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Short-Term and Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)
 12 Months Ended 20 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 3 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2014
debtinstrument
Oct. 31, 2013
Oct. 31, 2012
Oct. 31, 2014
D
debtinstrument
Mar. 15, 2013
Dec. 27, 2012
Jun. 11, 2007
Oct. 18, 2010
Jan. 31, 2013
Mar. 15, 2010
Jul. 15, 2014
Convertible Notes Payable (Textuals) [Abstract]                      
Number of issuances of convertible notes payable outstanding 4cien_NumberOfConvertibleNotesPayableIssuedAndOutstanding     4cien_NumberOfConvertibleNotesPayableIssuedAndOutstanding              
Minimum percentage of aggregate principal amount required to be held by trustee or holders to declare notes immediately payable 25.00%cien_DebtInstrumentMinimumPercentageOfAggregatePrincipalAmountRequiredToBeHeldByHoldersToDeclareNotesPayable                    
Aggregate principal amount $ 249,375,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount     $ 249,375,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount              
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt 0us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt (28,630,000)us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt 0us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt                
Minimum number of trading days in 30 consecutive trading day period prior to redemption notice date where closing price exceeds conversion price by a minimum percentage       20cien_DebtInstrumentRedemptionOptionMinimumNumberOfTradingDaysInThirtyConsecutiveDayPeriodPriorToDateOfRedemptionNoticeClosingPriceExceedsConversionPrice              
Number of consecutive trading day period prior to redemption notice date where closing price exceeds conversion price by a minimum percentage       30 days              
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value 0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue 2,740,000us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue   0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue              
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings (2,740,000)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1                    
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net 248,750,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromConvertibleDebt 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromConvertibleDebt 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromConvertibleDebt                
Carrying value and estimated current fair value of outstanding convertible notes                      
Carrying Value 1,216,651,000us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayable     1,216,651,000us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayable              
Fair Value 1,308,500,000us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtFairValueDisclosures [1]     1,308,500,000us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtFairValueDisclosures [1]              
0.25% Convertible Senior Notes due May 1, 2013                      
Convertible Notes Payable (Textuals) [Abstract]                      
Interest rate on convertible notes 0.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_PointTwoFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2013Member		 0.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_PointTwoFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2013Member		 0.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_PointTwoFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2013Member		 0.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_PointTwoFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2013Member		       0.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_PointTwoFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2013Member		      
4.0% Convertible Senior Notes due March 15, 2015                      
Convertible Notes Payable (Textuals) [Abstract]                      
Interest rate on convertible notes 4.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2015Member		 4.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2015Member		 4.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2015Member		 4.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2015Member		           4.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2015Member		  
Aggregate principal amount                   375,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2015Member		  
Number of shares converted for each $1000 principal amount (in shares)         49.0557us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2015Member		            
Principal amount used for conversion of notes         1,000cien_DebtInstrumentPrincipalAmountDenominationForConversionIntoCommonStock
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2015Member		            
Initial conversion price per share equivalent (per share)           $ 20.38us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2015Member		          
Redemption option, closing price to conversion price, minimum percentage       150.00%cien_DebtInstrumentRedemptionOptionCommonStockClosingPriceAsPercentageOfConversionPriceMinimum
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2015Member		              
Discount rate used for make whole premium payment calculation           2.75%cien_DebtInstrumentRedemptionOptionMakeWholePremiumPaymentCalculationDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2015Member		          
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net 364,300,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromConvertibleDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2015Member		                    
Net proceeds from convertible senior notes offering used to replace contractual obligation to issue convertible notes as part of acquisition 243,800,000cien_ProceedsFromConvertibleDebtUsedToReplaceContractualObligationRelatedToAcquisition
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2015Member		                    
Carrying value and estimated current fair value of outstanding convertible notes                      
Carrying Value 187,562,000us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayable
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2015Member		 [2]     187,562,000us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayable
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2015Member		 [2]              
Fair Value 193,359,000us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtFairValueDisclosures
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2015Member		 [1],[2]     193,359,000us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtFairValueDisclosures
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2015Member		 [1],[2]              
4.0% Convertible Senior Notes due December 15, 2020                      
Convertible Notes Payable (Textuals) [Abstract]                      
Interest rate on convertible notes 4.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member		 4.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member		 4.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member		 4.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member		   4.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member		          
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure           213,600,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member		          
Principal amount used for conversion of notes           1,000cien_DebtInstrumentPrincipalAmountDenominationForConversionIntoCommonStock
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member		          
Carrying value and estimated current fair value of outstanding convertible notes                      
Carrying Value 179,089,000us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayable
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member		 [3]     179,089,000us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayable
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member		 [3]              
Fair Value 223,828,000us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtFairValueDisclosures
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member		 [1],[3]     223,828,000us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtFairValueDisclosures
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member		 [1],[3]              
0.875% Convertible Senior Notes due June 15, 2017                      
Convertible Notes Payable (Textuals) [Abstract]                      
Interest rate on convertible notes 0.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_PointEightSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2017Member		 0.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_PointEightSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2017Member		 0.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_PointEightSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2017Member		 0.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_PointEightSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2017Member		     0.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_PointEightSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2017Member		        
Aggregate principal amount             500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_PointEightSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2017Member		        
Number of shares converted for each $1000 principal amount (in shares)             26.2154us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_PointEightSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2017Member		        
Principal amount used for conversion of notes             1,000cien_DebtInstrumentPrincipalAmountDenominationForConversionIntoCommonStock
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_PointEightSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2017Member		        
Initial conversion price per share equivalent (per share)             $ 38.15us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_PointEightSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2017Member		        
Net proceeds from convertible senior notes offering used to purchase call spread option on its common stock             42,500,000cien_ProceedsFromConvertibleDebtUsedToPurchaseCallSpreadOption
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_PointEightSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2017Member		        
Carrying value and estimated current fair value of outstanding convertible notes                      
Carrying Value 500,000,000us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayable
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_PointEightSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2017Member		     500,000,000us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayable
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_PointEightSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2017Member		              
Fair Value 487,500,000us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtFairValueDisclosures
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_PointEightSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2017Member		 [1]     487,500,000us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtFairValueDisclosures
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_PointEightSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2017Member		 [1]              
3.75% Convertible Senior Notes due October 15, 2018                      
Convertible Notes Payable (Textuals) [Abstract]                      
Interest rate on convertible notes 3.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_ThreePointSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2018Member		 3.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_ThreePointSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2018Member		 3.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_ThreePointSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2018Member		 3.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_ThreePointSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2018Member		       3.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_ThreePointSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2018Member		      
Aggregate principal amount               350,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_ThreePointSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2018Member		      
Number of shares converted for each $1000 principal amount (in shares)               49.5872us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_ThreePointSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2018Member		      
Principal amount used for conversion of notes               1,000cien_DebtInstrumentPrincipalAmountDenominationForConversionIntoCommonStock
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_ThreePointSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2018Member		      
Initial conversion price per share equivalent (per share)               $ 20.17us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_ThreePointSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2018Member		      
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net               340,400,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromConvertibleDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_ThreePointSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2018Member		      
Net proceeds from convertible senior notes offering used to repurchase 0.25% convertible senior notes due 2013               76,100,000cien_ProceedsFromConvertibleDebtUsedToRepurchaseOtherDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_ThreePointSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2018Member		      
Carrying value and estimated current fair value of outstanding convertible notes                      
Carrying Value 350,000,000us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayable
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_ThreePointSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2018Member		     350,000,000us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayable
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_ThreePointSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2018Member		              
Fair Value 403,813,000us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtFairValueDisclosures
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_ThreePointSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2018Member		 [1]     403,813,000us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtFairValueDisclosures
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_ThreePointSevenFivePercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2018Member		 [1]              
Convertible Notes Payable | 4.0% Convertible Senior Notes due March 15, 2015                      
Convertible Notes Payable (Textuals) [Abstract]                      
Interest rate on convertible notes                     4.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2015Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt                 28,600,000us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2015Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember		    
Convertible Notes Payable | 4.0% Convertible Senior Notes due December 15, 2020                      
Convertible Notes Payable (Textuals) [Abstract]                      
Minimum percentage of aggregate principal amount required to be held by trustee or holders to declare notes immediately payable           25.00%cien_DebtInstrumentMinimumPercentageOfAggregatePrincipalAmountRequiredToBeHeldByHoldersToDeclareNotesPayable
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember		          
Interest rate on convertible notes           4.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember		          
Aggregate principal amount           187,500,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember		          
Number of shares converted for each $1000 principal amount (in shares)           49.0557us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember		          
Initial conversion price per share equivalent (per share)           $ 20.39us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember		          
Minimum number of trading days in 30 consecutive trading day period prior to redemption notice date where closing price exceeds conversion price by a minimum percentage           20cien_DebtInstrumentRedemptionOptionMinimumNumberOfTradingDaysInThirtyConsecutiveDayPeriodPriorToDateOfRedemptionNoticeClosingPriceExceedsConversionPrice
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember		          
Number of consecutive trading day period prior to redemption notice date where closing price exceeds conversion price by a minimum percentage           30 days          
Redemption option, closing price to conversion price, minimum percentage           130.00%cien_DebtInstrumentRedemptionOptionCommonStockClosingPriceAsPercentageOfConversionPriceMinimum
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember		          
Accretion Rate of Principal Amount           1.85%cien_AccretionRateOfPrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember		          
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance           9,197,944us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember		          
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage           7.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember		          
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Fair Value of Debt Component           170,400,000cien_DebtInstrumentConvertibleFairValueOfDebtComponent
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember		          
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component 43,131,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleCarryingAmountOfTheEquityComponent
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember		     43,131,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleCarryingAmountOfTheEquityComponent
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember		   43,100,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleCarryingAmountOfTheEquityComponent
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2020Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember		          
4.0% Convertible Senior Notes due March 15, 2015 | Convertible Notes Payable                      
Convertible Notes Payable (Textuals) [Abstract]                      
Debt Conversion, Original Debt, Amount           187,500,000us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtAmount1
/ us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2015Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember		          
Amount repurchased           187,900,000us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount
/ us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2015Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember		          
Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost           2,300,000us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost
/ us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2015Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember		          
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability           $ 600,000us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiability
/ us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis
= cien_FourPercentConvertibleSeniorNotesDue2015Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember		          
[1] The convertible notes were categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Ciena estimates the fair value of its outstanding convertible notes using a market approach based on observable inputs, such as current market transactions involving comparable securities.
[2] Includes unamortized bond premium related to embedded redemption feature
[3] Includes unamortized discount and accretion of principal.