Restructuring Costs (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014		Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012
Activity and balance of the restructuring liability accounts
Balance at beginning of period	$ 2,016		$ 5,049		$ 3,453
Additional liability recorded	694		7,169		7,854
Adjustment to previous estimates	(345)
Non-cash disposal			(747)
Cash payments	(1,050)		(9,455)		(6,258)
Balance at end of period	1,315		2,016		5,049
Current restructuring liabilities	679
Non-current restructuring liabilities	636
Workforce reduction
Activity and balance of the restructuring liability accounts
Balance at beginning of period	80		1,449		160
Additional liability recorded	685	[1]	5,041	[2]	5,484	[3]
Adjustment to previous estimates	0
Non-cash disposal			0
Cash payments	(584)		(6,410)		(4,195)
Balance at end of period	181		80		1,449
Current restructuring liabilities	181
Non-current restructuring liabilities	0
Restructuring and Related Cost, Positions Eliminated [Abstract]
Number of employees in workforce reduction	25		100		135
Consolidation of excess facilities
Activity and balance of the restructuring liability accounts
Balance at beginning of period	1,936		3,600		3,293
Additional liability recorded	9		2,128	[2]	2,370	[3]
Adjustment to previous estimates	(345)
Non-cash disposal			(747)
Cash payments	(466)		(3,045)		(2,063)
Balance at end of period	1,134		1,936		3,600
Current restructuring liabilities	498
Non-current restructuring liabilities	$ 636

[1] During fiscal 2014, Ciena recorded a charge of $0.7 million of severance and other employee-related costs associated with a workforce reduction of approximately 25 employees.

[2] During fiscal 2013, Ciena recorded a charge of $5.0 million of severance and other employee-related costs associated with a workforce reduction of approximately 100 employees. Ciena also recorded charges of $2.1 million related to its consolidation of several facilities primarily in the Linthicum, Maryland area.

[3] During fiscal 2012, Ciena recorded a charge of $5.5 million of severance and other employee-related costs associated with a workforce reduction of approximately 135 employees. Ciena also recorded charges of $2.4 million related to its consolidation of several facilities in the Linthicum, Maryland area.