Dolby Laboratories (DLB) 10-K 25 Nov 19 2019 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Oct. 25, 2019	Mar. 29, 2019
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 27, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-32431
Entity Registrant Name	DOLBY LABORATORIES, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	90-0199783
Entity Address, Address Line One	1275 Market Street
Entity Address, City or Town	San Francisco
Entity Address, State or Province	CA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	94103-1410
City Area Code	415
Local Phone Number	558-0200
Title of 12(b) Security	Class A common stock, $0.001 par value
Trading Symbol	DLB
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 3.2
Entity Central Index Key	0001308547
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-27
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		63,971,315
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		36,229,820

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 797,210	$ 918,063
Restricted cash	8,383	7,187
Short-term investments	119,146	178,138
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $9,775 and $5,258	189,115	166,133
Contract with Customer, Asset, Net	195,651	165,959
Inventories	32,331	26,206
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	39,704	34,890
Total current assets	1,381,540	1,496,576
Long-term investments	179,587	187,782
Property, plant and equipment, net	537,432	514,182
Intangible assets, net	180,891	184,019
Goodwill	334,829	327,982
Deferred taxes	114,075	74,766
Other non-current assets	93,395	80,080
Total assets	2,821,749	2,865,387
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	15,212	21,922
Accrued liabilities	268,144	243,128
Income taxes payable	3,506	2,680
Contract liabilities	19,991	17,468
Total current liabilities	306,853	285,198
Non-current contract liabilities	24,404	25,887
Other non-current liabilities	177,462	183,799
Total liabilities	508,719	494,884
Stockholders' equity:
Additional paid-in capital	0	66,127
Retained earnings	2,327,877	2,313,539
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(20,625)	(15,832)
Total stockholders’ equity – Dolby Laboratories, Inc.	2,307,351	2,363,936
Controlling interest	5,679	6,567
Total stockholders’ equity	2,313,030	2,370,503
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,821,749	2,865,387
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	58	61
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	$ 41	$ 41

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) $ in Thousands	Mar. 29, 2019vote / shares$ / sharesshares	Sep. 29, 2017vote / shares$ / sharesshares
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 Outstanding	63,911,270	63,978,752
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 Outstanding	36,229,820	39,261,035

Consolidated Statements Of Oper

Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Revenue:
Revenue	$ 1,241,620	$ 1,054,600
Total revenue	1,241,620	1,054,600	$ 1,080,177
Cost of revenue:
Total cost of revenue	160,854	127,562	118,529
Gross margin	1,080,766	927,038	961,648
Operating expenses:
Research and development	237,871	236,794	233,312
Sales and marketing	343,835	309,762	296,661
General and administrative	205,425	197,423	171,686
Restructuring charges	(36,558)	446	(12,856)
Total operating expenses	823,689	743,533	714,515
Operating income	257,077	183,505	247,133
Other income/expense:
Interest income	24,919	18,970	9,577
Interest expense	(170)	(198)	(127)
Other income/(expense), net	481	(5,903)	(1,438)
Total other income	25,230	12,869	8,012
Income before income taxes	282,307	196,374	255,145
Provision for income taxes	(26,802)	(154,069)	(48,039)
Net income including controlling interest	255,505	42,305	207,106
Less: net (income) attributable to controlling interest	(354)	(559)	(625)
Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.	$ 255,151	$ 41,746	$ 206,481
Net Income Per Share:
Basic (usd per share)	$ 2.51	$ 0.40	$ 2.03
Diluted (usd per share)	$ 2.44	$ 0.39	$ 2
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Basic (shares)	101,629	103,377	101,784
Diluted (shares)	104,572	106,978	103,286
Related party rent expense:
Included in operating expenses	$ 16,360	$ 3,483	$ 3,142
Included in net income attributable to controlling interest	$ 572	$ 712	$ 702
Cash dividend declared per common share	$ 0.79	$ 0.67	$ 0.58
Cash dividend paid per common share	$ 0.76	$ 0.64	$ 0.56
Licensing
Revenue:
Revenue	$ 1,107,280	$ 940,777	$ 965,864
Cost of revenue:
Cost of revenue	57,531	42,583	39,329
Products and services
Revenue:
Revenue	134,340	113,823	114,313
Cost of revenue:
Cost of revenue	$ 103,323	$ 84,979	$ 79,200

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income including controlling interest	$ 255,505	$ 42,305	$ 207,106
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(10,166)	(5,578)	3,653
Unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	5,146	(2,571)	(1,119)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(5,020)	(8,149)	2,534
Comprehensive income	250,485	34,156	209,640
Less: comprehensive (income) attributable to controlling interest	(127)	(489)	(715)
Comprehensive income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.	$ 250,358	$ 33,667	$ 208,925

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]
Cumulative effect of the adoption | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09		$ 250,200
Beginning balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2016								44,404,000	57,018,000
Beginning balance, value at Sep. 30, 2016	[1]	2,228,941	$ 42,032	$ 2,188,526	$ (10,197)	$ 2,220,462	$ 8,479	$ 44	$ 57
Net income		207,106		206,481		206,481	625
Translation adjustments, net of taxes		3,653			2,444	2,444	90
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		2,534
Unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax		(1,119)
Distributions to controlling interest		(2,094)					2,094
Stock-based compensation expense		65,343	65,343			65,343
Repurchase of common stock, shares									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)			$ 0
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		2,398,727	61,331	2,337,948	(7,753)	2,391,627	7,100	$ 43	$ 58
Net income		42,305		41,746		41,746	559
Translation adjustments, net of taxes		(5,578)			(8,079)	(8,079)	(70)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		(8,149)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax		(2,571)
Distributions to controlling interest		(1,022)					1,022
Stock-based compensation expense		71,249	71,249			71,249
Repurchase of common stock, shares									2,381,000
Repurchase of common stock, value		(150,470)	150,468			150,470			$ 2
Cash dividends declared and paid on common stock		(66,155)		(66,155)		(66,155)
Tax benefit/(deficiency) from the stock incentive plans		0	0			0
Class A common stock issued under employee stock plans, shares									3,823,000
Class A common stock issued under employee stock plans, value		106,162	106,159			106,162			$ 3
Shares repurchased for tax witholdings on vesting of restricted stock, shares									358,000
Shares repurchased for tax witholdings on vesting of restricted stock, value		(22,144)	(22,144)			(22,144)			$ 0
Transfer of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, shares								3,613,000	(3,613,000)
Transfer of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, value								$ 2	$ (2)
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 28, 2018								39,261,000	63,979,000
Ending balance, value at Sep. 28, 2018		2,370,503	66,127	2,313,539	(15,832)	2,363,936	6,567	$ 41	$ 61
Net income		255,505		255,151		255,151	354
Translation adjustments, net of taxes		(10,166)			(4,793)	(4,793)	(227)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		(5,020)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax		5,146
Distributions to controlling interest		(1,015)					1,015
Stock-based compensation expense		$ 76,580	76,580			76,580
Repurchase of common stock, shares		(5,267,609)							5,268,000
Repurchase of common stock, value		$ (340,585)	177,264	(163,317)		340,585			$ 4
Cash dividends declared and paid on common stock		(77,496)		(77,496)		(77,496)
Tax benefit/(deficiency) from the stock incentive plans		0	0			0
Class A common stock issued under employee stock plans, shares									2,514,000
Class A common stock issued under employee stock plans, value		57,346	57,345			57,346			$ 1
Shares repurchased for tax witholdings on vesting of restricted stock, shares									345,000
Shares repurchased for tax witholdings on vesting of restricted stock, value		(22,788)	(22,788)			(22,788)			$ 0
Transfer of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, shares								3,031,000	(3,031,000)
Transfer of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, value								$ 0	$ 0
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 27, 2019								36,230,000	63,911,000
Ending balance, value at Sep. 27, 2019		$ 2,313,030	$ 0	$ 2,327,877	$ (20,625)	$ 2,307,351	$ 5,679	$ 41	$ 58
[1]	The cumulative effect of the adoption of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606") resulted in an adjustment to retained earnings of $250.2 million as of September 30, 2016.

Consolidated Statements Of St_2

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity And Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation tax	$ (439)	$ 106	$ (621)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities, tax	$ 58	$ 89	$ 38

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges, Exit Leased Building	$ 33,251	$ 0	$ 0
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	805,593	925,250	634,368
Operating activities:
Net income including controlling interest	255,505	42,305	207,106
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	85,123	81,283	84,308
Stock-based compensation	76,580	71,249	65,343
Amortization of premium on investments	358	2,473	2,758
Provision for doubtful accounts	4,523	2,413	924
Deferred income taxes	(40,191)	61,059	(35,046)
Other non-cash items affecting net income	6,952	7,570	2,886
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(27,492)	100,129	(56,559)
Contract assets	(29,708)	(2,502)	(5,519)
Inventories	(16,098)	(6,602)	(11,922)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(6,200)	(52,485)	(12,302)
Accounts payable and other liabilities	169	(29,019)	103,505
Income taxes, net	(2,186)	39,738	26,950
Deferred revenue	1,084	(59)	4,980
Other non-current liabilities	(13,996)	34,650	381
Net cash provided by operating activities	327,674	352,202	377,793
Investing activities:
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	(265,361)	(174,195)	(289,530)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities	200,636	123,058	84,047
Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale securities	136,951	237,432	152,324
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(96,281)	(72,814)	(99,617)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(14,919)	(22,852)	0
Purchase of intangible assets	(17,255)	(12,543)	(5,250)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities	(56,229)	78,086	(158,026)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	57,346	106,162	69,998
Repurchase of common stock	(340,585)	(150,470)	(100,000)
Payment of cash dividend	(77,496)	(66,155)	(57,059)
Distribution to controlling interest	(1,015)	(1,022)	(2,094)
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock	(22,788)	(22,144)	(17,676)
Payments for Deferred Consideration	743	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	(385,281)	(133,629)	(106,831)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(5,821)	(5,777)	1,675
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(119,657)	290,882	114,611
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	918,063	634,368	519,757
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	797,210	918,063	634,368
Supplemental disclosure:
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received	59,722	60,875	56,760
Non-cash investing activities:
Property, plant, and equipment purchased and unpaid at period-end	(324)	7,990	(9,613)
Purchase consideration payable for acquisition	1,700	3,750	0
Purchase consideration payable for intangibles	$ 1,881	$ 200	$ 0

Basis Of Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
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: • Estimates of sales-based royalty revenue that has not been reported by our licensees at period end • Estimation of variable consideration from our customers • Estimated standalone selling prices of distinct performance obligations in an customer contract • 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 52 week periods ended September 27, 2019 (fiscal 2019 ), September 28, 2018 (fiscal 2018 ), and September 29, 2017 (fiscal 2017 ). 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. 27, 2019
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 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 , we did not have any individual customers whose revenue exceeded 10% of our total revenue. 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 government bonds. Restricted Cash Restricted cash on our consolidated balance sheets consists 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 maintain a provision for estimated losses on receivables resulting from our customers' inability to make required payments. In determining the provision, we evaluate the collectability 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, geographic risk and the current business environment. Actual future losses from uncollectible accounts may differ from our estimates. Inventories Inventories are accounted for using the first-in, first-out method, and are valued 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 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. For fiscal 2019 , we completed our annual goodwill impairment assessment in the fiscal quarter ended June 29, 2019 . We determined in our qualitative review that it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting unit is substantially in excess of the respective carrying amount. 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 patents for sound, imaging and voice solutions, and to sell products and services. We recognize revenue when we satisfy a performance obligation by transferring control over the use of a license, product, or service to a customer. For additional financial information and a summary our accounting policy, refer to Note 3 . " Revenue Recognition " to our consolidated financial statements. 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 IP royalty obligations to third parties, depreciation of our Dolby Cinema equipment provided under operating leases in collaborative arrangements, and direct fees incurred. Cost of products and services. 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 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 27, September 28, September 29, Advertising and promotional costs $ 49,118 $ 49,519 $ 47,402 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 27, September 28, September 29, Foreign currency transaction (losses) $ (260 ) $ (823 ) $ (74 ) 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 27, 2019 and September 28, 2018 , 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 $29.0 million and $25.1 million , respectively. The fair values of these contracts were nominal as of September 27, 2019 and September 28, 2018 , 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 we record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets when it's more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. 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. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("the Tax Act"), provides an exemption from federal income taxes for distributions by foreign subsidiaries made after December 31, 2017 that were not subject to the transition tax. Therefore, we have provided for U.S. state income taxes and foreign withholding taxes on undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries to the extent such earnings are no longer considered to be indefinitely reinvested in the operations of those subsidiaries. We consider the earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested 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. 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 At the beginning of fiscal 2019, we adopted the following standards: Revenue Recognition . We adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"), which outlines a comprehensive revenue recognition model. The standard requires revenue recognition to account for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services, and in our case, requires the use of more judgment and estimates than the previous accounting requirements. ASC 606 also includes Subtopic 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs - Contracts with Customers , under which the incremental costs associated with obtaining a contract are required to be capitalized and amortized as expense as the contract’s performance obligations are satisfied. We do not capitalize sales commission costs because our performance obligations on which we pay commissions are complete at contract execution. We adopted ASC 606 utilizing the full retrospective method of transition which requires a recast of each prior reporting period presented. The most significant impacts of adopting ASC 606 are as follows: • We estimate and record per-unit royalty-based revenue earned from our licensees’ shipments in the same period in which those shipments occur, instead of recognizing our per-unit royalty-based revenue in the quarter in which it is reported to us by our licensees, which is generally in the quarter after those shipments have occurred. To the extent that our revenues are influenced by seasonal trends, the trends will impact revenue one fiscal quarter earlier than was previously the case; • We record a favorable or unfavorable adjustment based on the difference between estimated and actual sales when we receive reporting of sales–based royalties on royalty statements from the licensees, generally in the subsequent fiscal quarter; • For certain transactions that have extended payment and minimum commitment terms with no further performance obligations, we recognize licensing revenues on the later of contract execution or effective date regardless of when the amounts are due and payable; • We recorded a one-time adjustment of $174.4 million to the period ending September 29, 2018 retained earnings to reflect the full impact of the accounting upon adoption. We adjusted our consolidated financial statements from amounts previously reported to reflect the adoption of the new standard. Select condensed consolidated statement of income line items, which reflect the adoption of the new standard, are as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended September 28, 2018 (as previously reported) Effect of Adopting ASC 606 September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) Revenue $ 1,171,924 $ (117,324 ) $ 1,054,600 Gross margin 1,043,664 (116,626 ) 927,038 Provision for income taxes (190,062 ) 35,993 (154,069 ) Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. 122,246 (80,500 ) 41,746 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.14 $ (0.75 ) $ 0.39 Select consolidated balance sheet line items, which reflect the adoption of the new standard, are as follows (in thousands): September 28, 2018 (as previously reported) Effect of Adopting ASC 606 September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) ASSETS Accounts receivable, net $ 137,151 $ 28,982 $ 166,133 Contract assets — 165,959 165,959 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 35,209 (319 ) 34,890 Deferred taxes 101,070 (26,304 ) 74,766 Other non-current assets 42,280 37,800 80,080 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Accrued liabilities 223,594 19,534 243,128 Contract liabilities 23,931 (6,463 ) 17,468 Non-current contract liabilities 40,064 (14,177 ) 25,887 Other non-current liabilities 150,960 32,839 183,799 Retained earnings 2,139,154 174,385 2,313,539 Select consolidated statement of cash flows line items, which reflect the adoption of the new standard, are as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year-to-Date Ended September 28, 2018 (as previously reported)¹ Effect of Adopting ASC 606 September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) Operating activities: Net income including controlling interest $ 122,805 $ (80,500 ) $ 42,305 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Provision for doubtful accounts 2,507 (94 ) 2,413 Deferred income taxes 89,934 (28,875 ) 61,059 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (65,723 ) 165,852 100,129 Contract assets — (2,502 ) (2,502 ) Prepaid expenses and other assets (14,895 ) (37,590 ) (52,485 ) Accounts payable and other liabilities 15,690 (44,709 ) (29,019 ) Contract liabilities 4,362 (4,421 ) (59 ) Other non-current liabilities 1,811 32,839 34,650 Net cash provided by operating activities 352,202 — 352,202 ¹ Previously reported statement of cash flows in the table above reflects the adoption of ASU 2016-18. The impact to our previously reported condensed consolidated statement of cash flows is not material. Refer to disclosure below for further detail. In our adoption and as allowed by ASC 606, we: • used the transaction price at the date on which the contract was completed rather than estimating variable consideration amounts in the comparative reporting period; • did not disclose the amount of the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations or provide an explanation of when we expect to recognize that amount as revenue for reporting periods presented before the date of initial adoption; • reflected the aggregate effect of contract modifications in accounting for the contracts open as of the earliest reporting period presented; • did not adjust transaction prices for the effects of a significant financing component, if at contract inception, we expected the period between customer payment and the transfer of goods or services to be one year or less. We adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"), Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) ("ASU 2016-08"), which amended the principal-versus-agent implementation guidance and illustrations in ASU 2014-09. ASU 2016-08 clarifies that an entity should evaluate when it is the principal or agent for each specified good or service promised in a contract with a customer. We evaluated our contracts executed with and on our behalf with Via Licensing Corporation, our wholly-owned subsidiary that manages patent pools on behalf of third party patent owners and concluded that Via performs its functions as an agent to the patent pool licensors, which includes Dolby. Accordingly, we recognize our administrative fees and royalties net of the consideration paid to the patent licensors in the pool . Cash Flow Classification. During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we adopted ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments . The new standard addresses eight specific cash flow issues related to the classification and presentation of cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The adoption of these updates did not have a material impact on Dolby’s consolidated financial statements. Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Asset Transfers. During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we adopted ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory . The new standard 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 adoption of the guidance did not have a material impact on Dolby's consolidated financial statements. Restricted Cash. During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we adopted 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 standard 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. We adopted the new guidance using the retrospective transition approach. The reclassified restricted cash balances from investing activities to changes in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash on the consolidated statements of cash flows were not material for all periods presented. The adjusted consolidated statement of cash flows for the prior comparative period has been reclassified as a result of the adoption of the new standard. Accounting for Hedging Activities. During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we adopted ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities . The new standard eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness. In the third quarter of fiscal 2019, we implemented a cash flow hedging program using forward currency contracts. This standard applies to the presentation and disclosure of the cash flow hedging program, which was not material in relation to our consolidated financial statements as a whole. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on Dolby's consolidated financial statements. Standards Not Yet Adopted Leases. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) , which amends the existing accounting standards for leases. Under the new standard, a lessee will be required to recognize a lease liability and right-of-use asset for most leases. The new standard 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. We will adopt the new standard using the modified retrospective transition method, thereby recognizing the cumulative effect of initially applying Topic 842 as an adjustment to opening retained earnings on the adoption date, without revising the balances in comparative periods. We have evaluated the impact of Topic 842, and upon adoption, we will recognize a lease liability and right-of-use asset for each of our existing lease arrangements, which we anticipate to be material on our consolidated balance sheet. Adoption of the standard will not have a material impact on our consolidated income statement or our consolidated statement of cash flow. We plan to elect to utilize the transition guidance within the new standard which allows us to retain the historical lease classification and initial direct costs for any leases that exist prior to adoption of the standard. All new leases executed subsequent to adoption will be evaluated, and accounted for under Topic 842. ASU 2016-02 is effective for Dolby beginning September 28, 2019. We are still completing our assessment of the remaining lease term of our existing leases, assessing the completeness of our population of leases, and finalizing our determination of the discount rate used to calculate the right of use asset and lease liability. Income Taxes: Comprehensive Income. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("Tax Act"). In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act and requires entities to provide certain disclosures regarding stranded tax effects. The ASU is effective for Dolby beginning September 28, 2019. We do not believe that this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Collaborative Arrangements. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-18, Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808): Clarifying the Interaction between Topic 808 and Topic 606 , which clarifies that certain transactions between participants in a collaborative arrangement should be accounted for under ASC 606 when the counterparty is a customer. In addition, ASU 2018-18 precludes an entity from presenting consideration from a transaction in a collaborative arrangement as revenue from contracts with customers if the counterparty is not a customer for that transaction. This standard will be effective for Dolby beginning September 26, 2020, and we do not currently plan to early adopt. We do not believe that this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Financial Instruments. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments , which modifies the measurement of expected credit losses of certain financial instruments, including trade receivables, contract assets, and lease receivables. This standard will be effective for Dolby beginning September 26, 2020, and we do not currently plan to early adopt. We do not believe that this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition We enter into revenue arrangements with our customers to license technologies, trademarks and patents for sound, imaging and voice solutions, and to sell products and services. We recognize revenue when we satisfy a performance obligation by transferring control over the use of a license, product, or service to a customer. A. Identification of the Contract or Contracts with Customers We generally determine that a contract with a customer exists upon the execution of an agreement and after consideration of collectability, which could include an evaluation of the customer's payment history, the existence of a standby letter-of-credit between the customer’s financial institution and our financial institution, public financial information, and other factors. At contract inception, we also evaluate whether two or more non-standard agreements with a customer should be combined and accounted for as a single contract. B. Identification of Performance Obligations in a Contract We generate revenues principally from the following sources, which represent performance obligations in our contracts with customers: • Licensing. We license our technologies, including patents, to a range of customers who incorporate them into their products for enhanced audio, imaging and voice functionality across broadcast, mobile, CE, PC, gaming, and other markets. • Product Sales. We design and provide audio and imaging products for the cinema, television, broadcast, communications, and entertainment industries. • Services. We provide various services to support theatrical and television production for cinema exhibition, broadcast, and home entertainment, including equipment training, mixing room alignment, equalization, as well as audio, color and light image calibration. • PCS. We provide PCS for products sold and for the equipment leased, and we support the implementation of our licensing technologies in our licensees’ products. • Equipment Leases. We collaborate with established cinema exhibitors to offer Dolby Cinema, a branded premium cinema offering for movie audiences by leasing equipment and licensing our intellectual property. • Licensing Administration Fees. We generate service fees for managing patent pools on behalf of third party patent owners through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Via Licensing Corporation. Some of our revenue arrangements include multiple performance obligations, such as hardware, software, support and maintenance, and extended warranty services. We evaluate whether promised products and services are distinct performance obligations. The majority of our arrangements with multiple performance obligations pertain to our digital cinema server and processor sales that include the following distinct performance obligations to which we allocate portions of the transaction price based on their stand-alone selling price: • Digital cinema server hardware and embedded software, which is highly dependent on and highly interrelated with the hardware. Accordingly, the hardware and embedded software represent a single performance obligation. • The right to support and maintenance, which is included with the purchase of the digital cinema server hardware, is a distinct performance obligation. • The right to receive commissioning services is a distinct performance obligation within the sale of the Dolby Atmos Cinema Processor. 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. C. Determination of Transaction Price for Performance Obligations in a Contract After identifying the distinct performance obligations, we determine the transaction price in accordance with the terms of the underlying executed contract which may include variable consideration such as discounts, rebates, refunds, rights of returns, and incentives. We assess and update, if necessary, the amount of variable consideration to which we are entitled for each reporting period. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate and accrue a liability for returns and adjustments as a reduction to revenue based on several factors, including past returns history. With the exception of our sales-based royalties, we evaluate whether a significant financing component exists when we recognize revenue in advance of customer payments that occur over time. For example, some of our licensing arrangements include payment terms greater than one year from when we transfer control of our IP to a licensee and the receipt of the final payment for that IP. If a significant financing component exists, we classify a portion of the transaction price as interest income, instead of recognizing all of the transaction price as revenue. We do not adjust the transaction price for the effects of financing if, at contract inception, the period between the transfer of control to a customer and final payment is expected to be one year or less. D. Allocation of Transaction Price to Distinct Performance Obligations in a Contract For our sales-based royalties where the license is the predominant item to which the royalties relate, we present all revenues as licensing. For revenue arrangements that include multiple performance obligations, we determine the stand-alone selling price for each distinct performance obligation based on the actual selling prices made to customers. If the performance obligation is not sold separately, we estimate the stand-alone selling price. We do so by considering market conditions such as competitor pricing strategies, customer specific information and industry technology lifecycles, internal conditions such as cost and pricing practices, or applying the residual approach method when the selling price of the good, most commonly a license, is highly variable or uncertain. Once the transaction price - including any variable consideration - has been determined, we allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations identified in the contract, and recognize revenue as or when control is transferred for each distinct performance obligation. E. Revenue Recognition as Control is Transferred to a Customer We generate our licensing revenue by licensing our technologies and patents to various types of licensees, such as chip manufacturers ("implementation licensees"), consumer product manufacturers, software vendors, and communications service providers. Our revenue recognition policies for each of these arrangements are summarized below. Initial fees from implementation licensees. Implementation licensees incorporate our technologies into their chipsets that, once approved by Dolby, are available for purchase by OEMs for use in end-user products. Implementation licensees only pay us a nominal initial fee on contract execution as consideration for the ongoing services that we provide to assist in their implementation process. Revenues from these initial fees are recognized ratably over the contractual term as a component of licensing revenue. Sales-based licensing fees. In our royalty bearing licensing agreements with OEMs, control is transferred upon the later of contract execution or the contract’s effective date. We apply the royalty exception, which requires that we recognize sales-based royalties at the later of when the sales occur based on our estimates or the completion of our performance obligations. These estimates involve the use of historical data and judgment for several key attributes including industry estimates of expected shipments, the percentage of markets using our technologies, and average sale prices. Generally, our estimates represent the current period’s shipments to which we expect our licensees to submit royalty statements in the following quarter. Upon receipt of royalty statements from the licensees with the actual reporting of sales-based royalties that we estimated previously, we record a favorable or unfavorable adjustment based on the difference, if any, between estimated and actual sales. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 , we recorded a favorable adjustment of approximately $9 million , which was primarily related to January through March shipments and largely based on actual royalty statements received from licensees. Fixed and guaranteed licensing fees. In certain cases, our arrangements require the licensee to pay fixed, non-refundable fees independent of the actual number of units they may distribute in the future. In these cases, control is transferred and fees are recognized upon the later of contract execution or the effective date. Additionally and separate from initial fees from implementation licensees, our sales- and usage-based licensing agreements include a nominal fee, which is also recognized at a point in time in which control of the IP has been transferred. Revenues from these arrangements are included as a component of licensing revenue. Recoveries. Through compliance efforts, we identify under-reported licensed activity related to non-current periods. We may record a favorable or unfavorable revenue adjustment in connection with the findings from these compliance efforts generally upon resolution with the licensee through agreement of the findings, or upon receipt of the licensee’s correction statement. Revenues from these arrangements are included as a component of licensing revenue. We undertake activities aimed at identifying potential unauthorized uses of our technologies, which when successful result in the recognition of revenue. Recoveries stem from third parties who agree to remit payments to us based on past use of our technology. In these scenarios, a legally binding contract did not exist at time of use of our technology, and therefore, we recognize revenue recoveries upon execution of the agreement as that is the point in time to which a contract exists and control is transferred. These revenues are classified as licensing revenue. 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. 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. In addition to our licensing arrangements, we also enter into arrangements to deliver products and services. Product Sales. Revenue from the sale of products is recognized when the customer obtains control of the promised good or service, which is generally upon shipment. Payments are generally made within 90 days of sale. Services. We provide various services, such as engineering services related to movie soundtrack print mastering, equipment training and maintenance, mixing room alignment, equalization, and image calibration, which we bill on a fixed fee and time and materials basis. Most of these services are of a short duration and are recognized as control of the performance obligations are transferred which is when the related services are performed. Collaborative Arrangements. We collaborate with established cinema exhibitors to offer Dolby Cinema, a branded premium cinema offering for movie audiences. Under such collaborations, Dolby and the exhibitor are both active participants, and share the risks and rewards associated with the business. Accordingly, these collaborations are governed by revenue sharing arrangements under which Dolby receives revenue based on monthly box office reports from exhibitors in exchange for the use of our imaging and sound technologies, our proprietary designs and trademarks 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 based on monthly box office reports from exhibitors. Our revenue share is recognized as licensing revenue in our consolidated statements of operations. In addition, we also enter into agreements where a portion involves guaranteed payments, which in some cases result in classifying the payments as a sales-type lease. In such arrangements, we consider control to transfer at the point in time to which we have installed and tested the equipment, at which point we record such guaranteed payments as product revenue. Via Administration Fee. We generate service fees for managing patent pools on behalf of third party patent owners through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Via Licensing Corporation. As an agent to licensors in the patent pool, Via receives a share of the sales-based royalty that the patent pool licensors earn from licensees. As such, we apply the sales-based royalty exception as the service provided is directly related to the patent pool licensors’ provision of IP, which results in recognition based on estimates of the licensee’s quarter shipments that use the pool’s patents. In addition to sales-based royalties, Via also has contracts where the fees are fixed. The revenue share Via receives from licensors on fixed fee contracts is recognized over the term in which we are providing services associated with the fixed fee contract. We recognize our administrative fees net of the consideration paid to the patent licensors in the pool as licensing revenue. Deferred revenue, which is a component of contract liabilities, represents amounts that are ultimately expected to be recognized as revenue, but for which we have yet to satisfy the performance obligation. On September 27, 2019 , we had $ 41.8 million of remaining performance obligations, 45% of which we expect to recognize as revenue in fiscal 2020, 20% in fiscal 2021, and the balance of 35% in fiscal years beyond 2022. F. Disaggregation of revenue The following table presents a summary of the composition of our revenue for all periods presented: Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended September 27, 2019 September 28, 2018 Revenue (as adjusted) Licensing $ 1,107,280 89 % $ 940,777 89 % Products and services 134,340 11 % 113,823 11 % Total revenue $ 1,241,620 100 % $ 1,054,600 100 % The following table presents the composition of our licensing revenue for all periods presented: Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended September 27, 2019 September 28, 2018 Revenue By Market (as adjusted) Broadcast $ 474,147 43 % $ 385,705 41 % Mobile 193,052 17 % 148,356 16 % CE 154,399 14 % 144,132 15 % PC 113,597 10 % 106,765 11 % Other 172,085 16 % 155,819 17 % Total licensing revenue $ 1,107,280 100 % $ 940,777 100 % We license our technologies in approximately 60 countries, and our licensees distribute products that incorporate our technologies throughout the world. As shown in the table below, we generate the majority of our revenue from outside the United States. Geographic data for our licensing revenue is based on the location of our licensees’ headquarters, products revenue is based on the destination to which we ship our products, and services revenue is based on the location where services are performed. Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended September 27, 2019 September 28, 2018 Revenue By Geographic Location (as adjusted) United States $ 449,203 36 % $ 353,235 33 % International 792,417 64 % 701,365 67 % Total revenue $ 1,241,620 100 % $ 1,054,600 100 % G. Contract balances Our contract assets represent rights to consideration from licensees for the use of our IP that we have estimated in a given quarter in the absence of receiving actual royalty statements from licensees. These estimates reflect our best judgment at that time, and are developed using a number of inputs, including historical data, industry estimates of expected shipments, anticipated sales price and performance, and third-party data supporting the percentage of markets using our technologies. In the event that our estimates differ from actual amounts reported, we record an adjustment in the quarter in which the report is received which is typically the quarter following our estimate. Actual amounts reported are typically paid within sixty days following the end of the quarter of shipment. The main drivers for change in the contract assets account are variances in quarterly estimates, and to a lesser degree, timing of receipt of actual royalty statements. Our contract liabilities consist of advance payments and billings in advance of performance, deferred revenue that is typically satisfied within one year, and deferred interest where we have significant financing. The non-current portion of contract liabilities is separately disclosed in our consolidated balance sheets. We present the net contract asset or liability when we have both contract assets and contract liabilities for a single contract. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 , we recognized $6.6 million from prior period deferred revenue and deferred interest from arrangements which include a significant financing component. The following table presents a summary of the balances to which contract assets and liabilities related to revenue are recorded for all periods presented: September 27, 2019 September 28, 2018 Change ($) Change (%) (as adjusted) Accounts receivable, net $ 189,115 $ 166,133 $ 22,982 14 % Contract assets 195,651 165,959 29,692 18 % Other non-current assets 93,395 80,080 13,315 17 % Contract liabilities - current 19,991 17,468 2,523 14 % Contract liabilities - non-current 24,404 25,887 (1,483 ) (6 )% Other non-current liabilities 177,462 183,799 (6,337 ) (3 )%

Composition Of Certain Financia

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
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 27, 2019 and September 28, 2018 (amounts displayed in thousands). Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable, Net September 27, September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) Trade accounts receivable $ 151,996 $ 108,929 Accounts receivable from patent administration program licensees 46,894 62,462 Accounts receivable, gross 198,890 171,391 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (9,775 ) (5,258 ) Total $ 189,115 $ 166,133 Trade accounts receivable includes unbilled accounts receivable balances of $57.2 million as of September 27, 2019 related to amounts that are contractually owed. The unbilled balance represents our unconditional right to consideration related to fixed fee contracts which we are entitled to as a result of satisfying, or partially satisfying, performance obligations, as well as Via's unconditional right to consideration related to their patent administration programs. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Beginning Balance Charged to G&A Deductions Ending Balance For fiscal year ended: September 29, 2017 $ 2,370 $ 924 $ (327 ) $ 2,967 September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) 2,967 2,413 (122 ) 5,258 September 27, 2019 5,258 4,523 (6 ) 9,775 Inventories Inventories September 27, September 28, Raw materials $ 8,031 $ 6,095 Work in process 4,872 4,044 Finished goods 19,428 16,067 Total $ 32,331 $ 26,206 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 $3.0 million and $2.6 million of raw materials inventory within other non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheets as of September 27, 2019 and September 28, 2018 , 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 27, September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) Prepaid expenses $ 17,997 $ 18,508 Other current assets 20,924 13,946 Income tax receivable 783 2,436 Total $ 39,704 $ 34,890 As of September 27, 2019 , other current assets include the carrying value of $2.2 million of land and building that are currently held for sale. Management has committed to a plan to sell the property. Based on current estimated selling prices in the market, we have determined that no indicators of potential impairment exist. Accrued Liabilities Accrued Liabilities September 27, September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) Accrued royalties $ 2,957 $ 2,648 Amounts payable to patent administration program partners 58,899 69,061 Accrued compensation and benefits 78,716 84,491 Accrued professional fees 19,216 9,749 Unpaid PP&E additions 15,332 13,956 Other accrued liabilities 93,024 63,223 Total $ 268,144 $ 243,128 Other Non-Current Liabilities Other Non-Current Liabilities September 27, September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) Supplemental retirement plan obligations $ 3,466 $ 3,388 Non-current tax liabilities (1) 136,323 129,253 Other liabilities 37,673 51,158 Total $ 177,462 $ 183,799 (1) Refer to Note 11 “ Income Taxes ” for additional information related to tax liabilities.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
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 27, Cost Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Gains Losses Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 680,287 $ — $ — $ 680,287 $ 680,287 $ — $ — Cash equivalents: Corporate bonds 1,000 — — 1,000 — 1,000 — Money market funds 115,270 — — 115,270 115,270 — — Government bonds 653 — — 653 653 — — Cash and cash equivalents 797,210 — — 797,210 796,210 1,000 — Short-term investments: Certificate of deposit 1,265 1 — 1,266 — 1,266 — U.S. agency securities 10,973 8 (9 ) 10,972 — 10,972 — Government bonds 8,381 11 (1 ) 8,391 5,784 2,607 — Commercial paper 6,347 9 — 6,356 — 6,356 — Corporate bonds 76,802 172 (34 ) 76,940 — 76,940 — Municipal debt securities 15,210 18 (7 ) 15,221 — 15,221 — Short-term investments 118,978 219 (51 ) 119,146 5,784 113,362 — Long-term investments: Asset backed securities 400 2 — 402 — 402 — U.S. agency securities 7,102 146 — 7,248 — 7,248 — Government bonds 23,563 187 — 23,750 19,670 4,080 — Corporate bonds 134,360 1,700 — 136,060 — 136,060 — Municipal debt securities 10,315 87 (6 ) 10,396 — 10,396 — Other long-term investments (1) 1,731 — — 1,731 — — — Long-term investments 177,471 2,122 (6 ) 179,587 19,670 158,186 — Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments $ 1,093,659 $ 2,341 $ (57 ) $ 1,095,943 $ 821,664 $ 272,548 $ — Investments held in supplemental retirement plan: Assets 3,564 — — 3,564 3,564 — — Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets & other non-current assets Liabilities 3,564 — — 3,564 3,564 — — Included in accrued liabilities & other non-current liabilities Currency derivatives as hedge instruments: Assets — — — — — — — Included in other current assets Liabilities — — (242 ) (242 ) — (242 ) — Included in other accrued expenses (1) Other long-term investments as of September 27, 2019 includes an investment that is not carried at fair value including an equity method investment of $1.7 million . September 28, Cost Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Gains Losses Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 905,660 $ — $ — $ 905,660 $ 905,660 $ — $ — Cash equivalents: Commercial paper 5,058 — — 5,058 — 5,058 — Corporate bonds 1,005 — — 1,005 — 1,005 — Money market funds 3,301 — — 3,301 3,301 — — Municipal debt securities 545 — (1 ) 544 — 544 — Government bonds 2,495 — — 2,495 2,495 — — Cash and cash equivalents 918,064 — (1 ) 918,063 911,456 6,607 — Short-term investments: Certificate of deposit 12,875 14 — 12,889 — 12,889 — U.S. agency securities 11,997 — (135 ) 11,862 — 11,862 — Government bonds 7,970 — (15 ) 7,955 7,955 — — Commercial paper 4,276 — — 4,276 — 4,276 — Corporate bonds 111,245 50 (494 ) 110,801 — 110,801 — Municipal debt securities 30,475 — (120 ) 30,355 — 30,355 — Short-term investments 178,838 64 (764 ) 178,138 7,955 170,183 — Long-term investments: U.S. agency securities 9,791 — (166 ) 9,625 — 9,625 — Government bonds 15,966 — (317 ) 15,649 15,649 — — Corporate bonds 146,561 33 (1,810 ) 144,784 — 144,784 — Municipal debt securities 17,235 — (112 ) 17,123 — 17,123 — Other long-term investments (1) 355 246 — 601 246 — — Long-term investments 189,908 279 (2,405 ) 187,782 15,895 171,532 — Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments $ 1,286,810 $ 343 $ (3,170 ) $ 1,283,983 $ 935,306 $ 348,322 $ — Investments held in supplemental retirement plan: Assets 3,486 — — 3,486 3,486 — — Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets & other non-current assets Liabilities 3,486 — — 3,486 3,486 — — Included in accrued liabilities & other non-current liabilities (1) Other long-term investments as of September 28, 2018 include a marketable equity security of $0.2 million , and other investments that are not carried at fair value including an equity method investment of $0.4 million . During fiscal 2018, we recorded write-off charges to reduce the carrying value of two cost method equity investments to zero in recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment for each investment. 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 27, 2019 : Asset Type Primary Source Update Frequency Fair Value Methodology Secondary Source Level 1 Money Market Funds ICE (Intercontinental Exchange) Daily $1 per share Not Applicable U.S. Government Bonds ICE (Intercontinental Exchange) Daily Institutional Bond Quotes - evaluations based on various market and industry inputs 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 ICE (Intercontinental Exchange) Daily Evaluations based on various market and industry inputs Bloomberg U.S. Agency Securities 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 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 27, 2019 and September 28, 2018 (in thousands): September 27, 2019 September 28, 2018 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 $ 300 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — U.S. agency securities — — 4,787 (9 ) — — 21,486 (302 ) Government bonds 1,426 — — — 16,633 (332 ) — — Commercial paper — — — — 5,737 (1 ) — — Corporate bonds 7,647 (3 ) 27,078 (32 ) 143,051 (1,680 ) 52,162 (624 ) Municipal debt securities 9,552 (13 ) 900 — 41,058 (191 ) 6,965 (41 ) Total $ 18,925 $ (16 ) $ 32,765 $ (41 ) $ 206,479 $ (2,204 ) $ 80,613 $ (967 ) Although we had certain securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of September 27, 2019 , 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 27, 2019 or September 28, 2018 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 27, 2019 and September 28, 2018 , which are recorded within cash equivalents and both short and long-term investments in our consolidated balance sheets (in thousands): September 27, 2019 September 28, 2018 Range of maturity Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Due within 1 year $ 238,186 $ 238,354 $ 191,241 $ 190,541 Due in 1 to 2 years 93,948 94,899 122,131 120,545 Due in 2 to 3 years 81,793 82,957 67,423 66,637 Total $ 413,927 $ 416,210 $ 380,795 $ 377,723

Property, Plant & Equipment

Property, Plant & Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
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 $55.5 million , $54.8 million , and $53.4 million in fiscal 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 , respectively. As of September 27, 2019 and September 28, 2018 , PP&E consisted of the following (in thousands): Property, Plant, & Equipment September 27, September 28, Land $ 41,918 $ 43,342 Buildings and building improvements 282,924 283,474 Leasehold improvements 66,730 66,866 Machinery and equipment 128,525 111,603 Computer equipment and software 219,455 194,079 Furniture and fixtures 34,191 30,556 Equipment provided under operating leases 161,372 139,201 Construction-in-progress 19,616 7,342 Property, plant, and equipment, gross 954,731 876,463 Less: accumulated depreciation (417,299 ) (362,281 ) Property, plant, & equipment, net $ 537,432 $ 514,182

Goodwill & Intangible Assets

Goodwill & Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
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 29, 2017 $ 311,087 Acquired goodwill 18,394 Translation adjustments (1,499 ) Balance at September 28, 2018 $ 327,982 Acquired goodwill 9,367 Translation adjustments (2,520 ) Balance at September 27, 2019 $ 334,829 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 27, 2019 September 28, 2018 Intangible Assets, Net Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Acquired patents and technology $ 338,075 $ (176,867 ) $ 161,208 $ 319,082 $ (152,775 ) $ 166,307 Customer relationships 64,728 (45,510 ) 19,218 58,342 (41,012 ) 17,330 Other intangibles 22,902 (22,437 ) 465 22,742 (22,360 ) 382 Total $ 425,705 $ (244,814 ) $ 180,891 $ 400,166 $ (216,147 ) $ 184,019 During fiscal 2019 and 2018 , we purchased various patents and developed technology for purchase consideration of $27.3 million and $21.0 million , and upon acquisition, these intangible assets had a weighted-average useful life of 7.9 years and 10.5 years, respectively. These acquisitions facilitate our R&D efforts, technologies and potential product offerings. Amortization expense for our intangible assets is included in cost of licensing, cost of products, R&D and S&M expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. Amortization expense was $29.7 million , $26.5 million , and $30.9 million in fiscal 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. As of September 27, 2019 , expected amortization expense of our intangible assets in future periods was as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Amortization Expense 2020 $ 31,064 2021 30,825 2022 28,582 2023 23,646 2024 21,725 Thereafter 45,049 Total $ 180,891

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
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 27, 2019 , we had authorized 500,000,000 Class A shares and 500,000,000 Class B shares. At September 27, 2019 , we had 63,911,270 shares of Class A common stock and 36,229,820 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 granted at fair market value on the date of grant. 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, 2018, we granted PSOs to our executive officers exercisable for an aggregate of 241,100 shares at the target award amount, which would be exercisable up to an aggregate of 301,375 shares at 125% of the target award amount. On December 15, 2017, we granted PSOs to our executive officers exercisable for an aggregate of 264,000 shares at the target award amount, which would be exercisable up to an aggregate of 330,000 shares at 125% of the target award amount. 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, which vested in December 2018 at 125% of the target award amount, for an aggregate of 334,623 shares. As of September 27, 2019 , PSOs which would be exercisable for an aggregate of 758,299 shares at the target award amount ( 1,193,737 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 28, 2018 7,365 $ 43.51 Grants 1,253 64.61 Exercises (1,177 ) 36.17 Forfeitures and cancellations (240 ) 54.24 Options outstanding at September 27, 2019 7,201 48.03 6.3 $ 114,500 Options vested and expected to vest at September 27, 2019 6,921 47.43 6.2 114,091 Options exercisable at September 27, 2019 4,355 $ 41.18 5.4 98,496 (1) Aggregate intrinsic value is based on the closing price of our Class A common stock on September 27, 2019 of $63.79 and excludes the impact of options that were not in-the-money. Restricted Stock Units. Beginning in fiscal 2008, we began granting RSUs to certain directors, officers and employees under our 2005 Stock Plan. Awards granted to employees and officers generally vest over four years , with equal annual cliff-vesting. Awards granted to directors prior to November 2010 generally vest over three years , with equal annual cliff-vesting. Awards granted after November 2010 and prior to fiscal 2014 to new directors vest over approximately two years , with 50% vesting per year, while awards granted from November 2010 onward to ongoing directors generally vest over approximately one year . Awards granted to new directors from fiscal 2014 onward vest on the earlier of the first anniversary of the award’s date of grant, or the day immediately preceding the date of the next annual meeting of stockholders that occurs after the award’s date of grant. Our 2005 Stock Plan also allows us to grant RSUs that vest based on the satisfaction of specific performance criteria, although no such awards had been granted as of September 27, 2019 . 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 28, 2018 2,806 $ 51.62 Granted 1,348 64.97 Vested (1,062 ) 48.08 Forfeitures (287 ) 56.83 Non-vested at September 27, 2019 2,805 $ 58.84 The fair value as of the respective vesting dates of RSUs were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 27, September 28, September 29, Restricted stock units - vest date fair value $ 69,956 $ 64,755 $ 51,985 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 27, September 28, September 29, Expected term (in years) 4.90 5.06 5.13 Risk-free interest rate 2.7 % 2.2 % 2.1 % Expected stock price volatility 22.9 % 22.6 % 27.4 % Dividend yield 1.1 % 1.1 % 1.1 % 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 27, September 28, September 29, Stock options granted - weighted-average grant date fair value $ 14.16 $ 13.19 $ 11.39 Stock options exercised - intrinsic value 33,226 63,973 28,544 Stock-Based Compensation Expense Stock-based compensation expense for equity awards granted to employees is determined by estimating their fair value on the date of grant, and recognizing that value as an expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period in which our employees earn the awards. Compensation expense related to these equity awards is recognized net of estimated forfeitures, which reduce the expense recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. The selection of applicable estimated forfeiture rates is based on an evaluation of trends in our historical forfeiture data with consideration for other potential driving factors. If in subsequent periods actual forfeitures significantly differ from our initial estimates, we will revise such estimates accordingly. The estimated annual forfeiture rates used for awards granted were 9.78% , 9.91% and 10.16% in fiscal 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 , respectively. The following two tables separately present stock-based compensation expense both by award type and classification in our consolidated statements of operations (in thousands): Expense - By Award Type Fiscal Year Ended September 27, September 28, September 29, Stock options $ 17,742 $ 21,083 $ 18,630 Restricted stock units 54,650 46,162 43,171 Employee stock purchase plan 4,188 4,004 3,542 Total stock-based compensation 76,580 71,249 65,343 Estimated benefit from income taxes (12,884 ) (12,595 ) (18,959 ) Total stock-based compensation, net of tax $ 63,696 $ 58,654 $ 46,384 Expense - By Income Statement Classification Fiscal Year Ended Compensation Expense - By Classification September 27, September 28, September 29, Cost of products and services $ 1,710 $ 1,574 $ 1,458 Research and development 23,191 19,515 18,497 Sales and marketing 28,137 24,997 26,175 General and administrative 23,542 25,163 19,213 Total stock-based compensation 76,580 71,249 65,343 Estimated benefit from income taxes (12,884 ) (12,595 ) (18,959 ) Total stock-based compensation, net of tax $ 63,696 $ 58,654 $ 46,384 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 27, September 28, September 29, Tax benefit - shares issued under ESPP $ 353 $ 577 $ 802 Unrecognized Compensation Expense. At September 27, 2019 , total unrecognized compensation expense associated with employee stock options expected to vest was approximately $25.3 million , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years. At September 27, 2019 , total unrecognized compensation expense associated with RSUs expected to vest was approximately $109.3 million , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years. Common Stock Repurchase Program In November 2009, we announced a stock repurchase program ("program"), providing for the repurchase of up to $250.0 million of our Class A common stock. The following table summarizes the initial amount of authorized repurchases as well as additional repurchases approved by our Board of Directors as of September 27, 2019 (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 Fiscal 2018: July 2018 350,000 Fiscal 2019: July 2019 350,000 Total $ 2,000,000 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 27, 2019 , the remaining authorization to purchase additional shares is approximately $361 million . The following table provides information regarding share repurchase activity under the program in fiscal 2019 : Quarterly Repurchase Activity Shares Repurchased Cost (1) Average Price Paid Per Share (2) (in thousands) Q1 - Quarter ended December 28, 2018 1,642,107 $ 112,570 $ 68.54 Q2 - Quarter ended March 29, 2019 1,318,250 85,351 64.73 Q3 - Quarter ended June 28, 2019 1,405,065 88,653 63.08 Q4 - Quarter ended September 27, 2019 902,187 54,011 59.94 Total 5,267,609 $ 340,585 (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 The following table summarizes dividends declared under the program during fiscal 2019 : Fiscal Period Announcement Date Record Date Payment Date Cash Dividend Per Common Share Dividend Payment Fiscal 2019 Q1 - Quarter ended December 28, 2018 January 30, 2019 February 12, 2019 February 21, 2019 $ 0.19 $19.5 million Q2 - Quarter ended March 29, 2019 May 1, 2019 May 14, 2019 May 22, 2019 $ 0.19 $19.3 million Q3 - Quarter ended June 28, 2019 August 1, 2019 August 12, 2019 August 20, 2019 $ 0.19 $19.2 million Q4 - Quarter ended September 27, 2019 November 14, 2019 November 26, 2019 December 4, 2019 $ 0.22 $22.0 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. 27, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Other comprehensive income consists of three components: unrealized gains or losses on our AFS marketable investment securities, gains and losses on derivatives in cash flow hedge relationships not yet recognized in earnings, and the gains and losses from the translation of assets and liabilities denominated in non-U.S. dollar functional currencies. Until realized and reported as a component of net income, these comprehensive income items accumulate and are included within accumulated other comprehensive income, a subsection within stockholders’ equity in our consolidated balance 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. Unrealized gains and losses on our cash flow hedges are reclassified from AOCI into earnings when the hedged operating expenses are recognized. 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 Fiscal Year Ended September 27, 2019 September 28, 2018 Investment Securities Cash Flow Hedges Currency Translation Adjustments Total Investment Securities Cash Flow Hedges Currency Translation Adjustments Total Beginning Balance $ (2,948 ) $ — $ (12,884 ) $ (15,832 ) $ (377 ) $ — $ (7,376 ) $ (7,753 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications: Unrealized gains/(losses) 5,131 (176 ) — 4,955 (2,213 ) — — (2,213 ) Foreign currency translation gains/(losses) (1) — — (9,500 ) (9,500 ) — — (5,614 ) (5,614 ) Income tax effect - benefit/(expense) 37 — (439 ) (402 ) — — 106 106 Net of tax 5,168 (176 ) (9,939 ) (4,947 ) (2,213 ) — (5,508 ) (7,721 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI into earnings: Realized gains/(losses) (1) (43 ) 176 — 133 (447 ) — — (447 ) Income tax effect - benefit/(expense) (2) 21 — — 21 89 — — 89 Net of tax (22 ) 176 — 154 (358 ) — — (358 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss) 5,146 — (9,939 ) (4,793 ) (2,571 ) — (5,508 ) (8,079 ) Ending Balance $ 2,198 $ — $ (22,823 ) $ (20,625 ) $ (2,948 ) $ — $ (12,884 ) $ (15,832 ) (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. 27, 2019
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. Basic and diluted EPS are computed independently for each fiscal quarter and year-to-date period, 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. Potentially dilutive shares represent the hypothetical number of incremental shares issuable under the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options (both vested and unvested) and vesting of outstanding RSUs. The calculation of dilutive shares outstanding excludes out-of-the-money stock options (e.g., such options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price of our common stock for the period) because their inclusion would have been antidilutive. 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 27, September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) September 29, 2017 (as adjusted) Numerator: Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. $ 255,151 $ 41,746 $ 206,481 Denominator: Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic 101,629 103,377 101,784 Potential common shares from options to purchase common stock 1,922 2,370 1,098 Potential common shares from restricted stock units 1,021 1,231 404 Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted 104,572 106,978 103,286 Net income per share attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.: Basic $ 2.51 $ 0.40 $ 2.03 Diluted $ 2.44 $ 0.39 $ 2.00 Antidilutive awards excluded from calculation: Stock options 2,340 1,043 160 Restricted stock units 1 6 —

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and reserves for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management's best assessment of estimated current and future taxes to be paid. We are subject to income taxes in both the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the consolidated income tax expense. Tax Act Enacted in 2017 On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Act. The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to, (1) reducing the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent; (2) requiring companies to pay a one-time transition tax on certain unrepatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries; (3) generally eliminating U.S. federal corporate income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries; (4) capitalizing specific R&D expenses which are amortized over five to 15 years; and (5) other changes to how foreign and domestic earnings are taxed. Our accounting for the impact of the Tax Act was completed in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 in accordance with the Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 measurement period. As of September 28, 2018, we had recorded a provisional amount for the Tax Act of $121.4 million . During the period ended December 28, 2018, we recorded a $36.0 million reduction to our provisional Tax Act amount resulting primarily from completion of our evaluation of the income tax effects of indirect taxes related to the Deemed Repatriation Transition Tax ("Transition Tax") on our deferred tax assets. During the quarter ended March 29, 2019, the U.S. Department of the Treasury issued final regulations on the Transition Tax related to deemed paid foreign taxes eliminating a benefit we previously expected to realize. As a result, we recorded an additional $19.0 million tax expense. During the quarter ended June 28, 2019, we recorded a $2.3 million reduction related to the impact of the Tax Act. The final amount recorded for the Tax Act was $102.1 million as of the period ended September 27, 2019, which reflects the $121.4 million recorded as of September 28, 2018, reduced by $36 million as of December 28, 2018, increased by $19 million as of March 29, 2019, and reduced by $2.3 million as of June 28, 2019. There may be additional tax effects of the Tax Act that may change the final recorded tax expense associated with the Tax Act upon finalization of the law, regulations, and additional guidance. We have included the impact of new provisions effective in our fiscal 2019 in our effective tax rate. The Tax Act imposes a minimum tax on certain foreign earnings ("minimum foreign tax") in the year earned. Our accounting policy is to treat the minimum foreign tax as a current expense in the year incurred and we have not provided deferred taxes on temporary differences related to such minimum foreign tax. The adoption of ASC 606 impacted the timing in which we record per-unit royalty-based revenue earned from our licensees’ shipments. This change in accounting principle also impacted the recognition of deferred tax assets related to licensing revenue. As a result, we reduced our deferred tax assets by $26.3 million at the beginning of our first quarter of fiscal 2019. 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 27, September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) September 29, 2017 (as adjusted) United States $ 60,500 $ 27,819 $ 3,996 Foreign 221,807 168,555 251,149 Total $ 282,307 $ 196,374 $ 255,145 Fiscal Year Ended September 27, September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) September 29, 2017 (as adjusted) Current: Federal $ 14,144 $ 40,624 $ 30,718 State 394 333 610 Foreign 64,335 59,383 55,531 Total current 78,873 100,340 86,859 Deferred: Federal (55,793 ) 43,377 (35,824 ) State 1,007 17,484 (4,604 ) Foreign 2,715 (7,132 ) 1,608 Total deferred (52,071 ) 53,729 (38,820 ) Provision for income taxes $ 26,802 $ 154,069 $ 48,039 Repatriation of Undistributed Foreign Earnings As a result of the Tax Act, foreign accumulated earnings that were subject to the mandatory Transition Tax as of December 31, 2017, can be repatriated to the U.S. without incurring further U.S. federal tax. The Tax Act moves towards a modified territorial tax system through the provision of a 100% dividend received deduction for the foreign-source portions of dividends received from controlled foreign subsidiaries. As a result, we continue to evaluate the indefinite reinvestment assertions with regards to unremitted earnings for certain of our foreign subsidiaries. During the fiscal year, we repatriated $300 million of foreign subsidiary earnings which were exempt from foreign withholding tax. As of September 27, 2019 , the total undistributed earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries were approximately $380 million . Historically, we have asserted our intention to indefinitely reinvest a portion of the undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries. However, we have reevaluated our historical assertion as a result of the Tax Act and determined that we no longer consider a vast majority of these earnings to be indefinitely reinvested. The unrecognized deferred tax liability on the portion of the undistributed earnings considered indefinitely reinvested is not material. 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. A summary of the tax effects of the temporary differences were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 27, September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) Deferred income tax assets: Investments $ 2,099 $ 2,215 Inventories 4,041 4,070 Net operating loss 2,050 2,174 Accrued expenses 13,917 12,573 Stock-based compensation 17,189 15,601 Revenue recognition 4,410 7,161 Depreciation and amortization 19,988 16,078 Research and development credits 28,777 21,302 Foreign tax credits 10,777 9,345 Deemed repatriated earnings tax benefit 33,357 — Other 4,705 3,334 Total gross deferred income tax assets 141,310 93,853 Less: valuation allowance (24,884 ) (16,256 ) Total deferred income tax assets 116,426 77,597 Deferred income tax liabilities: Intangibles (2,351 ) (2,831 ) Deferred income tax assets, net (non-current) $ 114,075 $ 74,766 NOL and Tax Credit Carryforwards At September 27, 2019 , the NOL carried forward for California tax purposes was $4.9 million and will expire in fiscal 2029 if unused. Additionally, we had total foreign NOL carryforwards of $8.3 million as of September 27, 2019 , an amount which is not subject to expiration. At September 27, 2019 , we had foreign tax credit and federal R&D tax credit carryforwards of $8.3 million and $8.4 million , respectively, which will expire between fiscal 2029 and fiscal 2039. We had California R&D tax credits of $30.3 million , which will be carried forward indefinitely, and foreign R&D tax credits of $3.1 million , which will expire between fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2029. Valuation Allowance As of September 27, 2019 , a $21.2 million valuation allowance was recorded against California deferred tax assets. In fiscal 2019, a $3.7 million valuation allowance was established for foreign deferred tax assets for which ultimate realization of its future benefits is uncertain. 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 27, September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) September 29, 2017 (as adjusted) Federal statutory rate 21.0 % 24.6 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal effect 0.2 0.7 0.7 Stock-based compensation expense rate (2.8 ) (5.2 ) 1.4 Research and development tax credits (3.0 ) (4.5 ) (3.7 ) Tax exempt interest — (0.1 ) (0.1 ) U.S. manufacturing tax incentives — (0.2 ) (0.8 ) Foreign rate differential (2.6 ) (5.2 ) (22.9 ) Audit settlements — — (0.6 ) Tax Act (7.7 ) 53.3 — Change in Valuation Allowance 1.5 8.3 — Other 2.9 6.8 9.8 Effective tax rate 9.5 % 78.5 % 18.8 % Our effective tax rate was 9.5% in fiscal 2019 , compared with our federal statutory rate of 21.0%, and with our effective tax rate in fiscal 2018 of 78.5% . The decrease in our effective tax rate reflects the impact from the Tax Act, most notably the remeasurement of net deferred tax assets and the Transition Tax on the accumulated earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, and the establishment of a valuation allowance against California tax credits in fiscal 2018. In addition, our federal statutory tax rate decreased from a blended rate of 24.6% in fiscal 2018 to 21% in fiscal 2019. Our effective tax rate was 18.8% in fiscal 2017 and was 78.5% in fiscal 2018 . The effective tax rate in fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017 reflects a detriment from the impact from the Tax Act, most notably the remeasurement of net deferred tax assets and the Transition Tax on the accumulated earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, and the establishment of a valuation allowance against California tax credits in fiscal 2018, offset by a reduction in federal statutory tax rate and increase in excess benefit related to stock-based awards. Uncertain Tax Positions As of September 27, 2019 , the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $108.5 million , of which $72.8 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 could be reduced by $57.8 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 27, September 28, September 29, Beginning Balance $ 102,009 $ 98,665 $ 75,168 Gross increases - tax positions taken during prior years 115 — 308 Gross decreases - tax positions taken during prior years — (2,209 ) — Gross increases - tax positions taken during current year 6,822 9,580 26,724 Gross decreases - settlements with tax authorities during current year — (130 ) (1,101 ) Lapse of statute of limitations (407 ) (3,897 ) (2,434 ) Ending Balance $ 108,539 $ 102,009 $ 98,665 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 year 2019 , our current tax provision was increased by interest expense of $3.5 million , while in fiscal year 2018 , our current tax provision was increased by interest expense of $3.0 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 27, 2019 and September 28, 2018 were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 27, September 28, Accrued interest $ 10,315 $ 6,778 Accrued penalties 44 42 Total $ 10,359 $ 6,820 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. We are currently under audit by the State of New York for fiscal years 2014 and 2015 and Spain for fiscal years 2012 through 2015. In the U.S federal jurisdiction, other major states, and major foreign jurisdictions, the fiscal years subsequent to 2014, 2014, and 2012, 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 inconsistent with management’s expectations, we may 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/(credits) recorded in our statements of operations represent costs associated with separate individual restructuring plans implemented in various fiscal periods. Costs arising from these actions, including fluctuations in related balances between fiscal periods, are based on the nature of activities under the various plans. Fiscal 2019 Restructuring Events. In fiscal 2019, we recorded charges as a result of our early exit of a leased facility. In addition, we recorded charges associated with a strategic reorganization of our marketing function that resulted in severance and other related benefits provided to the affected employees. As a result of these events, we recorded a total of $36.6 million in restructuring costs in fiscal 2019 and they are reflected as such in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. The table presented below summarizes changes in restructuring accruals under these plans (in thousands): Severance Leased facility exit costs Fixed assets write-off Other associated costs Total Balance at September 28, 2018 $ — $ — $ — $ 124 $ 124 Restructuring charges/(credits) 3,134 18,261 15,216 (53 ) 36,558 Cash payments (3,006 ) (4,577 ) — (130 ) (7,713 ) Non-cash and other adjustments — 2,039 (15,216 ) 59 (13,118 ) Balance at September 27, 2019 $ 128 $ 15,723 $ — $ — $ 15,851 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 Restructuring charges 23 Cash payments (12,005 ) Non-cash and other adjustments (582 ) Balance at September 28, 2018 $ 124

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
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 27, 2019 (in thousands): Payments Due By Fiscal Period Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Thereafter Total Naming rights $ 7,909 $ 8,008 $ 8,108 $ 8,209 $ 8,312 $ 70,344 $ 110,890 Operating leases 17,231 9,329 7,191 6,218 4,499 12,355 56,823 Purchase obligations 37,675 4,241 1,803 — — — 43,719 Donation commitments 4,243 141 141 141 141 1,059 5,866 Total $ 67,058 $ 21,719 $ 17,243 $ 14,568 $ 12,952 $ 83,758 $ 217,298 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 27, September 28, September 29, Total rent expense $ 20,589 $ 17,161 $ 15,091 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. O ur donation commitments relate to non-cancelable obligations to the Museum of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles, California, and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Our commitment to the Museum of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is for 15 years from its expected opening date in fiscal 2020 , and the Smithsonian Institution is for the next 5 years. Both donation commitments consist of the installation of imaging and audio products in its theaters and providing maintenance services in exchange for various marketing, branding, and publicity benefits. 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. 27, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination	<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;"><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:8px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;"></font><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Business Combinations</font><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;"> </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:12px;text-indent:32px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;">On September 19, 2018 ("acquisition date"), we completed an asset purchase with a privately held technology company that offers enterprise media encoding and cloud-based media workflow management services to customers. We believe that these technologies will further enhance our existing capabilities, as well as future initiatives. We completed the acquisition for a gross purchase price of </font><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;">$19.28 million</font><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;">. Pursuant to the purchase agreement, </font><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;">$3.0 million</font><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;"> of the total purchase consideration is being held by us for a period of eighteen months following the closing of the acquisition. This holdback amount has been recorded as a non-current liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 28, 2018. We have completed a preliminary purchase price allocation and the balance sheet reflects the preliminary fair value estimates of the intangible assets and goodwill acquired. These estimates are subject to change within the measurement period which will not exceed one year from the acquisition date.</font></div></div>

Operating Segments and Geograph

Operating Segments and Geographic Data	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
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. 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 27, September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) September 29, 2017 (as adjusted) United States $ 449,203 $ 353,235 $ 377,553 International 792,417 701,365 702,624 Total revenue $ 1,241,620 $ 1,054,600 $ 1,080,177 Revenue Concentration - Significant Individual Geographic Regions Fiscal Year Ended Location September 27, September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) September 29, 2017 (as adjusted) United States 36 % 33 % 35 % South Korea 12 % 17 % 13 % China 20 % 15 % 20 % Japan 11 % 13 % 12 % Europe 12 % 12 % 10 % Taiwan 4 % 3 % 4 % Other 5 % 7 % 6 % Total 100 % 100 % 100 % Long-lived tangible assets, net of accumulated depreciation, by geographic region were as follows (in thousands): Location September 27, September 28, United States $ 460,370 $ 453,336 International 77,062 60,846 Total long-lived tangible assets, net of accumulated depreciation $ 537,432 $ 514,182

Legal Matters

Legal Matters	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
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 estimate of any such potential losses.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
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, 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 27, 2019 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, LP 10.0 % Wootton Bassett, England 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 . In fiscal 2019, we ceased occupancy of the facility, and do not intend to re-occupy the locations. As a result of our ceased occupancy, we incurred $33.5 million in restructuring charges recorded as operating expenses in our consolidated statement of operations. Related party rent expense included in operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 27, September 28, September 29, Related party rent expense and restructuring charges included in operating expenses $ 16,360 $ 3,483 $ 3,142 Distributions. Distributions made by the jointly-owned real estate entities to our principal stockholder were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 27, September 28, September 29, Distributions to principal stockholder $ (1,015 ) $ (1,022 ) $ (2,094 )

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
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 27, 2019 , 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 27, September 28, September 29, Retirement plan expenses $ 23,375 $ 23,439 $ 22,035

Selected Quarterly Financial Da

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	. Selected Quarterly Financial Data The following table presents selected unaudited quarterly financial information from fiscal 2019 and 2018 (in thousands, except per share amounts): Fiscal Year 2019 Fiscal Year 2018 (as adjusted) Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Revenue: Licensing $ 260,279 $ 310,308 $ 271,897 $ 264,796 $ 270,172 $ 272,135 $ 183,771 $ 214,699 Products and services 42,097 27,950 30,262 34,031 29,355 27,587 31,009 25,872 Total revenue 302,376 338,258 302,159 298,827 299,527 299,722 214,780 240,571 Cost of revenue 38,629 36,575 39,690 45,960 30,893 31,027 34,383 31,259 Gross margin 263,747 301,683 262,469 252,867 268,634 268,695 180,397 209,312 Income/(loss) before taxes and controlling interest 74,254 110,002 41,800 56,251 96,547 87,782 (5,808 ) 17,853 Net income/(loss) attributable to Dolby Laboratories $ 98,219 $ 73,440 $ 39,574 $ 43,918 $ (53,302 ) $ 65,216 $ 3,116 $ 26,716 Earnings per share: Basic $ 0.96 $ 0.72 $ 0.39 $ 0.44 $ (0.52 ) $ 0.63 $ 0.03 $ 0.26 Diluted $ 0.93 $ 0.70 $ 0.38 $ 0.43 $ (0.52 ) $ 0.61 $ 0.03 $ 0.25 Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 102,677 102,141 101,218 100,481 102,552 103,771 103,836 103,349 Diluted 106,130 104,587 103,717 102,945 102,552 107,001 106,950 106,794

Basis Of Presentation (Policies

Basis Of Presentation (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
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: • Estimates of sales-based royalty revenue that has not been reported by our licensees at period end • Estimation of variable consideration from our customers • Estimated standalone selling prices of distinct performance obligations in an customer contract • 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 52 week periods ended September 27, 2019 (fiscal 2019 ), September 28, 2018 (fiscal 2018 ), and September 29, 2017 (fiscal 2017
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 Accoun_2

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
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 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 , we did not have any individual customers whose revenue exceeded 10% of our total revenue.
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 government bonds.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash
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 maintain a provision for estimated losses on receivables resulting from our customers' inability to make required payments. In determining the provision, we evaluate the collectability 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, geographic risk and the current business environment. Actual future losses from uncollectible accounts may differ from our estimates.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are accounted for using the first-in, first-out method, and are valued 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 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. For fiscal 2019 , we completed our annual goodwill impairment assessment in the fiscal quarter ended June 29, 2019 . We determined in our qualitative review that it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting unit is substantially in excess of the respective carrying amount. 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 patents for sound, imaging and voice solutions, and to sell products and services. We recognize revenue when we satisfy a performance obligation by transferring control over the use of a license, product, or service to a customer. For additional financial information and a summary our accounting policy, refer to Note 3 . " Revenue Recognition " to our consolidated financial statements.
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 IP royalty obligations to third parties, depreciation of our Dolby Cinema equipment provided under operating leases in collaborative arrangements, and direct fees incurred. Cost of products and services. 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 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 27, September 28, September 29, Advertising and promotional costs $ 49,118 $ 49,519 $ 47,402
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 27, September 28, September 29, Foreign currency transaction (losses) $ (260 ) $ (823 ) $ (74 ) 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 27, 2019 and September 28, 2018 , 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 $29.0 million and $25.1 million , respectively. The fair values of these contracts were nominal as of September 27, 2019 and September 28, 2018 , 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 we record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets when it's more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. 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. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("the Tax Act"), provides an exemption from federal income taxes for distributions by foreign subsidiaries made after December 31, 2017 that were not subject to the transition tax. Therefore, we have provided for U.S. state income taxes and foreign withholding taxes on undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries to the extent such earnings are no longer considered to be indefinitely reinvested in the operations of those subsidiaries. We consider the earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested 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.
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 At the beginning of fiscal 2019, we adopted the following standards: Revenue Recognition . We adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"), which outlines a comprehensive revenue recognition model. The standard requires revenue recognition to account for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services, and in our case, requires the use of more judgment and estimates than the previous accounting requirements. ASC 606 also includes Subtopic 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs - Contracts with Customers , under which the incremental costs associated with obtaining a contract are required to be capitalized and amortized as expense as the contract’s performance obligations are satisfied. We do not capitalize sales commission costs because our performance obligations on which we pay commissions are complete at contract execution. We adopted ASC 606 utilizing the full retrospective method of transition which requires a recast of each prior reporting period presented. The most significant impacts of adopting ASC 606 are as follows: • We estimate and record per-unit royalty-based revenue earned from our licensees’ shipments in the same period in which those shipments occur, instead of recognizing our per-unit royalty-based revenue in the quarter in which it is reported to us by our licensees, which is generally in the quarter after those shipments have occurred. To the extent that our revenues are influenced by seasonal trends, the trends will impact revenue one fiscal quarter earlier than was previously the case; • We record a favorable or unfavorable adjustment based on the difference between estimated and actual sales when we receive reporting of sales–based royalties on royalty statements from the licensees, generally in the subsequent fiscal quarter; • For certain transactions that have extended payment and minimum commitment terms with no further performance obligations, we recognize licensing revenues on the later of contract execution or effective date regardless of when the amounts are due and payable; • We recorded a one-time adjustment of $174.4 million to the period ending September 29, 2018 retained earnings to reflect the full impact of the accounting upon adoption. We adjusted our consolidated financial statements from amounts previously reported to reflect the adoption of the new standard. Select condensed consolidated statement of income line items, which reflect the adoption of the new standard, are as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended September 28, 2018 (as previously reported) Effect of Adopting ASC 606 September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) Revenue $ 1,171,924 $ (117,324 ) $ 1,054,600 Gross margin 1,043,664 (116,626 ) 927,038 Provision for income taxes (190,062 ) 35,993 (154,069 ) Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. 122,246 (80,500 ) 41,746 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.14 $ (0.75 ) $ 0.39 Select consolidated balance sheet line items, which reflect the adoption of the new standard, are as follows (in thousands): September 28, 2018 (as previously reported) Effect of Adopting ASC 606 September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) ASSETS Accounts receivable, net $ 137,151 $ 28,982 $ 166,133 Contract assets — 165,959 165,959 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 35,209 (319 ) 34,890 Deferred taxes 101,070 (26,304 ) 74,766 Other non-current assets 42,280 37,800 80,080 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Accrued liabilities 223,594 19,534 243,128 Contract liabilities 23,931 (6,463 ) 17,468 Non-current contract liabilities 40,064 (14,177 ) 25,887 Other non-current liabilities 150,960 32,839 183,799 Retained earnings 2,139,154 174,385 2,313,539 Select consolidated statement of cash flows line items, which reflect the adoption of the new standard, are as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year-to-Date Ended September 28, 2018 (as previously reported)¹ Effect of Adopting ASC 606 September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) Operating activities: Net income including controlling interest $ 122,805 $ (80,500 ) $ 42,305 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Provision for doubtful accounts 2,507 (94 ) 2,413 Deferred income taxes 89,934 (28,875 ) 61,059 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (65,723 ) 165,852 100,129 Contract assets — (2,502 ) (2,502 ) Prepaid expenses and other assets (14,895 ) (37,590 ) (52,485 ) Accounts payable and other liabilities 15,690 (44,709 ) (29,019 ) Contract liabilities 4,362 (4,421 ) (59 ) Other non-current liabilities 1,811 32,839 34,650 Net cash provided by operating activities 352,202 — 352,202 ¹ Previously reported statement of cash flows in the table above reflects the adoption of ASU 2016-18. The impact to our previously reported condensed consolidated statement of cash flows is not material. Refer to disclosure below for further detail. In our adoption and as allowed by ASC 606, we: • used the transaction price at the date on which the contract was completed rather than estimating variable consideration amounts in the comparative reporting period; • did not disclose the amount of the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations or provide an explanation of when we expect to recognize that amount as revenue for reporting periods presented before the date of initial adoption; • reflected the aggregate effect of contract modifications in accounting for the contracts open as of the earliest reporting period presented; • did not adjust transaction prices for the effects of a significant financing component, if at contract inception, we expected the period between customer payment and the transfer of goods or services to be one year or less. We adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"), Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) ("ASU 2016-08"), which amended the principal-versus-agent implementation guidance and illustrations in ASU 2014-09. ASU 2016-08 clarifies that an entity should evaluate when it is the principal or agent for each specified good or service promised in a contract with a customer. We evaluated our contracts executed with and on our behalf with Via Licensing Corporation, our wholly-owned subsidiary that manages patent pools on behalf of third party patent owners and concluded that Via performs its functions as an agent to the patent pool licensors, which includes Dolby. Accordingly, we recognize our administrative fees and royalties net of the consideration paid to the patent licensors in the pool . Cash Flow Classification. During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we adopted ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments . The new standard addresses eight specific cash flow issues related to the classification and presentation of cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The adoption of these updates did not have a material impact on Dolby’s consolidated financial statements. Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Asset Transfers. During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we adopted ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory . The new standard 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 adoption of the guidance did not have a material impact on Dolby's consolidated financial statements. Restricted Cash. During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we adopted 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 standard 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. We adopted the new guidance using the retrospective transition approach. The reclassified restricted cash balances from investing activities to changes in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash on the consolidated statements of cash flows were not material for all periods presented. The adjusted consolidated statement of cash flows for the prior comparative period has been reclassified as a result of the adoption of the new standard. Accounting for Hedging Activities. During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we adopted ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities . The new standard eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness. In the third quarter of fiscal 2019, we implemented a cash flow hedging program using forward currency contracts. This standard applies to the presentation and disclosure of the cash flow hedging program, which was not material in relation to our consolidated financial statements as a whole. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on Dolby's consolidated financial statements. Standards Not Yet Adopted Leases. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) , which amends the existing accounting standards for leases. Under the new standard, a lessee will be required to recognize a lease liability and right-of-use asset for most leases. The new standard 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. We will adopt the new standard using the modified retrospective transition method, thereby recognizing the cumulative effect of initially applying Topic 842 as an adjustment to opening retained earnings on the adoption date, without revising the balances in comparative periods. We have evaluated the impact of Topic 842, and upon adoption, we will recognize a lease liability and right-of-use asset for each of our existing lease arrangements, which we anticipate to be material on our consolidated balance sheet. Adoption of the standard will not have a material impact on our consolidated income statement or our consolidated statement of cash flow. We plan to elect to utilize the transition guidance within the new standard which allows us to retain the historical lease classification and initial direct costs for any leases that exist prior to adoption of the standard. All new leases executed subsequent to adoption will be evaluated, and accounted for under Topic 842. ASU 2016-02 is effective for Dolby beginning September 28, 2019. We are still completing our assessment of the remaining lease term of our existing leases, assessing the completeness of our population of leases, and finalizing our determination of the discount rate used to calculate the right of use asset and lease liability. Income Taxes: Comprehensive Income. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("Tax Act"). In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act and requires entities to provide certain disclosures regarding stranded tax effects. The ASU is effective for Dolby beginning September 28, 2019. We do not believe that this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Collaborative Arrangements. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-18, Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808): Clarifying the Interaction between Topic 808 and Topic 606 , which clarifies that certain transactions between participants in a collaborative arrangement should be accounted for under ASC 606 when the counterparty is a customer. In addition, ASU 2018-18 precludes an entity from presenting consideration from a transaction in a collaborative arrangement as revenue from contracts with customers if the counterparty is not a customer for that transaction. This standard will be effective for Dolby beginning September 26, 2020, and we do not currently plan to early adopt. We do not believe that this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Financial Instruments. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments , which modifies the measurement of expected credit losses of certain financial instruments, including trade receivables, contract assets, and lease receivables. This standard will be effective for Dolby beginning September 26, 2020, and we do not currently plan to early adopt. We do not believe that this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition We enter into revenue arrangements with our customers to license technologies, trademarks and patents for sound, imaging and voice solutions, and to sell products and services. We recognize revenue when we satisfy a performance obligation by transferring control over the use of a license, product, or service to a customer. A. Identification of the Contract or Contracts with Customers We generally determine that a contract with a customer exists upon the execution of an agreement and after consideration of collectability, which could include an evaluation of the customer's payment history, the existence of a standby letter-of-credit between the customer’s financial institution and our financial institution, public financial information, and other factors. At contract inception, we also evaluate whether two or more non-standard agreements with a customer should be combined and accounted for as a single contract. B. Identification of Performance Obligations in a Contract We generate revenues principally from the following sources, which represent performance obligations in our contracts with customers: • Licensing. We license our technologies, including patents, to a range of customers who incorporate them into their products for enhanced audio, imaging and voice functionality across broadcast, mobile, CE, PC, gaming, and other markets. • Product Sales. We design and provide audio and imaging products for the cinema, television, broadcast, communications, and entertainment industries. • Services. We provide various services to support theatrical and television production for cinema exhibition, broadcast, and home entertainment, including equipment training, mixing room alignment, equalization, as well as audio, color and light image calibration. • PCS. We provide PCS for products sold and for the equipment leased, and we support the implementation of our licensing technologies in our licensees’ products. • Equipment Leases. We collaborate with established cinema exhibitors to offer Dolby Cinema, a branded premium cinema offering for movie audiences by leasing equipment and licensing our intellectual property. • Licensing Administration Fees. We generate service fees for managing patent pools on behalf of third party patent owners through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Via Licensing Corporation. Some of our revenue arrangements include multiple performance obligations, such as hardware, software, support and maintenance, and extended warranty services. We evaluate whether promised products and services are distinct performance obligations. The majority of our arrangements with multiple performance obligations pertain to our digital cinema server and processor sales that include the following distinct performance obligations to which we allocate portions of the transaction price based on their stand-alone selling price: • Digital cinema server hardware and embedded software, which is highly dependent on and highly interrelated with the hardware. Accordingly, the hardware and embedded software represent a single performance obligation. • The right to support and maintenance, which is included with the purchase of the digital cinema server hardware, is a distinct performance obligation. • The right to receive commissioning services is a distinct performance obligation within the sale of the Dolby Atmos Cinema Processor. 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. C. Determination of Transaction Price for Performance Obligations in a Contract After identifying the distinct performance obligations, we determine the transaction price in accordance with the terms of the underlying executed contract which may include variable consideration such as discounts, rebates, refunds, rights of returns, and incentives. We assess and update, if necessary, the amount of variable consideration to which we are entitled for each reporting period. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate and accrue a liability for returns and adjustments as a reduction to revenue based on several factors, including past returns history. With the exception of our sales-based royalties, we evaluate whether a significant financing component exists when we recognize revenue in advance of customer payments that occur over time. For example, some of our licensing arrangements include payment terms greater than one year from when we transfer control of our IP to a licensee and the receipt of the final payment for that IP. If a significant financing component exists, we classify a portion of the transaction price as interest income, instead of recognizing all of the transaction price as revenue. We do not adjust the transaction price for the effects of financing if, at contract inception, the period between the transfer of control to a customer and final payment is expected to be one year or less. D. Allocation of Transaction Price to Distinct Performance Obligations in a Contract For our sales-based royalties where the license is the predominant item to which the royalties relate, we present all revenues as licensing. For revenue arrangements that include multiple performance obligations, we determine the stand-alone selling price for each distinct performance obligation based on the actual selling prices made to customers. If the performance obligation is not sold separately, we estimate the stand-alone selling price. We do so by considering market conditions such as competitor pricing strategies, customer specific information and industry technology lifecycles, internal conditions such as cost and pricing practices, or applying the residual approach method when the selling price of the good, most commonly a license, is highly variable or uncertain. Once the transaction price - including any variable consideration - has been determined, we allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations identified in the contract, and recognize revenue as or when control is transferred for each distinct performance obligation. E. Revenue Recognition as Control is Transferred to a Customer We generate our licensing revenue by licensing our technologies and patents to various types of licensees, such as chip manufacturers ("implementation licensees"), consumer product manufacturers, software vendors, and communications service providers. Our revenue recognition policies for each of these arrangements are summarized below. Initial fees from implementation licensees. Implementation licensees incorporate our technologies into their chipsets that, once approved by Dolby, are available for purchase by OEMs for use in end-user products. Implementation licensees only pay us a nominal initial fee on contract execution as consideration for the ongoing services that we provide to assist in their implementation process. Revenues from these initial fees are recognized ratably over the contractual term as a component of licensing revenue. Sales-based licensing fees. In our royalty bearing licensing agreements with OEMs, control is transferred upon the later of contract execution or the contract’s effective date. We apply the royalty exception, which requires that we recognize sales-based royalties at the later of when the sales occur based on our estimates or the completion of our performance obligations. These estimates involve the use of historical data and judgment for several key attributes including industry estimates of expected shipments, the percentage of markets using our technologies, and average sale prices. Generally, our estimates represent the current period’s shipments to which we expect our licensees to submit royalty statements in the following quarter. Upon receipt of royalty statements from the licensees with the actual reporting of sales-based royalties that we estimated previously, we record a favorable or unfavorable adjustment based on the difference, if any, between estimated and actual sales. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 , we recorded a favorable adjustment of approximately $9 million , which was primarily related to January through March shipments and largely based on actual royalty statements received from licensees. Fixed and guaranteed licensing fees. In certain cases, our arrangements require the licensee to pay fixed, non-refundable fees independent of the actual number of units they may distribute in the future. In these cases, control is transferred and fees are recognized upon the later of contract execution or the effective date. Additionally and separate from initial fees from implementation licensees, our sales- and usage-based licensing agreements include a nominal fee, which is also recognized at a point in time in which control of the IP has been transferred. Revenues from these arrangements are included as a component of licensing revenue. Recoveries. Through compliance efforts, we identify under-reported licensed activity related to non-current periods. We may record a favorable or unfavorable revenue adjustment in connection with the findings from these compliance efforts generally upon resolution with the licensee through agreement of the findings, or upon receipt of the licensee’s correction statement. Revenues from these arrangements are included as a component of licensing revenue. We undertake activities aimed at identifying potential unauthorized uses of our technologies, which when successful result in the recognition of revenue. Recoveries stem from third parties who agree to remit payments to us based on past use of our technology. In these scenarios, a legally binding contract did not exist at time of use of our technology, and therefore, we recognize revenue recoveries upon execution of the agreement as that is the point in time to which a contract exists and control is transferred. These revenues are classified as licensing revenue. 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. 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. In addition to our licensing arrangements, we also enter into arrangements to deliver products and services. Product Sales. Revenue from the sale of products is recognized when the customer obtains control of the promised good or service, which is generally upon shipment. Payments are generally made within 90 days of sale. Services. We provide various services, such as engineering services related to movie soundtrack print mastering, equipment training and maintenance, mixing room alignment, equalization, and image calibration, which we bill on a fixed fee and time and materials basis. Most of these services are of a short duration and are recognized as control of the performance obligations are transferred which is when the related services are performed. Collaborative Arrangements. We collaborate with established cinema exhibitors to offer Dolby Cinema, a branded premium cinema offering for movie audiences. Under such collaborations, Dolby and the exhibitor are both active participants, and share the risks and rewards associated with the business. Accordingly, these collaborations are governed by revenue sharing arrangements under which Dolby receives revenue based on monthly box office reports from exhibitors in exchange for the use of our imaging and sound technologies, our proprietary designs and trademarks 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 based on monthly box office reports from exhibitors. Our revenue share is recognized as licensing revenue in our consolidated statements of operations. In addition, we also enter into agreements where a portion involves guaranteed payments, which in some cases result in classifying the payments as a sales-type lease. In such arrangements, we consider control to transfer at the point in time to which we have installed and tested the equipment, at which point we record such guaranteed payments as product revenue. Via Administration Fee. We generate service fees for managing patent pools on behalf of third party patent owners through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Via Licensing Corporation. As an agent to licensors in the patent pool, Via receives a share of the sales-based royalty that the patent pool licensors earn from licensees. As such, we apply the sales-based royalty exception as the service provided is directly related to the patent pool licensors’ provision of IP, which results in recognition based on estimates of the licensee’s quarter shipments that use the pool’s patents. In addition to sales-based royalties, Via also has contracts where the fees are fixed. The revenue share Via receives from licensors on fixed fee contracts is recognized over the term in which we are providing services associated with the fixed fee contract. We recognize our administrative fees net of the consideration paid to the patent licensors in the pool as licensing revenue.

Summary Of Significant Accoun_3

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
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 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 27, September 28, September 29, Advertising and promotional costs $ 49,118 $ 49,519 $ 47,402
Schedule of Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses)	These losses were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 27, September 28, September 29, Foreign currency transaction (losses) $ (260 ) $ (823 ) $ (74 )
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles	We adjusted our consolidated financial statements from amounts previously reported to reflect the adoption of the new standard. Select condensed consolidated statement of income line items, which reflect the adoption of the new standard, are as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended September 28, 2018 (as previously reported) Effect of Adopting ASC 606 September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) Revenue $ 1,171,924 $ (117,324 ) $ 1,054,600 Gross margin 1,043,664 (116,626 ) 927,038 Provision for income taxes (190,062 ) 35,993 (154,069 ) Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. 122,246 (80,500 ) 41,746 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.14 $ (0.75 ) $ 0.39 Select consolidated balance sheet line items, which reflect the adoption of the new standard, are as follows (in thousands): September 28, 2018 (as previously reported) Effect of Adopting ASC 606 September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) ASSETS Accounts receivable, net $ 137,151 $ 28,982 $ 166,133 Contract assets — 165,959 165,959 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 35,209 (319 ) 34,890 Deferred taxes 101,070 (26,304 ) 74,766 Other non-current assets 42,280 37,800 80,080 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Accrued liabilities 223,594 19,534 243,128 Contract liabilities 23,931 (6,463 ) 17,468 Non-current contract liabilities 40,064 (14,177 ) 25,887 Other non-current liabilities 150,960 32,839 183,799 Retained earnings 2,139,154 174,385 2,313,539 Select consolidated statement of cash flows line items, which reflect the adoption of the new standard, are as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year-to-Date Ended September 28, 2018 (as previously reported)¹ Effect of Adopting ASC 606 September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) Operating activities: Net income including controlling interest $ 122,805 $ (80,500 ) $ 42,305 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Provision for doubtful accounts 2,507 (94 ) 2,413 Deferred income taxes 89,934 (28,875 ) 61,059 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (65,723 ) 165,852 100,129 Contract assets — (2,502 ) (2,502 ) Prepaid expenses and other assets (14,895 ) (37,590 ) (52,485 ) Accounts payable and other liabilities 15,690 (44,709 ) (29,019 ) Contract liabilities 4,362 (4,421 ) (59 ) Other non-current liabilities 1,811 32,839 34,650 Net cash provided by operating activities 352,202 — 352,202 ¹ Previously reported statement of cash flows in the table above reflects the adoption of ASU 2016-18. The impact to our previously reported condensed consolidated statement of cash flows is not material. Refer to disclosure below for further detail.

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	As shown in the table below, we generate the majority of our revenue from outside the United States. Geographic data for our licensing revenue is based on the location of our licensees’ headquarters, products revenue is based on the destination to which we ship our products, and services revenue is based on the location where services are performed. Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended September 27, 2019 September 28, 2018 Revenue By Geographic Location (as adjusted) United States $ 449,203 36 % $ 353,235 33 % International 792,417 64 % 701,365 67 % Total revenue $ 1,241,620 100 % $ 1,054,600 100 % The following table presents the composition of our licensing revenue for all periods presented: Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended September 27, 2019 September 28, 2018 Revenue By Market (as adjusted) Broadcast $ 474,147 43 % $ 385,705 41 % Mobile 193,052 17 % 148,356 16 % CE 154,399 14 % 144,132 15 % PC 113,597 10 % 106,765 11 % Other 172,085 16 % 155,819 17 % Total licensing revenue $ 1,107,280 100 % $ 940,777 100 % The following table presents a summary of the composition of our revenue for all periods presented: Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended September 27, 2019 September 28, 2018 Revenue (as adjusted) Licensing $ 1,107,280 89 % $ 940,777 89 % Products and services 134,340 11 % 113,823 11 % Total revenue $ 1,241,620 100 % $ 1,054,600 100 %
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability	The following table presents a summary of the balances to which contract assets and liabilities related to revenue are recorded for all periods presented: September 27, 2019 September 28, 2018 Change ($) Change (%) (as adjusted) Accounts receivable, net $ 189,115 $ 166,133 $ 22,982 14 % Contract assets 195,651 165,959 29,692 18 % Other non-current assets 93,395 80,080 13,315 17 % Contract liabilities - current 19,991 17,468 2,523 14 % Contract liabilities - non-current 24,404 25,887 (1,483 ) (6 )% Other non-current liabilities 177,462 183,799 (6,337 ) (3 )%

Composition Of Certain Financ_2

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Schedule Of Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable, Net September 27, September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) Trade accounts receivable $ 151,996 $ 108,929 Accounts receivable from patent administration program licensees 46,894 62,462 Accounts receivable, gross 198,890 171,391 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (9,775 ) (5,258 ) Total $ 189,115 $ 166,133
Schedule Of Allowance For Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Beginning Balance Charged to G&A Deductions Ending Balance For fiscal year ended: September 29, 2017 $ 2,370 $ 924 $ (327 ) $ 2,967 September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) 2,967 2,413 (122 ) 5,258 September 27, 2019 5,258 4,523 (6 ) 9,775
Schedule Of Inventories	Inventories Inventories September 27, September 28, Raw materials $ 8,031 $ 6,095 Work in process 4,872 4,044 Finished goods 19,428 16,067 Total $ 32,331 $ 26,206
Schedule Of Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets	Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets September 27, September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) Prepaid expenses $ 17,997 $ 18,508 Other current assets 20,924 13,946 Income tax receivable 783 2,436 Total $ 39,704 $ 34,890
Schedule Of Accrued Liabilities	Accrued Liabilities September 27, September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) Accrued royalties $ 2,957 $ 2,648 Amounts payable to patent administration program partners 58,899 69,061 Accrued compensation and benefits 78,716 84,491 Accrued professional fees 19,216 9,749 Unpaid PP&E additions 15,332 13,956 Other accrued liabilities 93,024 63,223 Total $ 268,144 $ 243,128
Schedule Of Other Non-Current Liabilities	Other Non-Current Liabilities September 27, September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) Supplemental retirement plan obligations $ 3,466 $ 3,388 Non-current tax liabilities (1) 136,323 129,253 Other liabilities 37,673 51,158 Total $ 177,462 $ 183,799

Investments and Fair Value Meas

Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	Our cash and investment portfolio consisted of the following (in thousands): September 27, Cost Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Gains Losses Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 680,287 $ — $ — $ 680,287 $ 680,287 $ — $ — Cash equivalents: Corporate bonds 1,000 — — 1,000 — 1,000 — Money market funds 115,270 — — 115,270 115,270 — — Government bonds 653 — — 653 653 — — Cash and cash equivalents 797,210 — — 797,210 796,210 1,000 — Short-term investments: Certificate of deposit 1,265 1 — 1,266 — 1,266 — U.S. agency securities 10,973 8 (9 ) 10,972 — 10,972 — Government bonds 8,381 11 (1 ) 8,391 5,784 2,607 — Commercial paper 6,347 9 — 6,356 — 6,356 — Corporate bonds 76,802 172 (34 ) 76,940 — 76,940 — Municipal debt securities 15,210 18 (7 ) 15,221 — 15,221 — Short-term investments 118,978 219 (51 ) 119,146 5,784 113,362 — Long-term investments: Asset backed securities 400 2 — 402 — 402 — U.S. agency securities 7,102 146 — 7,248 — 7,248 — Government bonds 23,563 187 — 23,750 19,670 4,080 — Corporate bonds 134,360 1,700 — 136,060 — 136,060 — Municipal debt securities 10,315 87 (6 ) 10,396 — 10,396 — Other long-term investments (1) 1,731 — — 1,731 — — — Long-term investments 177,471 2,122 (6 ) 179,587 19,670 158,186 — Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments $ 1,093,659 $ 2,341 $ (57 ) $ 1,095,943 $ 821,664 $ 272,548 $ — Investments held in supplemental retirement plan: Assets 3,564 — — 3,564 3,564 — — Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets & other non-current assets Liabilities 3,564 — — 3,564 3,564 — — Included in accrued liabilities & other non-current liabilities Currency derivatives as hedge instruments: Assets — — — — — — — Included in other current assets Liabilities — — (242 ) (242 ) — (242 ) — Included in other accrued expenses (1) Other long-term investments as of September 27, 2019 includes an investment that is not carried at fair value including an equity method investment of $1.7 million . September 28, Cost Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Gains Losses Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 905,660 $ — $ — $ 905,660 $ 905,660 $ — $ — Cash equivalents: Commercial paper 5,058 — — 5,058 — 5,058 — Corporate bonds 1,005 — — 1,005 — 1,005 — Money market funds 3,301 — — 3,301 3,301 — — Municipal debt securities 545 — (1 ) 544 — 544 — Government bonds 2,495 — — 2,495 2,495 — — Cash and cash equivalents 918,064 — (1 ) 918,063 911,456 6,607 — Short-term investments: Certificate of deposit 12,875 14 — 12,889 — 12,889 — U.S. agency securities 11,997 — (135 ) 11,862 — 11,862 — Government bonds 7,970 — (15 ) 7,955 7,955 — — Commercial paper 4,276 — — 4,276 — 4,276 — Corporate bonds 111,245 50 (494 ) 110,801 — 110,801 — Municipal debt securities 30,475 — (120 ) 30,355 — 30,355 — Short-term investments 178,838 64 (764 ) 178,138 7,955 170,183 — Long-term investments: U.S. agency securities 9,791 — (166 ) 9,625 — 9,625 — Government bonds 15,966 — (317 ) 15,649 15,649 — — Corporate bonds 146,561 33 (1,810 ) 144,784 — 144,784 — Municipal debt securities 17,235 — (112 ) 17,123 — 17,123 — Other long-term investments (1) 355 246 — 601 246 — — Long-term investments 189,908 279 (2,405 ) 187,782 15,895 171,532 — Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments $ 1,286,810 $ 343 $ (3,170 ) $ 1,283,983 $ 935,306 $ 348,322 $ — Investments held in supplemental retirement plan: Assets 3,486 — — 3,486 3,486 — — Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets & other non-current assets Liabilities 3,486 — — 3,486 3,486 — — Included in accrued liabilities & other non-current liabilities (1) Other long-term investments as of September 28, 2018 include a marketable equity security of $0.2 million , and other investments that are not carried at fair value including an equity method investment of $0.4 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 27, 2019 and September 28, 2018 (in thousands): September 27, 2019 September 28, 2018 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 $ 300 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — U.S. agency securities — — 4,787 (9 ) — — 21,486 (302 ) Government bonds 1,426 — — — 16,633 (332 ) — — Commercial paper — — — — 5,737 (1 ) — — Corporate bonds 7,647 (3 ) 27,078 (32 ) 143,051 (1,680 ) 52,162 (624 ) Municipal debt securities 9,552 (13 ) 900 — 41,058 (191 ) 6,965 (41 ) Total $ 18,925 $ (16 ) $ 32,765 $ (41 ) $ 206,479 $ (2,204 ) $ 80,613 $ (967 )
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 27, 2019 and September 28, 2018 , which are recorded within cash equivalents and both short and long-term investments in our consolidated balance sheets (in thousands): September 27, 2019 September 28, 2018 Range of maturity Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Due within 1 year $ 238,186 $ 238,354 $ 191,241 $ 190,541 Due in 1 to 2 years 93,948 94,899 122,131 120,545 Due in 2 to 3 years 81,793 82,957 67,423 66,637 Total $ 413,927 $ 416,210 $ 380,795 $ 377,723

Property, Plant & Equipment (Ta

Property, Plant & Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	As of September 27, 2019 and September 28, 2018 , PP&E consisted of the following (in thousands): Property, Plant, & Equipment September 27, September 28, Land $ 41,918 $ 43,342 Buildings and building improvements 282,924 283,474 Leasehold improvements 66,730 66,866 Machinery and equipment 128,525 111,603 Computer equipment and software 219,455 194,079 Furniture and fixtures 34,191 30,556 Equipment provided under operating leases 161,372 139,201 Construction-in-progress 19,616 7,342 Property, plant, and equipment, gross 954,731 876,463 Less: accumulated depreciation (417,299 ) (362,281 ) Property, plant, & equipment, net $ 537,432 $ 514,182

Goodwill & Intangible Assets (T

Goodwill & Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
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 29, 2017 $ 311,087 Acquired goodwill 18,394 Translation adjustments (1,499 ) Balance at September 28, 2018 $ 327,982 Acquired goodwill 9,367 Translation adjustments (2,520 ) Balance at September 27, 2019 $ 334,829
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 27, 2019 September 28, 2018 Intangible Assets, Net Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Acquired patents and technology $ 338,075 $ (176,867 ) $ 161,208 $ 319,082 $ (152,775 ) $ 166,307 Customer relationships 64,728 (45,510 ) 19,218 58,342 (41,012 ) 17,330 Other intangibles 22,902 (22,437 ) 465 22,742 (22,360 ) 382 Total $ 425,705 $ (244,814 ) $ 180,891 $ 400,166 $ (216,147 ) $ 184,019
Future Amortization Expense	As of September 27, 2019 , expected amortization expense of our intangible assets in future periods was as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Amortization Expense 2020 $ 31,064 2021 30,825 2022 28,582 2023 23,646 2024 21,725 Thereafter 45,049 Total $ 180,891

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc_2

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Summary Of Stock Options Issued To Officers, Directors, And Employees Under 2000 Stock Incentive Plan And 2005 Stock Plan	The following table summarizes information about stock options issued under our 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 28, 2018 7,365 $ 43.51 Grants 1,253 64.61 Exercises (1,177 ) 36.17 Forfeitures and cancellations (240 ) 54.24 Options outstanding at September 27, 2019 7,201 48.03 6.3 $ 114,500 Options vested and expected to vest at September 27, 2019 6,921 47.43 6.2 114,091 Options exercisable at September 27, 2019 4,355 $ 41.18 5.4 98,496
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 28, 2018 2,806 $ 51.62 Granted 1,348 64.97 Vested (1,062 ) 48.08 Forfeitures (287 ) 56.83 Non-vested at September 27, 2019 2,805 $ 58.84
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 27, September 28, September 29, Restricted stock units - vest date fair value $ 69,956 $ 64,755 $ 51,985
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 27, September 28, September 29, Expected term (in years) 4.90 5.06 5.13 Risk-free interest rate 2.7 % 2.2 % 2.1 % Expected stock price volatility 22.9 % 22.6 % 27.4 % Dividend yield 1.1 % 1.1 % 1.1 %
Summary Of Weighted-Average Fair Value Of Stock Options Granted And Total Intrinsic Value Of Stock Options Exercised	s: Fiscal Year Ended September 27, September 28, September 29, Expected term (in years) 4.90 5.06 5.13 Risk-free interest rate 2.7 % 2.2 % 2.1 % Expected stock price volatility 22.9 % 22.6 % 27.4 % Dividend yield 1.1 % 1.1 % 1.1 % 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 27, September 28, September 29, Stock options granted - weighted-average grant date fair value $ 14.16 $ 13.19 $ 11.39 Stock options exercised - intrinsic value 33,226 63,973 28,544
Schedule Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense By Plan	The following two tables separately present stock-based compensation expense both by award type and classification in our consolidated statements of operations (in thousands): Expense - By Award Type Fiscal Year Ended September 27, September 28, September 29, Stock options $ 17,742 $ 21,083 $ 18,630 Restricted stock units 54,650 46,162 43,171 Employee stock purchase plan 4,188 4,004 3,542 Total stock-based compensation 76,580 71,249 65,343 Estimated benefit from income taxes (12,884 ) (12,595 ) (18,959 ) Total stock-based compensation, net of tax $ 63,696 $ 58,654 $ 46,384
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 27, September 28, September 29, Cost of products and services $ 1,710 $ 1,574 $ 1,458 Research and development 23,191 19,515 18,497 Sales and marketing 28,137 24,997 26,175 General and administrative 23,542 25,163 19,213 Total stock-based compensation 76,580 71,249 65,343 Estimated benefit from income taxes (12,884 ) (12,595 ) (18,959 ) Total stock-based compensation, net of tax $ 63,696 $ 58,654 $ 46,384
Schedule of Tax Benefit from Exercise of Options	on Fiscal Year Ended Compensation Expense - By Classification September 27, September 28, September 29, Cost of products and services $ 1,710 $ 1,574 $ 1,458 Research and development 23,191 19,515 18,497 Sales and marketing 28,137 24,997 26,175 General and administrative 23,542 25,163 19,213 Total stock-based compensation 76,580 71,249 65,343 Estimated benefit from income taxes (12,884 ) (12,595 ) (18,959 ) Total stock-based compensation, net of tax $ 63,696 $ 58,654 $ 46,384 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 27, September 28, September 29, Tax benefit - shares issued under ESPP $ 353 $ 577 $ 802
Schedule of Treasury Stock Authorizations	The following table summarizes the initial amount of authorized repurchases as well as additional repurchases approved by our Board of Directors as of September 27, 2019 (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 Fiscal 2018: July 2018 350,000 Fiscal 2019: July 2019 350,000 Total $ 2,000,000
Schedule of Stock Repurchase Activity	y $361 million . The following table provides information regarding share repurchase activity under the program in fiscal 2019 : Quarterly Repurchase Activity Shares Repurchased Cost (1) Average Price Paid Per Share (2) (in thousands) Q1 - Quarter ended December 28, 2018 1,642,107 $ 112,570 $ 68.54 Q2 - Quarter ended March 29, 2019 1,318,250 85,351 64.73 Q3 - Quarter ended June 28, 2019 1,405,065 88,653 63.08 Q4 - Quarter ended September 27, 2019 902,187 54,011 59.94 Total 5,267,609 $ 340,585 (1) Cost of share repurchases includes the price paid per share and applicable commissions. (2) Average price paid per share excludes commission costs.
Dividends Declared	The following table summarizes dividends declared under the program during fiscal 2019 : Fiscal Period Announcement Date Record Date Payment Date Cash Dividend Per Common Share Dividend Payment Fiscal 2019 Q1 - Quarter ended December 28, 2018 January 30, 2019 February 12, 2019 February 21, 2019 $ 0.19 $19.5 million Q2 - Quarter ended March 29, 2019 May 1, 2019 May 14, 2019 May 22, 2019 $ 0.19 $19.3 million Q3 - Quarter ended June 28, 2019 August 1, 2019 August 12, 2019 August 20, 2019 $ 0.19 $19.2 million Q4 - Quarter ended September 27, 2019 November 14, 2019 November 26, 2019 December 4, 2019 $ 0.22 $22.0 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 Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
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 Fiscal Year Ended September 27, 2019 September 28, 2018 Investment Securities Cash Flow Hedges Currency Translation Adjustments Total Investment Securities Cash Flow Hedges Currency Translation Adjustments Total Beginning Balance $ (2,948 ) $ — $ (12,884 ) $ (15,832 ) $ (377 ) $ — $ (7,376 ) $ (7,753 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications: Unrealized gains/(losses) 5,131 (176 ) — 4,955 (2,213 ) — — (2,213 ) Foreign currency translation gains/(losses) (1) — — (9,500 ) (9,500 ) — — (5,614 ) (5,614 ) Income tax effect - benefit/(expense) 37 — (439 ) (402 ) — — 106 106 Net of tax 5,168 (176 ) (9,939 ) (4,947 ) (2,213 ) — (5,508 ) (7,721 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI into earnings: Realized gains/(losses) (1) (43 ) 176 — 133 (447 ) — — (447 ) Income tax effect - benefit/(expense) (2) 21 — — 21 89 — — 89 Net of tax (22 ) 176 — 154 (358 ) — — (358 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss) 5,146 — (9,939 ) (4,793 ) (2,571 ) — (5,508 ) (8,079 ) Ending Balance $ 2,198 $ — $ (22,823 ) $ (20,625 ) $ (2,948 ) $ — $ (12,884 ) $ (15,832 ) (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. 27, 2019
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 27, September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) September 29, 2017 (as adjusted) Numerator: Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. $ 255,151 $ 41,746 $ 206,481 Denominator: Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic 101,629 103,377 101,784 Potential common shares from options to purchase common stock 1,922 2,370 1,098 Potential common shares from restricted stock units 1,021 1,231 404 Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted 104,572 106,978 103,286 Net income per share attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.: Basic $ 2.51 $ 0.40 $ 2.03 Diluted $ 2.44 $ 0.39 $ 2.00 Antidilutive awards excluded from calculation: Stock options 2,340 1,043 160 Restricted stock units 1 6 —

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
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 27, September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) September 29, 2017 (as adjusted) United States $ 60,500 $ 27,819 $ 3,996 Foreign 221,807 168,555 251,149 Total $ 282,307 $ 196,374 $ 255,145
Schedule Of Provision For Income Taxes	Fiscal Year Ended September 27, September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) September 29, 2017 (as adjusted) Current: Federal $ 14,144 $ 40,624 $ 30,718 State 394 333 610 Foreign 64,335 59,383 55,531 Total current 78,873 100,340 86,859 Deferred: Federal (55,793 ) 43,377 (35,824 ) State 1,007 17,484 (4,604 ) Foreign 2,715 (7,132 ) 1,608 Total deferred (52,071 ) 53,729 (38,820 ) Provision for income taxes $ 26,802 $ 154,069 $ 48,039
Schedule of Withholding Taxes
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 27, September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) Deferred income tax assets: Investments $ 2,099 $ 2,215 Inventories 4,041 4,070 Net operating loss 2,050 2,174 Accrued expenses 13,917 12,573 Stock-based compensation 17,189 15,601 Revenue recognition 4,410 7,161 Depreciation and amortization 19,988 16,078 Research and development credits 28,777 21,302 Foreign tax credits 10,777 9,345 Deemed repatriated earnings tax benefit 33,357 — Other 4,705 3,334 Total gross deferred income tax assets 141,310 93,853 Less: valuation allowance (24,884 ) (16,256 ) Total deferred income tax assets 116,426 77,597 Deferred income tax liabilities: Intangibles (2,351 ) (2,831 ) Deferred income tax assets, net (non-current) $ 114,075 $ 74,766
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 27, September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) September 29, 2017 (as adjusted) Federal statutory rate 21.0 % 24.6 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal effect 0.2 0.7 0.7 Stock-based compensation expense rate (2.8 ) (5.2 ) 1.4 Research and development tax credits (3.0 ) (4.5 ) (3.7 ) Tax exempt interest — (0.1 ) (0.1 ) U.S. manufacturing tax incentives — (0.2 ) (0.8 ) Foreign rate differential (2.6 ) (5.2 ) (22.9 ) Audit settlements — — (0.6 ) Tax Act (7.7 ) 53.3 — Change in Valuation Allowance 1.5 8.3 — Other 2.9 6.8 9.8 Effective tax rate 9.5 % 78.5 % 18.8 %
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 27, September 28, September 29, Beginning Balance $ 102,009 $ 98,665 $ 75,168 Gross increases - tax positions taken during prior years 115 — 308 Gross decreases - tax positions taken during prior years — (2,209 ) — Gross increases - tax positions taken during current year 6,822 9,580 26,724 Gross decreases - settlements with tax authorities during current year — (130 ) (1,101 ) Lapse of statute of limitations (407 ) (3,897 ) (2,434 ) Ending Balance $ 108,539 $ 102,009 $ 98,665
Schedule of Accrued Interest and Penalties on Unrecognized Tax Benefits	ur accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits as of September 27, 2019 and September 28, 2018 were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 27, September 28, Accrued interest $ 10,315 $ 6,778 Accrued penalties 44 42 Total $ 10,359 $ 6,820

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 29, 2017
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Costs	The table presented below summarizes changes in restructuring accruals under these plans (in thousands): Severance Leased facility exit costs Fixed assets write-off Other associated costs Total Balance at September 28, 2018 $ — $ — $ — $ 124 $ 124 Restructuring charges/(credits) 3,134 18,261 15,216 (53 ) 36,558 Cash payments (3,006 ) (4,577 ) — (130 ) (7,713 ) Non-cash and other adjustments — 2,039 (15,216 ) 59 (13,118 ) Balance at September 27, 2019 $ 128 $ 15,723 $ — $ — $ 15,851	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 Restructuring charges 23 Cash payments (12,005 ) Non-cash and other adjustments (582 ) Balance at September 28, 2018 $ 124

Commitments And Contingencies (

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
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 27, 2019 (in thousands): Payments Due By Fiscal Period Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Thereafter Total Naming rights $ 7,909 $ 8,008 $ 8,108 $ 8,209 $ 8,312 $ 70,344 $ 110,890 Operating leases 17,231 9,329 7,191 6,218 4,499 12,355 56,823 Purchase obligations 37,675 4,241 1,803 — — — 43,719 Donation commitments 4,243 141 141 141 141 1,059 5,866 Total $ 67,058 $ 21,719 $ 17,243 $ 14,568 $ 12,952 $ 83,758 $ 217,298
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 27, September 28, September 29, Total rent expense $ 20,589 $ 17,161 $ 15,091

Operating Segments and Geogra_2

Operating Segments and Geographic Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
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 27, September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) September 29, 2017 (as adjusted) United States $ 449,203 $ 353,235 $ 377,553 International 792,417 701,365 702,624 Total revenue $ 1,241,620 $ 1,054,600 $ 1,080,177
Schedule Of Concentration Of Revenue From Individual Geographic Regions	Revenue Concentration - Significant Individual Geographic Regions Fiscal Year Ended Location September 27, September 28, 2018 (as adjusted) September 29, 2017 (as adjusted) United States 36 % 33 % 35 % South Korea 12 % 17 % 13 % China 20 % 15 % 20 % Japan 11 % 13 % 12 % Europe 12 % 12 % 10 % Taiwan 4 % 3 % 4 % Other 5 % 7 % 6 % 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 27, September 28, United States $ 460,370 $ 453,336 International 77,062 60,846 Total long-lived tangible assets, net of accumulated depreciation $ 537,432 $ 514,182

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
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 27, 2019 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, LP 10.0 % Wootton Bassett, England 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 . In fiscal 2019, we ceased occupancy of the facility, and do not intend to re-occupy the locations. As a result of our ceased occupancy, we incurred $33.5 million in restructuring charges recorded as operating expenses in our consolidated statement of operations. Related party rent expense included in operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 27, September 28, September 29, Related party rent expense and restructuring charges included in operating expenses $ 16,360 $ 3,483 $ 3,142 Distributions. Distributions made by the jointly-owned real estate entities to our principal stockholder were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 27, September 28, September 29, Distributions to principal stockholder $ (1,015 ) $ (1,022 ) $ (2,094 )

Retirement Plans Retirement Pla

Retirement Plans Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
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 27, September 28, September 29, Retirement plan expenses $ 23,375 $ 23,439 $ 22,035

Selected Quarterly Financial _2

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Schedule Of Selected Quarterly Financial Data	The following table presents selected unaudited quarterly financial information from fiscal 2019 and 2018 (in thousands, except per share amounts): Fiscal Year 2019 Fiscal Year 2018 (as adjusted) Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Revenue: Licensing $ 260,279 $ 310,308 $ 271,897 $ 264,796 $ 270,172 $ 272,135 $ 183,771 $ 214,699 Products and services 42,097 27,950 30,262 34,031 29,355 27,587 31,009 25,872 Total revenue 302,376 338,258 302,159 298,827 299,527 299,722 214,780 240,571 Cost of revenue 38,629 36,575 39,690 45,960 30,893 31,027 34,383 31,259 Gross margin 263,747 301,683 262,469 252,867 268,634 268,695 180,397 209,312 Income/(loss) before taxes and controlling interest 74,254 110,002 41,800 56,251 96,547 87,782 (5,808 ) 17,853 Net income/(loss) attributable to Dolby Laboratories $ 98,219 $ 73,440 $ 39,574 $ 43,918 $ (53,302 ) $ 65,216 $ 3,116 $ 26,716 Earnings per share: Basic $ 0.96 $ 0.72 $ 0.39 $ 0.44 $ (0.52 ) $ 0.63 $ 0.03 $ 0.26 Diluted $ 0.93 $ 0.70 $ 0.38 $ 0.43 $ (0.52 ) $ 0.61 $ 0.03 $ 0.25 Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 102,677 102,141 101,218 100,481 102,552 103,771 103,836 103,349 Diluted 106,130 104,587 103,717 102,945 102,552 107,001 106,950 106,794

Summary Of Significant Accoun_4

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Maximum credit exposure (percent)	5.00%
Advertising expense	$ 49,118	$ 49,519	$ 47,402
Transaction and re-measurement gains/losses	$ (260)	(823)	$ (74)
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
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	$ 29,000	$ 25,100

Summary Of Significant Accoun_5

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Property, Plant, And Equipment, Estimated Useful Life) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019
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

Summary of Significant Accoun_6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Adoption of ASC 606 Standard) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Sep. 27, 2019	Jun. 28, 2019	Mar. 29, 2019	Dec. 28, 2018	Sep. 28, 2018	Jun. 29, 2018	Mar. 30, 2018	Dec. 29, 2017	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Revenue										$ 1,241,620	$ 1,054,600	$ 1,080,177
Gross margin		$ 252,867	$ 262,469	$ 301,683	$ 263,747	$ 209,312	$ 180,397	$ 268,695	$ 268,634	1,080,766	927,038	961,648
Provision for income taxes										(26,802)	(154,069)	(48,039)
Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.		$ 43,918	$ 39,574	$ 73,440	$ 98,219	$ 26,716	$ 3,116	$ 65,216	$ (53,302)	$ 255,151	$ 41,746	$ 206,481
Diluted (usd per share)		$ 0.43	$ 0.38	$ 0.70	$ 0.93	$ 0.25	$ 0.03	$ 0.61	$ (0.52)	$ 2.44	$ 0.39	$ 2
Accounts receivable, net		$ 189,115				$ 166,133				$ 189,115	$ 166,133
Contract assets		195,651				165,959				195,651	165,959
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		39,704				34,890				39,704	34,890
Deferred taxes		114,075				74,766				114,075	74,766
Other non-current assets		93,395				80,080				93,395	80,080
Accrued liabilities		268,144				243,128				268,144	243,128
Contract liabilities		19,991				17,468				19,991	17,468
Non-current contract liabilities		24,404				25,887				24,404	25,887
Other non-current liabilities		177,462				183,799				177,462	183,799
Retained earnings		$ 2,327,877				2,313,539				2,327,877	2,313,539
Net income including controlling interest										255,505	42,305	$ 207,106
Provision for doubtful accounts										4,523	2,413	924
Deferred income taxes										(40,191)	61,059	(35,046)
Accounts receivable										(27,492)	100,129	(56,559)
Contract assets										(29,708)	(2,502)	(5,519)
Prepaid expenses and other assets										(6,200)	(52,485)	(12,302)
Accounts payable and other liabilities										169	(29,019)	103,505
Contract liabilities										1,084	(59)	4,980
Other non-current liabilities										(13,996)	34,650	381
Net cash provided by operating activities										$ 327,674	352,202	$ 377,793
Previously Reported [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Revenue											1,171,924
Gross margin											1,043,664
Provision for income taxes											(190,062)
Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.											$ 122,246
Diluted (usd per share)											$ 1.14
Accounts receivable, net						137,151					$ 137,151
Contract assets						0					0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets						35,209					35,209
Deferred taxes						101,070					101,070
Other non-current assets						42,280					42,280
Accrued liabilities						223,594					223,594
Contract liabilities						23,931					23,931
Non-current contract liabilities						40,064					40,064
Other non-current liabilities						150,960					150,960
Retained earnings						2,139,154					2,139,154
Net income including controlling interest	[1]										122,805
Provision for doubtful accounts	[1]										2,507
Deferred income taxes	[1]										89,934
Accounts receivable	[1]										(65,723)
Contract assets	[1]										0
Prepaid expenses and other assets	[1]										(14,895)
Accounts payable and other liabilities	[1]										15,690
Contract liabilities	[1]										4,362
Other non-current liabilities	[1]										1,811
Net cash provided by operating activities	[1]										352,202
Restatement Adjustment [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Revenue											(117,324)
Gross margin											(116,626)
Provision for income taxes											35,993
Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.											$ (80,500)
Diluted (usd per share)											$ (0.75)
Accounts receivable, net						28,982					$ 28,982
Contract assets						165,959					165,959
Prepaid expenses and other current assets						(319)					(319)
Deferred taxes						(26,304)					(26,304)
Other non-current assets						37,800					37,800
Accrued liabilities						19,534					19,534
Contract liabilities						(6,463)					(6,463)
Non-current contract liabilities						(14,177)					(14,177)
Other non-current liabilities						32,839					32,839
Retained earnings						$ 174,385					174,385
Net income including controlling interest											(80,500)
Provision for doubtful accounts											(94)
Deferred income taxes											(28,875)
Accounts receivable											165,852
Contract assets											(2,502)
Prepaid expenses and other assets											(37,590)
Accounts payable and other liabilities											(44,709)
Contract liabilities											(4,421)
Other non-current liabilities											32,839
Net cash provided by operating activities											$ 0
[1]	Previously reported statement of cash flows in the table above reflects the adoption of ASU 2016-18. The impact to our previously reported condensed consolidated statement of cash flows is not material. Refer to disclosure below for further detail.

Revenue Recognition (Narrative)

Revenue Recognition (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 27, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Expected timing of satisfaction period, or less		1 year
Revenue adjustment	$ 9
Revenue recognized	$ 6.6

Revenue Recognition (Performanc

Revenue Recognition (Performance Obligation) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019USD ($)country
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation | $	$ 41.8
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Countries technologies are licensed in | country	60
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of satisfaction period	1 year
Remaining performance obligation, percent	45.00%
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of satisfaction period	1 year
Remaining performance obligation, percent	20.00%
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of satisfaction period	1 year
Remaining performance obligation, percent	35.00%

Revenue Recognition (Schedule o

Revenue Recognition (Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Jun. 28, 2019	Mar. 29, 2019	Dec. 28, 2018	Sep. 28, 2018	Jun. 29, 2018	Mar. 30, 2018	Dec. 29, 2017	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	$ 298,827	$ 302,159	$ 338,258	$ 302,376	$ 240,571	$ 214,780	$ 299,722	$ 299,527	$ 1,241,620	$ 1,054,600
Revenue from contract with customer, percent									100.00%	100.00%
United States
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									$ 449,203	$ 353,235
Revenue from contract with customer, percent									36.00%	33.00%
International
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									$ 792,417	$ 701,365
Revenue from contract with customer, percent									64.00%	67.00%
Licensing
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	$ 264,796	$ 271,897	$ 310,308	$ 260,279	$ 214,699	$ 183,771	$ 272,135	$ 270,172	$ 1,107,280	$ 940,777	$ 965,864
Revenue from contract with customer, percent									89.00%	89.00%
Revenue from contract with customer, licensing percent									100.00%	100.00%
Products and services
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									$ 134,340	$ 113,823	$ 114,313
Revenue from contract with customer, percent									11.00%	11.00%
Broadcast
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									$ 474,147	$ 385,705
Revenue from contract with customer, licensing percent									43.00%	41.00%	44.00%
Mobile
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									$ 193,052	$ 148,356
Revenue from contract with customer, licensing percent									17.00%	16.00%	15.00%
CE
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									$ 154,399	$ 144,132
Revenue from contract with customer, licensing percent									14.00%	15.00%	13.00%
PC
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									$ 113,597	$ 106,765
Revenue from contract with customer, licensing percent									10.00%	11.00%	13.00%
Other
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									$ 172,085	$ 155,819
Revenue from contract with customer, licensing percent									16.00%	17.00%	15.00%

Revenue Recognition (Summary of

Revenue Recognition (Summary of Contract Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, net	$ 189,115	$ 166,133
Contract assets	195,651	165,959
Other non-current assets	93,395	80,080
Contract liabilities	19,991	17,468
Non-current contract liabilities	24,404	25,887
Other non-current liabilities	177,462	$ 183,799
Change ($)
Accounts receivable, net	22,982
Contract assets	29,692
Other non-current assets	13,315
Contract liabilities - current	2,523
Contract liabilities - non-current	(1,483)
Other non-current liabilities	$ (6,337)
Change (%)
Accounts receivable, net	14.00%
Contract assets	18.00%
Other non-current assets	17.00%
Contract liabilities - current	14.00%
Contract liabilities - non-current	(6.00%)
Other non-current liabilities	(3.00%)

Composition Of Certain Financ_3

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Unbilled accounts receivable	$ 57,200
Raw materials	8,031	$ 6,095
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Raw materials	3,000	$ 2,600
Land and Building [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Land and buildings held for sale	$ 2,200

Composition Of Certain Financ_4

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Accounts Receivable) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable	$ 151,996	$ 108,929
Accounts receivable from patent administration program partners	46,894	62,462
Accounts receivable, gross	198,890	171,391
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(9,775)	(5,258)
Total	$ 189,115	$ 166,133

Composition Of Certain Financ_5

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Allowance For Doubtful Accounts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Fiscal Year	$ 5,258	$ 2,967	$ 2,370
Charged to Operations	4,523	2,413	924
Deductions	(6)	(122)	(327)
Balance at End of Fiscal Year	$ 9,775	$ 5,258	$ 2,967

Composition Of Certain Financ_6

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Inventories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 8,031	$ 6,095
Work in process	4,872	4,044
Finished goods	19,428	16,067
Inventories	$ 32,331	$ 26,206

Composition Of Certain Financ_7

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Prepaid assets	$ 17,997	$ 18,508
Other current assets	20,924	13,946
Income tax receivable	783	2,436
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$ 39,704	$ 34,890

Composition Of Certain Financ_8

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Accrued Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Accrued royalties	$ 2,957	$ 2,648
Amounts payable to joint licensing program partners	58,899	69,061
Accrued compensation and benefits	78,716	84,491
Accrued professional fees	19,216	9,749
Unpaid PP&E additions	15,332	13,956
Other accrued liabilities	93,024	63,223
Accrued liabilities	$ 268,144	$ 243,128

Composition Of Certain Financ_9

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Other Non-Current Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Supplemental retirement plan obligations	$ 3,466	$ 3,388
Non-current tax liabilities	136,323	129,253
Other liabilities	37,673	51,158
Other non-current liabilities	$ 177,462	$ 183,799

Investments and Fair Value Me_2

Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Schedule Of Financial Assets Carried At Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 27, 2019		Sep. 28, 2018
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value		$ 797,210
Cash				$ 918,064
Short-term investments, cost		413,927		380,795
Short-term investments, unrealized losses		0		(1)
Short term investments, total		416,210		377,723
Long-term investments, unrealized gains		0
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments, cost		1,093,659		1,286,810
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments, unrealized gains		2,341		343
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments, unrealized losses		(57)		(3,170)
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments, total		1,095,943		1,283,983
Assets		797,210		918,063
Government bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash				2,495
Short-term investments, cost		653
Short term investments, total		653
Long-term investments, unrealized gains		0
Long-term investments, unrealized losses		0
Commercial paper
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash				5,058
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments, cost		0		5,737
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments, unrealized gains		0		1
Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash				1,005
Municipal debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash				544
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments, cost		9,552		41,058
Other long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments		1,700		400
Cost Method Investment, Fair Value Measurement Adjustment				200
Short-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost				178,838
Short-term investments, unrealized gains				64
Short-term investments, unrealized losses				(764)
Short term investments, total				178,138
Long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, cost				189,908
Long-term investments, unrealized gains				279
Long-term investments, unrealized losses				(2,405)
U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, unrealized gains		8
Short-term investments, unrealized losses		(9)
Short term investments, total		10,972
Cash
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value		680,287
Cash		680,287		905,660
Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value		1,000
Cash		1,000
Short-term investments, unrealized losses		0
Money market funds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value		115,270
Cash		115,270		3,301
Municipal debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value				545
Short-term investments, unrealized losses				(1)
Level 1
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		796,210		911,456
Assets		821,664		935,306
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, assets		0
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, liabilities		0
Level 1 | Government bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		653		2,495
Level 1 | Investments held in supplemental retirement plan:
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets		3,564		3,486
Liabilities		3,564		3,486
Level 1 | Cash
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		680,287		905,660
Level 1 | Money market funds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		115,270		3,301
Level 2
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		1,000		6,607
Assets		272,548		348,322
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, assets		0
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, liabilities		(242)
Level 2 | Government bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		0
Level 2 | Commercial paper
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash				5,058
Level 2 | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		1,000		1,005
Level 2 | Municipal debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash				544
Level 2 | U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments		10,972
Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets		0		0
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, assets		0
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, liabilities		0
Short-term investments | Government bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost		8,381		7,970
Short-term investments, unrealized gains		11		0
Short-term investments, unrealized losses		(1)		(15)
Short term investments, total		8,391		7,955
Short-term investments | U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost				11,997
Short-term investments | Commercial paper
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost		6,347		4,276
Short-term investments, unrealized gains		9		0
Short-term investments, unrealized losses		0		0
Short term investments, total		6,356		4,276
Short-term investments | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost		76,802		111,245
Short-term investments, unrealized gains		172		50
Short-term investments, unrealized losses		(34)		(494)
Short term investments, total		76,940		110,801
Short-term investments | Municipal debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost		15,210		30,475
Short-term investments, unrealized gains		18		0
Short-term investments, unrealized losses		(7)		(120)
Short term investments, total		15,221		30,355
Short-term investments | Short-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost		118,978
Short-term investments, unrealized gains		219
Short-term investments, unrealized losses		(51)
Short term investments, total		119,146
Short-term investments | Certificates of Deposit
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost		1,265		12,875
Short-term investments, unrealized gains		1		14
Short-term investments, unrealized losses		0		0
Short term investments, total		1,266		12,889
Short-term investments | U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost		10,973
Short-term investments, unrealized gains				0
Short-term investments, unrealized losses				(135)
Short term investments, total				11,862
Short-term investments | Level 1
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments		5,784		7,955
Short-term investments | Level 1 | Government bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments		5,784		7,955
Short-term investments | Level 2
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments		113,362		170,183
Short-term investments | Level 2 | Government bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments		2,607
Short-term investments | Level 2 | Commercial paper
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments		6,356		4,276
Short-term investments | Level 2 | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments		76,940		110,801
Short-term investments | Level 2 | Municipal debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments		15,221		30,355
Short-term investments | Level 2 | Certificates of Deposit
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments		1,266		12,889
Short-term investments | Level 2 | U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments				11,862
Long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, total				187,782
Long-term investments | Government bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, cost		23,563		15,966
Long-term investments, unrealized gains		187		0
Long-term investments, unrealized losses		0		(317)
Long-term investments, total		23,750		15,649
Long-term investments | Asset backed securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, cost		400
Long-term investments, unrealized gains		2
Long-term investments, unrealized losses		0
Long-term investments, total		402
Long-term investments | U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, cost		7,102		9,791
Long-term investments, unrealized gains		146		0
Long-term investments, unrealized losses		0		(166)
Long-term investments, total		7,248		9,625
Long-term investments | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, cost		134,360		146,561
Long-term investments, unrealized gains		1,700		33
Long-term investments, unrealized losses		0		(1,810)
Long-term investments, total		136,060		144,784
Long-term investments | Municipal debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, cost		10,315		17,235
Long-term investments, unrealized gains		87		0
Long-term investments, unrealized losses		(6)		(112)
Long-term investments, total		10,396		17,123
Long-term investments | Other long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, cost		1,731	[1]	355	[2]
Long-term investments, unrealized gains		0	[1]	246	[2]
Long-term investments, unrealized losses		0	[1]	0	[2]
Long-term investments, total		1,731	[1]	601	[2]
Long-term investments | Long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, cost		177,471
Long-term investments, unrealized gains		2,122
Long-term investments, unrealized losses		(6)
Long-term investments, total		179,587
Long-term investments | Level 1
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments		19,670		15,895
Long-term investments | Level 1 | Government bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments		19,670		15,649
Long-term investments | Level 1 | Other long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments	[2]			246
Long-term investments | Level 2
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments		158,186		171,532
Long-term investments | Level 2 | Government bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments		4,080
Long-term investments | Level 2 | Asset backed securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments		402
Long-term investments | Level 2 | U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments		7,248		9,625
Long-term investments | Level 2 | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments		136,060		144,784
Long-term investments | Level 2 | Municipal debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments		10,396		$ 17,123
Liabilities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, unrealized gains		0
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, unrealized loss		(242)
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, liabilities, cost		0
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, liabilities		(242)
Assets
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, assets, cost		0
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, unrealized gains		0
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, unrealized loss		0
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, assets		$ 0
[1]	Other long-term investments as of September 27, 2019 includes an investment that is not carried at fair value including an equity method investment of $1.7 million
[2]	Other long-term investments as of September 28, 2018 include a marketable equity security of $0.2 million , and other investments that are not carried at fair value including an equity method investment of $0.4 million

Investments and Fair Value Me_3

Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Unrealized Loss Position) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		$ 918,064
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	$ 0
Short-term investments, cost	413,927	380,795
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss	0	1
Short term investments, total	416,210	377,723
Fair Value	18,925	206,479
Gross Unrealized Losses	(16)	(2,204)
Greater than 12 months, Fair Value	32,765	80,613
Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(41)	(967)
Investment Owned, at Cost	1,093,659	1,286,810
Investment Owned, Unrecognized Unrealized Appreciation	(2,341)	(343)
Long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, unrealized gains		279
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss		2,405
Certificates of Deposit
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value	300	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	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	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Greater than 12 months, Fair Value	4,787	21,486
Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(9)	(302)
Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		1,005
Fair Value	7,647	143,051
Gross Unrealized Losses	(3)	(1,680)
Greater than 12 months, Fair Value	27,078	52,162
Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(32)	(624)
Municipal debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		544
Gross Unrealized Losses	(13)	(191)
Greater than 12 months, Fair Value	900	6,965
Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	(41)
Investment Owned, at Cost	9,552	41,058
Government bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		2,495
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	0
Short-term investments, cost	653
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	0
Short term investments, total	653
Fair Value	1,426	16,633
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	(332)
Greater than 12 months, Fair Value	0	0
Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Commercial paper
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		5,058
Greater than 12 months, Fair Value	0	0
Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Investment Owned, at Cost	0	5,737
Investment Owned, Unrecognized Unrealized Appreciation	0	(1)
Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	1,000
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss	0
Short-term investments | Certificates of Deposit
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost	1,265	12,875
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss	0	0
Short term investments, total	1,266	12,889
Short-term investments | U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost		11,997
Short-term investments | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost	76,802	111,245
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss	34	494
Short term investments, total	76,940	110,801
Short-term investments | Municipal debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost	15,210	30,475
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss	7	120
Short term investments, total	15,221	30,355
Short-term investments | Government bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost	8,381	7,970
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss	1	15
Short term investments, total	8,391	7,955
Short-term investments | Commercial paper
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost	6,347	4,276
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss	0	0
Short term investments, total	6,356	4,276
Long-term investments | Long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	2,122
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	6
Long-term investments | U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	146	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	0	166
Long-term investments | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	1,700	33
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	0	1,810
Long-term investments | Municipal debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	87	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	6	112
Long-term investments | Government bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	187	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	$ 0	$ 317

Investments and Fair Value Me_4

Investments and Fair Value Measurements Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Investment Maturities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Amortized Cost
Due within 1 year	$ 238,186	$ 191,241
Due in 1 to 2 years	93,948	122,131
Due in 2 to 3 years	81,793	67,423
Total	413,927	380,795
Fair Value
Due within 1 year	238,354	190,541
Due in 1 to 2 years	94,899	120,545
Due in 2 to 3 years	82,957	66,637
Total	$ 416,210	$ 377,723

Property, Plant & Equipment (De

Property, Plant & Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 954,731	$ 876,463
Less: accumulated depreciation	(417,299)	(362,281)
Property, Plant And Equipment, Net	537,432	514,182
Depreciation	55,500	54,800	$ 53,400
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	41,918	43,342
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	282,924	283,474
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	66,730	66,866
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	128,525	111,603
Computer Systems and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	219,455	194,079
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	34,191	30,556
Cinema equipment provided under operating leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	161,372	139,201
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 19,616	$ 7,342

Goodwill & Intangible Assets (D

Goodwill & Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	$ 9,367	$ 18,394
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	327,982	311,087
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	(2,520)	(1,499)
Goodwill	334,829	327,982	$ 311,087
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Cost	425,705	400,166
Accumulated Amortization	(244,814)	(216,147)
Net	180,891	184,019
Amortization of intangible assets	29,700	26,500	$ 30,900
Acquired patents and technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Cost	338,075	319,082
Accumulated Amortization	(176,867)	(152,775)
Net	161,208	166,307
Payments to acquire intangible assets	$ 27,300	$ 21,000
Weighted-average useful life	7 years 10 months 24 days	10 years 6 months
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Cost	$ 64,728	$ 58,342
Accumulated Amortization	(45,510)	(41,012)
Net	19,218	17,330
Other intangibles
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Cost	22,902	22,742
Accumulated Amortization	(22,437)	(22,360)
Net	$ 465	$ 382

Goodwill & Intangible Assets -

Goodwill & Intangible Assets - Future Amortization of Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2016	$ 31,064
2017	30,825
2018	28,582
2019	23,646
2020	21,725
Thereafter	45,049
Net	$ 180,891	$ 184,019

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc_3

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

Aug. 01, 2019

May 01, 2019

Jan. 30, 2019

Dec. 15, 2018

Dec. 15, 2017

Dec. 15, 2016

Dec. 15, 2015

Sep. 27, 2019

Sep. 28, 2018

Sep. 29, 2017

Sep. 28, 2012

Oct. 31, 2010

Mar. 28, 2014

Jul. 31, 2019

Mar. 29, 2019

Jul. 25, 2018

Jan. 25, 2017

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

9.78%

9.91%

10.16%

Options granted under the plan

1,253,000

Options outstanding to purchase

7,365,000

Recognized tax benefit from the exercise of ISO and ESPP

$ 353,000

$ 577,000

$ 802,000

Percentage of vesting per year

50.00%

Share based compensation expense

76,580,000

71,249,000

65,343,000

Fair value of restricted stock units vested

$ 69,956,000

64,755,000

51,985,000

Year end stock price

$ 63.79

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

1,348,000

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

6 years 2 months 12 days

Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense

$ 76,580,000

$ 71,249,000

$ 65,343,000

Stock authorized for repurchase

2,000,000,000

$ 250,000,000

Remaining authorization to purchase additional shares

$ 361,000,000

Common stock, dividends declared (in dollars per share)

$ 0.19

$ 0.19

$ 0.19

$ 0.79

$ 0.67

$ 0.58

Class A Common Stock [Member]

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

Common stock, shares authorized (shares)

500,000,000

500,000,000

500,000,000

Common stock, shares issued (shares)

63,911,270

63,978,752

Class B Common Stock [Member]

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

Common stock, shares authorized (shares)

500,000,000

500,000,000

500,000,000

Common stock, shares issued (shares)

36,229,820

39,261,035

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

7,201,000

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Options outstanding

6 years 3 months 18 days

Options vested and exercisable

4,355,000

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

$ 350,000,000

$ 350,000,000

$ 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

$ 25,300,000

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

2 years 1 month 6 days

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

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

Options vesting period

36 months

Percentage of stock option becoming exercisable subjected to date of grant

25.00%

Options maximum vesting period, months

36 months

Restricted Stock Units [Member]

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

Share based compensation expense

$ 54,650,000

$ 46,162,000

$ 43,171,000

Stock options expected to vest

$ 109,300,000

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

2 years 3 months 18 days

Executive Officer [Member] | Performance-Based Stock Options [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options

1,193,737

Percentage Of Target Award

125.00%

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

Awarded Fiscal 2019 [Member] | Executive Officer [Member] | Performance-Based Stock Options [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross

241,100

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options

301,375

Percentage Of Target Award

125.00%

Awarded Fiscal 2018 [Member] | Executive Officer [Member] | Performance-Based Stock Options [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross

264,000

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options

330,000

Percentage Of Target Award

125.00%

Awarded Fiscal 2017 [Member] | Executive Officer [Member] | Performance-Based Stock Options [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross

276,199

Options outstanding to purchase

758,299

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options

345,248

Percentage Of Target Award

125.00%

Awarded Fiscal 2016 [Member] | Executive Officer [Member] | Performance-Based Stock Options [Member]

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

Options vested and exercisable

334,623

Percentage Of Target Award

125.00%

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc_4

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	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2012	Dec. 15, 2015
Shares
Options outstanding at September 28, 2018		7,365,000
Grants		1,253,000
Exercises		(1,177,000)
Forfeitures and cancellations		(240,000)
Options vested and expected to vest at September 27, 2019		6,921,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Options outstanding at September 28, 2018		$ 43.51
Grants		64.61
Exercises		36.17
Forfeitures and cancellations		54.24
Options outstanding at September 27, 2019		48.03
Options vested and expected to vest at September 27, 2019		47.43
Options exercisable at September 27, 2019		$ 41.18
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 2 months 12 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Options exercisable		5 years 4 months 24 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options outstanding		$ 114,500
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options vested and expected to vest		114,091
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options exercisable		$ 98,496
Year End Stock Price		$ 63.79
Two Thousand Five Stock Plan Member | Common Class A [Member]
Shares
Options outstanding at September 27, 2019		7,201,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Options outstanding		6 years 3 months 18 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number		4,355,000
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			36 months
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Becoming Exercisable		25.00%
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 27, 2019		758,299
Performance-Based Stock Options [Member] | Awarded Fiscal 2016 [Member] | Executive Officer [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number				334,623

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc_5

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. 27, 2019$ / sharesshares
Shares
Non-vested at September 28, 2018 | shares	2,806
Granted | shares	1,348
Vested | shares	(1,062)
Forfeitures | shares	(287)
Non-vested at September 27, 2019 | shares	2,805
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at September 28, 2018 | $ / shares	$ 51.62
Granted | $ / shares	64.97
Vested | $ / shares	48.08
Forfeitures | $ / shares	56.83
Non-vested at September 27, 2019 | $ / shares	$ 58.84

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc_6

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (RSU Vest Date Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Restricted stock units - vest date fair value	$ 69,956	$ 64,755	$ 51,985

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc_7

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Fair Value Of Stock-Based Awards Estimated Using Weighted-Average Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Expected life (in years)	4 years 10 months 24 days	5 years 21 days	5 years 1 month 17 days
Risk-free interest rate	2.70%	2.20%	2.10%
Expected stock price volatility	22.90%	22.60%	27.40%
Dividend yield	1.10%	1.10%	1.10%

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc_8

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. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Weighted-average fair value at date of grant	$ 14.16	$ 13.19	$ 11.39
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 33,226	$ 63,973	$ 28,544

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc_9

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Forfeiture Rates) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Estimated forfeiture rate, percent	9.78%	9.91%	10.16%

Stockholders' Equity And Sto_10

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense By Plan) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 76,580	$ 71,249	$ 65,343
Share based compensation expense	76,580	71,249	65,343
Benefit from income taxes	(12,884)	(12,595)	(18,959)
Recognized tax benefit from the exercise of ISO and ESPP	353	577	802
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax	63,696	58,654	46,384
Stock Option [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense	17,742	21,083	18,630
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense	54,650	46,162	43,171
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense	$ 4,188	$ 4,004	$ 3,542

Stockholders' Equity And Sto_11

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation By Classification) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Recognized tax benefit from the exercise of ISO and ESPP	$ 353	$ 577	$ 802
Stock-based compensation expense	76,580	71,249	65,343
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	12,884	12,595	18,959
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax	63,696	58,654	46,384
Cost of products and services [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	1,710	1,574	1,458
Research and development [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	23,191	19,515	18,497
Sales and marketing [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	28,137	24,997	26,175
General and administrative [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 23,542	$ 25,163	$ 19,213

Stockholders' Equity And Sto_12

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Repurchase) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Jun. 28, 2019	Mar. 29, 2019	Dec. 28, 2018	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 25, 2018	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	$ 2,000,000				$ 2,000,000										$ 250,000
Shares repurchased (in shares)	902,187	1,405,065	1,318,250	1,642,107	5,267,609
Cost	$ 54,011	$ 88,653	$ 85,351	$ 112,570	$ 340,585	$ 150,470	$ 100,000
Average Price Paid per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 59.94	$ 63.08	$ 64.73	$ 68.54	$ 59.94
Additional Stock Approved [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount								$ 350,000	$ 350,000	$ 200,000	$ 200,000	$ 100,000	$ 250,000	$ 300,000

Stockholders' Equity And Sto_13

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation Stockholders' Equity And Stock- Based Compensation - Dividends Declared (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions		Dec. 04, 2019	Nov. 14, 2019	Aug. 20, 2019	Aug. 01, 2019	May 22, 2019	May 01, 2019	Jan. 30, 2019	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Cash dividend declared per common share					$ 0.19		$ 0.19	$ 0.19	$ 0.79	$ 0.67	$ 0.58
Dividends				$ 19.2		$ 19.3		$ 19.5
Subsequent Event [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Cash dividend declared per common share	[1]		$ 0.22
Dividends	[1]	$ 22
[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 Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		$ (15,832)	$ (7,753)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax		4,955
Income tax effect - benefit/(expense)		402	106
Net of tax		(4,947)	(7,721)
Realized gains/(losses)	[1]	133	(447)
Income tax effect - benefit/(expense)	[2]	21	89
Net of tax		154	(358)
Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)		(4,793)	(8,079)
Ending Balance		(20,625)	(15,832)
Investment Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		(2,948)	(377)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax		5,131	(2,213)
Income tax effect - benefit/(expense)		37	0
Net of tax		5,168	(2,213)
Realized gains/(losses)	[1]	(43)	(447)
Income tax effect - benefit/(expense)	[2]	21	89
Net of tax		(22)	(358)
Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)		5,146	(2,571)
Ending Balance		2,198	(2,948)
Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax		(176)
Net of tax		(176)
Realized gains/(losses)	[1]	176
Net of tax		176
Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)		0
Ending Balance		0
Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		(12,884)	(7,376)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax	[1]	(9,500)	(5,614)
Income tax effect - benefit/(expense)		(439)	106
Net of tax		(9,939)	(5,508)
Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)		(9,939)	(5,508)
Ending Balance		$ (22,823)	$ (12,884)
[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. 27, 2019	Jun. 28, 2019	Mar. 29, 2019	Dec. 28, 2018	Sep. 28, 2018	Jun. 29, 2018	Mar. 30, 2018	Dec. 29, 2017	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.	$ 43,918	$ 39,574	$ 73,440	$ 98,219	$ 26,716	$ 3,116	$ 65,216	$ (53,302)	$ 255,151	$ 41,746	$ 206,481
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	100,481	101,218	102,141	102,677	103,349	103,836	103,771	102,552	101,629	103,377	101,784
Potential common shares from options to purchase Class A and Class B common stock									1,922	2,370	1,098
Potential common shares from restricted stock units									1,021	1,231	404
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	102,945	103,717	104,587	106,130	106,794	106,950	107,001	102,552	104,572	106,978	103,286
Basic (usd per share)	$ 0.44	$ 0.39	$ 0.72	$ 0.96	$ 0.26	$ 0.03	$ 0.63	$ (0.52)	$ 2.51	$ 0.40	$ 2.03
Net income per share attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. - Diluted	$ 0.43	$ 0.38	$ 0.70	$ 0.93	$ 0.25	$ 0.03	$ 0.61	$ (0.52)	$ 2.44	$ 0.39	$ 2
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities, excluded from calculations									2,340	1,043	160
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities, excluded from calculations									1	6	0

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2019	Mar. 29, 2019	Dec. 28, 2018	Mar. 29, 2019	Jun. 28, 2019	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes						$ 26,802	$ 154,069	$ 48,039
Valuation allowance						24,884	16,256
Transition income tax expense for accumulated foreign earnings	$ (2,300)	$ 19,000	$ (36,000)	$ 19,000	$ (2,300)		$ 121,400
Transition tax for accumulated foreign earnings	$ 102,100
Net operating loss carryovers for California tax purposes						$ 4,900
Effective tax rate						9.50%	78.50%	18.80%
Foreign earnings repatriated						$ 300,000
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries						380,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, gross						108,539	$ 102,009	$ 98,665	$ 75,168
Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate						72,800
Estimated decrease in unrecognized tax benefits due to lapse in statute of limitations						57,800
Increase in interest expense for current tax provision						3,500	3,000
NOL's not subject to expiration						8,300
R&D tax credit carryforwards						8,400
Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward						8,300
California Research Tax Credit Carryforward
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward						30,300
Research Tax Credit Carryforward
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward						3,100
Foreign Tax Authority
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Valuation allowance						3,700
California | State and Local Jurisdiction
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Valuation allowance						$ 21,200
Impact Of Tax Cuts And Jobs Act
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes							$ 121,400
Impact Of Tax Cuts And Jobs Act, Repatriation Transition Tax
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in deferred income taxes			36,000
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in deferred income taxes			$ (26,300)

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. 27, 2019	Jun. 28, 2019	Mar. 29, 2019	Dec. 28, 2018	Sep. 28, 2018	Jun. 29, 2018	Mar. 30, 2018	Dec. 29, 2017	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S.									$ 60,500	$ 27,819	$ 3,996
Foreign									221,807	168,555	251,149
Income before income taxes	$ 56,251	$ 41,800	$ 110,002	$ 74,254	$ 17,853	$ (5,808)	$ 87,782	$ 96,547	$ 282,307	$ 196,374	$ 255,145

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Provi

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Provision For Income Taxes ) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Current:
Federal	$ 14,144	$ 40,624	$ 30,718
State	394	333	610
Foreign	64,335	59,383	55,531
Total current	78,873	100,340	86,859
Deferred:
Federal	(55,793)	43,377	(35,824)
State	1,007	17,484	(4,604)
Foreign	2,715	(7,132)	1,608
Total deferred	(52,071)	53,729	(38,820)
Provision for income taxes	$ 26,802	$ 154,069	$ 48,039

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. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments	$ 2,099	$ 2,215
Inventories	4,041	4,070
Net operating loss	2,050	2,174
Accrued expenses	13,917	12,573
Stock-based compensation	17,189	15,601
Revenue recognition	4,410	7,161
Depreciation and amortization	19,988	16,078
Research and development credits	28,777	21,302
Foreign tax credits	10,777	9,345
Deferred Tax Assets, Unrealized Currency Losses	33,357	0
Other	4,705	3,334
Total gross deferred income tax assets	141,310	93,853
Less: valuation allowance	(24,884)	(16,256)
Total deferred income tax assets	116,426	77,597
Intangibles	(2,351)	(2,831)
Deferred income tax assets, net	114,075	$ 74,766
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Not Subject to Expiration	8,300
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Research	$ 8,400

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. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal statutory rate	21.00%	24.60%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal effect	0.20%	0.70%	0.70%
Stock-based compensation expense rate			1.40%
Stock-based compensation expense rate	(2.80%)	(5.20%)
Research and development tax credits	(3.00%)	(4.50%)	(3.70%)
Tax exempt interest	0.00%	(0.10%)	(0.10%)
U.S. manufacturing tax incentives	0.00%	(0.20%)	(0.80%)
Foreign rate differential	(2.60%)	(5.20%)	(22.90%)
Audit settlements	0.00%	0.00%	(0.60%)
Tax Act	(7.70%)	53.30%	0.00%
Change in Valuation Allowance	1.50%	8.30%	0.00%
Other	2.90%	6.80%	9.80%
Effective tax rate	9.50%	78.50%	18.80%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 108,539	$ 102,009	$ 98,665	$ 75,168
Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate	$ 72,800

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. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate	$ 72,800
Estimated decrease in unrecognized tax benefits due to lapse in statute of limitations	57,800
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Beginning Balance	102,009	$ 98,665	$ 75,168
Increases in balances related to tax positions taken during prior years	115	0	308
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	0	(2,209)	0
Increases in balances related to tax positions taken during the current year	6,822	9,580	26,724
Settlements	0	(130)	(1,101)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(407)	(3,897)	(2,434)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Ending Balance	$ 108,539	$ 102,009	$ 98,665

Income Taxes (Interest and Pena

Income Taxes (Interest and Penalties on Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Accrued interest	$ 10,315	$ 6,778
Accrued penalties	44	42
Total	$ 10,359	$ 6,820

Restructuring (Summary of Chang

Restructuring (Summary of Changes in Restructuring Accruals) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	$ 124
Restructuring charges	36,558	$ (446)	$ 12,856
Cash payments	(7,713)
Non-cash charges	(13,118)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	15,851	124
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	0
Restructuring charges	3,134
Cash payments	(3,006)
Non-cash charges	0
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	128	0
Facility Closing [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	0
Restructuring charges	18,261
Cash payments	(4,577)
Non-cash charges	2,039
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	15,723	0
Write-Off Of Property And Equipment [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	0
Restructuring charges	15,216
Cash payments	0
Non-cash charges	(15,216)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	0	0
Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	124
Restructuring charges	(53)
Cash payments	(130)
Non-cash charges	59
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	$ 0	$ 124

Restructuring (Details)

Restructuring (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019USD ($)employee	Sep. 28, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2017USD ($)
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	$ 124
Restructuring charges	(36,558)	$ 446	$ (12,856)
Cash payments	(7,713)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	$ 15,851	124
2017 Restructuring Plan [Member] [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of positions eliminated | employee	80
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	$ 124	12,688
Restructuring charges		(23)	(12,856)
Cash payments		(12,005)	(168)
Non-cash charges		(582)	0
Restructuring reserve, ending balance		$ 124	$ 12,688

Commitments And Contingencies_2

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 28, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Term of agreement				20 years
Total rent expense	$ 20,589	$ 17,161	$ 15,091

Commitments And Contingencies_3

Commitments And Contingencies (Schedule Of Contractual Obligations And Commitments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2019USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Naming rights, Fiscal 2017	$ 7,909
Naming rights, Fiscal 2018	8,008
Naming rights, Fiscal 2019	8,108
Naming rights, Fiscal 2020	8,209
Naming rights, Fiscal 2021	8,312
Naming rights, Thereafter	70,344
Naming rights, Total	110,890
Donation commitments
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2017	4,243
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2018	141
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2019	141
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2020	141
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2021	141
Donation commitments, Thereafter	1,059
Donation commitments, Total	5,866
Operating leases
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	17,231
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	9,329
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	7,191
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	6,218
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	4,499
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	12,355
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	56,823
Purchase obligations
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months	37,675
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years	4,241
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years	1,803
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	43,719
Total
Total, due in Fiscal 2017	67,058
Total, due in Fiscal 2018	21,719
Total, due in Fiscal 2019	17,243
Total, due in Fiscal 2020	14,568
Total, due in Fiscal 2021	12,952
Total, due Thereafter	83,758
Total due	$ 217,298

Operating Segments and Geogra_3

Operating Segments and Geographic Data (Revenue By Geographic Region) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	Sep. 27, 2019
Total revenue	$ 1,241,620	$ 1,054,600	$ 1,080,177
United States
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenue			377,553
International
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenue			$ 702,624

Operating Segments and Geogra_4

Operating Segments and Geographic Data (Schedule Of Concentration Of Revenue From Individual Geographic Regions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	Sep. 27, 2019
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
United States
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	36.00%	33.00%	35.00%
South Korea [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	12.00%	17.00%	13.00%
China [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	20.00%	15.00%	20.00%
Japan [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	11.00%	13.00%	12.00%
Europe [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	12.00%	12.00%	10.00%
Taiwan [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	4.00%	3.00%	4.00%
Other [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	5.00%	7.00%	6.00%

Operating Segments and Geogra_5

Operating Segments and Geographic Data (Schedule Of Long-Lived Assets, Net Of Accumulated Depreciation, By Geographic Region) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total long-lived tangible assets, net of accumulated depreciation	$ 537,432	$ 514,182
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	460,370	453,336
International
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 77,062	$ 60,846

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 36,558	$ (446)	$ 12,856
Related party rent expense	16,360	3,483	3,142
Distribution to controlling interest	$ 1,015	$ 1,022	$ 2,094
Dolby Properties Brisbane, LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership interest (percent)	49.00%
Dolby Properties Burbank, LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership interest (percent)	49.00%
Dolby Properties, LP
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership interest (percent)	10.00%
Principal Stockholder | 100 Potrero Avenue
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 33,500

Retirement Plans (Details)

Retirement Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost) [Abstract]
Document Period End Date	Sep. 27, 2019
Retirement plan expenses	$ 23,375	$ 23,439	$ 22,035

Selected Quarterly Financial _3

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. 27, 2019	Jun. 28, 2019	Mar. 29, 2019	Dec. 28, 2018	Sep. 28, 2018	Jun. 29, 2018	Mar. 30, 2018	Dec. 29, 2017	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Revenue from contract with customer	$ 298,827	$ 302,159	$ 338,258	$ 302,376	$ 240,571	$ 214,780	$ 299,722	$ 299,527	$ 1,241,620	$ 1,054,600
Total revenue									1,241,620	1,054,600	$ 1,080,177
Cost of revenue	45,960	39,690	36,575	38,629	31,259	34,383	31,027	30,893	160,854	127,562	118,529
Gross margin	252,867	262,469	301,683	263,747	209,312	180,397	268,695	268,634	1,080,766	927,038	961,648
Income/(loss) before taxes and controlling interest	56,251	41,800	110,002	74,254	17,853	(5,808)	87,782	96,547	282,307	196,374	255,145
Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.	$ 43,918	$ 39,574	$ 73,440	$ 98,219	$ 26,716	$ 3,116	$ 65,216	$ (53,302)	$ 255,151	$ 41,746	$ 206,481
Net Income Per Share:
Basic (usd per share)	$ 0.44	$ 0.39	$ 0.72	$ 0.96	$ 0.26	$ 0.03	$ 0.63	$ (0.52)	$ 2.51	$ 0.40	$ 2.03
Diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.43	$ 0.38	$ 0.70	$ 0.93	$ 0.25	$ 0.03	$ 0.61	$ (0.52)	$ 2.44	$ 0.39	$ 2
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic (shares)	100,481	101,218	102,141	102,677	103,349	103,836	103,771	102,552	101,629	103,377	101,784
Diluted (shares)	102,945	103,717	104,587	106,130	106,794	106,950	107,001	102,552	104,572	106,978	103,286
Licensing
Revenue from contract with customer	$ 264,796	$ 271,897	$ 310,308	$ 260,279	$ 214,699	$ 183,771	$ 272,135	$ 270,172	$ 1,107,280	$ 940,777	$ 965,864
Product and service [Member]
Revenue from contract with customer	$ 34,031	$ 30,262	$ 27,950	$ 42,097	$ 25,872	$ 31,009	$ 27,587	$ 29,355