v2.3.0.15

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) | 9 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Jul. 01, 2011 | Sep. 30, 2011 | Sep. 24, 2010 | Sep. 25, 2009
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maximum credit exposure |  | 5.00% |  |  |  |  |
Percent of revenue from significant customer |  | 13.00% |  | 12.00% |  | 10.00% |
Gain on redemption of auction rate certificates |  |  |  | $ 10,900,000 |  |  |
Net losses from Put Rights on auction rate certificates |  |  |  | 9,500,000 |  |  |
Goodwill |  | 263,260,000 |  | 264,580,000 |  | 261,121,000 |
Discount rate for fair value of goodwill | 13.50% |  |  |  |  |  |
Effective tax rate for measurement of fair value of goodwill | 30.00% |  |  |  |  |  |
Market capitalization | 4,800,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Percent of fair value of entity to its carrying value | 190.00% |  |  |  |  |  |
Intangible assets with definite lives, useful life, minimum years |  | 2 |  |  |  |  |
Intangible assets with definite lives, useful life, maximum years |  | 15 |  |  |  |  |
Stock-based compensation expense |  | 43,665,000 | [1] | 28,815,000 | [1] | 22,422,000 | [1]
Advertising expense |  | 13,600,000 |  | 14,600,000 |  | 9,700,000 |
Transaction and re-measurement gains/losses |  | (300,000) |  | 1,900,000 |  | 700,000 |
Maximum [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Corrective royalties, percentage of license revenue |  | 1.00% |  |  |  |  |
Internal Use Software [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Intangible assets with definite lives, useful life, minimum years |  | 3 |  |  |  |  |
Intangible assets with definite lives, useful life, maximum years |  | 5 |  |  |  |  |
Dolby Entertainment Technology [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill | $ 268,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
[1] | We also recognized $0.7 million, $1.2 million, and $0.3 million in fiscal 2009, 2010, and 2011, respectively, of tax benefit from certain exercises of incentive stock options and shares issued under our ESPP, which is not included in the table above.

X
- Definition Concentration risk credit risk financial intrument, maximum exposure + Details
Name: | dlb_ConcentrationRiskCreditRiskFinancialIntrumentMaximumExposure
Namespace Prefix: | dlb
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Corrective royalties, percentage of license revenue + Details
Name: | dlb_CorrectiveRoyaltiesPercentageOfLicenseRevenue
Namespace Prefix: | dlb
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Discount rate for fair value of goodwill. + Details
Name: | dlb_DiscountRateForFairValueOfGoodwill
Namespace Prefix: | dlb
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Effective tax rate for measurement of fair value of goodwill. + Details
Name: | dlb_EffectiveTaxRateForMeasurementOfFairValueOfGoodwill
Namespace Prefix: | dlb
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Market capitalization. + Details
Name: | dlb_MarketCapitalization
Namespace Prefix: | dlb
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition percentage Of Revenue from material customer + Details
Name: | dlb_PercentageOfRevenueFromMaterialCustomer
Namespace Prefix: | dlb
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Percent of fair value of entity to its carrying value. + Details
Name: | dlb_PercentOfFairValueOfEntityToItsCarryingValue
Namespace Prefix: | dlb
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] + Details
Name: | dlb_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | dlb
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount charged to advertising expense for the period, which are expenses incurred with the objective of increasing revenue for a specified brand, product or product line. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 93-7 -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 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 720 -SubTopic 35 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6420018&loc=d3e36677-107848 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The maximum useful life of a major finite-lived intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 35 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6904245&loc=d3e15217-109273 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 35 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6904245&loc=d3e15300-109273 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 35 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6904245&loc=d3e15211-109273 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsUsefulLifeMaximum
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap
Data Type: | xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The minimum useful life of a major finite-lived intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 35 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6904245&loc=d3e15217-109273 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 35 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6904245&loc=d3e15300-109273 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 35 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6904245&loc=d3e15211-109273 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsUsefulLifeMinimum
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap
Data Type: | xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The difference between the book value and the sale price of options, swaps, futures, forward contracts, and other derivative instruments. This element refers to the gain (loss) included in earnings. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 -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 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04.13(h)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 142 -Paragraph 45 -Subparagraph e -Clause 1 -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 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 142 -Paragraph 43 -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 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141R -Paragraph 68 -Subparagraph l -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 Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 142 -Paragraph 45 -Subparagraph e -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 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141R -Paragraph 34 -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 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905597&loc=d3e13816-109267 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13770-109266 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141R -Paragraph 72 -Subparagraph d -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. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Goodwill
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Pre tax adjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into functional currency of the reporting entity, net of reclassification of realized foreign currency translation gains (losses). Includes gain (loss) on foreign currency forward exchange contracts. Includes foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity and intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements. Includes the gain (loss) on a derivative instrument or nonderivative financial instrument that may give rise to a foreign currency transaction gain (loss) that has been designated and qualified as a hedging instrument for hedging of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 20 -Section 35 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6939497&loc=d3e30304-110892 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b -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 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 19, 26 -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 AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) -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 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 45 -Subparagraph c -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 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph (b),(d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6915805&loc=d3e32211-110900 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e637-108580 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 52 -Paragraph 13, 20, 31 -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 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)-(c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920433&loc=d3e998-108581 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock or unit options, amortization of restricted stock or units, and adjustment for officers' compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 -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 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This item represents the gain realized during the period from the sale of trading securities. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 320 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27357-111563 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Article 5 -Section 03 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph c Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.7(c)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Trading Securities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6526789 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesRealizedGain
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration