Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 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):

	October 31, 2011
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
U.S government obligations	$	50,264	$	—	$	—	$	50,264
Embedded redemption feature	—		—		7,020		7,020
Total assets measured at fair value	$	50,264	$	—	$	7,020	$	57,284

	October 31, 2012
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
U.S. government obligations	$	50,057	$	—	$	—	$	50,057
Embedded redemption feature	—		—		420		420
Total assets measured at fair value	$	50,057	$	—	$	420	$	50,477

Assets are presented on Ciena's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

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

	October 31, 2011
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Long-term investments	$	50,264	$	—	$	—	$	50,264
Other long-term assets	—		—		7,020		7,020
Total assets measured at fair value	$	50,264	$	—	$	7,020	$	57,284

	October 31, 2012
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Short-term investments	$	50,057	$	—	$	—	$	50,057
Other long-term assets	—		—		420		420
Total assets measured at fair value	$	50,057	$	—	$	420	$	50,477

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 Level 3 assets recorded at fair value:

	Level 3
Balance at October 31, 2011	$	7,020
Issuances	—
Settlements	—
Changes in unrealized gain	(6,600		)
Transfers into Level 3	—
Transfers out of Level 3	—
Balance at October 31, 2012	$	420