<DefinitionAndReference>
  <Element Id="qcom_KftcLeviedFine">
    <definition>The element represents the fine in Korean won levied by the Korea Fair Trade Commission.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNoteTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsReductionsCashFlows">
    <definition>This item represents reductions in the cumulative amount of credit losses recognized in earnings for an other than temporary impairment of a debt security held due to increases in cash flows expected to be collected and recognized over the remaining life of the security.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_ShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfIncomeTaxes">
    <definition>Represents the expense recognized during the period, net of tax, arising from share-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherReceivables">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_TotalFutureMinimumPaymentDueDueInFiveYears">
    <definition>This element represents the total minimum lease payments, due within the fifth year from the balance sheet date</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ReconciliationOfAssetsFromSegmentToConsolidatedTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_NoncreditPortionOfImpairmentLossesOnDebtSecurities">
    <definition>This element represents the amount related to the noncredit portion of losses on debt securities recognized in other comprehensive income.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfOtherReceivables">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_TaxAdjustmentsSettlementsAndUnusualProvisions">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_EquipmentAndServices">
    <definition>Aggregate revenue during the period from equipment and services rendered in the normal course of business, after deducting allowances and discounts and the aggregate revenue during the period from the sale of goods in the normal course of business, after deducting returns, allowances and discounts.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_ChangesInStockholdersEquityTextBlock">
    <definition>This item represents the disclosure related to changes in stockholders' equity.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryRawMaterials">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomers">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndIntersegmentRevenuesTextBlock">
    <definition>This element represents the disclosure of amount of revenue from external customers for the reportable segment and amount of revenue from transactions with other operating segments of the same entity.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_Assets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_PayableForUnsettledSecuritiesTrades">
    <definition>The amount related to purchases of securities that have not been settled as of the reporting date.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_VestingPeriodEmployeeRestrictedStockUnits">
    <definition>This element represents the vesting period of the employee restricted stock units</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingSegmentAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsPresentValueOfNetMinimumPayments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_TotalUnrecognizedCompensationCostNonVestedEmployeeRestrictedStockUnits">
    <definition>This element represents the total unrecognized estimated compensation costs related to non-vested employee restricted stock units granted prior to the end of the period.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLosses">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_DividendsCommonStockCashDeclaredByEntity">
    <definition>The element represents the common stock cash dividend declared by the entity during the period. This element includes paid and unpaid dividends declared during the period.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_OtherNonreportableSegmentsEbt">
    <definition>Amount related to other nonreportable segments in the reconciliation of total profit or loss from reportable segments to the entity's consolidated income before income taxes.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsReductionsSecuritiesSold">
    <definition>This item represents reductions in the cumulative amount of other than temporary impairment due to credit loss that has been recognized in earnings due to the sale of the impaired securities during the period.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryFinishedGoods">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_LitigationExpense">
    <definition>This element represents the cost recognized by the entity directly related and attributable to the settlement of litigation.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_DateOfCommercialLaunchOfWirelessService">
    <definition>This element represents the period in which the licensee must comply with the Indian government's network build-out requirement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_InvestmentIncomeLossNetTextBlock">
    <definition>This item represents the disclosure related to the interest and dividend income derived from investments in debt and equity securities and on cash and cash equivalents and realized and unrealized gains and losses reported in the statement of income which have resulted from the sale and holding of marketable securities, respectively, as well as the sale or disposal of cost and equity method investments.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_IntersegmentRevenues">
    <definition>This element represents the amount of revenue from transactions with other operating segments of the same entity.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_TotalFutureMinimumPaymentDueDueThereafter">
    <definition>This element represents the total minimum lease payments, after the fifth year from the balance sheet date</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_TotalFutureMinimumPaymentDue">
    <definition>This element represents the total minimum lease payments</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_IncomeBeforeIncomeTaxes">
    <definition>Sum of operating income and nonoperating income (expense) before income taxes incuding income (loss) from equity method investments.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesOther">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_InventoryPurchaseCommitmentsForFiscal">
    <definition>The remaining amount of the fixed and determinable portion of an unrecorded unconditional inventory purchase obligation on the second anniversary of the balance sheet date</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_AmendmentFlag">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationUnrecognizedCompensationCostsOnNonvestedAwardsWeightedAveragePeriodOfRecognition">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_IncreaseDecreaseInPayrollBenefitsAndOtherLiabilities">
    <definition>The net change during the
reporting period in the aggregate amount of pension, postretirement, workers'
compensation, and other similar obligations and liabilities combined with
the net change during the reporting period in other expenses incurred but
not yet paid. This element should be used when there is no other more specific
or appropriate element.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRevenueFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_UnallocatedCostOfEquipmentAndServicesRevenues">
    <definition>Amount of cost of equipment and services revenue that are not allocated to segments and are therefore included in the reconciliation of total profit or loss from reportable segments to the entity's consolidated income before income taxes.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_RevenuesAndEbtForReportableSegmentsTextBlock">
    <definition>This item represents the disclosure of revenues and income before taxes for reportable segments.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_OtherInvestmentsAndAcquisitionsNetOfCashAcquired">
    <definition>The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of a business, net of the cash acquired from the purchase and the cash outflow associated with other investments held by the entity for investment purposes not otherwise defined in the taxonomy.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_QmtAssetsIncludedInReconcilingItems">
    <definition>This element represents the aggregate amount of assets related to the QMT division that are included in the entity's QSI reportable segment.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_UnpaidPortionOfCompanySettlement">
    <definition>The element represents the unpaid portion of the Broadcom settlement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFifthAnniversary">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShortTermBankLoansAndNotesPayable">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentForWriteDownOfSecuritiesIncludedInNetIncomeNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_InvestmentsInContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTextBlock">
    <definition>This item represents the entire disclosure related to investments that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityFilerCategory">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_ChangeInCollateralHeldUnderSecuritiesLending">
    <definition>The net change during the period in the carrying amount (fair value) of securities held that had been pledged by counterparties under financing and lending arrangements, pursuant to which the entity has the right by agreement or custom to sell ore repledge such securities.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SecurityDeposit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterestAndDividend">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_TotalOperatingExpenses">
    <definition>Generally recurring costs associated with normal operations includes cost of sales or services, research and development expense and selling, general and administrative expense.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_InvestmentIncomeNetIncluding">
    <definition>This item represents investment income derived from investments in debt and equity securities consisting of interest income earned from investments in debt securities and on cash and cash equivalents, dividend income from investments in equity securities, income or expense derived from the amortization of investment related discounts or premiums, respectively, net of related investment expenses, realized gains or losses on the sale or holding of investments in debt and equity securities required to be included in earnings for the period, other than temporary losses related to investments in debt and equity securities, interest expense, gains or losses on derivative instruments, and equity in earnings or losses of investees.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_TradeNetOfAllowances">
    <definition>Amount due from customers or clients for goods or services that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to the estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_TotalStockOptionsGrantedPercentOfOutstandingShares">
    <definition>This element represents the total stock options granted during the fiscal period as a percentage of outstanding shares as of the end of the fiscal period.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_TaxExpenseRelatedToNokiaDeferredRevenue">
    <definition>This element represents tax expense arising from deferred revenue that is taxable in fiscal 2010, but for which the resulting deferred tax asset will reverse in future years when the state tax rate will be lower.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFourthAnniversary">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationForeignIncomeTaxRateDifferential">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchasesSalesIssuancesSettlements">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_ReclassificationOfNetRealizedGainsLossesOnMarketableSecuritiesAndDerivativeInstrumentsIncludedInNetIncomeNetOfIncomeTaxes">
    <definition>Reclassification adjustment for unrealized gains or losses realized upon the sale of marketable securities, net of tax, combined with change in accumulated gains (losses) from derivative instruments classified as hedges.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InterestExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies2009">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_OtherNonreportableSegments">
    <definition>Aggregate amount of revenues of other nonreportable segments in the reconciliation of total revenues from reportable segments to the entity's consolidated revenues.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_DebtMutualFunds">
    <definition>This category includes information about investments in debt securities which are not otherwise provided for in the existing taxonomy in the form of Domain Members or individual elements</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_IncreaseInGrossTechnologyBasedIntangibleAssets">
    <definition>An explanation of any significant addition to intangible assets during the reporting period.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_TotalFutureMinimumPaymentDueDueInTwoYears">
    <definition>This element represents the total minimum lease payments, due within the second year from the balance sheet date</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_CurrentPortionOfPayableToBroadcomForLitigationSettlement">
    <definition>Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable arising from Broadcom litigation settlement, which is expected to be paid within one year.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_CompanySettlement">
    <definition>The settlement amount that Qualcomm agreed to pay Broadcom according to the Settlement and Patent License and Non-Assert Agreement with Broadcom.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_TotalOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLosses">
    <definition>This element represents the amount of loss recognized for other than temporary impairments of investments in debt and equity securities.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_ShareBasedCompensationExpenseIncludedInUnallocatedSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenses">
    <definition>This element represents the selling, general and administrative expenses recognized during the period arising from share-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_Revenues">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementInputsDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_PretaxChargeOfCompanySettlement">
    <definition>This element represents the expense recognized by the entity related to the settlement Broadcom.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_CompositionOfCertainFinancialStatementItemsTextBlock">
    <definition>This item represents 1) the disclosure of claims held for amounts due a company. Examples include trade accounts receivables, notes receivables, loans receivables, 2) the complete disclosure related to inventory. This may include, but is not limited to, the basis of stating inventory, the method of determining inventory cost, the major classes of inventory, and the nature of the cost elements included in inventory. If inventory is stated above cost, accrued net losses on firm purchase commitments for inventory and losses resulting from valuing inventory at the lower-of-cost-or-market may also be included. For LIFO inventory, may disclose the amount and basis for determining the excess of replacement or current cost over stated LIFO value and the effects of a LIFO quantities liquidation that impacts net income, and 3) the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain or loss on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss. This element may be used as a single block of text to include the entire intangible asset disclosure including data and tables.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_RepurchaseOfCommonStock">
    <definition>This element represents the value of stock that has been repurchased and retired during the period.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingEntityConsolidatedAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CostOfRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_IntracompanyEliminations">
    <definition>Amount related to intracompany eliminations in the reconciliation of total profit or loss from reportable segments to the entity's consolidated income before income taxes.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesOnOtherInvestments">
    <definition>This element represents other-than-temporary impairments recognized during the period on cost and equity method investments.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_OtherInvestment">
    <definition>This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Currently it is comprised of the assets related to the Company's deferred compensation plan, which are invested in mutual funds.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_MortgageAndAssetBackedSecurities">
    <definition>This category includes information about securities that are primarily serviced by the cash flows of a discrete pool of receivables or other financial assets (such as mortgage loans or credit-card receivables)</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemsForOperatingProfitLoss">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFirstAnniversary">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_AccruedLiabilityToKftc">
    <definition>Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the obligation recorded by the entity directly related and attributable to a fine to be levied by the Korea Fair Trade Commission.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_TotalAssetsMeasuredAtFairValue">
    <definition>The aggregate amount of assets, including [financial] instruments that are classified in stockholders' equity, which are measured at fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_ChangeInObligationUnderSecuritiesLending">
    <definition>The change in fair value of collateral received by the entity associated with securities borrowed that must be returned if the counterparty fulfills its obligations. The collateral appears on the balance sheet as a liability and has a corresponding asset that appears on the balance sheet called collateral held under securities lending.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_WeightedAverageRecognitionPeriodNonVestedEmployeeRestrictedStockUnits">
    <definition>This element represents the weighted-average period over which the total unrecognized estimated compensation related to non-vested employee restricted stock units is expected to be recognized.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_WeightedAverageFairValueEmployeeRestrictedStockUnits">
    <definition>This element represents the weighted-average estimated fair value of employee restricted stock units granted during the period.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_ActivityForCreditLossPortionOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsOnDebtSecuritiesTextBlock">
    <definition>This element represents a tabular roll forward of the amount of other than temporary impairment related to credit losses recognized in earnings.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_FloTvAssetsIncludedInQsisAssets">
    <definition>This element represents the aggregate amount of assets related to the FLO TV business that are included in the entity's QSI reportable segment.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_UnallocatedSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenses">
    <definition>Amount of selling, general and administrative expenses that are not allocated to segments and are therefore included in the reconciliation of total profit or loss from reportable segments to the entity's consolidated income before income taxes.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_ImpairmentLossesOnOtherInvestments">
    <definition>This element represents losses recognized for other-than-temporary impairments on investments accounted for under the cost and equity methods of accounting.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_CostOfEquipmentAndServicesRevenues">
    <definition>This element represents the cost of equipment and services revenues recognized during the period arising from share-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_TotalFutureMinimumPaymentDueDueInThreeYears">
    <definition>This element represents the total minimum lease payments, due within the third year from the balance sheet date</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_TotalFutureMinimumPaymentDueCurrent">
    <definition>This element represents the total minimum lease payments, due within one year of the balance sheet date</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_NonInvestmentGradeDebtSecurities">
    <definition>This category includes information about debt securities that have non-investment grade ratings.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_Liabilities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_UnallocatedInvestmentIncomeLossNet">
    <definition>Amount of net investment income (loss) that is not allocated to segments and is therefore included in the reconciliation of total profit or loss from reportable segments to the entity's consolidated income before income taxes.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_CustomerRelatedLiabilitiesIncludingIncentivesRebatesAndOtherReserves">
    <definition>Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of any customer-related liabilities, including customer incentives, rebates and other reserves.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ContractsReceivable">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_OtherThanTemporaryLossesOnMarketableDebtSecuritiesRelatedToFactorsOtherThanCreditNetOfIncomeTaxes">
    <definition>Accumulated other-than-temporary impairments on certain debt securities associated with non-credit factors that are recorded in other comprehensive income, net of tax.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationIntersegmentRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_EquityMutualAndExchangeTradedFunds">
    <definition>This category includes information about investments that pool funds from many investors to invest in a combination of underlying investments (primarily equity investments) and investments that follows an index, commodity or basket of assets that trades like on a stock on an exchange.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAggregateLosses">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_ExpirationYearOfLongestCapitalLease">
    <definition>This element represents the expiration year of the longest capital leases.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_AuctionRateSecurities">
    <definition>Securities that are debt instruments (corporate or municipal bonds) that typically have long-term nominal maturities for which the interest rate is reset through an auction process. It could also refer to a preferred stock for which the dividend is reset through the same type of auction process</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_CarryingValueOfImpairedCostAndEquityMethodInvestments">
    <definition>This element represents the carrying value of cost and equity method investments for which other-than-temporary impairments were recognized during the period.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_NetUnrealizedGainsLossesOnOtherMarketableSecuritiesAndDerivativeInstrumentsNetOfIncomeTaxes">
    <definition>Appreciation or loss, net of tax, in value of unsold securities (excluding certain marketable debt securities) during an accounting period combined with gains and losses, net of tax, from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LeasesOfLesseeDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_SellingGeneralAndAdministrative">
    <definition>This element represents the selling, general and administrative expenses recognized during the period arising from share-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_ShareBasedCompensationExpenseIncludedInUnallocatedResearchAndDevelopmentExpenses">
    <definition>This element represents the research and development expenses recognized during the period arising from share-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_InvestmentIncomeLossNet">
    <definition>This item represents the aggregate of (1) interest and dividend income derived from investments in debt and equity securities and on cash and cash equivalents and (2) realized and unrealized gains and losses reported in the statement of income which have resulted from the sale and holding of marketable securities, respectively, as well as the sale or disposal of cost and equity method investments.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_MarketableSecuritiesUsTreasurySecuritiesAndGovernmentRelatedSecurities">
    <definition>This category includes investments in debt securities issued by the United States Department of the Treasury, US Government Agencies and US Government-sponsored Enterprises. Such securities may include treasury bills (short-term maturities - one year or less), treasury notes (intermediate term maturities - two to ten years), and treasury bonds (long-term maturities - ten to thirty years), debt securities issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) and debt securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac)</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisCashAndCashEquivalents">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAggregateLosses">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_CashDividendsTextBlock">
    <definition>This item represents the disclosure of cash dividends announced.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryWorkInProcess">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_ShareBasedCompensationExpenseIncludedInUnallocatedCostOfEquipmentAndServicesRevenues">
    <definition>This element represents the cost of equipment and services revenues recognized during the period arising from share-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_ShareBasedCompensationExpenseRelatedToShareBasedAward">
    <definition>Represents the expense recognized during the period arising from share-based awards granted in the period (for example, shares of stock, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_CarryingValueAndFairValueOfSettlementLiability">
    <definition>This element represents the carrying value of the liability related to the Broadcom settlement, which also approximated fair value.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_LicensingAndRoyaltyFees">
    <definition>Revenue earned during the period relating to consideration received from another party for the right to use, but not own, certain of the entity's intangible assets. Licensing arrangements include, but are not limited to, rights to use a patent, copyright, technology, manufacturing
process, software or trademark. Licensing fees are generally, but not always,
fixed as to amount and not dependent upon the revenue generated by the licensing
party. An entity may receive licensing fees for licenses that also generate
royalty payments to the entity and revenue earned during the period from the
leasing or otherwise lending to a third party the entity's rights or title
to certain property. Royalty revenue is derived from a percentage or stated
amount of sales proceeds or revenue generated by the third party using the
entity's property. Examples of property from which royalties may be derived
include patents and oil and mineral rights.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld">
    <definition>The cumulative amount of credit losses recognized in earnings related to debt securities held for which a portion of an other than temporary impairment was recognized in other comprehensive income (a component of shareholders' equity).</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentType">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_AuthorizedDollarAmountRemainedAvailable">
    <definition>This element represents the remaining amount authorized for repurchase under the stock repurchase program which was authorized by the entity's Board of Directors</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_IncomeTaxProvisionLessThanInExcessOfIncomeTaxPayments">
    <definition>This element represents the income tax provision (less than) in excess of income tax payment.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_RangeOfNoncancelableLeaseTerms">
    <definition>This element represents the range of the terms of noncancelable operating leases.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherProductiveAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_UnvestedEmployeeRestrictedStockUnits">
    <definition>This element represents the number of unvested employee resticted stock units as of the end of the period.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_UnrecordedNoncancelableObligationsForYearsAfterFifthAnniversary">
    <definition>The remaining amount of the fixed and determinable portion of an unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation on the fifth anniversary of the balance sheet date.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_TotalLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValue">
    <definition>The aggregate amount of liabilities, including [financial] instruments that are classified in stockholders' equity, which are measured at fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_RevenuesRelatedToNonMonetaryExchanges">
    <definition>The amount of revenue recognized during the period related to nonmonetary consideration received. As a noncash item, it is added to net income when calculating cash provided by (used in) operations using the indirect method.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemsAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_GrantOfEmployeeRestrictedStocks">
    <definition>The number of awards granted during the period under a share-based award plan other than stock option plans (for example, phantom stock plan, stock appreciation rights plan, performance target plan).</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FiscalPeriod">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_NetStockOptionsAfterForfeituresAndCancellationsPercentOfOutstandingShares">
    <definition>This element represents the net stock options (after forfeitures and cancellations) granted during the fiscal period as a percentage of outstanding shares as of the beginning of the fiscal period.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_UnallocatedLitigationSettlement">
    <definition>This element represents the cost recognized by the entity directly related and attributable to the settlement of litigation.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncome">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationIncomeLossBeforeIncomeTaxes">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_UnallocatedResearchAndDevelopmentExpenses">
    <definition>Amount of research and development expenses that are not allocated to segments and are therefore included in the reconciliation of total profit or loss from reportable segments to the entity's consolidated income before income taxes.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationUnrecognizedCompensationCostsOnNonvestedAwards">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_InventoryPurchaseCommitmentsForRemainderOfFiscalYear">
    <definition>The remaining amount of the fixed and determinable portion of an unrecorded unconditional inventory purchase obligation on the first anniversary of the balance sheet date</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationOperatingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnSecondAnniversary">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsAdditionsNoPreviousImpairment">
    <definition>This item represents an increase to the cumulative amount of credit losses recognized in earnings for an other than temporary impairment of a debt security held for which no such other than temporary impairment was previously recognized.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_OtherLiabilitie">
    <definition>This element represents a certain statement of financial position liability caption which represents a class of liabilities, or which may include an individual liability, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Currently it is comprised of the Company's deferred compensation plan liabilities.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_TotalFutureMinimumPaymentDueDueInFourYears">
    <definition>This element represents the total minimum lease payments, due within the fourth year from the balance sheet date</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableTrade">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_CorporateBondsAndNotes">
    <definition>This category includes information about debt securities that are issued by either a domestic or foreign corporate business entity with a promise of repayment</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityRegistrantName">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_PaidPortionOfCompanySettlement">
    <definition>The element represents the paid portion of the Broadcom settlement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_DollarAmountAuthorizedForRepurchaseUnderCompanyStockRepurchaseProgram">
    <definition>This element represents the amount authorized for repurchase under the stock repurchase program which was authorized by the entity's Board of Directors.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsInterestIncludedInPayments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_NoncreditOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesAndSubsequentChangesInFairValueRelatedToCertainMarketableDebtSecuritiesNetOfIncomeTaxes">
    <definition>This element represents other-than-temporary impairments on certain debt securities associated with non-credit factors that are recorded in other comprehensive income, net of tax, combined with appreciation or loss in value, net of tax, of certain unsold marketable debt securities.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_DeferredRevenueAtDifferentRates">
    <definition>The portion of the difference between the effective income tax rate and domestic federal statutory income tax rate that can be explained by deferred revenue that is taxable in fiscal 2010, but for which the resulting deferred tax asset wil reverse in future years when the state tax rate will be lower.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromBankDebt">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnThirdAnniversary">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_UsefulLivesOfLicenses">
    <definition>This element represents the license period of licenses.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProfitLoss">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_NoncreditOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesAndSubsequentChangesInFairValueRelatedToCertainMarketableDebtSecurities">
    <definition>This element represents accumulated other-than-temporary impairments on certain debt securities associated with non-credit factors that are recorded in other comprehensive income, net of tax, combined with accumulated appreciation or loss in value, net of tax, of certain unsold marketable debt securities.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_Goodwill">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_ResearchAndDevelopment">
    <definition>This element represents the research and development expenses recognized during the period arising from share-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemsRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_MarketableSecuritieTextBlock">
    <definition>This item represents the disclosure related to marketable securities (both current and noncurrent).</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="qcom_CommonAndPreferredStock">
    <definition>This category includes information about ownership interests or the right to acquire ownership interests in corporations and other legal entities which ownership interest is represented by shares of common or preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder), convertible securities, stock rights, or stock warrants.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
</DefinitionAndReference>
