Accounts Receivable (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Receivables [Abstract]

Activity in allowance for doubtful accounts

The following table summarizes the activity in Ciena’s allowance for doubtful accounts for the fiscal years indicated (in thousands):

Year ended	Balance at beginning				Net		Balance at end of
October 31,	of period		Provisions		Deductions		period
2009	$	124	$	93	$	101	$	116
2010	$	116	$	1	$	—	$	117
2011	$	117	$	1,696	$	1,112	$	701