883 104,222 103,530 101,931 101,555 102,677 103,766

Summary Of Significant Accoun45

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Maximum credit exposure (percent)	5.00%
Advertising expense	$ 47,402	$ 44,221	$ 46,202
Transaction and re-measurement gains/losses	$ (74)	(474)	$ (142)
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	18 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	$ 24,500	$ 18,300
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%

Summary Of Significant Accoun46

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Property, Plant, And Equipment, Estimated Useful Life) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, useful life, years	40 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] | Cinema equipment provided under operating leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, useful life, years	15 years

Composition Of Certain Financ47

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Raw materials	$ 6,812	$ 3,526
Document Period End Date	Sep. 29, 2017
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Raw materials	$ 1,800	$ 1,600

Composition Of Certain Financ48

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Accounts Receivable) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable	$ 62,305	$ 66,229
Accounts receivable from patent administration program partners	14,412	11,829
Accounts Receivable, Gross	76,717	78,058
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(2,967)	(2,370)
Accounts Receivable, Net	$ 73,750	$ 75,688

Composition Of Certain Financ49

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Allowance For Doubtful Accounts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Fiscal Year	$ 2,370	$ 1,542	$ 1,615
Charged to Operations		924	1,017	$ 33
Deductions	(327)	(189)	(106)
Balance at End of Fiscal Year	$ 2,967	$ 2,370	$ 1,542	$ 1,615

Composition Of Certain Financ50

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Inventories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 6,812	$ 3,526
Work in process	4,954	4,020
Finished goods	13,285	8,808
Inventories	$ 25,051	$ 16,354

Composition Of Certain Financ51

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Prepaid assets	$ 16,681	$ 13,440
Other current assets	11,383	11,578
Income tax receivable	2,444	1,284
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$ 30,508	$ 26,302

Composition Of Certain Financ52

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Accrued Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Accrual for Unpaid, Property, Plant and Equipment Additions	$ 10,096	$ 17,100
Accrued royalties	2,274	1,939
Amounts payable to joint licensing program partners	49,141	34,472
Accrued compensation and benefits	92,277	71,261
Accrued professional fees	5,530	6,528
Other accrued liabilities	47,716	37,755
Accrued liabilities	$ 207,034	$ 169,055

Composition Of Certain Financ53

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Other Non-Current Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Supplemental retirement plan obligations	$ 2,928	$ 2,540
Non-current tax liabilities	91,013	68,254
Other liabilities	13,573	12,128
Other non-current liabilities	$ 107,514	$ 82,922

Investments and Fair Value Me54

Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Schedule Of Financial Assets Carried At Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	$ 627,017	$ 516,112
Short-term investments, cost	561,977	525,904
Short term investments, total	561,366	526,420
Long-term investments, total		393,904
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments, cost	1,189,392	1,030,769
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments, unrealized gains	799	1,251
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments, unrealized losses	(1,053)	(375)
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments, total	1,189,138	1,031,645
Assets	627,017	516,112
Other long-term Investments	314,364	393,904
US Treasury and Government [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost	2,034
Short-term investments, unrealized gains	0
Short-term investments, unrealized losses	(6)
Short term investments, total	2,028
Long-term investments, cost	17,839	31,971
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	0	77
Long-term investments, unrealized losses	(107)	(12)
Long-term investments, total	17,732	32,036
U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, cost	21,779	27,536
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	0	24
Long-term investments, unrealized losses	(178)	(26)
Long-term investments, total	21,601	27,534
Commercial paper
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	1,223	1,099
Short-term investments, cost	15,160	19,629
Short-term investments, unrealized gains	2	1
Short-term investments, unrealized losses	(1)	(10)
Short term investments, total	15,161	19,620
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments, cost	4,292	11,479
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments, unrealized gains	1	10
Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		2,240
Short-term investments, cost	174,750	63,762
Short-term investments, unrealized gains	54	24
Short-term investments, unrealized losses	(163)	(14)
Short term investments, total	174,641	63,772
Long-term investments, cost	218,857	295,921
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	327	715
Long-term investments, unrealized losses	(537)	(266)
Long-term investments, total	218,647	296,370
Municipal debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost	29,178	24,334
Short-term investments, unrealized gains	16
Short-term investments, unrealized losses	(9)	(15)
Short term investments, total	29,185	24,319
Long-term investments, cost	28,913	30,090
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	29	28
Long-term investments, unrealized losses	(25)	(32)
Long-term investments, total	28,917	30,086
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments, cost	26,749	35,625
Other long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cost Method Investment, Fair Value Measurement Adjustment	400	400
Long-term investments, cost	4,171	3,002
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	357	366
Long-term investments, unrealized losses	0
Long-term investments, total	4,528	3,368
Long-term investments	600	500
Short-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost	247,876	121,637
Short-term investments, unrealized gains	81	31
Short-term investments, unrealized losses	(200)	(39)
Short term investments, total	247,757	121,629
Long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, cost	314,499	393,020
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	718	1,220
Long-term investments, unrealized losses	(853)	(336)
Long-term investments, total	314,364
Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost	17,236	13,912
Short-term investments, unrealized gains	9	6
Short-term investments, unrealized losses	(1)
Short term investments, total	17,244	13,918
Long-term investments, cost	22,940	4,500
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	5	10
Long-term investments, unrealized losses	(6)
Long-term investments, total	22,939	4,510
US Government Agencies Short-term Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost	9,518
Short-term investments, unrealized gains	0
Short-term investments, unrealized losses	(20)
Short term investments, total	9,498
Cash
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	623,244	501,863
Money market funds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	2,550	10,910
Level 1
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	2,550	10,910
Short-term investments	2,028	0
Long-term investments	18,089	59,936
Assets	22,667	70,846
Level 1 | US Treasury and Government [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments	2,028
Long-term investments	17,732	32,036
Level 1 | U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments		27,534
Level 1 | Other long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments	357	366
Level 1 | Investments held in supplemental retirement plan:
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets	3,026	2,638
Liabilities	3,026	2,638
Level 1 | Money market funds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	2,550	10,910
Level 2
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	1,223	3,339
Short-term investments	245,729	121,629
Long-term investments	292,104	330,966
Assets	539,056	455,934
Level 2 | U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments	21,601
Level 2 | Commercial paper
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	1,223	1,099
Short-term investments	15,161	19,620
Level 2 | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		2,240
Short-term investments	174,641	63,772
Long-term investments	218,647	296,370
Level 2 | Municipal debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments	29,185	24,319
Long-term investments	28,917	30,086
Level 2 | Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments	17,244	13,918
Long-term investments	22,939	4,510
Level 2 | US Government Agencies Short-term Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments	9,498
Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Cost Method Investment 1 [Member] | Other long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Other long-term Investments	3,000	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	$ 500

Investments and Fair Value Me55

Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Unrealized Loss Position) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 211,423	$ 223,583
Gross Unrealized Losses	(437)	(370)
Greater than 12 months, Fair Value	129,546	5,615
Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(616)	(5)
Investment Owned, at Cost	1,189,392	1,030,769
Investment Owned, Unrecognized Unrealized Appreciation	(799)	(1,251)
Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value	19,750	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	(6)	0
Greater than 12 months, Fair Value	0	0
Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value	19,713	22,988
Gross Unrealized Losses	(91)	(38)
Greater than 12 months, Fair Value	11,386	0
Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(108)	0
Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value	125,890	153,491
Gross Unrealized Losses	(251)	(280)
Greater than 12 months, Fair Value	109,806	1,000
Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(449)	0
Municipal debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Gross Unrealized Losses	(24)	(42)
Greater than 12 months, Fair Value	3,625	4,615
Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(10)	(5)
Investment Owned, at Cost	26,749	35,625
US Treasury and Government [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value	15,029	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	(64)	0
Greater than 12 months, Fair Value	4,729	0
Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(49)	0
Commercial paper
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Greater than 12 months, Fair Value	0	0
Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Investment Owned, at Cost	4,292	11,479
Investment Owned, Unrecognized Unrealized Appreciation	$ (1)	$ (10)

Investments and Fair Value Me56

Investments and Fair Value Measurements Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Investment Maturities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Amortized Cost
Due within 1 year	$ 251,649	$ 135,886
Due in 1 to 2 years	213,555	225,679
Due in 2 to 3 years	96,773	164,339
Total	561,977	525,904
Fair Value
Due within 1 year	251,530	135,884
Due in 1 to 2 years	213,154	225,953
Due in 2 to 3 years	96,682	164,583
Total	$ 561,366	$ 526,420

Property, Plant & Equipment (De

Property, Plant & Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 790,619	$ 694,183
Less: accumulated depreciation	(305,344)	(250,527)
Property, Plant And Equipment, Net	485,275	443,656
Depreciation	53,400	52,000	$ 48,200
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	43,364	43,325
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	281,196	251,700
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	65,034	60,480
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	98,437	88,943
Computer Systems and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	173,341	154,291
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	28,118	26,900
Cinema equipment provided under operating leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	97,456	35,968
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 3,673	$ 32,576

Goodwill & Intangible Assets (D

Goodwill & Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2016	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	$ 309,616	$ 309,616	$ 307,708
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments		1,471	1,908
Goodwill		311,087	309,616	$ 307,708
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Cost		379,292	373,361
Accumulated Amortization		(189,644)	(158,019)
Net		189,648	215,342
Payments to acquire intangible assets		5,250	121,020	37,416
Amortization of intangible assets		30,900	33,200	$ 21,000
Acquired patents and technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Cost		299,707	293,824
Accumulated Amortization		(128,986)	(101,711)
Net		170,721	192,113
Payments to acquire intangible assets	$ 105,000	$ 5,300	$ 121,000
Weighted-average useful life	9 years	18 years	10 years 1 month
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Cost		$ 56,843	$ 56,821
Accumulated Amortization		(38,368)	(34,113)
Net		18,475	22,708
Other intangibles
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Cost		22,742	22,716
Accumulated Amortization		(22,290)	(22,195)
Net		$ 452	$ 521

Goodwill & Intangible Assets -

Goodwill & Intangible Assets - Future Amortization of Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 25,581
2,017	24,908
2,018	24,445
2,019	24,418
2,020	22,191
Thereafter	68,105
Net	$ 189,648	$ 215,342

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc60

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

Jul. 24, 2017

Apr. 26, 2017

Jan. 25, 2017

Sep. 29, 2017

Sep. 30, 2016

Sep. 25, 2015

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]

Estimated forfeiture rate, percent

10.16%

10.49%

9.98%

Options granted under the plan

1,934,000

Options outstanding to purchase

8,690,000

Recognized tax benefit from the exercise of ISO and ESPP

$ 802,000

$ 550,000

$ 328,000

Percentage of vesting per year

50.00%

Share based compensation expense

65,343,000

66,985,000

67,069,000

Fair value of restricted stock units vested

$ 51,985,000

40,283,000

45,175,000

Year end stock price

$ 57.52

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

1,218,000

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

6 years 8 months 12 days

Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense

$ 65,343,000

$ 66,985,000

$ 67,069,000

Stock authorized for repurchase

1,300,000,000

$ 250,000,000

Remaining authorization to purchase additional shares

$ 152,000,000

Common stock, dividends declared (in dollars per share)

$ 0.14

$ 0.14

$ 0.14

$ 0.58

$ 0.50

$ 0.42

Class A Common Stock [Member]

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

Common stock, shares authorized (shares)

500,000,000

500,000,000

Common stock, shares issued (shares)

59,281,837

57,018,362

Class B Common Stock [Member]

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

Common stock, shares authorized (shares)

500,000,000

500,000,000

Common stock, shares issued (shares)

42,873,597

44,403,847

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

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

Shares authorized under plan

46,000,000

Options outstanding to purchase

8,741,000

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Options outstanding

7 years

Options vested and exercisable

4,783,000

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

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

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

Percentage of compensation withheld by employees to purchase common stock

10.00%

Common stock purchase price determined over percentage of closing price

15.00%

Employee Stock 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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Period

6 months

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Look Back Commencement Period

1 year

Additional Stock Approved [Member]

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

Stock authorized for repurchase

$ 200,000,000

$ 200,000,000

$ 100,000,000

$ 250,000,000

$ 300,000,000

Employee Stock Option [Member]

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

Stock options expected to vest

$ 30,900,000

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

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

Percentage of stock option becoming exercisable subjected to date of grant

25.00%

Options maximum vesting period, months

4 years

36 months

Restricted Stock Units [Member]

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

Share based compensation expense

$ 43,171,000

$ 42,201,000

$ 40,332,000

Stock options expected to vest

$ 77,000,000

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 Stoc61

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Options Issued To Officers, Directors, And Employees Under 2000 Stock Incentive Plan And 2005 Stock Plan) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Dec. 15, 2016	Dec. 15, 2015	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 28, 2012
Shares
Options outstanding at September 30, 2016			8,690,000
Grants			1,934,000
Exercises			(1,679,000)
Forfeitures and cancellations			(204,000)
Options vested and expected to vest at September 29, 2017			8,342,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Options outstanding at September 30, 2016			$ 35.98
Grants			46.88
Exercises			34.41
Forfeitures and cancellations			37.64
Options outstanding at September 29, 2017			38.65
Options vested and expected to vest at September 29, 2017			38.44
Options exercisable at September 29, 2017			$ 36.07
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			6 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Options exercisable			5 years 9 months 18 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options outstanding			$ 164,950
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options vested and expected to vest			159,235
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options exercisable			$ 102,627
Year End Stock Price			$ 57.52
Two Thousand Five Stock Plan Member | Common Class A [Member]
Shares
Options outstanding at September 29, 2017			8,741,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Options outstanding			7 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number			4,783,000
Awards Granted Under 2005 Stock Plan Prior To February 2011 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Terms for issuance of stock			2
Awards Granted Under 2005 Stock Plan From February 2011 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Terms for issuance of stock			1.6
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Options Granted From June 2008 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Options maximum vesting period, months			4 years	36 months
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Becoming Exercisable			25.00%
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Options Granted Prior To June 2008 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Options expiration period			10 years
Performance-Based Stock Options [Member] | Awarded Fiscal 2017 [Member] | Executive Officer [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	276,199
Shares
Options outstanding at September 29, 2017			571,398
Performance-Based Stock Options [Member] | Awarded Fiscal 2016 [Member] | Executive Officer [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross		335,699

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc62

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Options Outstanding And Exercisable) (Details) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Shares, Outstanding Options	8,741
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Options	$ 38.65	$ 35.98
Shares, Options Exercisable	4,783
$24.60 - $28.90 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Shares, Outstanding Options	785
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life, Outstanding Options	3 years 6 months 22 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Options	$ 28.21
Shares, Options Exercisable	813
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 27.64
$28.91 - $33.40 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Shares, Outstanding Options	2,374
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life, Outstanding Options	7 years 3 months 12 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Options	$ 32.36
Shares, Options Exercisable	1,189
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 31.59
$33.41 - 37.33 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Shares, Outstanding Options	110
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life, Outstanding Options	5 years 4 months 40 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Options	$ 35.37
Shares, Options Exercisable	85
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 35.03
$37.34 - $42.95 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Shares, Outstanding Options	1,705
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life, Outstanding Options	6 years 1 month
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Options	$ 38.43
Shares, Options Exercisable	1,521
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 38.38
$42.96 - $47.45 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Shares, Outstanding Options	3,374
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life, Outstanding Options	8 years
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Options	$ 44.30
Shares, Options Exercisable	1,125
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 43.12
$47.46 - $58.07 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Shares, Outstanding Options	393
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life, Outstanding Options	8 years 5 months 40 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Options	$ 50.89
Shares, Options Exercisable	50
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 52.59

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc63

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. 29, 2017$ / sharesshares
Shares
Non-vested at September 30, 2016 | shares	2,872
Granted | shares	1,218
Vested | shares	(1,108)
Forfeitures | shares	(143)
Non-vested at September 29, 2017 | shares	2,839
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at September 30, 2016 | $ / shares	$ 40.16
Granted | $ / shares	46.80
Vested | $ / shares	36.69
Forfeitures | $ / shares	39.75
Non-vested at September 29, 2017 | $ / shares	$ 44.38

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc64

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (RSU Vest Date Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Restricted stock units - vest date fair value	$ 51,985	$ 40,283	$ 45,175

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc65

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Fair Value Of Stock-Based Awards Estimated Using Weighted-Average Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Expected life (in years)	5 years 1 month 16 days	5 years 2 months 27 days	4 years 7 months 21 days
Risk-free interest rate	2.10%	1.70%	1.50%
Expected stock price volatility	27.40%	29.80%	29.60%
Dividend yield	1.10%	1.40%	0.90%

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc66

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, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Weighted-average fair value at date of grant	$ 11.39	$ 8.49	$ 10.54
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 28,544	$ 27,485	$ 8,546

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc67

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Forfeiture Rates) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Estimated forfeiture rate, percent	10.16%	10.49%	9.98%

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc68

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense By Plan) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 65,343	$ 66,985	$ 67,069
Share based compensation expense	65,343	66,985	67,069
Benefit from income taxes	(18,959)	(19,627)	(19,606)
Recognized tax benefit from the exercise of ISO and ESPP	802	550	328
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax	46,384	47,358	47,463
Stock Option [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense	18,630	21,311	22,972
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense	43,171	42,201	40,332
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense	$ 3,542	$ 3,473	$ 3,765

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc69

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation By Classification) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Recognized tax benefit from the exercise of ISO and ESPP	$ 802	$ 550	$ 328
Stock-based compensation expense	65,343	66,985	67,069
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	18,959	19,627	19,606
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax	46,384	47,358	47,463
Cost of products [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	946	859	949
Cost of services [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	512	547	457
Research and development [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	18,497	17,771	18,682
Sales and marketing [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	26,175	27,579	24,283
General and administrative [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 19,213	$ 20,229	$ 22,698

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc70

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Repurchase) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 30, 2016	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015	Jan. 25, 2017	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	$ 1,300,000				$ 1,300,000								$ 250,000
Shares repurchased (in shares)	488,909	485,179	519,917	531,465	2,025,470
Cost	$ 25,006	$ 24,994	$ 24,999	$ 25,001	$ 100,000	$ 100,854	$ 107,349
Average Price Paid per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 51.13	$ 51.50	$ 48.07	$ 47.02	$ 51.13
Additional Stock Approved [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount								$ 200,000	$ 200,000	$ 100,000	$ 250,000	$ 300,000

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc71

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation Stockholders' Equity And Stock- Based Compensation - Dividends Declared (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Oct. 25, 2017	Jul. 24, 2017	Apr. 26, 2017	Jan. 25, 2017	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Cash dividend declared per common share		$ 0.14	$ 0.14	$ 0.14	$ 0.58	$ 0.50	$ 0.42
Dividends		$ 14.3	$ 14.3	$ 14.3
Subsequent Event [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Cash dividend declared per common share	$ 0.16
Dividends	$ 16.3

Accumulated Other Comprehensi72

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning Of Period		$ (10,197)	$ (11,462)
Income Tax Effect - Benefit/(Expense)		(609)	774
Net of tax		2,513	841
Realized (Gains) - Investment Securities	[1]	(95)	(563)
Income Tax Effect - Expense	[2]	26	139
Net Of Tax		(69)	424
Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)		2,444	1,265
Balance, End Of Period		(7,753)	(10,197)
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning Of Period		742	350
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax		(1,062)	(220)
Income Tax Effect - Benefit/(Expense)		(12)	(188)
Net of tax		(1,050)	(32)
Realized (Gains) - Investment Securities		(95)	563
Income Tax Effect - Expense		(26)	139
Net Of Tax		(69)	424
Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)		(1,119)	392
Balance, End Of Period		(377)	742
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning Of Period		(10,939)	(11,812)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax	[1]	4,184	287
Income Tax Effect - Benefit/(Expense)		621	(586)
Net of tax		3,563	873
Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)		3,563	873
Balance, End Of Period		$ (7,376)	$ (10,939)
[1]	Realized gains or losses, if any, from the sale of our AFS 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. 29, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jul. 01, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.	$ 21,795	$ 76,043	$ 50,590	$ 53,374	$ 23,933	$ 63,628	$ 67,398	$ 30,901	$ 201,802	$ 185,860	$ 181,390
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	101,959	101,905	101,787	101,483	101,145	100,533	100,456	100,734	101,784	100,717	102,354
Potential common shares from options to purchase Class A and Class B common stock									1,098	1,013	811
Potential common shares from restricted stock units									404	694	697
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	103,530	104,222	103,883	103,876	103,766	102,677	101,555	101,931	103,286	102,424	103,862
Basic (usd per share)	$ 0.21	$ 0.75	$ 0.50	$ 0.53	$ 0.24	$ 0.63	$ 0.67	$ 0.31	$ 1.98	$ 1.85	$ 1.77
Net income per share attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. - Diluted	$ 0.21	$ 0.73	$ 0.49	$ 0.51	$ 0.23	$ 0.62	$ 0.66	$ 0.30	$ 1.95	$ 1.81	$ 1.75
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities, excluded from calculations									160	2,971	4,270
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities, excluded from calculations									0	30	127

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Deferred income tax withholding tax foreign earnings	$ 868,000
U.S. income taxes, adjusted for any foreign tax credits, and withholding taxes	224,800
Net operating loss carryovers for Federal tax purposes	2,200
Net operating loss carryovers for California tax purposes	$ 9,700
Effective tax rate	21.10%	21.00%	25.40%
Unrecognized tax benefits, gross	$ 98,665	$ 75,168	$ 65,161	$ 31,351
Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate	85,000
Estimated decrease in unrecognized tax benefits due to lapse in statute of limitations	3,700
Increase in interest expense for current tax provision	1,800	400
Reduction in penalties for current tax provision		$ (500)
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Not Subject to Expiration	7,900
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Research	4,900
Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward	7,700
California Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward	20,900
Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward	$ 1,500

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. 29, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jul. 01, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S.									$ 28,221	$ 37,223	$ 17,091
Foreign									228,423	198,681	228,691
Income before income taxes	$ 26,491	$ 96,303	$ 66,194	$ 67,656	$ 30,813	$ 81,784	$ 83,823	$ 39,484	$ 256,644	$ 235,904	$ 245,782

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Provi

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Provision For Income Taxes ) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015
Current:
Federal	$ 30,719	$ 19,226	$ 24,262
State	610	521	130
Foreign	55,531	52,492	52,461
Total current	86,860	72,239	76,853
Deferred:
Federal	(27,345)	(19,540)	(9,593)
State	(4,596)	(3,451)	(3,686)
Foreign	(702)	254	(1,032)
Total deferred	(32,643)	(22,737)	(14,311)
Provision for income taxes	54,217	$ 49,502	$ 62,542
Deferred income tax withholding tax foreign earnings	868,000
Foreign income tax rate differential	$ 224,800

Income Taxes (Withholding Taxes

Income Taxes (Withholding Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Withholding taxes	$ 48,012	$ 45,151	$ 45,372

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. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments	$ 2,327	$ 972
Inventories	6,821	7,855
Net operating loss	2,806	2,818
Accrued expenses	19,732	16,497
Stock-based compensation	26,970	31,397
Revenue recognition	53,843	54,043
Depreciation and amortization	52,876	26,364
Research and development credits	15,504	12,837
Foreign tax credits	10,140	9,727
Deferred Tax Assets, Unrealized Currency Losses	625	1,223
Other	6,696	9,473
Total gross deferred income tax assets	198,340	173,206
Less: valuation allowance	0	0
Total deferred income tax assets	198,340	173,206
Intangibles	(2,277)	(2,014)
International earnings	(4,855)	(4,097)
Unrealized gain on investments	(293)	(305)
Deferred income tax assets, net	190,915	$ 166,790
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Not Subject to Expiration	7,900
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Research	$ 4,900

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. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal effect	0.70%	0.70%	0.70%
Stock-based compensation expense rate	1.40%	1.50%	1.70%
Research and development tax credits	(3.70%)	(5.20%)	(3.00%)
Tax exempt interest	(0.10%)	(0.10%)	(0.20%)
U.S. manufacturing tax incentives	(0.80%)	(1.10%)	(0.30%)
Foreign rate differential	(11.70%)	(9.50%)	(9.10%)
Audit settlements	(0.60%)	(2.30%)	(0.00%)
Other	0.90%	2.00%	0.60%
Effective tax rate	21.10%	21.00%	25.40%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 98,665	$ 75,168	$ 65,161	$ 31,351
Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate	$ 85,000

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. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate	$ 85,000
Estimated decrease in unrecognized tax benefits due to lapse in statute of limitations	3,700
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Beginning Balance	75,168	$ 65,161	$ 31,351
Increases in balances related to tax positions taken during prior years	308	4,343	507
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	0	0		$ 0
Increases in balances related to tax positions taken during the current year	26,724	26,585	34,293
Settlements	(1,101)	(20,086)	0
Lapse of statute of limitations	(2,434)	(835)	(990)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Ending Balance	$ 98,665	$ 75,168	$ 65,161	$ 31,351

Income Taxes (Interest and Pena

Income Taxes (Interest and Penalties on Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Accrued interest	$ 3,733	$ 1,936
Accrued penalties	55	53
Total	$ 3,788	$ 1,989

Restructuring (Details)

Restructuring (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017USD ($)employee	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)employee	Sep. 25, 2015USD ($)
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charges	$ (12,856)	$ (1,233)	$ 80
2016 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	$ 0
Restructuring charges		(1,294)
Cash payments		(1,233)
Non-cash charges		(61)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance		$ 0
2013 Restructuring Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of positions eliminated | employee		30
2017 Restructuring Plan [Member] [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of positions eliminated | employee	80
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charges	$ (12,856)
Cash payments	(168)
Non-cash charges	0
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	$ 12,688

Commitments And Contingencies83

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 28, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Term of agreement				20 years
Total rent expense	$ 15,091	$ 13,288	$ 15,349

Commitments And Contingencies84

Commitments And Contingencies (Schedule Of Contractual Obligations And Commitments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Naming rights, Fiscal 2017	$ 7,715
Naming rights, Fiscal 2018	7,811
Naming rights, Fiscal 2019	7,909
Naming rights, Fiscal 2020	8,008
Naming rights, Fiscal 2021	8,108
Naming rights, Thereafter	86,865
Naming rights, Total	126,416
Donation commitments
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2017	255
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2018	6,300
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2019	322
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2020	122
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2021	122
Donation commitments, Thereafter	958
Donation commitments, Total	8,079
Operating leases
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	15,593
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	12,887
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	11,874
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	10,210
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	8,960
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	25,291
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	84,815
Purchase obligations
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months	12,105
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years	24,072
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years	21,010
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due after Five Years	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation	57,187
Total
Total, due in Fiscal 2017	35,668
Total, due in Fiscal 2018	51,070
Total, due in Fiscal 2019	41,115
Total, due in Fiscal 2020	18,340
Total, due in Fiscal 2021	17,190
Total, due Thereafter	113,114
Total due	$ 276,497

Business Combinations (Details)

Business Combinations (Details) - Doremi Labs [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2014	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross purchase price	$ 98,402
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High	20,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents	$ 8,400
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Earnout Period	4 years
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Current	$ 700	$ 100	$ 0
Acquisition-related transaction costs		$ 400

Business Combinations (Purchase

Business Combinations (Purchase Price Allocation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2014	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 311,087	$ 309,616	$ 307,708
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 45,600
Doremi Labs [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents	8,400
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
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill	45,600
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
Gross purchase price	98,402
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	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 Geogra87

Operating Segments and Geographic Data (Revenue By Geographic Region) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jul. 01, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 242,048	$ 305,665	$ 267,474	$ 266,267	$ 232,997	$ 277,587	$ 274,340	$ 240,814	$ 1,081,454	$ 1,025,738	$ 970,638
U.S. [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenue									373,264	320,129	276,733
International [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenue									$ 708,190	$ 705,609	$ 693,905

Operating Segments and Geogra88

Operating Segments and Geographic Data (Schedule Of Concentration Of Revenue From Individual Geographic Regions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015
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	35.00%	31.00%	29.00%
South Korea [Member]
Revenue From External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	16.00%	17.00%	21.00%
China [Member]
Revenue From External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	16.00%	14.00%	7.00%
Japan [Member]
Revenue From External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	12.00%	12.00%	13.00%
Europe [Member]
Revenue From External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	11.00%	14.00%	13.00%
Taiwan [Member]
Revenue From External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	4.00%	4.00%	10.00%
Other [Member]
Revenue From External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	6.00%	8.00%	7.00%

Operating Segments and Geogra89

Operating Segments and Geographic Data (Schedule Of Long-Lived Assets, Net Of Accumulated Depreciation, By Geographic Region) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total long-lived tangible assets, net of accumulated depreciation	$ 485,275	$ 443,656
U.S. [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	439,023	412,447
International [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 46,252	$ 31,209

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015	Aug. 05, 2015
Related party rent expense		$ 3,142	$ 3,097	$ 3,136
Distributions to principal stockholder		(2,094)	(214)	(5,615)
Deconsolidation of Subsidiary
Gain on sale (pretax)		0	0	26,221
Proceeds from sale of ownership interest in subsidiary (net)		$ 0	$ 0	27,216
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)				$ 26,200
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%
[1]	(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. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost) [Abstract]
Retirement plan expenses	$ 22,035	$ 20,471	$ 19,431

Selected Quarterly Financial 92

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. 29, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jul. 01, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Licensing	$ 213,370	$ 278,106	$ 241,617	$ 232,699	$ 203,541	$ 253,026	$ 249,336	$ 211,129	$ 965,792	$ 917,032	$ 868,111
Products	23,797	22,569	20,713	28,211	25,033	20,638	20,063	24,809	95,290	90,543	83,904
Services	4,881	4,990	5,144	5,357	4,423	3,923	4,941	4,876	20,372	18,163	18,623
Total revenue	242,048	305,665	267,474	266,267	232,997	277,587	274,340	240,814	1,081,454	1,025,738	970,638
Cost of revenue	29,238	32,125	26,977	29,967	30,222	24,621	24,373	29,766	118,307	108,982	94,816
Gross margin	212,810	273,540	240,497	236,300	202,775	252,966	249,967	211,048	963,147	916,756	875,822
Income before taxes and controlling interest	26,491	96,303	66,194	67,656	30,813	81,784	83,823	39,484	256,644	235,904	245,782
Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.	$ 21,795	$ 76,043	$ 50,590	$ 53,374	$ 23,933	$ 63,628	$ 67,398	$ 30,901	$ 201,802	$ 185,860	$ 181,390
Net Income Per Share:
Basic (usd per share)	$ 0.21	$ 0.75	$ 0.50	$ 0.53	$ 0.24	$ 0.63	$ 0.67	$ 0.31	$ 1.98	$ 1.85	$ 1.77
Diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.21	$ 0.73	$ 0.49	$ 0.51	$ 0.23	$ 0.62	$ 0.66	$ 0.30	$ 1.95	$ 1.81	$ 1.75
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic (shares)	101,959	101,905	101,787	101,483	101,145	100,533	100,456	100,734	101,784	100,717	102,354
Diluted (shares)	103,530	104,222	103,883	103,876	103,766	102,677	101,555	101,931	103,286	102,424	103,862