Commitments And Contingencies (Gain Contingency Narrative) (Details) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2012	Aug. 06, 2012	Oct. 29, 2010 A10 Networks [Member] patents
Gain Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of alleged patents infringed and seeking injunctive relief			13
Gain Contingency, Unrecorded Amount		$ 112
Gain Contingency, Description	On August 6, 2012, the jury found A10 responsible for intellectual property infringement and unfair competition, awarding approximately $112 million to Brocade. On August 7, 2012, A10 issued a press release that reflects a different interpretation of the jury verdict. A10 has stated that it will take appropriate action to set aside the verdict and reverse the award of damages. A10 also stated that it intends to seek judgment in its favor as a matter of law. On August 27, 2012, the Court entered a judgment without commenting on the differing interpretations of the jury verdict or any post-trial motions. Brocade expects that the Court will address post-trial motions in the coming months. The outcome of such motions cannot be predicted with any certainty.