Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Income Taxes [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Tax benefits from foreign income taxed at rates lower than rates in the United States Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Percent Tax benefit recognized in period related to prior period attributable to federal research and development tax credit TaxBenefitRecognizedInPeriodRelatedToPriorPeriodAttributableToResearchTaxCredit Tax benefit recognized in the current period related to a prior period due to retroactive extension of the U.S. federal research and development tax credit. Resolution of governmental investigation, Amount Resolution of governmental investigation, Amount Amount of fine imposed by a government agency on resolution of matters investigated. Tax benefit as a result of a favorable tax audit settlement Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, Amount Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Income Statement [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Equipment and services 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. Licensing Licenses Revenue Total revenues Revenues Costs and expenses: Operating Expense Total [Abstract] Generally recurring costs associated with normal operations includes cost of sales or services, research and development expense and selling, general and administrative expense. Cost of equipment and services revenues Cost of Revenue Research and development Research and Development Expense Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Other (Note 2) Other Operating Income (Expense), Net Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Interest expense Interest Expense Investment income, net (Note 2) Investment Income, Nonoperating Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to Qualcomm Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Basic earnings per share attributable to Qualcomm Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted earnings per share attributable to Qualcomm Earnings Per Share, Diluted Shares used in per share calculations: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Dividends per share announced Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swaps [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Floating-rate notes due May 18, 2018 [Member] Floating-rate notes due May 18, 2018 [Member] Floating-rate notes due May 18, 2018 [Member] Floating-rate notes due May 20, 2020 [Member] Floating-rate notes due May 20, 2020 [Member] Floating-rate notes due May 20, 2020 [Member] Fixed-rate 1.40% notes due May 18, 2018 [Member] Fixed-rate 1.40% notes due May 18, 2018 [Member] Fixed-rate 1.40% notes due May 18, 2018 [Member] Fixed-rate 2.25% notes due May 20, 2020 [Member] Fixed-rate 2.25% notes due May 20, 2020 [Member] Fixed-rate 2.25% notes due May 20, 2020 [Member] Fixed-rate 3.00% notes due May 20, 2022 [Member] Fixed-rate 3.00% notes due May 20, 2022 [Member] Fixed-rate 3.00% notes due May 20, 2022 [Member] Fixed-rate 3.45% notes due May 20, 2025 [Member] Fixed-rate 3.45% notes due May 20, 2025 [Member] Fixed-rate 3.45% notes due May 20, 2025 [Member] Fixed-rate 4.65% notes due May 20, 2035 [Member] Fixed-rate 4.65% notes due May 20, 2035 [Member] Fixed-rate 4.65% notes due May 20, 2035 [Member] Fixed-rate 4.80% notes due May 20, 2045 [Member] Fixed-rate 4.80% notes due May 20, 2045 [Member] Fixed-rate 4.80% notes due May 20, 2045 [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Long-term Debt [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract] Long-term debt, Stated Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Long-term debt, Maturity date Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Long-term debt, Principal amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Long-term debt, Effective Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Unamortized discount, including debt issuance costs Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Hedge accounting fair value adjustments Hedge Accounting Adjustments Related To Long Term Debt Amount as of the balance sheet date of the adjustment to the carrying value of an interest bearing hedged item made under an interest rate fair value hedge. Total long-term debt Long-term Debt Long-term debt, Interest rate terms Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms Long-term Debt, Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Gross notional amount of Derivatives Derivative, Notional Amount Interest paid related to commercial paper and long-term debt, net of cash received from the related interest rate swaps Interest paid net of interest received Interest paid on debt, net of interest received from related interest rate swaps. Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract] Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Number of shares authorized under the New Plan Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Number of additional shares authorized under the New Plan Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized Number of shares available for grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Abstract] Schedule for Marketable Securities Classified Within Level 3 [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value by Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, by Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Mortgage- and asset-backed and auction rate securities [Member] Mortgage- and asset-backed and auction rate securities [Member] Mortgage- and asset-backed and auction rate securities [Member] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Activity for Marketable Securities Classified Within Level 3 of the Valuation Hierarchy [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Beginning balance of Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Total realized and unrealized gains or losses included in investment income, net Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Total realized and unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Purchases Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Sales Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales Settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements Transfers out of Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net Ending balance of Level 3 Other Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Other Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member] Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Gain on sale of wireless spectrum Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Intangible Assets Proceeds from sale of wireless spectrum Proceeds from Sale of Intangible Assets Deferred payments Financing Receivable, Gross Deferred payments, Due date Receivable with Imputed Interest, Due Date Restructuring and restructuring-related charges Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost Gain on sale of business Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Goodwill impairment charges Goodwill, Impairment Loss Gain on sale of certain property, plant and equipment Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation gains (losses) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Reclassification of foreign currency translation losses included in net income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax Noncredit other-than-temporary impairment losses and subsequent changes in fair value related to certain available-for-sale debt securities OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAndSubsequentChangesInFairValueNetofTax Amount after tax of other than temporary impairment (OTTI) loss on investments in debt securities, recognized in other comprehensive loss combined with the amount after tax, before reclassification adjustments, of unrealized holding gain(loss) on available for sale debt securities for which OTTI loss was recognized. Reclassification of other-than-temporary losses on available-for-sale securities included in net income Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, Net of Tax Net unrealized gains (losses) on other available-for-sale securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Reclassification of net realized gains on available-for-sale securities included in net income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax Net unrealized gains on derivative instruments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Reclassification of net realized losses on derivative instruments included in net income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax Total other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to Qualcomm Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Marketable Securities [Abstract] Marketable Securities, Trading Securities Marketable Securities, Trading Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Legal Proceedings [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] ParkerVision verdict amount Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Gain Contingency, Description Gain Contingency, Description Resolution of governmental investigation, Amount Strategic Realignment Plan [Abstract] Strategic Realignment Plan [Abstract] Restructuring and Related Costs Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract] Composition of Certain Financial Statement Items Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Text Block] Share Repurchase Program [Abstract] Share Repurchase Program [Abstract] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Line Items] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Stock repurchased and retired during period, Shares Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Stock repurchased and retired during period, Value before commissions Payments for Repurchases of Common Stock, Before Commissions Payments for Repurchases of Common Stock, Before Commissions Remaining authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Weighted Average [Member] Weighted Average [Member] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Commercial Paper [Member] Commercial Paper [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract] Line of Credit Facility [Abstract] Revolving Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Revolving Credit Facility, Expiration Date Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Revolving Credit Facility, Covenant Terms Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms Revolving Credit Facility, Covenant Compliance Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Compliance Commercial Paper Program [Abstract] Short-term Debt [Abstract] Commercial Paper, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Short Term Debt, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Maximum borrowing capacity under the program without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the program. Commercial Paper, Term Debt Instrument, Term Commercial Paper, Amount Outstanding Short-term Debt Commercial Paper, Weighted Average Interest Rate Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Commercial Paper, Weighted Average Remaining Term Short Term Debt Instrument, Remaining Term Short Term Debt Instrument, Remaining Term Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] U.S. Treasury securities and government-related securities [Member] US Treasury and Government [Member] Corporate bonds and notes [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Equity and preferred securities and equity funds [Member] Equity Securities [Member] Debt funds [Member] Other Debt Obligations [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Marketable securities Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Derivative instruments Derivative Asset Other investments Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Total assets measured at fair value Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring Liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative instruments Derivative Liability Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Total liabilities measured at fair value Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring Dividends [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Dividends [Line Items] Payments for repurchases of common stock, before commissions Percentage increase in quarterly common stock cash dividend per share announced Percentage increase common stock dividend per share announced Percentage increase common stock dividend per share announced Amount of Increased quarterly common stock cash dividends per share announced Amount of Increased Common Stock Dividends per Share Announced Amount of Increased Common Stock Dividends per Share Announced Dividends charged to retained earnings Dividends Dividends Payable, Date declared Dividends Payable, Date Declared Dividends Payable, Date to be paid Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid Dividends Payable, Date of record Dividends Payable, Date of Record Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Years to Maturity - Less Than One Year Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value Years to Maturity - One to Five Years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value Years to Maturity - Five to Ten Years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value Years to Maturity - Greater Than Ten Years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value Years to Maturity - No Single Maturity Date Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value Realized Gains and Losses on Sales of Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Gross Realized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Gross Realized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Realized Losses, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Net Realized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss), Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Balance Sheet, Reported Amounts [Abstract] Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Cost Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Available-for-sale Securities Equity Securities, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities Available-for-sale Debt Securities (including debt funds), Cost Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-sale Debt Securities (including debt funds), Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Available-for-sale Debt Securities (including debt funds), Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Available-for-sale Securities, Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities Investments Classified as Available-for-sale in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Deemed to be Temporary [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract] Less than 12 months - Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value More than 12 months - Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Unrealized losses Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Unrealized losses Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization expense Other Depreciation and Amortization Indefinite and long-lived asset impairment charges Asset Impairment Charges Income tax provision (less than) in excess of income tax payments Income tax provision (less than) in excess of income tax payments This element represents the income tax provision (less than) in excess of income tax payment. Gain on sale of wireless spectrum Non-cash portion of share-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Incremental tax benefits from share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Net realized gains on marketable securities and other investments Gain (Loss) on Investments, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Impairment losses on marketable securities and other investments Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net Other items, net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Changes in assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable, net Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Trade accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Payroll, benefits and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Employee Related Liabilities Unearned revenues Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Purchases of available-for-sale securities Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities Purchases of trading securities Payments to Acquire Trading Securities Held-for-investment Proceeds from sales and maturities of trading securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Trading Securities Held-for-investment Proceeds from sales of other marketable securities Proceeds from Sale of Other Investments Acquisitions and other investments, net of cash acquired Acquisitions And Other Investments Net of Cash Acquired 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. Other items, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Proceeds from short-term debt Proceeds from Short-term Debt Repayment of short-term debt Repayments of Short-term Debt Proceeds from issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Repurchases and retirements of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends Incremental tax benefits from share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Other items, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash used by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory, Net [Abstract] Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Work-in-process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Inventories Inventory, Net Revenues and EBT for reportable segments Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Reconciling items for reportable segments - revenues Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Reconciling items for reportable segments - EBT Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Leases, Operating [Abstract] Description of Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases Description of Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Remainder of fiscal 2016 - Operating Leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year Fiscal 2017 - Operating leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Fiscal 2018 - Operating leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Fiscal 2019 - Operating leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Fiscal 2020 - Operating leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter - Operating leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Employee Benefit Plans Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Investment Income, Net [Abstract] Interest and dividend income Investment Income, Interest and Dividend Net realized gains on marketable securities Marketable Securities, Realized Gain (Loss), Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Net realized gains on other investments Gain (Loss) on Sale of Other Investments Impairment losses on marketable securities Marketable Securities, Realized Loss, Other than Temporary Impairments, Amount Impairment losses on other investments Cost-method Investments, Other than Temporary Impairment Equity in net losses of investees Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Other Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Investment income, net Net impairment losses on marketable securities related to the noncredit portion of losses on debt securities recognized in other comprehensive income Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion in Other Comprehensive Loss, before Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Available-for-sale Securities Unconditional Purchase Obligations (Excluding Capital Stock Redemptions) [Abstract] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain] Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain] Inventories [Member] Inventories [Member] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] Remainder of fiscal 2016 - Unrecorded obligations Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Remainder of Fiscal Year Fiscal 2017 - Unrecorded obligations Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years Fiscal 2018 - Unrecorded obligations Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years Fiscal 2019 - Unrecorded obligations Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years Fiscal 2020 - Unrecorded obligations Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years Thereafter - Unrecorded obligations Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due after Five Years Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Noncredit Other-than-Temporary Impairment Losses and Subsequent Changes in Fair Value for Certain Available-for-Sale Debt Securities [Member] Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment Attributable to Parent [Member] Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Other Available-for-Sale Securities [Member] Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Loss before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Balance at end of period Investment income, net Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Document Information, Document [Axis] Document Information, Document [Axis] Document [Domain] Document [Domain] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant State of Incorporation Entity Incorporation, State Country Name Entity Address Entity Address, Address Line One Entity City Entity Address, City or Town Entity State Entity Address, State or Province Entity Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Phone Number Local Phone Number Entity Employer ID Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Share-based Compensation [Abstract] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Cost of equipment and services revenues [Member] Cost of Sales [Member] Research and development [Member] Research and Development Expense [Member] Selling, general and administrative [Member] Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Equity Compensation Plans Consolidated [Member] Equity Compensation Plans Consolidated [Member] Aggregated disclosures for the Company's equity compensations plans on a consolidated basis. Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] Share-based compensation expense before income taxes Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Related income tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Share-based compensation expense, net of income taxes Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax Share-based compensation expense related to share-based awards granted during the period Share-based compensation expense related to share-based award granted during the period 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. Unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested restricted stock units Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Weighted-average period over which unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested restricted stock units is expected to be recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Net share based awards granted in fiscal year, after forfeitures and cancellations as percent of total outstanding shares at beginning of fiscal period Net Share Based Awards Granted In Fiscal Year As Percent Of Total Outstanding Stock At Beginning Of Fiscal Period Represents net share-based awards granted (after forfeitures and cancellations) in a fiscal year as a percentage of the total number of stock outstanding at the beginning of each fiscal year. Total share based awards granted in fiscal year as percent of total outstanding shares at end of fiscal period Total Share Based Awards Granted In Fiscal Year As Percent Of Total Outstanding Stock At End Of Fiscal Period Represents total share-based awards granted in a fiscal year as a percentage of the total number of stock outstanding at the end of each respective fiscal year. Fiscal Period, Policy Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates, Policy Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share, Policy Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements, Policy New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Research and development expenses [Member] Selling, general and administrative expenses [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] QCT [Member] QCT [Member] A component of the entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. QTL [Member] QTL [Member] A component of the entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. QSI [Member] QSI [Member] A component of the entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. Nonreportable Segments [Member] Other Segments [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Factors Used to Identify Entity's Reportable Segments Segment Reporting, Factors Used to Identify Entity's Reportable Segments Revenues Earnings before taxes Total assets Assets Cost of equipment and services revenues Research and development expense Selling, general and administrative expense Other expenses, net Interest expense Unallocated acquisition-related expenses Unallocated acquisition-related expenses Unallocated acquisition-related expenses Dilutive common share equivalents Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Common share equivalents excluded from computation of diluted EPS Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Accounts Receivable [Abstract] Accounts Receivable [Abstract] Trade, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $1 and $6, respectively Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Long-term contracts Contract Receivable Other Other Receivables Accounts receivable, net Accounts and Other Receivables, Net, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts related to trade receivables Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Marketable Securities Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Strategic Realignment Plan Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Composition of marketable securities Marketable Securities [Table Text Block] Contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Realized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale securities Schedule of Realized Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Composition of available-for-sale securities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Gross unrealized losses and fair values of investments in individual securities classified as available-for-sale in a continuous unrealized loss position deemed to be temporary Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block] Other Commitments [Abstract] Other Commitments Other Commitment Remainder of fiscal 2016 - Other Commitments Other Commitments, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Employee Severance [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Other Costs [Member] Other Restructuring [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Strategic Realignment Plan, announcement Date Restructuring and Related Activities, Initiation Date Strategic Realignment Plan, substantial implementation period Restructuring and Related Activities, Completion Date Consulting costs Other Restructuring Costs Severance costs Severance Costs Restructuring-related costs Restructuring-related costs Restructuring-related costs Restructuring and restructuring-related charges incurred to date Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Beginning balance of restructuring accrual Restructuring Reserve Additional Costs Restructuring Charges Cash payments Payments for Restructuring Adjustments Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment Ending balance of restructuring accrual Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Marketable securities Marketable Securities, Current Accounts receivable, net Inventories Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Marketable securities Marketable Securities, Noncurrent Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Other intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Trade accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Payroll and other benefits related liabilities Employee-related Liabilities, Current Unearned revenues Deferred Revenue, Current Short-term debt Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Unearned revenues Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Long-term debt Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (Note 7) Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 8 shares authorized; none outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock and paid-in capital, $0.0001 par value; 6,000 shares authorized; 1,467 and 1,524 shares issued and outstanding, respectively Common Stocks, Including Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive income Total Qualcomm stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of the period Net Income attributable to Qualcomm Net Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Other comprehensive loss attributable to Qualcomm Other comprehensive income (loss) Common stock issued under employee benefit plans and related tax benefits Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Share-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Tax withholdings related to vesting of share-based payments Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Dividends Stock repurchases Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Balance at end of the period Schedule of Marketable Securities [Table] Schedule of marketable securities [Table] Summarization of information required and determined to be disclosed concerning Marketable Securities which consist of all investments in certain debt and equity securities that are classified Available-for-sale, trading or held-to-maturity securities. Schedule of Marketable Securities, Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items] Schedule of marketable securities [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Total marketable securities - Current Total marketable securities - Noncurrent Ending balance of the credit loss portion of other-than-temporary impairments on debt securities Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Credit Losses on Debt Securities Held Trading Securities [Abstract] Trading - Current Trading Securities Trading - Noncurrent Trading Securities, Noncurrent Financial instruments that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them and which are intended to be sold or mature more than one year from the balance sheet date or operating cycle, if longer, or for debt and equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition. Available-for-sale - Current Available-for-sale Securities, Current Available-for-sale - Noncurrent Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent Fair Value Option [Abstract] Fair value option [Abstract] Fair value option - Current Other Marketable Securities, Current Fair value option - Noncurrent Other Marketable Securities, Noncurrent Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Customer incentives and other customer-related liabilities Customer-related liabilities, including incentives, rebates and other liabilities Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of any customer-related liabilities, including customer incentives, rebates and other accrued liabilities. Other Other Sundry Liabilities, Current Other current liabilities Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Parentheticals [Abstract] Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Parentheticals [Abstract] Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Acquisitions [Abstract] Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member] Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Number of businesses acquired Number of Businesses Acquired Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Technology-based intangible assets recognized Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Weighted average useful life of technology-based intangible assets Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Goodwill Goodwill, expected tax deductible amount Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Agreed ownership percentage by Parent upon acquisition Agreed ownership percentage by Parent upon acquisition Agreed ownership percentage by Parent upon acquisition Agreed ownership percentage by non-controlling owners upon acquisition Agreed ownership percentage by non-controlling owners upon acquisition Agreed ownership percentage by non-controlling owners upon acquisition Agreed acquisition purchase price Agreed acquisition purchase price Agreed purchase price for controlling interest, subject to adjustments. Agreed exercise price of option to purchase/sell ownership interest Agreed exercise price of option to purchase/sell ownership interest Agreed price upon exercise of the option to purchase (call option) or sell (put option)additional ownership interest Time period after which option becomes exercisable Time period after which option becomes exercisable Period of time after the closing date at which call or put option becomes exercisable Maximum amount to be paid to noncontrolling owner in lieu of any profit sharing, distributions, dividends or any other payments Maximum amount paid to noncontrolling interest in lieu of distributions Maximum amount paid to noncontrolling interest in lieu of distributions, profit sharing, dividends, etc. Fair value hierarchy for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Activity for marketable securities classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Changes in Stockholders Equity Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Dividends Declared Dividends Declared [Table Text Block] Accounts Receivable Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Other Current Liabilities Other Current Liabilities [Table Text Block] Investment Income, net Investment Income [Table Text Block] Schedule of long-term debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]