Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $) In Millions	Jul. 30, 2011
Subsequent Events
Net assets and liabilities held for sale in next quarter	$ 16.2
Net book value of intangible assets become held for sale in next quarter	$ 11.1

Name:

brcd_NetBookValueOfIntangibleAssetsBecomeHeldForSaleInNextQuarter

Namespace Prefix:

brcd

Data Type:

xbrli:monetaryItemType

Balance Type:

debit

Period Type:

instant