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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Sep. 30, 2011
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies | 2. 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 maximum of 5% to any one issuer, except for the U.S. Treasury, and we believe no significant concentration risk exists with respect to these investments. Our products are sold to businesses primarily in the Americas and Europe, and the majority of our licensing revenue is generated from customers outside of the U.S. We manage this risk by evaluating in advance the financial condition and creditworthiness of our products and services customers and perform regular evaluations of the creditworthiness of our licensing customers. In fiscal 2009, 2010, and fiscal 2011, one customer accounted for approximately 10%, 12%, and 13%, respectively, 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 U.S. agency notes. Investments All of our investments are classified as available-for-sale securities, with the exception of our investments held in our supplemental retirement plan, which are classified as trading. Investments that have an original maturity of 91 days or more at the date of purchase and a current maturity of less than one year are classified as short-term investments, while investments with a current maturity of more than one year are classified as long-term investments. Our investments are recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains and losses on our available-for-sale securities are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, while realized gains and losses, other-than-temporary impairments, and credit losses are reported as a component of net income. 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. As of September 25, 2009, we held tax-exempt auction rate certificates for which auctions had failed. These investments were classified as trading securities, and the investments were considered illiquid. In November 2008, we elected to accept a rights offering ("Put Rights") from UBS AG, (collectively with its wholly owned subsidiaries UBS Financial Services, Inc. and UBS Securities LLC, referred to as UBS), which provided us with an option to sell to UBS, at par value, our auction rate certificates purchased through UBS beginning June 30, 2010. We measured the Put Rights at fair value with gains and losses recognized as a component of net income. Unrealized gains and losses on the trading auction rate certificates were reported as a component of net income. In fiscal 2010, we redeemed and received the full par value plus accrued interest related to these auction rate certificates. As a result, in fiscal 2010 we recognized gains of $10.9 million, which represented the excess of the par value redeemed over the fair market value of the auction rate certificates, and net losses of $9.5 million from the associated Put Rights. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts We continually monitor customer payments and maintain a reserve for estimated losses resulting from our customers' inability to make required payments. In determining the reserve, we evaluate the collectibility of our accounts receivable based upon a variety of factors. In cases where we are aware of circumstances that may impair a specific customer's ability to meet its financial obligations, we record a specific allowance against amounts due, and thereby reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount reasonably believed to be collectible. For all other customers, we recognize allowances for doubtful accounts based on our actual historical write-off experience in conjunction with the length of time the receivables are past due, customer creditworthiness, geographic risk, and the current business environment. Actual future losses from uncollectible accounts may differ from our estimates. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market (net realizable value). We evaluate our ending inventories for estimated excess quantities and obsolescence. Our evaluation includes the analysis of future sales demand by product within specific time horizons. Inventories in excess of projected future demand are written down to 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 of inventory are recorded as a cost of products. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using a straight-line method based on estimated useful lives as follows:
Systems and software |  | 3to 5 years
Machinery and equipment |  | 3to 8 years
Furniture and fixtures |  | 5to 8 years
Leasehold improvements |  | Lesser of useful life or related lease term
Buildings |  | Up to 40 years
Internal Use Software We account for the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use by capitalizing costs of materials, consultants, personnel and personnel-related costs incurred in developing internal use computer software. These costs are included in property, plant and equipment, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Costs incurred during the preliminary project and post-implementation stages are charged to expense. Our capitalized internal use software costs are typically amortized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of three to five years. Goodwill, Intangible Assets, and Long-Lived Assets We evaluate and test our goodwill for impairment at a reporting-unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below. Our operating segments are aligned with the management principles of our business. The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process. In the first step, we compare the carrying value of the net assets of a reporting unit, including goodwill, to the fair value. If we determine that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we move to the second step to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, we would record an impairment loss equal to the difference. We test goodwill for impairment annually during our third fiscal quarter and if an event occurs or circumstances change such that there is an indication of a reduction in the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. We use the income approach to determine the fair value of our reporting units, which is based on the present value of estimated future cash flows for each reporting unit. Fair value reflects the price a market participant would be willing to pay in a potential sale of the reporting unit. During our annual goodwill impairment test performed during the third quarter of fiscal 2011, we had two reporting units: Via, corresponding to our wholly owned subsidiary, which has no assigned goodwill, and Dolby Entertainment Technology ("DET"), with goodwill of $268.0 million. The cash flow model was based on our best estimate of future revenue and operating costs. We estimated our future revenue by applying growth rates, consistent with those used in our internal forecasts, to our current revenue forecasts. The revenue and cost estimates were based on several sources, including our historical information, third-party industry data, and review of our internal operations. The cash flow forecasts were adjusted by a discount rate of approximately 13.5%, based on our weighted average cost of capital derived by using the capital asset pricing model. The primary components of this model include weighting our total asset structure between our equity and debt, the risk-free rate of return on U.S. Treasury bonds, market risk premium based on a range of historical returns and forward-looking estimates, and the beta of our common stock. Our model used an effective tax rate of approximately 30%. Based on the methodology described above, the fair value of our DET reporting unit exceeded its carrying value; therefore, we did not recognize an impairment charge related to goodwill in the third quarter of fiscal 2011. Our market capitalization at the end of our third quarter of fiscal 2011 was approximately $4.8 billion, which exceeded the aggregate carrying value of our reporting units by approximately 190%. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 there were no events or circumstances that would trigger an impairment evaluation due to a reduction in the fair value of our reporting units below their carrying value. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Our intangible assets principally consist of acquired technology, patents, trademarks, customer relationships, and contracts, which are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives ranging from two to fifteen 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. See Note 3 "Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions" for a discussion of impairment charges recognized in fiscal 2010. Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") amended the accounting standard for fair value measurements to require new disclosures for transfers of financial assets and liabilities into and out of Levels 1 and 2 in the fair value hierarchy and for activity in Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The amendments are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning with our fiscal quarter ended March 26, 2010, except for the disclosures for Level 3 activity, which are effective for interim and annual reporting periods for our fiscal year ending September 28, 2012, with early adoption permitted. We adopted the amended disclosure requirements for Levels 1 and 2 beginning in our fiscal quarter ended March 26, 2010. The adoption of the amended disclosure requirements for fair value measurements did not affect our disclosures because we did not transfer financial assets or liabilities between levels in the fair value hierarchy. As of September 24, 2010 and September 30, 2011, we did not own any Level 3 assets or liabilities. Revenue Recognition We enter into revenue arrangements with our customers to license technology, trademarks, and know-how and to sell products and services. We recognize revenue when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the seller's price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is probable. Licensing. Our licensing revenue is primarily derived from royalties paid to us by licensees of our intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, and know-how. Royalties are recognized when all revenue recognition criteria have been met. We determine that there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement upon the execution of a license agreement or upon the receipt of a licensee's royalty report and payment. Royalties are deemed fixed or determinable upon verification of a licensee's royalty report in accordance with the terms of the underlying executed agreement, or in certain circumstances, receipt of a licensee's royalty report and payment. We determine collectibility based on an evaluation of the licensee's recent payment history, the existence of a standby letter-of-credit between the licensee's financial institution and our financial institution, and other factors. Corrective royalty statements generally comprise less than 1% of our net licensing revenue and are recognized when received, or earlier if a reliable estimate can be made of an anticipated reduction in revenue from a prior royalty statement. Deferred revenue represents amounts that are ultimately expected to be recognized as revenue, but for which not all revenue recognition criteria have been met. If we cannot determine that collectibility is probable, we recognize revenue upon receipt of cash, provided that all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Licensing revenue includes fees we earn for administering joint patent licensing programs ("patent pools") containing patents owned by us and/or other companies. Royalties related to patent pools are recorded net of royalties payable to third party patent pool members and are recognized when all revenue recognition criteria have been met. We generate the majority of our licensing revenue through our licensing contracts with original equipment manufacturers (system licensees) and software vendors. Our revenue recognition policies for each of these arrangements are summarized below. Licensing to system licensees. We license our technologies to system licensees who manufacture consumer electronics products and, in return, the system licensee pays us a royalty generally for each unit shipped that incorporates our technologies. Royalties from system licensees are generally recognized upon receipt of a royalty report from the licensee and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. In certain cases, our arrangements require the licensee to pay up-front royalties for units they may distribute in the future. These up-front arrangements are generally recognized upon contract execution, unless the arrangement includes extended payment terms or is considered a multiple element arrangement. In addition, in some cases we receive initial license fees for our technologies and provide post-contract support. In these cases we recognize the initial fees ratably over the expected support term. Licensing to software vendors. We license our technologies for resale to software vendors and, in return, the software vendor pays us a royalty for each unit of software distributed that incorporates our technologies. Royalties from software vendors are generally recognized upon receipt of a royalty report from the licensee and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. In addition, in some cases we receive initial license fees for our technologies and provide post-contract upgrades and support. In these cases, we recognize the initial fees ratably over the expected support term, as vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value typically does not exist for the upgrade and support elements of the contract. Product Sales. Revenue from the sale of products is recognized when the risk of ownership has transferred to our customer, as provided under the terms of the governing purchase agreement, and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Generally, these purchase agreements provide that the risk of ownership is transferred to the customer when the product is shipped, except in specific instances in which certain foreign regulations stipulate that the risk of ownership is transferred to the customer upon their receipt of the shipment. In these instances we recognize revenue when the product is received by the customer. Services. Services revenues are recognized as completed and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Multiple Element Arrangements. We enter into arrangements that include multiple elements such as hardware, software, maintenance and other services. For some of our arrangements, customers receive certain elements of the arrangement over a period of time or after delivery of the initial product. These elements may include support and maintenance and/or the right to receive product upgrades. In October 2009, the FASB amended the revenue recognition accounting standards to exclude sales of qualifying tangible products that contain essential software elements from the scope of the software revenue recognition standards. In the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted this accounting standard for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified after September 25, 2009. Due to this adoption, we no longer account for the majority of our product sales that contain software elements under the software revenue recognition standards. Also in October 2009, the FASB amended the accounting standards for multiple-element ("ME") revenue arrangements to:
| • |  | Provide updated guidance on whether these arrangements exist, how the elements should be separated, and how fees associated with a revenue arrangement ("arrangement fees") should be allocated to each element;
| • |  | Require an entity to allocate arrangement fees using the estimated selling price ("ESP") of each element if the entity does not have vendor specific objective evidence ("VSOE") of the selling price or third-party evidence ("TPE") of the selling price; and
| • |  | Require a vendor to allocate arrangement fees using the relative selling price method.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted the amended accounting standards for ME revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified after September 25, 2009. Prior to adoption, we were not able to establish VSOE of the standalone selling price for the undelivered support and maintenance elements for a majority of our ME arrangements. The previous accounting standards required VSOE in order to allocate the arrangement fees to each undelivered element. Since we had not established VSOE, we allocated the arrangement fees to the undelivered element and ratably recognized the revenue over its estimated support period. Under the new accounting guidance, we allocate the arrangement fees to each element based on its relative selling price, which we establish using a selling price hierarchy. We determine the selling price of each element based on its VSOE, if available, TPE, if VSOE is not available, or ESP, if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. We determine our best estimate of the selling price for an individual element within a ME revenue arrangement using the same methods used to determine the selling price of an element sold on a standalone basis. If we sell the element on a standalone basis, we estimate the selling price by considering actual sales prices. Otherwise, we estimate the selling price by considering internal factors such as pricing practices and margin objectives. Consideration is also given to market conditions such as competitor pricing strategies, customer demands, and industry technology lifecycles. Management applies judgment to establish margin objectives, pricing strategies, and technology lifecycles. We evaluate each element in a ME arrangement to determine whether it represents a separate unit of accounting. An element constitutes a separate unit of accounting when it has standalone value and delivery of an undelivered element is probable and within our control. When these criteria are not met, the delivered and undelivered elements are combined and the arrangement fees are allocated to this combined single unit. Our adoption of the amended guidance changed our units of accounting for our revenue transactions by allowing us to use ESP, to the extent VSOE or TPE is not available, to allocate the total fees amongst the delivered and undelivered elements in an arrangement. If the unit separation criteria are met, we account for each element within a ME arrangement (such as hardware, software, maintenance, and other services) separately, and we allocate fees from the arrangement based on the relative selling price of each element. For some arrangements, customers receive certain elements over a period after delivery of the initial product. These elements may include support and maintenance and/or the right to receive upgrades. Revenue allocated to the undelivered element is recognized over either its estimated service period or when the upgrade is delivered. We do not recognize revenue that is contingent upon the future delivery of products or services or upon future performance obligations. We recognize revenue for delivered elements only when we have completed all contractual obligations. We account for the majority of our digital cinema server sales as ME arrangements that may include up to three separate units, or elements, of accounting. The first element consists of our digital cinema server hardware and the accompanying software, which is essential to the functionality of the hardware. This element is typically delivered at the time of sale. The second element is the right to receive support and maintenance, which is included with the purchase of the hardware element and is typically delivered over a service period subsequent to the initial sale. The third element is the right to receive specified upgrades, which is included with the purchase of the hardware element and is typically delivered when a specified upgrade is available, subsequent to the initial sale. The application of the new revenue accounting standards to our digital cinema server sales typically results in the allocation of a substantial majority of the arrangement fees to the delivered hardware element based on its ESP, relative to the VSOE or ESP of the other elements, which we recognize as revenue at the time of sale. A small portion of the arrangement fees are allocated to the undelivered support and maintenance element, and in some cases to the undelivered specified upgrade element, based on the VSOE or ESP of each element. The portion of the arrangement fees allocated to the support and maintenance element is recognized as revenue ratably over the estimated service period, and the portion of the arrangement fees allocated to specified upgrades is recognized as revenue upon delivery of the upgrade. Cost of Revenue Cost of licensing. Cost of licensing primarily consists of amortization expenses associated with purchased intangible assets and intangible assets acquired in business combinations. Cost of licensing also includes royalty obligations to third parties for the licensing of intellectual property rights that we sublicense as part of our licensing arrangements with our customers. Cost of products. Cost of products primarily consists of the cost of materials related to products sold, applied labor, and manufacturing overhead. Our cost of products also includes third-party royalty obligations paid to license intellectual property that we then include in our products. Cost of services. Cost of services primarily consists of the personnel and personnel-related costs of employees performing our professional services, the cost of outside consultants, and reimbursable expenses incurred on behalf of customers. Stock-Based Compensation We measure expenses associated with all employee stock-based compensation awards using a fair-value method and record such expense in our consolidated financial statements over the requisite service period. See Note 5 "Stockholders' Equity and Stock-Based Compensation" for further discussion. Advertising and Promotional Costs Advertising and promotional costs are charged to sales and marketing expense as incurred. In fiscal 2009, 2010, and 2011, these expenses were $9.7 million, $14.6 million, and $13.6 million, respectively. Foreign Currency Translation We maintain sales, marketing, and business operations in foreign countries. We translate the assets and liabilities of our international non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiaries into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the end of each period. Revenue and expenses of these subsidiaries are translated using the average rates for the period. Gains and losses from these translations are included in accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders' equity. Certain of our foreign subsidiaries transact in currencies other than their functional currency. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in our consolidated statements of operations. Additionally, we re-measure non-functional currency assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries using the exchange rate at the end of each period and recognize gains and losses in our consolidated statements of operations. These gains and losses are recorded within other income. In fiscal 2009 and 2010, transaction and re-measurement losses included in net income were $0.7 million and $1.9 million, respectively, while fiscal 2011 transaction and re-measurement gains included in net income were $0.3 million. 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 net operating loss 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. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets when uncertainty regarding their realizability exists. We record an unrecognized tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. We include interest and penalties related to gross unrecognized tax benefits within our provision for income taxes. To the extent accrued interest and penalties do not ultimately become payable, amounts accrued are reduced in the period that such determination is made and are reflected as a reduction of the overall income tax provision. In the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2010, we initiated a policy to indefinitely reinvest a portion of our undistributed earnings in certain foreign subsidiaries. See Note 7 "Income Taxes" for further discussion. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In June 2011 the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income, ("ASU 2011-05"). This new accounting standard: (1) eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity; (2) requires the consecutive presentation of the statement of net income and other comprehensive income; and (3) requires an entity to present reclassification adjustments on the face of the financial statements from other comprehensive income to net income. This new standard does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income, nor does it affect how earnings per share is calculated or presented. ASU 2011-05 is required to be applied retrospectively and is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. As this new standard only requires enhanced disclosure, the adoption of ASU 2011-05 will not impact our financial position or results of operations. In September 2011 the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment, ("ASU 2011-08"). This new accounting standard simplifies goodwill impairment tests and states that a qualitative assessment may be performed to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. ASU 2011-08 is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2011-08 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

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- Definition The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18743-107790 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18854-107790 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 22 -Paragraph 8 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18861-107790 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18780-107790 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18726-107790 + Details
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