Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Summary of the fair value of assets recorded on a recurring basis

As of the date indicated, the following table summarizes the fair value of assets that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

	July 31, 2012
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
U.S. government obligations	$	50,115	$	—	$	—	$	50,115
Foreign currency forward contracts	—		34		—		34
Embedded redemption feature	—		—		3,860		3,860
Total assets measured at fair value	$	50,115	$	34	$	3,860	$	54,009

Assets are presented on Ciena's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

As of the date indicated, the assets above were presented on Ciena’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as follows (in thousands):

	July 31, 2012
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Short-term investments	$	50,115	$	—	$	—	$	50,115
Prepaid expenses and other	—		34		—		34
Other long-term assets	—		—		3,860		3,860
Total assets measured at fair value	$	50,115	$	34	$	3,860	$	54,009

Reconciliation of changes in Level 3 fair value measurements

As of the dates indicated, the following table sets forth, in thousands, the reconciliation of changes in fair value measurements of Level 3 assets:

	Level 3
Balance at October 31, 2011	$	7,020
Issuances	—
Settlements	—
Changes in unrealized gain (loss)	(3,160		)
Transfers into Level 3	—
Transfers out of Level 3	—
Balance at July 31, 2012	$	3,860