Restructuring And Other Costs (Schedule of Restructuring Reserve) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Restructuring Reserve Rollforward
Restructuring liabilities, Beginning balance	$ 2,329	$ 5,156
Restructuring and other charges	(603)	(678)
Cash payments	(810)	(1,880)
Other adjustments, net		(27)
Translation adjustment	(21)	(242)
Restructuring liabilities, Ending balance	895	2,329
Restructuring Reserve Ending Balance
Current restructuring liabilities	474
Non-current restructuring liabilities	$ 421
Initial Period in which Effects are Expected to be Realized	Cash payments for facilities that are part of the Company’s lease loss reserve are expected to be paid over the respective lease terms through fiscal year 2021
Restructuring and Related Cost, Caption that Includes Restructuring Charges	Restructuring, goodwill impairment, and other related costs (benefits)
Fiscal 2013 Fourth Quarter Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Reserve Ending Balance
Restructuring and Related Activities, Description	During the fiscal year ended October 26, 2013, and the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, the Company restructured certain business operations and reduced the Company’s operating expense structure. The restructuring plan was approved by the Company’s management and communicated to the Company’s employees in September 2013. The restructuring plan included a workforce reduction of approximately 250 employees, primarily in the engineering, sales, and marketing organizations, as well as the cancellation of certain nonrecurring engineering agreements and exit from certain leased facilities. The Company substantially completed the restructuring plan by the end of the first quarter of fiscal year 2014.
Restructuring and Related Activities, Authorized Approval	The restructuring plan was approved by the Company’s management and communicated to the Company’s employees in September 2013.
Restructuring Reserve, Adjustment Description	The Company re-evaluates its estimates and assumptions on a quarterly basis and makes adjustments to the restructuring liabilities balance if necessary. During the fiscal year ended October 29, 2016, the Company reversed approximately $0.6 million of charges related to estimated facilities lease losses due to a change in lease terms for a certain facility.
Other Restructuring Plans [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Ending Balance
Restructuring and Related Activities, Description	The Company also recorded charges related to estimated facilities lease losses, net of expected sublease income, due to consolidation of real estate space as a result of acquisitions.
Severance and Benefits \| Fiscal 2013 Fourth Quarter Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Reserve Rollforward
Restructuring liabilities, Beginning balance	$ 110	171
Restructuring and other charges	0	0
Cash payments	0	0
Other adjustments, net		(27)
Translation adjustment	(1)	(34)
Restructuring liabilities, Ending balance	109	110
Restructuring Reserve Ending Balance
Current restructuring liabilities	109
Non-current restructuring liabilities	0
Contract Terminations and Other \| Fiscal 2013 Fourth Quarter Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Reserve Rollforward
Restructuring liabilities, Beginning balance	0	42
Restructuring and other charges	0	0
Cash payments	0	(42)
Other adjustments, net		0
Translation adjustment	0	0
Restructuring liabilities, Ending balance	0	0
Restructuring Reserve Ending Balance
Current restructuring liabilities	0
Non-current restructuring liabilities	0
Lease Loss Reserve and Related Costs \| Fiscal 2013 Fourth Quarter Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Reserve Rollforward
Restructuring liabilities, Beginning balance	1,811	3,949
Restructuring and other charges	(603)	(519)
Cash payments	(474)	(1,411)
Other adjustments, net		0
Translation adjustment	(20)	(208)
Restructuring liabilities, Ending balance	714	1,811
Restructuring Reserve Ending Balance
Current restructuring liabilities	293
Non-current restructuring liabilities	421
Lease Loss Reserve and Related Costs \| Other Restructuring Plans [Member]
Restructuring Reserve Rollforward
Restructuring liabilities, Beginning balance	408	994
Restructuring and other charges	0	(159)
Cash payments	(336)	(427)
Other adjustments, net		0
Translation adjustment	0	0
Restructuring liabilities, Ending balance	72	$ 408
Restructuring Reserve Ending Balance
Current restructuring liabilities	72
Non-current restructuring liabilities	$ 0

The initial period in which these effects are expected to be realized.

Name:	us-gaap_InitialPeriodInWhichEffectsAreExpectedToBeRealized
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of cash payments made as the result of exit or disposal activities. Excludes payments associated with a discontinued operation or an asset retirement obligation.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Identifies the body or office that had the appropriate authority to approve the exit plan, and the date such approval was granted.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAuthorizedApproval
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Description of a specific restructuring plan and related activities including the facts and circumstances leading to the restructuring or decision to exit an activity, and the expected completion date. This concept and related items would be utilized for each plan if multiple exit plans have been implemented in the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 5
-Section P
-Subsection 3, 4

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesDescription
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Identification of the line item(s) in the statement of income that includes the costs of the restructuring and related activities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140864-122747

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.4(c))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 5
-Section P
-Subsection 3, 4

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostCaptionThatIncludesRestructuringCharges
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of expenses associated with exit or disposal activities pursuant to an authorized plan. Excludes expenses related to a discontinued operation or an asset retirement obligation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140864-122747

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.4(b))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 5
-Section P
-Subsection 3, 4

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Carrying amount (including both current and noncurrent portions of the accrual) as of the balance sheet date pertaining to a specified type of cost associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructuring pursuant to a duly authorized plan.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringReserve
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of (expense) reversal of expense related to a previously accrued restructuring cost liability. Excludes adjustments for costs incurred, costs settled, and foreign currency translation adjustments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section 40
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394291&loc=d3e17658-110867

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.4(b))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 5
-Section P
-Subsection 3, 4

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAccrualAdjustment
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Description of any reversal and other adjustment made during the period to the amount of an accrued liability for restructuring activities, excluding adjustments for costs incurred during the period, costs settled during the period, and foreign currency translation adjustments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section 40
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394291&loc=d3e17658-110867

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAdjustmentDescription
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of known and estimated obligations associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, which are expected to be paid in the next twelve months or in the normal operating cycle if longer. Costs of such activities include those for one-time termination benefits, termination of an operating lease or other contract, consolidating or closing facilities, relocating employees, and costs associated with an ongoing benefit arrangement, but excludes costs associated with the retirement of a long-lived asset.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 5
-Section P
-Subsection 4

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringReserveCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of known and estimated costs associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, which are expected to be paid after one year or beyond the next operating cycle, if longer. Costs of such activities include those for one-time termination benefits, termination of an operating lease or other contract, consolidating or closing facilities, and relocating employees, and costs associated with an ongoing benefit arrangement, but excludes costs associated with the retirement of a long-lived asset.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 5
-Section P
-Paragraph Question 4

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringReserveNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of gain (loss) from translating a restructuring reserve to the currency of the reporting entity from an amount denominated or measured in a different currency.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.4(b)(2))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 5
-Section P
-Subsection 3, 4

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringReserveTranslationAdjustment
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis=brcd_Fiscal2013FourthQuarterRestructuringPlanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis=brcd_OtherRestructuringPlansMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis=us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis=us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis=us-gaap_FacilityClosingMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type: