Segments and Entity Wide Disclosures (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Ciena's geographic distribution of revenue
Revenue	$ 603,562	$ 538,356	$ 1,697,326	$ 1,499,161
Ciena's geographic distribution of equipment, furniture and fixtures
Equipment, furniture and fixtures, net	116,949		116,949		119,729
United States
Ciena's geographic distribution of revenue
Revenue	368,056	339,426	1,009,433	891,233
Ciena's geographic distribution of equipment, furniture and fixtures
Equipment, furniture and fixtures, net	62,733		62,733		64,132
Canada
Ciena's geographic distribution of equipment, furniture and fixtures
Equipment, furniture and fixtures, net	42,755		42,755		43,772
International
Ciena's geographic distribution of revenue
Revenue	235,506	198,930	687,893	607,928
Ciena's geographic distribution of equipment, furniture and fixtures
Equipment, furniture and fixtures, net	$ 11,461		$ 11,461		$ 11,825