Segment Information and Geographic Data - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 29, 2012 Country
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of countries with Apple retail stores		13
Certain manufacturing costs and variances	$ 49

Certain manufacturing costs and variances, including costs related to product tooling and manufacturing process equipment.

No definition available.

Name:	aapl_CertainManufacturingCostsAndVariances
Namespace Prefix:	aapl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration