Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016		Oct. 31, 2015		Nov. 01, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 213,927		$ 340,362		$ 237,971
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Change in unrealized gains and losses	(1,953)		(3,387)		(1,939)
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	2,621	[1]	3,755	[1]	(235)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	668		368		(2,174)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(3,079)		(6,556)		(3,196)
Total other comprehensive loss	(2,411)		(6,188)		(5,370)
Total comprehensive income	211,516		334,174		232,601
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(112)		0		0
Less: Total other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	35		0		0
Total comprehensive income attributable to Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.	$ 211,439		$ 334,174		$ 232,601

[1] (1) For Consolidated Statements of Income classification of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, see Note 10, “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.