Segment and Entity Wide Disclosures (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Ciena's geographic distribution of revenue
Revenue	$ 533,703	$ 453,093
Ciena's geographic distribution of equipment, furniture and fixtures
Equipment, furniture and fixtures, net	119,446		119,729
United States [Member]
Ciena's geographic distribution of revenue
Revenue	317,450	264,235
Ciena's geographic distribution of equipment, furniture and fixtures
Equipment, furniture and fixtures, net	65,602		64,132
Canada [Member]
Ciena's geographic distribution of equipment, furniture and fixtures
Equipment, furniture and fixtures, net	41,657		43,772
Other International [Member]
Ciena's geographic distribution of revenue
Revenue	216,253	188,858
Ciena's geographic distribution of equipment, furniture and fixtures
Equipment, furniture and fixtures, net	$ 12,187		$ 11,825