Segment and Entity Wide Disclosures (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012
Ciena's geographic distribution of revenue
Revenue	$ 538,356	$ 474,090	$ 1,499,161	$ 1,368,392
Ciena's geographic distribution of equipment, furniture and fixtures
Equipment, furniture and fixtures, net	114,041		114,041		123,580
United States [Member]
Ciena's geographic distribution of revenue
Revenue	339,426	237,288	891,233	723,034
Ciena's geographic distribution of equipment, furniture and fixtures
Equipment, furniture and fixtures, net	61,224		61,224		64,653
Canada[Member]
Ciena's geographic distribution of revenue
Revenue		49,042		137,129
Ciena's geographic distribution of equipment, furniture and fixtures
Equipment, furniture and fixtures, net	41,900		41,900		48,376
Other International [Member]
Ciena's geographic distribution of revenue
Revenue	198,930	187,760	607,928	508,229
Ciena's geographic distribution of equipment, furniture and fixtures
Equipment, furniture and fixtures, net	$ 10,917		$ 10,917		$ 10,551