Segments and Entity Wide Disclosures (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Ciena's geographic distribution of revenue
Revenue	$ 529,162	$ 533,703
Ciena's geographic distribution of equipment, furniture and fixtures
Equipment, furniture and fixtures, net	119,403		126,632
North America
Ciena's geographic distribution of revenue
Revenue	331,535	355,848
EMEA
Ciena's geographic distribution of revenue
Revenue	111,006	88,720
CALA
Ciena's geographic distribution of revenue
Revenue	42,742	52,680
APAC
Ciena's geographic distribution of revenue
Revenue	43,879	36,455
United States
Ciena's geographic distribution of revenue
Revenue	297,700	317,400
Ciena's geographic distribution of equipment, furniture and fixtures
Equipment, furniture and fixtures, net	71,971		73,420
Canada
Ciena's geographic distribution of equipment, furniture and fixtures
Equipment, furniture and fixtures, net	36,432		42,015
Other International
Ciena's geographic distribution of equipment, furniture and fixtures
Equipment, furniture and fixtures, net	$ 11,000		$ 11,197