Brocade Communications Systems (BRCD) 10-Q 6 Jun 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14	30-May-14
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'BROCADE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001009626	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--11-01	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	3-May-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	428,212,000

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3-May-14	Apr. 27, 2013	3-May-14	Apr. 27, 2013
Net revenues	'	'	'	'
Product	$442,280	$451,746	$917,485	$953,993
Service	94,630	87,038	183,960	173,520
Total net revenues	536,910	538,784	1,101,445	1,127,513
Cost of revenues	'	'	'	'
Product	142,271	164,599	295,898	338,974
Service	40,347	40,073	78,585	80,502
Total cost of revenues	182,618	204,672	374,483	419,476
Gross margin	354,292	334,112	726,962	708,037
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Research and development	90,554	98,429	177,710	196,119
Sales and marketing	139,597	145,316	272,262	294,327
General and administrative	21,112	20,037	41,255	39,114
Amortization of intangible assets	131	13,151	10,014	28,007
Restructuring, goodwill impairment, and other related costs (Note 7)	82,703	0	88,920	0
Gain on sale of network adapter business	0	0	-4,884	0
Total operating expenses	334,097	276,933	585,277	557,567
Income from operations	20,195	57,179	141,685	150,470
Interest expense	-9,234	-10,432	-18,430	-36,800
Interest and other income (loss), net	-20	31	-1,356	97
Income before income tax	10,941	46,778	121,899	113,767
Income tax expense (benefit)	24,625	-171	54,699	88,073
Net income (loss)	($13,684)	$46,949	$67,200	$25,694
Net income (loss) per share—basic	($0.03)	$0.10	$0.15	$0.06
Net income (loss) per share—diluted	($0.03)	$0.10	$0.15	$0.06
Shares used in per share calculation—basic	436,167	453,133	438,370	453,988
Shares used in per share calculation—diluted	436,167	466,919	451,999	466,620

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3-May-14		Apr. 27, 2013		3-May-14		Apr. 27, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Net income (loss)	($13,684)		$46,949		$67,200		$25,694
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:	'		'		'		'
Change in unrealized gains and losses	1,094		-1,915		170		-1,992
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	32	[1]	-32	[1]	1	[1]	-210	[1]
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	1,126		-1,947		171		-2,202
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,298		-1,762		475		-2,142
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	2,424		-3,709		646		-4,344
Total comprehensive income (loss)	($11,260)		$43,240		$67,846		$21,350
[1]	For Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations classification of amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), see Note 10, “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	3-May-14	Oct. 26, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,137,613	$986,997
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $531 and $575 at May 3, 2014, and October 26, 2013, respectively	193,804	249,598
Inventories	40,773	45,344
Deferred tax assets	116,557	98,018
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	47,687	42,846
Total current assets	1,536,434	1,422,803
Property and equipment, net	452,722	472,940
Goodwill	1,556,733	1,645,437
Intangible assets, net	23,386	40,258
Non-current deferred tax assets	788	1,585
Other assets	38,846	38,368
Total assets	3,608,909	3,621,391
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	79,952	88,218
Accrued employee compensation	141,482	145,996
Deferred revenue	230,704	226,696
Current restructuring liabilities	2,876	16,418
Current portion of long-term debt	2,277	2,996
Other accrued liabilities	64,898	80,339
Total current liabilities	522,189	560,663
Long-term debt, net of current portion	595,452	596,208
Non-current restructuring liabilities	3,587	1,008
Non-current deferred revenue	72,956	76,426
Non-current income tax liability	46,271	38,680
Non-current deferred tax liabilities	31,124	0
Other non-current liabilities	1,583	1,593
Total liabilities	1,273,162	1,274,578
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)	'	'
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 5,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 800,000 shares authorized:	'	'
Issued and outstanding: 435,452 and 445,285 shares at May 3, 2014, and October 26, 2013, respectively	436	445
Additional paid-in capital	1,836,249	1,915,152
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-12,798	-13,444
Retained earnings	511,860	444,660
Total stockholders’ equity	2,335,747	2,346,813
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$3,608,909	$3,621,391

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3-May-14	Oct. 26, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowances	$531	$575
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000	5,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	800,000	800,000
Common stock, shares issued	435,452	445,285
Common stock, shares outstanding	435,452	445,285

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3-May-14		Apr. 27, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'		'
Net income (loss)	$67,200		$25,694
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'		'
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	-27,415		-5,440
Non-cash tax charges	0		78,206
Depreciation and amortization	59,927		93,358
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	3,178		3,046
Gain on sale of network adapter business	-4,884		0
Amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount	566		665
Call premium cost and write-off of original issue discount and debt issuance costs related to lenders that did not participate in refinancing	0		5,360
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable and sales allowances	3,528		4,560
Non-cash compensation expense	39,640		38,322
Goodwill impairment charge	83,382	[1],[2]	0
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'		'
Accounts receivable	52,266		-10,561
Inventories	4,570		16,605
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-8,371		-1,714
Deferred tax assets	57		322
Accounts payable	-7,126		-14,692
Accrued employee compensation	-11,738		-54,163
Deferred revenue	573		7,924
Other accrued liabilities	33,324		-7,969
Restructuring liabilities	-10,964		-418
Net cash provided by operating activities	277,713		179,105
Cash flows from investing activities:	'		'
Purchases of non-marketable equity investments	-223		0
Purchases of property and equipment	-27,395		-31,568
Net cash paid in connection with acquisition	0		-44,629
Proceeds from collection of note receivable	250		0
Proceeds from sale of network adapter business	9,995		0
Net cash used in investing activities	-17,373		-76,197
Cash flows from financing activities:	'		'
Proceeds from senior unsecured notes	0		296,250
Payment of principal related to senior secured notes	0		-300,000
Payment of debt issuance costs related to senior unsecured notes	0		549
Payment of principal related to capital leases	-1,749		-975
Common stock repurchases	-190,432		-86,179
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	54,530		35,899
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	27,415		5,440
Net cash used in financing activities	-110,236		-50,114
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	512		-1,722
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	150,616		51,072
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	986,997		713,226
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	1,137,613		764,298
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:	'		'
Cash paid for interest	17,375		22,593
Cash paid for income taxes	16,408		8,557
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities:	'		'
Acquisition of property and equipment through capital leases	$0		$999
[1]	For additional discussion on goodwill impairment, see Note 4, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
[2]	In the second quarter of fiscal year 2014, the Company has made a strategic shift in the allocation of its engineering resources and has reduced its investment in the hardware-based ADX products and increased investment in the software-based ADX products for the Layer 4-7 market. As a result of this change in strategy, the Company expects hardware-based ADX and related support revenue to be negatively impacted. Based on these changes in estimates, the Company recognized an impairment charge because the book value of its Application Delivery Products (“ADP”) reporting unit net assets, which includes the ADX products, exceeded the estimated fair value of these assets. The goodwill amount related to the Company’s other reporting units was not impacted.

Basis_Of_Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis Of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. (“Brocade” or the “Company”) has prepared the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States (“U.S.”) Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of October 26, 2013, was derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. These unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 26, 2013.
	The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of the Company’s management, reflect all adjustments—including normal recurring adjustments—that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full fiscal year or any other future period.
	The Company’s fiscal year is a 52- or 53-week period ending on the last Saturday in October or the first Saturday in November, respectively. Fiscal year 2014 is a 53-week fiscal year and fiscal year 2013 is a 52-week fiscal year. The second quarter of fiscal year 2014 is a 14-week quarter, which is one week longer than a typical quarter.
	The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Brocade and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Use of Estimates in Preparation of Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
	The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, revenue recognition, sales allowances and programs, allowance for doubtful accounts, stock-based compensation, purchase price allocations, warranty obligations, inventory valuation and purchase commitments, restructuring costs, commissions, facilities lease losses, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, litigation, income taxes and investments. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	There have been no material changes in the Company’s significant accounting policies for the six months ended May 3, 2014, as compared to the significant accounting policies disclosed in Brocade’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 26, 2013.
	New Accounting Pronouncements or Updates Recently Adopted
	In February 2013, the FASB issued an update to ASC 220: Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. Under this update, an entity is required to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) into net income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional details about those amounts. The Company adopted this update in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, presenting the required information in Note 12, “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss),” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements or Updates That Are Not Yet Effective
	In March 2013, the FASB issued an update to ASC 830 Foreign Currency Matters (“ASC 830”): Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity. Under this update, an entity is required to release any cumulative translation adjustment into net income when an entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest resulting in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. This update to ASC 830 should be applied prospectively and will be adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. The Company does not expect the adoption of this update to ASC 830 to have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued an update to ASC 740 Income Taxes (“ASC 740”): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. Under this update, an entity is required to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion thereof, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except to the extent that these instances are not available at the reporting date. This update to ASC 740 should be applied prospectively and will be adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. Early adoption and retrospective application are permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this update to ASC 740 to have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued an update to ASC 205 Presentation of Financial Statements (“ASC 205”) and ASC 360 Property, Plant, and Equipment (“ASC 360”): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. Under this update, a discontinued operation may include a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity, or a business or nonprofit activity. Only those disposals of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results will be reported as discontinued operations in the financial statements. This update to ASC 205 and ASC 360 should be applied prospectively and will be adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued an update to ASC 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”) that will supersede virtually all existing revenue guidance. Under this update, an entity is required to recognize revenue upon transfer of promised goods or services to customers, in an amount that reflects the expected consideration received in exchange for those goods or services. As such, an entity will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under the current guidance. This update to ASC 606 should be applied retrospectively either to each prior reporting period presented in the financial statements, or only to the most current reporting period presented in the financial statements with a cumulative effect adjustment recorded in the retained earnings. This update to ASC 606 becomes effective and will be adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.
	Concentrations
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are primarily maintained at four major financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may be redeemed upon demand and may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits.
	A majority of the Company’s accounts receivable balance is derived from sales to original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) partners in the computer storage and server industry. As of May 3, 2014, three customers accounted for 15%, 11%, and 11%, respectively, of total accounts receivable, for a combined total of 37% of total accounts receivable. As of October 26, 2013, four customers accounted for 18%, 12%, 11%, and 11%, respectively, of total accounts receivable, for a combined total of 52% of total accounts receivable. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral on accounts receivable balances. The Company has established reserves for credit losses, sales allowances and other allowances.
	For the three months ended May 3, 2014, four customers accounted for 17%, 16%, 12%, and 11%, respectively, of the Company’s total net revenues for a combined total of 56% of total net revenues. For the three months ended April 27, 2013, three customers accounted for 18%, 16%, and 11%, respectively, of the Company’s total net revenues for a combined total of 45% of total net revenues.
	The Company currently relies on single and limited sources for multiple key components used in the manufacture of its products. Additionally, the Company relies on contract manufacturers (“CMs”) for the manufacturing of its products. Although the Company uses standard parts and components for its products where possible, the Company’s CMs currently purchase, on the Company’s behalf, several key product components from single or limited supplier sources.

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures

Acquisitions and Divestitures	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions and Divestitures	'
	Acquisitions and Divestitures
	Divestitures
	On January 17, 2014, the Company completed the sale of its network adapter business to QLogic Corporation, as part of the Company’s business strategy to focus development on a portfolio of high performance networking products and services--both hardware and software-based--that meet the demands of today’s virtualized and cloud based data centers.
	The net carrying amount of the divested network adapter business’ assets and liabilities was $5.1 million, comprised primarily of associated goodwill of $4.1 million. The sale resulted in a gain of $4.9 million, which is presented in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as “Gain on sale of network adapter business.”
	Acquisitions
	On November 9, 2012, the Company completed its acquisition of Vyatta, Inc. (“Vyatta”), a privately held developer of a software-based network operating system suite headquartered in Belmont, California. Vyatta became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company as a result of the acquisition. The Vyatta software-based network operating system suite is deployed on conventional computer hardware platforms for multiple applications in network virtualization, software-defined networking (“SDN”), Network Functions Virtualization (“NFV”), and other private/public cloud computing platforms. This acquisition complements Brocade’s investments in Internet Protocol (“IP”) switches and router products and enables Brocade to pursue new market opportunities in data center virtualization, including public cloud, virtual private cloud, and managed services.
	The results of operations of Vyatta are included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations from the date of the acquisition. The Company does not consider the acquisition of Vyatta to be material to its results of operations or financial position, and therefore, Brocade is not presenting pro-forma financial information of combined operations.
	The total purchase price was $44.8 million, consisting of $43.6 million cash consideration and $1.2 million related to prepaid license fees paid by the Company to Vyatta that was effectively settled at the recorded amount as a result of the acquisition. Of the cash consideration, $7.0 million will be held in escrow for a period of 18 months from the closing of the acquisition and will be released subject to resolution of certain contingencies. In addition, the Company paid direct acquisition costs of $0.4 million. In connection with this acquisition, the Company allocated the total purchase consideration to the net assets and liabilities acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, based on their respective fair values at the acquisition date.

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill And Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill And Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	The following table presents a summary of the net carrying value of the Company’s intangible assets (in thousands):
		May 3,			October 26,
		2014			2013
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets
	Goodwill	$	1,556,733		$	1,645,437
	In-process research and development (1)	12,260			21,590
	Finite-lived intangible assets
	Total intangible assets subject to amortization	11,126			18,668
	Total intangible assets	$	1,580,119		$	1,685,695
	-1	Acquired in-process research and development (“IPRD”) is an intangible asset accounted for as an indefinite-lived asset until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development effort. As an indefinite-lived asset, the IPRD intangible asset is subject to testing for impairment annually, which the Company conducts as of the first day of the second fiscal quarter, and whenever events or changes in facts and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that IPRD is impaired. If the research and development effort associated with the IPRD is successfully completed, then the IPRD intangible asset will be amortized over its estimated useful life to be determined at the date the effort is completed. During the three months ended May 3, 2014, development work was completed on $9.3 million of the IPRD intangible asset and this completed IPRD intangible asset is being amortized as Core/developed technology. The development effort on the remaining IPRD intangible asset is expected to be completed in the first half of fiscal year 2015.
	The Company performed its annual IPRD impairment test using measurement data as of the first day of the second fiscal quarter of 2014. During the test, the Company elected the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of its IPRD asset is less than its carrying amount. After assessing the totality of events and circumstances, the Company determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of its IPRD assets is less than its carrying amount and no further testing is required.
	The following table summarizes goodwill activity by reportable segment for the six months ended May 3, 2014 (in thousands):
		SAN			IP Networking Products			Global Services		Total
		Products
	Balance at October 26, 2013
	Goodwill	$	176,878		$	1,358,975		$	155,416	$	1,691,269
	Accumulated impairment losses	—			(45,832		)	—		(45,832		)
		176,878			1,313,143			155,416		1,645,437
	Impairment (1)	—			(83,382		)	—		(83,382		)
	Divestitures (2)	(474		)	(3,657		)	—		(4,131		)
	Tax and other adjustments during the six months ended May 3, 2014 (3)	(40		)	(1,151		)	—		(1,191		)
	Balance at May 3, 2014
	Goodwill	176,364			1,354,167			155,416		1,685,947
	Accumulated impairment losses	—			(129,214		)	—		(129,214		)
		$	176,364		$	1,224,953		$	155,416	$	1,556,733
	(1)	In the second quarter of fiscal year 2014, the Company has made a strategic shift in the allocation of its engineering resources and has reduced its investment in the hardware-based ADX products and increased investment in the software-based ADX products for the Layer 4-7 market. As a result of this change in strategy, the Company expects hardware-based ADX and related support revenue to be negatively impacted. Based on these changes in estimates, the Company recognized an impairment charge because the book value of its Application Delivery Products (“ADP”) reporting unit net assets, which includes the ADX products, exceeded the estimated fair value of these assets. The goodwill amount related to the Company’s other reporting units was not impacted.
	(2)	The goodwill disposed relates to the sale of the Company’s network adapter business, see Note 3, “Acquisitions and Divestitures,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	(3)	The goodwill adjustments during the six months ended May 3, 2014, were primarily a result of tax benefits from the exercise of stock awards of acquired companies.
	The Company conducts its goodwill impairment test annually, as of the first day of the second fiscal quarter, and whenever events occur or facts and circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. For the annual goodwill impairment test, the Company uses the income approach, the market approach or a combination thereof to determine each reporting unit’s fair value. The income approach provides an estimate of fair value based on discounted expected future cash flows (“DCF”). The market approach provides an estimate of fair value applying various observable market-based multiples to the reporting unit’s operating results and then applying an appropriate control premium. For the fiscal year 2014 annual goodwill impairment test, the Company used a combination of approaches to estimate each reporting unit’s fair value. The Company believed that at the time of the impairment testing performed in the second fiscal quarter of 2014, the income approach and the market approach were equally representative of a reporting unit’s fair value.
	Determining the fair value of a reporting unit or an intangible asset requires judgment and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. The Company based its fair value estimates on assumptions it believes to be reasonable, but inherently uncertain. Estimates and assumptions with respect to the determination of the fair value of its reporting units using the income approach include, among other inputs:
	•	The Company’s operating forecasts;
	•	Revenue growth rates; and
	•	Risk-commensurate discount rates and costs of capital.
	The Company’s estimates of revenues and costs are based on historical data, various internal estimates and a variety of external sources, and are developed as part of our regular long-range planning process. The control premium used in market or combined approaches is determined by considering control premiums offered as part of the acquisitions that have occurred in market segments that are comparable with the Company’s reporting units.
	Based on the results of the annual goodwill impairment analysis performed during the second fiscal quarter of 2014, the Company determined that no impairment needed to be recorded for Storage Area Networking (“SAN”) Products, Ethernet Switching & Internet Protocol (“IP”) Routing, and Global Services reporting units as these reporting units passed the first step of goodwill impairment testing.
	However, the Company determined that the fair value of the ADP reporting unit was below the reporting unit’s carrying value. Accordingly, the Company performed the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of the impairment. During the second step, the Company assigned the ADP reporting unit’s fair value to the reporting unit’s assets and liabilities, using the relevant acquisition accounting guidance, to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. The implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill was then compared with the carrying value of the ADP reporting unit’s goodwill to record an impairment loss of $83.4 million, which is equal to the difference in values.
	Intangible assets other than goodwill are amortized on a straight-line basis over the following estimated remaining useful lives, unless the Company has determined these lives to be indefinite. The following tables present details of the Company’s finite-lived intangible assets (in thousands, except for weighted-average remaining useful life):
	May 3, 2014	Gross			Accumulated			Net		Weighted-
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying		Average
		Value						Value		Remaining
										Useful Life
										(in years)
	Trade name	$	460		$	167		$	293	2.51
	Core/developed technology	10,370			812			9,558		4.65
	Customer relationships	1,080			321			759		3.51
	Non-compete agreements	810			294			516		2.51
	Total intangible assets (1)	$	12,720		$	1,594		$	11,126	4.41
	October 26, 2013	Gross			Accumulated			Net		Weighted-
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying		Average
		Value						Value		Remaining
										Useful Life
										(in years)
	Trade name	$	460		$	110		$	350	3.01
	Core/developed technology	192,340			185,254			7,086		0.35
	Customer relationships	287,090			276,473			10,617		0.51
	Non-compete agreements	810			195			615		3.01
	Total intangible assets	$	480,700		$	462,032		$	18,668	0.58
	(1)	During the six months ended May 3, 2014, $477.3 million of intangible assets became fully amortized and, therefore, were removed from the balance sheet.
	The following table presents the amortization of finite-lived intangible assets included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		May 3, 2014			April 27, 2013			May 3, 2014		April 27, 2013
	Cost of revenues	$	396		$	9,651		$	6,858	$	20,431
Operating expenses	131			13,151			10,014		28,007
Total	$	527		$	22,802		$	16,872	$	48,438
The following table presents the estimated future amortization of finite-lived intangible assets as of May 3, 2014 (in thousands):
Fiscal Year	Estimated
	Future
	Amortization
2014 (remaining six months)	$	1,366
2015	2,731
2016	2,419
2017	2,104
2018	1,884
Thereafter	622
Total	$	11,126

Balance_Sheet_Details

Balance Sheet Details	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Balance Sheet Details [Abstract]	'
Balance Sheet Details	'
	Balance Sheet Details
	The following table provides details of selected balance sheet items (in thousands):
		May 3,			October 26,
		2014			2013
	Inventories:
	Raw materials	$	12,749		$	14,048
	Finished goods	28,024			31,296
	Total	$	40,773		$	45,344
		May 3,			October 26,
		2014			2013
	Property and equipment, net:
	Computer equipment	$	13,732		$	16,006
	Software	58,331			57,186
	Engineering and other equipment (1)	371,232			416,573
	Furniture and fixtures (1)	28,442			29,029
	Leasehold improvements	19,695			24,287
	Land and building	384,565			384,654
	Subtotal	875,997			927,735
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1), (2)	(423,275		)	(454,795		)
	Total	$	452,722		$	472,940
	(1)	Engineering and other equipment, furniture and fixtures and accumulated depreciation and amortization include the following amounts under capital leases as of May 3, 2014, and October 26, 2013, respectively (in thousands):
		May 3,			October 26,
		2014			2013
	Cost	$	11,925		$	11,925
	Accumulated depreciation	(6,287		)	(5,366		)
	Total	$	5,638		$	6,559
	(2)	The following table presents the depreciation and amortization of property and equipment included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		May 3,			April 27,			May 3,		April 27,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Depreciation and amortization expense	$	20,519		$	21,162		$	43,055	$	44,920

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	The Company applies fair value measurements for both financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities. The Company has no nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of May 3, 2014.
	The fair value accounting guidance permits companies to elect fair value measurement for many financial instruments and certain other items that are otherwise not required to be accounted for at fair value. The Company did not elect to measure any eligible financial instruments or other assets at fair value as of May 3, 2014, and October 26, 2013.
	Fair Value Hierarchy
	The Company utilizes a fair value hierarchy that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
	Assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of May 3, 2014, were as follows (in thousands):
				Fair Value Measurements Using
		Balance as of		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
		May 3, 2014		Active Markets		Observable		Unobservable
				for Identical		Inputs		Inputs
				Instruments		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Money market funds (1)	$	731,260	$	731,260	$	—	$	—
	Derivative assets	1,310		—		1,310		—
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	732,570	$	731,260	$	1,310	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivative liabilities	$	627	$	—	$	627	$	—
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	627	$	—	$	627	$	—
	(1)	Money market funds are reported within “Cash and cash equivalents” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 26, 2013, were as follows (in thousands):
				Fair Value Measurements Using
		Balance as of		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
		October 26, 2013		Active Markets		Observable		Unobservable
				for Identical		Inputs		Inputs
				Instruments		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Money market funds (1)	$	431,750	$	431,750	$	—	$	—
	Derivative assets	1,814		—		1,814		—
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	433,564	$	431,750	$	1,814	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivative liabilities	$	1,441	$	—	$	1,441	$	—
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	1,441	$	—	$	1,441	$	—
	(1)	Money market funds are reported within “Cash and cash equivalents” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	During the six months ended May 3, 2014, the Company had no transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy of its assets and liabilities measured at fair value.

Restructuring_and_Other_Costs

Restructuring and Other Costs	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Other Costs	'
	Restructuring and Other Costs
	The following table provides details of the Company’s restructuring and other charges (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		May 3,			April 27,			May 3,			April 27,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Goodwill impairment (1)	$	83,382		$	—		$	83,382		$	—
	Severance and Benefits	(43		)	—			(1,788		)	—
	Lease Loss Reserve and Related Costs	(636		)	—			7,326			—
	Restructuring, goodwill impairment, and other related costs	$	82,703		$	—		$	88,920		$	—
	(1)	For additional discussion on goodwill impairment, see Note 4, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	The following table provides a reconciliation of the Company’s beginning and ending restructuring liability balances (in thousands):
		Fiscal 2013 Fourth Quarter Restructuring Plan									Prior Restructuring Plans
		Severance and Benefits			Contract Terminations and Other			Lease Loss Reserve and Related Costs			Lease Loss			Total
											Reserve and Related Costs
	Restructuring liabilities at October 26, 2013	$	15,216		$	416		$	—		$	1,794		$	17,426
	Restructuring and other charges	(1,788		)	—			7,326			—			5,538
	Cash payments	(13,258		)	(249		)	(2,460		)	(561		)	(16,528		)
	Translation adjustment	—			—			27			—			27
	Restructuring liabilities at May 3, 2014	$	170		$	167		$	4,893		$	1,233		$	6,463
	Current restructuring liabilities at May 3, 2014	$	170		$	167		$	2,078		$	461		$	2,876
	Non-current restructuring liabilities at May 3, 2014	$	—		$	—		$	2,815		$	772		$	3,587
	Fiscal 2013 Fourth Quarter Restructuring Plan
	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.
	In connection with the restructuring plan, the Company incurred aggregate charges of $31.0 million through May 3, 2014, primarily related to severance and benefits charges and lease loss reserve and related costs, and substantially completed the restructuring plan by the end of the first quarter of fiscal year 2014.
	Severance and benefits charges incurred under this restructuring plan consisted of severance and related employee termination costs, including salary and other compensation payments to the employees during their post-notification retention period as well as associated outplacement services. The post-notification retention period for the employees terminated under the plan did not exceed the legal notification period, or, in the absence of a legal notification requirement, 60 days. Contract terminations and other charges were primarily related to the cancellation of certain contracts in connection with the restructuring of certain business functions. Lease loss reserve and related costs were primarily related to the costs that will continue to be incurred under exited facilities’ lease contracts for the remaining term of the leases without economic benefit to the Company, reduced by estimated sublease income that could be reasonably obtained for these facilities.
	The Company reevaluates its estimates and assumptions on a quarterly basis and makes adjustments to the restructuring liabilities balance if necessary. During the six months ended May 3, 2014, the Company reversed approximately $1.8 million of severance and benefits charges due to actual cash payments to certain terminated employees being lower than original estimates as a result of the completion of the severance arrangements with these employees during the first quarter of fiscal year 2014.
	The above restructuring and other related charges are included in “Restructuring, goodwill impairment, and other related costs” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Prior Restructuring Plans
	Prior to fiscal year 2013, 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.
	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.

Borrowings

Borrowings

6 Months Ended

3-May-14

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

'

Borrowings

'

Borrowings

The following table provides details of the Company’s long-term debt (in thousands, except years and percentages):

May 3, 2014

October 26, 2013

Maturity

Stated Annual Interest Rate

Amount

Effective Interest Rate

Amount

Effective Interest Rate

Senior Secured Notes:

2020 Notes

2020

6.88%

$

300,000

7.26

%

$

300,000

7.26

%

Senior Unsecured Notes:

2023 Notes

2023

4.63%

300,000

4.83

%

300,000

4.83

%

Capital lease obligations

2016

5.67%

2,851

5.41

%

4,600

5.5

%

Total long-term debt

602,851

604,600

Less:

Unamortized discount

5,122

5,396

Current portion of long-term debt

2,277

2,996

Long-term debt, net of current portion

$

595,452

$

596,208

Senior Unsecured Notes

In January 2013, the Company issued 4.625% senior unsecured notes in the aggregate principal amount of $300.0 million due 2023 (the “2023 Notes”) pursuant to an indenture, dated as of January 22, 2013 (the “2023 Indenture”), between the Company, certain domestic subsidiaries of the Company that have guaranteed the Company’s obligations under the 2023 Notes (as described in Note 16, “Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”) and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as the trustee. The Company irrevocably deposited the net proceeds from this offering, together with cash on hand, with the trustee to redeem all of the Company’s outstanding 6.625% senior secured notes due 2018 (the “2018 Notes”) as described below under “Senior Secured Notes.”

The 2023 Notes bear interest payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. No payments were made toward the principal of the 2023 Notes during the six months ended May 3, 2014.

As of May 3, 2014, and October 26, 2013, the fair value of the 2023 Notes was approximately $288.0 million and $281.1 million, respectively, which was estimated based on broker trading prices.

On or after January 15, 2018, the Company may redeem all or part of the 2023 Notes at the redemption prices set forth in the 2023 Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, up to the redemption date. At any time prior to January 15, 2018, the Company may redeem all or a part of the 2023 Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2023 Notes, plus an applicable premium and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, up to the redemption date. In addition, at any time prior to January 15, 2016, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the principal amount of the 2023 Notes, using the net cash proceeds of one or more sales of the Company’s capital stock at a redemption price equal to 104.625% of the principal amount of the 2023 Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, up to the redemption date.

If the Company experiences a specified change of control triggering event, it must offer to repurchase the 2023 Notes at a repurchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the 2023 Notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, up to the repurchase date.

The 2023 Indenture contains covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to:

•

Incur certain liens and enter into certain sale leaseback transactions;

•

Create, assume, incur or guarantee additional indebtedness of the Company’s subsidiaries without such subsidiary guaranteeing the 2023 Notes on a pari passu basis; and

•

Consolidate or merge with, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of the Company’s or its subsidiaries’ assets.

These covenants are subject to a number of limitations and exceptions set forth in the 2023 Indenture. The 2023 Indenture also includes customary events of default, including cross-defaults to other debt of the Company and its subsidiaries.

Senior Secured Notes

In January 2010, the Company issued $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2018 Notes and $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.875% senior secured notes due 2020 (the “2020 Notes,” and together with the 2018 Notes, the “Senior Secured Notes”) pursuant to separate indentures, each dated as of January 20, 2010, between the Company, certain domestic subsidiaries of the Company that have guaranteed the Company’s obligations under the Senior Secured Notes and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as the trustee (the “2020 Indenture” and “2018 Indenture,” respectively). The Senior Secured Notes bear interest payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. During the three months ended April 27, 2013, the Company paid $300.0 million to pay in full the principal of the 2018 Notes. The Company’s obligations under the 2020 Notes are—and prior to January 22, 2013, the Company’s obligations under the 2018 Notes were—guaranteed by certain of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries and secured by a lien on substantially all of the Company’s and the subsidiary guarantors’ assets. See Note 16, “Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

As of May 3, 2014, and October 26, 2013, the fair value of the 2020 Notes was approximately $321.8 million and $324.4 million, respectively, which was estimated based on broker trading prices.

On January 22, 2013, the Company called the 2018 Notes for redemption at a redemption price equal to 103.313% of the principal amount of the 2018 Notes and irrevocably deposited $311.9 million with the trustee for the 2018 Notes to discharge the 2018 Indenture. As a result of the deposit and discharge, the guarantees provided by certain of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries and the liens granted by the Company and the subsidiary guarantors to secure their obligations with respect to the 2018 Notes were released as of the date of the deposit. The amount deposited with the trustee included $300.0 million to repay the principal amount of the 2018 Notes, $9.9 million representing the difference between the redemption price and the principal amount of the 2018 Notes (“Call Premium”) and $2.0 million of unpaid interest payable up to the redemption date of February 21, 2013. On February 21, 2013, the trustee redeemed the 2018 Notes using the deposited amount, extinguishing the Company’s $300.0 million liability in relation to the principal amount of the 2018 Notes.

In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance for debt modification and extinguishment, and for interest costs, the Company expensed the Call Premium, remaining debt issuance costs and remaining original issue discount relating to the 2018 Notes in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, which totaled $15.3 million. The Company reported this expense within “Interest expense” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the six months ended April 27, 2013.

On or after January 2015, the Company may redeem all or a part of the 2020 Notes at the redemption prices set forth in the 2020 Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest and special interest, if any, to the applicable redemption date. In addition, at any time prior to January 2015, the Company may, on one or more than one occasion, redeem some or all of the 2020 Notes at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2020 Notes redeemed, plus a “make-whole” premium determined as of the applicable redemption date, and accrued and unpaid interest and special interest, if any, to the applicable redemption date.

If the Company experiences specified change of control triggering events, it must offer to repurchase the 2020 Notes at a repurchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the 2020 Notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest and special interest, if any, to the applicable repurchase date. If the Company or its subsidiaries sell assets under certain specified circumstances, the Company must offer to repurchase the 2020 Notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2020 Notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest and special interest, if any, to the applicable repurchase date.

The 2020 Indenture contains covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries to:

•

Pay dividends, make investments or make other restricted payments;

•

Incur additional indebtedness;

•

Sell assets;

•

Enter into transactions with affiliates;

•

Incur liens;

•

Permit consensual encumbrances or restrictions on the Company’s restricted subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends or make certain other payments to the Company;

•

Consolidate, merge, sell, or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the Company’s or its restricted subsidiaries’ assets; and

•

Designate subsidiaries as unrestricted.

These covenants are subject to a number of limitations and exceptions set forth in the 2020 Indenture. The 2020 Indenture also includes customary events of default, including cross-defaults to other debts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Prior to discharge, the 2018 Indenture contained covenants and events of default substantially similar to those in the 2020 Indenture.

Senior Secured Credit Facility

In October 2008, the Company entered into a credit agreement for (i) a five-year $1,100.0 million term loan facility and (ii) a five-year $125.0 million revolving credit facility, which includes a $25.0 million swing line loan sub-facility and a $25.0 million letter of credit sub-facility (“Senior Secured Credit Facility”). The credit agreement was subsequently amended in January 2010, June 2011, October 2013 and April 2014, to, among other things, remove and update certain covenants, reduce interest rates on the term loan facility, reduce interest rates and fees on the revolving credit facility, and extend the maturity date of the revolving credit facility to January 7, 2015. The term loan was prepaid in full, and there were no principal amounts or commitments outstanding under the term loan facility as of either May 3, 2014, or October 26, 2013.

The Company may borrow under the revolving credit facility in the future for ongoing working capital and other general corporate purposes. There were no principal amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility, and the full $125.0 million was available for future borrowing under the revolving credit facility as of May 3, 2014, and October 26, 2013.

The credit agreement contains financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio and maximum consolidated leverage ratio. The credit agreement also includes customary nonfinancial covenants (similar in nature to those under the Senior Secured Notes) and customary events of default, including cross-defaults to the Company’s material indebtedness and change of control. The Company’s obligations under the Senior Secured Credit Facility are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries and secured by a lien on substantially all of the Company’s and the subsidiary guarantors’ assets.

Debt Maturities

As of May 3, 2014, our aggregate debt maturities based on outstanding principal were as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal Year

Principal

Balances

2014 (remaining six months)

$

1,275

2015

1,286

2016

290

2017

—

2018

—

Thereafter

600,000

Total

$

602,851

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments And Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Product Warranties
	The Company’s accrued liability for estimated future warranty costs is included in “Other accrued liabilities” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s accrued liability for estimated future warranty costs during the six months ended May 3, 2014, and April 27, 2013, respectively (in thousands):
		Accrued Warranty
		Six Months Ended
		May 3,			April 27,
		2014			2013
	Beginning balance	$	15,915		$	14,453
	Liabilities accrued for warranties issued during the period	2,288			2,263
	Warranty claims paid and used during the period	(2,987		)	(3,910		)
	Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties during the period	(383		)	(1,607		)
	Ending balance	$	14,833		$	11,199
	In addition, the Company has defense and indemnification clauses contained within its various customer contracts. As such, the Company indemnifies the parties to whom it sells its products with respect to the Company’s product, alone or potentially in combination with others, infringing upon any patents, trademarks, copyrights or trade secrets, as well as against bodily injury or damage to real or tangible personal property caused by a defective Company product. As of May 3, 2014, there have been no known events or circumstances that have resulted in a material customer contract-related indemnification liability to the Company.
	Manufacturing and Purchase Commitments
	Brocade has manufacturing arrangements with contract manufacturers (“CMs”) under which Brocade provides 12 month product forecasts and places purchase orders in advance of the scheduled delivery of products to Brocade’s customers. The required lead time for placing orders with the CMs depends on the specific product. Brocade issues purchase orders and the CMs then generate invoices based on prices and payment terms mutually agreed upon and set forth in those purchase orders. Although the purchase orders Brocade places with its CMs are cancellable, the terms of the agreements require Brocade to purchase all inventory components not returnable, usable by, or sold to other customers of the CMs.
	As of May 3, 2014, the Company’s aggregate commitment to the CMs for inventory components used in the manufacture of Brocade products was $158.7 million, which the Company expects to utilize during future normal ongoing operations within the next 12 months, net of a purchase commitments reserve of $3.3 million, which is reported within “Other accrued liabilities” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of May 3, 2014. The Company’s purchase commitments reserve reflects the Company’s estimate of purchase commitments it does not expect to consume in normal ongoing operations.
	Income Taxes
	The Company has several ongoing income tax audits. For additional discussion, see Note 13, “Income Taxes,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company believes it has adequate reserves for all open tax years.
	Legal Proceedings
	From time to time, the Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims, either asserted or unasserted, which arise in the ordinary course of business, including claims of alleged infringement of patents and/or other intellectual property rights and commercial and employment contract disputes. While the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not believe that the outcome of any of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will result in losses that are materially in excess of amounts already accrued by the Company.

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities	'
	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to fluctuations in interest rates and the exchange rates associated with foreign currencies. The Company’s primary objective for holding derivative financial instruments is to manage foreign currency exchange rate risk. The Company currently does not enter into derivative instruments to manage credit risk. Instead, the Company manages its exposure to credit risk through its investment policies. The Company generally enters into derivative transactions with high-credit quality counterparties and, by policy, limits the amount of credit exposure to any one counterparty based on its analysis of that counterparty’s relative credit standing.
	The amounts subject to credit risk related to derivative instruments are generally limited to the amounts, if any, by which a counterparty’s obligations exceed the Company’s obligations with that counterparty.
	Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
	A majority of the Company’s revenue, expense, and capital purchasing activities are transacted in U.S. dollars. However, the Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk inherent in conducting business globally in numerous currencies. The Company is primarily exposed to foreign currency fluctuations related to operating expenses denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, of which the most significant to its operations for the three and six months ended May 3, 2014, and April 27, 2013, were the Chinese yuan, the euro, the Japanese yen, the Indian rupee, the British pound, the Singapore dollar and the Swiss franc. The Company has established a foreign currency risk management program to protect against the volatility of future cash flows caused by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. This program reduces, but does not eliminate, the impact of foreign currency exchange rate movements.
	The Company’s foreign currency risk management program includes foreign currency derivatives with cash flow hedge accounting designation that utilizes foreign currency forward and option contracts to hedge exposures to the variability in the U.S. dollar equivalent of anticipated non-U.S.-dollar-denominated cash flows. These instruments generally have a maturity of less than fifteen months. For these derivatives, the Company reports the after-tax gain or loss from the effective portion of the hedge as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity and reclassifies it into earnings in the same period in which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The tax effect allocated to cash flow hedge-related components of other comprehensive income was not significant for the three and six months ended May 3, 2014, and April 27, 2013.
	Ineffective cash flow hedges are included in the Company’s net income as part of “Interest and other income (loss), net.” The amount recorded on ineffective cash flow hedges was not significant for the three and six months ended May 3, 2014, and April 27, 2013, respectively.
	Net gains (losses) relating to the effective portion of foreign currency derivatives recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		May 3, 2014			April 27, 2013			May 3, 2014			April 27, 2013
	Cost of revenues	$	48		$	(4	)	$	120		$	29
	Research and development	(285		)	60			(585		)	55
	Sales and marketing	182			(24		)	421			142
	General and administrative	16			(3		)	38			5
	Total	$	(39	)	$	29		$	(6	)	$	231
	We may choose not to hedge the foreign currency risk associated with our foreign currency exposures if we believe such exposure acts as a natural foreign currency hedge for other offsetting amounts denominated in the same currency, if the currency is difficult or too expensive to hedge, or if such exposure or the associated risk is insignificant. The net foreign currency exchange gains and losses recorded as part of “Interest and other income (loss), net” were losses of $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three and six months ended May 3, 2014, respectively, and losses of $0.1 million and gains of $0.1 million for the three and six months ended April 27, 2013, respectively.
	Gross unrealized loss positions are recorded within “Other accrued liabilities” and “Other non-current liabilities,” and gross unrealized gain positions are recorded within “Prepaid expenses and other current assets.” As of May 3, 2014, the Company had gross unrealized loss positions of $0.6 million and gross unrealized gain positions of $1.3 million included in “Other accrued liabilities” and “Prepaid expenses and other current assets,” respectively.
	Volume of Derivative Activity
	Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency, are as follows (in thousands):
		Derivatives Designated						Derivatives Not Designated
		as Hedging Instruments						as Hedging Instruments
	In U.S. dollars	As of May 3, 2014			As of October 26, 2013			As of May 3, 2014			As of October 26, 2013
	Euro	$	20,302		$	16,012		$	—		$	25,478
	British pound	13,332			25,053			—			—
	Indian rupee	8,822			17,444			—			—
	Singapore dollar	6,382			12,867			—			—
	Japanese yen	6,162			16,172			—			—
	Swiss franc	5,741			11,066			—			—
	Total	$	60,741		$	98,614		$	—		$	25,478
	The Company utilizes a rolling hedge strategy for the majority of its foreign currency derivative instruments with cash flow hedge accounting designation. All of the Company’s foreign currency forward contracts are single delivery, which are settled at maturity involving one cash payment.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	Stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, was included in the following line items of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		May 3, 2014			April 27, 2013			May 3, 2014				April 27, 2013
	Cost of revenues	$	3,474		$	3,541		$	6,617			$	7,487
	Research and development	4,422			4,500			8,757				9,185
	Sales and marketing	8,462			8,012			15,227				16,157
	General and administrative	4,694			3,119			9,039				5,493
	Total stock-based compensation	$	21,052		$	19,172		$	39,640			$	38,322
	The following table presents stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, by grant type (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		May 3, 2014			April 27, 2013			May 3, 2014				April 27, 2013
	Stock options, including variable options	$	1,249		$	781		$	2,530			$	990
	Restricted stock units, including stock units with market conditions (altogether “RSUs”)	17,404			13,479			31,987				27,149
	Employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”)	2,399			4,912			5,123				10,183
	Total stock-based compensation	$	21,052		$	19,172		$	39,640			$	38,322
	The following table presents the unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, of the Company’s equity compensation plans as of May 3, 2014, which is expected to be recognized over the following weighted-average periods (in thousands, except for weighted-average period):
		Unrecognized			Weighted-
		Compensation			Average Period
		Expense			(in years)
	Stock options	$	5,463		1.6
	RSUs	$	92,562		1.79
	ESPP	$	3,158		0.86
	The following table presents details on grants made by the Company for the following periods:
		Six Months Ended
		May 3, 2014					April 27, 2013
		Granted		Weighted-Average			Granted			Weighted-Average
		(in thousands)		Grant Date Fair Value			(in thousands)			Grant Date Fair Value
	Stock options	250		$	3.32		2,625			$	2.37
	RSUs	1,108		$	10.05		4,646			$	5.61
	The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised for the six months ended May 3, 2014, and April 27, 2013, was $17.5 million and $13.3 million, respectively.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Equity [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended May 3, 2014, and April 27, 2013, are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		May 3, 2014								April 27, 2013
		Before-Tax Amount		Tax (Expense) or Benefit			Net-of-Tax Amount			Before-Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) or Benefit			Net-of-Tax Amount
	Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
	Change in unrealized gains and losses, foreign exchange contracts	$	1,248	$	(154	)	$	1,094		$	(2,142	)	$	227		$	(1,915	)
	Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings, foreign exchange contracts (1)	39		(7		)	32			(29		)	(3		)	(32		)
	Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	1,287		(161		)	1,126			(2,171		)	224			(1,947		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,298		—			1,298			(1,762		)	—			(1,762		)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	$	2,585	$	(161	)	$	2,424		$	(3,933	)	$	224		$	(3,709	)
	The tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended May 3, 2014, and April 27, 2013, are as follows (in thousands):
		Six Months Ended
		May 3, 2014								April 27, 2013
		Before-Tax Amount		Tax (Expense) or Benefit			Net-of-Tax Amount			Before-Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) or Benefit			Net-of-Tax Amount
	Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
	Change in unrealized gains and losses, foreign exchange contracts	$	227	$	(57	)	$	170		$	(1,969	)	$	(23	)	$	(1,992	)
	Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings, foreign exchange contracts (1)	6		(5		)	1			(231		)	21			(210		)
	Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	233		(62		)	171			(2,200		)	(2		)	(2,202		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	475		—			475			(2,142		)	—			(2,142		)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	$	708	$	(62	)	$	646		$	(4,342	)	$	(2	)	$	(4,344	)
	-1	For Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations classification of amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), see Note 10, “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax, for the six months ended May 3, 2014, and April 27, 2013, are as follows (in thousands):
		Six Months Ended
		May 3, 2014								April 27, 2013
		Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Beginning balance	$	267	$	(13,711	)	$	(13,444	)	$	2,390		$	(12,257	)	$	(9,867	)
	Change in unrealized gains and losses	170		475			645			(1,992		)	(2,142		)	(4,134		)
	Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	1		—			1			(210		)	—			(210		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	171		475			646			(2,202		)	(2,142		)	(4,344		)
	Ending balance	$	438	$	(13,236	)	$	(12,798	)	$	188		$	(14,399	)	$	(14,211	)

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	In general, the Company’s provision for income taxes differs from tax computed at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 35% due to state taxes, the effect of non-U.S. operations, non-deductible stock-based compensation expense and adjustments to unrecognized tax benefits.    The effective tax rates for the three and six months ended May 3, 2014, were higher than the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to a goodwill impairment charge of $83.4 million, which is non-deductible for tax purposes, and an increase in certain unrecognized tax benefits, partially offset by an increase of earnings in foreign jurisdictions taxed at rates lower than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate.
	The effective tax rate for the three months ended April 27, 2013, was lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to a discrete benefit from reserve releases resulting from audit settlements. In addition, the effective tax rate for the six months ended April 27, 2013, was higher than the federal statutory tax rate of 35% primarily due to a charge of $78.2 million to reduce our previously recognized California deferred tax assets as a result of a change in California tax law. This charge was partially offset by the effect of change in foreign earnings, discrete benefits from reserve releases resulting from audit settlements, and an increase in the federal research and development tax credit that was reinstated on January 2, 2013, for calendar year 2013 and made retroactive to January 1, 2012.
	The total amount of net unrecognized tax benefits of $81.3 million as of May 3, 2014, would affect the Company’s effective tax rate, if recognized. The timing of the closure of audits is highly uncertain and it is reasonably possible that the balance of unrecognized tax benefits could change during the remainder of fiscal year 2014.
	The IRS and other tax authorities regularly examine the Company’s income tax returns. The IRS is currently examining fiscal years 2009 and 2010. In addition, the Company is in negotiations with foreign tax authorities to obtain correlative relief on transfer pricing adjustments previously settled with the IRS. The Company believes that reserves for unrecognized tax benefits are adequate for all open tax years. The timing of income tax examinations, as well as the amounts and timing of related settlements, if any, are highly uncertain. The Company believes that before the end of fiscal year 2014, it is reasonably possible that either certain audits will conclude or the statutes of limitations relating to certain income tax examination periods will expire, or both. After the Company reaches settlement with the tax authorities, the Company expects to record a corresponding adjustment to our unrecognized tax benefits. Taking into consideration the inherent uncertainty as to settlement terms, the timing of payments and the impact of such settlements on other uncertain tax positions, the Company estimates the range of potential decreases in underlying uncertain tax positions is between $0 and $5.0 million in the next 12 months.
	The Company believes that sufficient positive evidence exists from historical operations and projections of taxable income in future years to conclude that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize its deferred tax assets except for certain California deferred tax assets and capital loss carryforwards. Accordingly, the Company applies a valuation allowance to the California deferred tax assets due to the change in California law in 2012 and to capital loss carryforwards due to the limited carryforward periods of these tax assets.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Financial decisions and the allocation of resources are based on the information from the Company’s internal management reporting system. Currently, the Company’s CODM is its Chief Executive Officer.
	Prior to the second quarter of fiscal year 2014, Brocade was organized into four operating segments, and three individually reportable segments, summarized as follows:
	Operating Segments		Individually Reportable Segments (1)
	SAN Products		SAN Products
	Global Services		Global Services
	Ethernet Switching & IP Routing		IP Networking Products (2)
	ADP
	(1)	These reportable segments were organized principally by product category.
	(2)	Ethernet Switching & IP Routing and ADP were combined to form the reportable segment: IP Networking Products.
	In the second quarter of fiscal year 2014, Brocade changed its internal financial reporting, realigning it with the changes in Brocade’s strategic focus on key technology segments. As a result of this change, the number of the Company’s operating segments was reduced from four to three operating segments. Ethernet Switching & IP Routing and ADP business components were combined into the IP Networking Products operating segment, and separate discrete financial information is no longer available for either Ethernet Switching & IP Routing or ADP components. The reportable segments did not change as a result of this change in the Company’s internal financial reporting. Therefore the restatement of previously reported segment information is not necessary.
	At this time, the Company does not track all of its assets by operating segments. The majority of the Company’s assets as of May 3, 2014, were attributable to its U.S. operations.
	Summarized financial information by reportable segment for the three and six months ended May 3, 2014, and April 27, 2013, based on the internal management reporting system, is as follows (in thousands):
		SAN		IP Networking Products		Global Services		Total
		Products
	Three months ended May 3, 2014
	Net revenues	$	321,164	$	121,116	$	94,630	$	536,910
	Cost of revenues	84,514		57,757		40,347		182,618
	Gross margin	$	236,650	$	63,359	$	54,283	$	354,292
	Three months ended April 27, 2013
	Net revenues	$	319,088	$	132,658	$	87,038	$	538,784
	Cost of revenues	87,897		76,702		40,073		204,672
	Gross margin	$	231,191	$	55,956	$	46,965	$	334,112
	Six months ended May 3, 2014
	Net revenues	$	676,620	$	240,865	$	183,960	$	1,101,445
	Cost of revenues	177,455		118,443		78,585		374,483
	Gross margin	$	499,165	$	122,422	$	105,375	$	726,962
	Six months ended April 27, 2013
	Net revenues	$	680,822	$	273,171	$	173,520	$	1,127,513
	Cost of revenues	184,850		154,124		80,502		419,476
	Gross margin	$	495,972	$	119,047	$	93,018	$	708,037

Net_Income_Per_Share

Net Income Per Share	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Income (Loss) Per Share	'
	Net Income (Loss) Per Share
	The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
		May 3,			April 27,		May 3,		April 27,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Basic net income (loss) per share
	Net income (loss)	$	(13,684	)	$	46,949	$	67,200	$	25,694
	Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income (loss) per share	436,167			453,133		438,370		453,988
	Basic net income (loss) per share	$	(0.03	)	$	0.1	$	0.15	$	0.06
	Diluted net income (loss) per share
	Net income (loss)	$	(13,684	)	$	46,949	$	67,200	$	25,694
	Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income (loss) per share	436,167			453,133		438,370		453,988
	Dilutive potential common shares in the form of stock options	—			3,744		2,435		4,109
	Dilutive potential common shares in the form of other share-based awards	—			10,042		11,194		8,523
	Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income (loss) per share	436,167			466,919		451,999		466,620
	Diluted net income (loss) per share	$	(0.03	)	$	0.1	$	0.15	$	0.06
	Antidilutive potential common shares in the form of (1)
	Stock options	7,458			14,940		2,250		15,382
	Other share-based awards	9,873			6		1,014		250
	(1)	These amounts are excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share.

Guarantor_And_NonGuarantor_Sub

Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Abstract]	'
Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	'
	Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
	On January 20, 2010, the Company issued $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2018 Notes and 2020 Notes. In addition, on January 22, 2013, the Company issued $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes. The Company’s obligations under the 2023 Notes and the 2020 Notes are, and prior to January 22, 2013, the Company’s obligations under the 2018 Notes were, guaranteed by certain of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”). Each of the Subsidiary Guarantors is 100% owned by the Company and all guarantees are joint and several. The Senior Secured Notes are not guaranteed by certain of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries or any of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries (the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”).
	Pursuant to the terms of the indentures governing the Senior Secured Notes, the guarantees are full and unconditional, but are subject to release under the following circumstances:
	•	Upon the sale of the subsidiary or all or substantially all of its assets;
	•	Upon the discharge of the guarantees under the credit facility and any other debt guaranteed by the applicable subsidiary provided that the credit facility has been paid in full and the applicable series of senior secured notes have an investment-grade rating from both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s;
	•	Upon designation of the subsidiary as an “unrestricted subsidiary” under the applicable indenture;
	•	Upon the merger, consolidation or liquidation of the subsidiary into the Company or another subsidiary guarantor; and
	•	Upon legal or covenant defeasance or the discharge of the Company’s obligations under the applicable indenture.
	The guarantees of the 2018 Notes were released on January 22, 2013, upon the discharge of the 2018 Indenture.
	Pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the 2023 Notes, the guarantees are full and unconditional but are subject to release under the following circumstances:
	•	Upon the sale of the subsidiary or all or substantially all of its assets;
	•	Upon the discharge of the guarantees under the Senior Secured Credit Facility, the 2020 Notes and any other debt guaranteed by the applicable subsidiary;
	•	Upon the merger, consolidation or liquidation of the subsidiary into the Company or another subsidiary guarantor; and
	•	Upon legal or covenant defeasance or the discharge of the Company’s obligations under the applicable indenture.
	Because the guarantees are subject to release under the above described circumstances, they would not be deemed “full and unconditional” for purposes of Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X. However, as these circumstances are customary, the Company concluded that it may rely on Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X, as the other requirements of Rule 3-10 have been met.
	The following tables present condensed consolidated financial statements for the parent company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, respectively.
	The following is the condensed consolidating balance sheet as of May 3, 2014 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	431,158		$	8,403		$	698,052		$	—		$	1,137,613
	Accounts receivable, net	115,769			12			78,023			—			193,804
	Inventories	43,088			—			(2,315		)	—			40,773
	Intercompany receivables	—			476,800			—			(476,800		)	—
	Other current assets	152,246			112			11,595			291			164,244
	Total current assets	742,261			485,327			785,355			(476,509		)	1,536,434
	Property and equipment, net	438,747			325			13,650			—			452,722
	Investment in subsidiaries	1,116,621			—			—			(1,116,621		)	—
	Other non-current assets	1,534,165			82,020			3,568			—			1,619,753
	Total assets	$	3,831,794		$	567,672		$	802,573		$	(1,593,130	)	$	3,608,909
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	62,749		$	—		$	17,203		$	—		$	79,952
	Current portion of long-term debt	2,277			—			—			—			2,277
	Intercompany payables	412,299			—			64,501			(476,800		)	—
	Other current liabilities	312,899			4,550			122,220			291			439,960
	Total current liabilities	790,224			4,550			203,924			(476,509		)	522,189
	Long-term debt, net of current portion	595,452			—			—			—			595,452
	Other non-current liabilities	110,371			—			45,150			—			155,521
	Total liabilities	1,496,047			4,550			249,074			(476,509		)	1,273,162
	Total stockholders’ equity	2,335,747			563,122			553,499			(1,116,621		)	2,335,747
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,831,794		$	567,672		$	802,573		$	(1,593,130	)	$	3,608,909
	The following is the condensed consolidating balance sheet as of October 26, 2013 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	396,710		$	9,301		$	580,986		$	—		$	986,997
	Accounts receivable, net	159,436			328			89,834			—			249,598
	Inventories	40,072			—			5,272			—			45,344
	Intercompany receivables	—			464,443			—			(464,443		)	—
	Other current assets	127,709			7			11,395			1,753			140,864
	Total current assets	723,927			474,079			687,487			(462,690		)	1,422,803
	Property and equipment, net	457,054			567			15,319			—			472,940
	Investment in subsidiaries	1,026,247			—			—			(1,026,247		)	—
	Other non-current assets	1,626,031			95,624			3,993			—			1,725,648
	Total assets	$	3,833,259		$	570,270		$	706,799		$	(1,488,937	)	$	3,621,391
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	68,190		$	28		$	20,000		$	—		$	88,218
Current portion of long-term debt	2,996			—			—			—			2,996
Intercompany payables	409,590			—			54,853			(464,443		)	—
Other current liabilities	335,261			7,075			125,360			1,753			469,449
Total current liabilities	816,037			7,103			200,213			(462,690		)	560,663
Long-term debt, net of current portion	596,208			—			—			—			596,208
Other non-current liabilities	74,201			—			43,506			—			117,707
Total liabilities	1,486,446			7,103			243,719			(462,690		)	1,274,578
Total stockholders’ equity	2,346,813			563,167			463,080			(1,026,247		)	2,346,813
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,833,259		$	570,270		$	706,799		$	(1,488,937	)	$	3,621,391
The following is the condensed consolidating statement of operations for the three months ended May 3, 2014 (in thousands):
	Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
	Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
	Systems, Inc.
Revenues	$	313,634		$	582		$	222,694		$	—		$	536,910
Intercompany revenues	7,422			—			3,136			(10,558		)	—
Total net revenues	321,056			582			225,830			(10,558		)	536,910
Cost of revenues	121,481			2,206			57,400			1,531			182,618
Intercompany (income) cost of revenues	(14,985		)	—			25,543			(10,558		)	—
Total cost of revenues	106,496			2,206			82,943			(9,027		)	182,618
Gross margin (loss)	214,560			(1,624		)	142,887			(1,531		)	354,292
Operating expenses	287,601			261			47,766			(1,531		)	334,097
Intercompany operating expenses (income)	(46,576		)	(7,356		)	53,932			—			—
Total operating expenses	241,025			(7,095		)	101,698			(1,531		)	334,097
Income (loss) from operations	(26,465		)	5,471			41,189			—			20,195
Other income (expense)	(9,445		)	(8		)	199			—			(9,254		)
Income (loss) before income tax provision and equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	(35,910		)	5,463			41,388			—			10,941
Income tax expense	22,853			—			1,772			—			24,625
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	45,078			—			—			(45,078		)	—
Net income (loss)	$	(13,685	)	$	5,463		$	39,616		$	(45,078	)	$	(13,684	)
The following is the condensed consolidating statement of operations for the three months ended April 27, 2013 (in thousands):
	Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
	Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
	Systems, Inc.
Revenues	$	313,525		$	1,056		$	224,203		$	—		$	538,784
Intercompany revenues	6,453			—			6,470			(12,923		)	—
Total net revenues	319,978			1,056			230,673			(12,923		)	538,784
Cost of revenues	131,123			11,649			59,726			2,174			204,672
Intercompany (income) cost of revenues	(18,103		)	—			31,026			(12,923		)	—
Total cost of revenues	113,020			11,649			90,752			(10,749		)	204,672
Gross margin (loss)	206,958			(10,593		)	139,921			(2,174		)	334,112
Operating expenses	196,641			10,232			72,234			(2,174		)	276,933
Intercompany operating expenses (income)	(42,281		)	(7,446		)	49,727			—			—
Total operating expenses	154,360			2,786			121,961			(2,174		)	276,933
Income (loss) from operations	52,598			(13,379		)	17,960			—			57,179
Other income (expense)	(7,421		)	50			(3,030		)	—			(10,401		)
Income (loss) before income tax provision and equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	45,177			(13,329		)	14,930			—			46,778
Income tax expense (benefit)	(2,817		)	866			1,780			—			(171		)
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	(1,045		)	—			—			1,045			—
Net income (loss)	$	46,949		$	(14,195	)	$	13,150		$	1,045		$	46,949
The following is the condensed consolidating statement of operations for the six months ended May 3, 2014 (in thousands):
	Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
	Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
	Systems, Inc.
Revenues	$	636,750		$	1,381		$	463,314		$	—		$	1,101,445
Intercompany revenues	13,815			—			6,677			(20,492		)	—
Total net revenues	650,565			1,381			469,991			(20,492		)	1,101,445
Cost of revenues	242,113			8,822			120,523			3,025			374,483
Intercompany (income) cost of revenues	(30,159		)	—			50,651			(20,492		)	—
Total cost of revenues	211,954			8,822			171,174			(17,467		)	374,483
Gross margin (loss)	438,611			(7,441		)	298,817			(3,025		)	726,962
Operating expenses	479,797			6,919			101,586			(3,025		)	585,277
Intercompany operating expenses (income)	(89,740		)	(14,448		)	104,188			—			—
Total operating expenses	390,057			(7,529		)	205,774			(3,025		)	585,277
Income (loss) from operations	48,554			88			93,043			—			141,685
Other income (expense)	(19,837		)	(134		)	185			—			(19,786		)
Income (loss) before income tax provision and equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	28,717			(46		)	93,228			—			121,899
Income tax expense	51,284			—			3,415			—			54,699
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	89,767			—			—			(89,767		)	—
Net income (loss)	$	67,200		$	(46	)	$	89,813		$	(89,767	)	$	67,200
The following is the condensed consolidating statement of operations for the six months ended April 27, 2013 (in thousands):
	Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
	Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
	Systems, Inc.
Revenues	$	676,580		$	2,123		$	448,810		$	—		$	1,127,513
Intercompany revenues	16,234			—			9,825			(26,059		)	—
Total net revenues	692,814			2,123			458,635			(26,059		)	1,127,513
Cost of revenues	267,745			22,213			125,291			4,227			419,476
Intercompany (income) cost of revenues	(27,222		)	—			53,281			(26,059		)	—
Total cost of revenues	240,523			22,213			178,572			(21,832		)	419,476
Gross margin (loss)	452,291			(20,090		)	280,063			(4,227		)	708,037
Operating expenses	410,404			21,053			130,337			(4,227		)	557,567
Intercompany operating expenses (income)	(74,885		)	(14,277		)	89,162			—			—
Total operating expenses	335,519			6,776			219,499			(4,227		)	557,567
Income (loss) from operations	116,772			(26,866		)	60,564			—			150,470
Other expense	(33,352		)	(44		)	(2,916		)	(391		)	(36,703		)
Income (loss) before income tax provision and equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	83,420			(26,910		)	57,648			(391		)	113,767
Income tax expense	83,035			866			4,172			—			88,073
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	25,699			—			—			(25,699		)	—
Net income (loss)	$	26,084		$	(27,776	)	$	53,476		$	(26,090	)	$	25,694
The following is the condensed consolidating statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended May 3, 2014 (in thousands):
	Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
	Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
	Systems, Inc.
Net income (loss)	$	(13,685	)	$	5,463		$	39,616		$	(45,078	)	$	(13,684	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges:
Change in unrealized gains and losses	—			—			1,094			—			1,094
Net gains reclassified into earnings	—			—			32			—			32
Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	—			—			1,126			—			1,126
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(68		)	—			1,366			—			1,298
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(68		)	—			2,492			—			2,424
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	(13,753	)	$	5,463		$	42,108		$	(45,078	)	$	(11,260	)
The following is the condensed consolidating statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended April 27, 2013 (in thousands):
	Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
	Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
	Systems, Inc.
Net income (loss)	$	46,949		$	(14,195	)	$	13,150		$	1,045		$	46,949
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges:
Change in unrealized gains and losses	—			—			(1,915		)	—			(1,915		)
Net gains reclassified into earnings	—			—			(32		)	—			(32		)
Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	—			—			(1,947		)	—			(1,947		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	100			—			(1,862		)	—			(1,762		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	100			—			(3,809		)	—			(3,709		)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	47,049		$	(14,195	)	$	9,341		$	1,045		$	43,240
The following is the condensed consolidating statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended May 3, 2014 (in thousands):
	Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
	Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
	Systems, Inc.
Net income (loss)	$	67,200		$	(46	)	$	89,813		$	(89,767	)	$	67,200
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges:
Change in unrealized gains and losses	—			—			170			—			170
Net gains reclassified into earnings	—			—			1			—			1
Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	—			—			171			—			171
Foreign currency translation adjustments	40			—			435			—			475
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	40			—			606			—			646
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	67,240		$	(46	)	$	90,419		$	(89,767	)	$	67,846
The following is the condensed consolidating statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended April 27, 2013 (in thousands):
	Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
	Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
	Systems, Inc.
Net income (loss)	$	26,084		$	(27,776	)	$	53,476		$	(26,090	)	$	25,694
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges:
Change in unrealized gains and losses	—			—			(1,992		)	—			(1,992		)
Net gains reclassified into earnings	—			—			(210		)	—			(210		)
Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	—			—			(2,202		)	—			(2,202		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	498			—			(2,640		)	—			(2,142		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	498			—			(4,842		)	—			(4,344		)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	26,582		$	(27,776	)	$	48,634		$	(26,090	)	$	21,350
The following is the condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for the six months ended May 3, 2014 (in thousands):
	Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
	Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
	Systems, Inc.
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	165,349		$	(898	)	$	113,262		$	—		$	277,713
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(23,773		)	—			(3,622		)	—			(27,395		)
Purchases of non-marketable minority equity investments	(223		)	—			—			—			(223		)
Proceeds from sale of network adapter business	3,081			—			6,914			—			9,995
Proceeds from collection of note receivable	250			—			—			—			250
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(20,665		)	—			3,292			—			(17,373		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payment of principal related to capital leases	(1,749		)	—			—			—			(1,749		)
Common stock repurchases	(190,432		)	—			—			—			(190,432		)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	54,530			—			—			—			54,530
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	27,415			—			—			—			27,415
Net cash used in financing activities	(110,236		)	—			—			—			(110,236		)
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			512			—			512
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	34,448			(898		)	117,066			—			150,616
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	396,710			9,301			580,986			—			986,997
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	431,158		$	8,403		$	698,052		$	—		$	1,137,613
The following is the condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for the six months ended April 27, 2013 (in thousands):
	Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
	Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
	Systems, Inc.
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	96,996		$	2,521		$	79,588		$	—		$	179,105
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(27,887		)	(23		)	(3,658		)	—			(31,568		)
Net cash acquired (paid) in connection with acquisition	(44,769		)	140			—			—			(44,629		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(72,656		)	117			(3,658		)	—			(76,197		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from senior unsecured notes	296,250			—			—			—			296,250
Payment of debt issuance costs related to senior unsecured notes	(549		)	—			—			—			(549		)
Payment of principal related to senior secured notes	(300,000		)	—			—			—			(300,000		)
Payment of principal related to capital leases	(975		)	—			—			—			(975		)
Common stock repurchases	(86,179		)	—			—			—			(86,179		)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	35,899			—			—			—			35,899
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	5,440			—			—			—			5,440
Net cash used in financing activities	(50,114		)	—			—			—			(50,114		)
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(1,722		)	—			(1,722		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(25,774		)	2,638			74,208			—			51,072
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	284,466			680			428,080			—			713,226
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	258,692		$	3,318		$	502,288		$	—		$	764,298

Basis_Of_Presentation_Policies

Basis Of Presentation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Fiscal Period Policy	'
	The Company’s fiscal year is a 52- or 53-week period ending on the last Saturday in October or the first Saturday in November, respectively. Fiscal year 2014 is a 53-week fiscal year and fiscal year 2013 is a 52-week fiscal year. The second quarter of fiscal year 2014 is a 14-week quarter, which is one week longer than a typical quarter.
Consolidation Policy	'
	The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Brocade and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates in Preparation of Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	'
	Use of Estimates in Preparation of Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
	The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, revenue recognition, sales allowances and programs, allowance for doubtful accounts, stock-based compensation, purchase price allocations, warranty obligations, inventory valuation and purchase commitments, restructuring costs, commissions, facilities lease losses, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, litigation, income taxes and investments. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.

Recovered_Sheet1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements or Updates Recently Adopted
	In February 2013, the FASB issued an update to ASC 220: Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. Under this update, an entity is required to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) into net income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional details about those amounts. The Company adopted this update in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, presenting the required information in Note 12, “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss),” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements or Updates That Are Not Yet Effective
	In March 2013, the FASB issued an update to ASC 830 Foreign Currency Matters (“ASC 830”): Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity. Under this update, an entity is required to release any cumulative translation adjustment into net income when an entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest resulting in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. This update to ASC 830 should be applied prospectively and will be adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. The Company does not expect the adoption of this update to ASC 830 to have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued an update to ASC 740 Income Taxes (“ASC 740”): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. Under this update, an entity is required to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion thereof, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except to the extent that these instances are not available at the reporting date. This update to ASC 740 should be applied prospectively and will be adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. Early adoption and retrospective application are permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this update to ASC 740 to have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued an update to ASC 205 Presentation of Financial Statements (“ASC 205”) and ASC 360 Property, Plant, and Equipment (“ASC 360”): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. Under this update, a discontinued operation may include a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity, or a business or nonprofit activity. Only those disposals of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results will be reported as discontinued operations in the financial statements. This update to ASC 205 and ASC 360 should be applied prospectively and will be adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued an update to ASC 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”) that will supersede virtually all existing revenue guidance. Under this update, an entity is required to recognize revenue upon transfer of promised goods or services to customers, in an amount that reflects the expected consideration received in exchange for those goods or services. As such, an entity will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under the current guidance. This update to ASC 606 should be applied retrospectively either to each prior reporting period presented in the financial statements, or only to the most current reporting period presented in the financial statements with a cumulative effect adjustment recorded in the retained earnings. This update to ASC 606 becomes effective and will be adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill Policy	'
	The Company conducts its goodwill impairment test annually, as of the first day of the second fiscal quarter, and whenever events occur or facts and circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. For the annual goodwill impairment test, the Company uses the income approach, the market approach or a combination thereof to determine each reporting unit’s fair value. The income approach provides an estimate of fair value based on discounted expected future cash flows (“DCF”). The market approach provides an estimate of fair value applying various observable market-based multiples to the reporting unit’s operating results and then applying an appropriate control premium. For the fiscal year 2014 annual goodwill impairment test, the Company used a combination of approaches to estimate each reporting unit’s fair value. The Company believed that at the time of the impairment testing performed in the second fiscal quarter of 2014, the income approach and the market approach were equally representative of a reporting unit’s fair value.
	Determining the fair value of a reporting unit or an intangible asset requires judgment and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. The Company based its fair value estimates on assumptions it believes to be reasonable, but inherently uncertain. Estimates and assumptions with respect to the determination of the fair value of its reporting units using the income approach include, among other inputs:
	•	The Company’s operating forecasts;
	•	Revenue growth rates; and
	•	Risk-commensurate discount rates and costs of capital.
	The Company’s estimates of revenues and costs are based on historical data, various internal estimates and a variety of external sources, and are developed as part of our regular long-range planning process. The control premium used in market or combined approaches is determined by considering control premiums offered as part of the acquisitions that have occurred in market segments that are comparable with the Company’s reporting units.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Indefinite-Lived, Policy	'
	Acquired in-process research and development (“IPRD”) is an intangible asset accounted for as an indefinite-lived asset until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development effort. As an indefinite-lived asset, the IPRD intangible asset is subject to testing for impairment annually, which the Company conducts as of the first day of the second fiscal quarter, and whenever events or changes in facts and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that IPRD is impaired. If the research and development effort associated with the IPRD is successfully completed, then the IPRD intangible asset will be amortized over its estimated useful life to be determined at the date the effort is completed.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy	'
	Intangible assets other than goodwill are amortized on a straight-line basis over the following estimated remaining useful lives, unless the Company has determined these lives to be indefinite.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Transfer Policy	'
	During the six months ended May 3, 2014, the Company had no transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy of its assets and liabilities measured at fair value.

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed1

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Hedging Derivatives	'
	A majority of the Company’s revenue, expense, and capital purchasing activities are transacted in U.S. dollars. However, the Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk inherent in conducting business globally in numerous currencies. The Company is primarily exposed to foreign currency fluctuations related to operating expenses denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, of which the most significant to its operations for the three and six months ended May 3, 2014, and April 27, 2013, were the Chinese yuan, the euro, the Japanese yen, the Indian rupee, the British pound, the Singapore dollar and the Swiss franc. The Company has established a foreign currency risk management program to protect against the volatility of future cash flows caused by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. This program reduces, but does not eliminate, the impact of foreign currency exchange rate movements.
	The Company’s foreign currency risk management program includes foreign currency derivatives with cash flow hedge accounting designation that utilizes foreign currency forward and option contracts to hedge exposures to the variability in the U.S. dollar equivalent of anticipated non-U.S.-dollar-denominated cash flows. These instruments generally have a maturity of less than fifteen months. For these derivatives, the Company reports the after-tax gain or loss from the effective portion of the hedge as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity and reclassifies it into earnings in the same period in which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The tax effect allocated to cash flow hedge-related components of other comprehensive income was not significant for the three and six months ended May 3, 2014, and April 27, 2013.
	Ineffective cash flow hedges are included in the Company’s net income as part of “Interest and other income (loss), net.” The amount recorded on ineffective cash flow hedges was not significant for the three and six months ended May 3, 2014, and April 27, 2013, respectively.

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill	'
	The following table presents a summary of the net carrying value of the Company’s intangible assets (in thousands):
		May 3,			October 26,
		2014			2013
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets
	Goodwill	$	1,556,733		$	1,645,437
	In-process research and development (1)	12,260			21,590
	Finite-lived intangible assets
	Total intangible assets subject to amortization	11,126			18,668
	Total intangible assets	$	1,580,119		$	1,685,695
	-1	Acquired in-process research and development (“IPRD”) is an intangible asset accounted for as an indefinite-lived asset until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development effort. As an indefinite-lived asset, the IPRD intangible asset is subject to testing for impairment annually, which the Company conducts as of the first day of the second fiscal quarter, and whenever events or changes in facts and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that IPRD is impaired. If the research and development effort associated with the IPRD is successfully completed, then the IPRD intangible asset will be amortized over its estimated useful life to be determined at the date the effort is completed. During the three months ended May 3, 2014, development work was completed on $9.3 million of the IPRD intangible asset and this completed IPRD intangible asset is being amortized as Core/developed technology. The development effort on the remaining IPRD intangible asset is expected to be completed in the first half of fiscal year 2015.
Schedule Of Goodwill Activity By Reportable Segment	'
	The following table summarizes goodwill activity by reportable segment for the six months ended May 3, 2014 (in thousands):
		SAN			IP Networking Products			Global Services		Total
		Products
	Balance at October 26, 2013
	Goodwill	$	176,878		$	1,358,975		$	155,416	$	1,691,269
	Accumulated impairment losses	—			(45,832		)	—		(45,832		)
		176,878			1,313,143			155,416		1,645,437
	Impairment (1)	—			(83,382		)	—		(83,382		)
	Divestitures (2)	(474		)	(3,657		)	—		(4,131		)
	Tax and other adjustments during the six months ended May 3, 2014 (3)	(40		)	(1,151		)	—		(1,191		)
	Balance at May 3, 2014
	Goodwill	176,364			1,354,167			155,416		1,685,947
	Accumulated impairment losses	—			(129,214		)	—		(129,214		)
		$	176,364		$	1,224,953		$	155,416	$	1,556,733
	(1)	In the second quarter of fiscal year 2014, the Company has made a strategic shift in the allocation of its engineering resources and has reduced its investment in the hardware-based ADX products and increased investment in the software-based ADX products for the Layer 4-7 market. As a result of this change in strategy, the Company expects hardware-based ADX and related support revenue to be negatively impacted. Based on these changes in estimates, the Company recognized an impairment charge because the book value of its Application Delivery Products (“ADP”) reporting unit net assets, which includes the ADX products, exceeded the estimated fair value of these assets. The goodwill amount related to the Company’s other reporting units was not impacted.
	(2)	The goodwill disposed relates to the sale of the Company’s network adapter business, see Note 3, “Acquisitions and Divestitures,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	(3)	The goodwill adjustments during the six months ended May 3, 2014, were primarily a result of tax benefits from the exercise of stock awards of acquired companies.
Schedule Of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	'
	The following tables present details of the Company’s finite-lived intangible assets (in thousands, except for weighted-average remaining useful life):
	May 3, 2014	Gross			Accumulated			Net		Weighted-
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying		Average
		Value						Value		Remaining
										Useful Life
										(in years)
	Trade name	$	460		$	167		$	293	2.51
	Core/developed technology	10,370			812			9,558		4.65
	Customer relationships	1,080			321			759		3.51
	Non-compete agreements	810			294			516		2.51
	Total intangible assets (1)	$	12,720		$	1,594		$	11,126	4.41
	October 26, 2013	Gross			Accumulated			Net		Weighted-
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying		Average
		Value						Value		Remaining
										Useful Life
										(in years)
	Trade name	$	460		$	110		$	350	3.01
	Core/developed technology	192,340			185,254			7,086		0.35
	Customer relationships	287,090			276,473			10,617		0.51
	Non-compete agreements	810			195			615		3.01
	Total intangible assets	$	480,700		$	462,032		$	18,668	0.58
	(1)	During the six months ended May 3, 2014, $477.3 million of intangible assets became fully amortized and, therefore, were removed from the balance sheet.
Schedule Of Amortization Of Intangible Assets Included On Consolidated Statements Of Operations	'
	The following table presents the amortization of finite-lived intangible assets included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		May 3, 2014			April 27, 2013			May 3, 2014		April 27, 2013
	Cost of revenues	$	396		$	9,651		$	6,858	$	20,431
	Operating expenses	131			13,151			10,014		28,007
	Total	$	527		$	22,802		$	16,872	$	48,438
Schedule Of Estimated Future Amortization Of Intangible Assets	'
	The following table presents the estimated future amortization of finite-lived intangible assets as of May 3, 2014 (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year	Estimated
		Future
		Amortization
	2014 (remaining six months)	$	1,366
	2015	2,731
	2016	2,419
	2017	2,104
	2018	1,884
	Thereafter	622
	Total	$	11,126

Balance_Sheet_Details_Tables

Balance Sheet Details (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Balance Sheet Details [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory	'
		May 3,			October 26,
		2014			2013
	Inventories:
	Raw materials	$	12,749		$	14,048
	Finished goods	28,024			31,296
	Total	$	40,773		$	45,344
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	'
		May 3,			October 26,
		2014			2013
	Property and equipment, net:
	Computer equipment	$	13,732		$	16,006
	Software	58,331			57,186
	Engineering and other equipment (1)	371,232			416,573
	Furniture and fixtures (1)	28,442			29,029
	Leasehold improvements	19,695			24,287
	Land and building	384,565			384,654
	Subtotal	875,997			927,735
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1), (2)	(423,275		)	(454,795		)
	Total	$	452,722		$	472,940
	(1)	Engineering and other equipment, furniture and fixtures and accumulated depreciation and amortization include the following amounts under capital leases as of May 3, 2014, and October 26, 2013, respectively (in thousands):
		May 3,			October 26,
		2014			2013
	Cost	$	11,925		$	11,925
	Accumulated depreciation	(6,287		)	(5,366		)
	Total	$	5,638		$	6,559
	(2)	The following table presents the depreciation and amortization of property and equipment included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		May 3,			April 27,			May 3,		April 27,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Depreciation and amortization expense	$	20,519		$	21,162		$	43,055	$	44,920
Schedule of Capital Leased Assets	'
	Engineering and other equipment, furniture and fixtures and accumulated depreciation and amortization include the following amounts under capital leases as of May 3, 2014, and October 26, 2013, respectively (in thousands):
		May 3,			October 26,
		2014			2013
	Cost	$	11,925		$	11,925
	Accumulated depreciation	(6,287		)	(5,366		)
	Total	$	5,638		$	6,559

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value	'
	Assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of May 3, 2014, were as follows (in thousands):
				Fair Value Measurements Using
		Balance as of		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
		May 3, 2014		Active Markets		Observable		Unobservable
				for Identical		Inputs		Inputs
				Instruments		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Money market funds (1)	$	731,260	$	731,260	$	—	$	—
	Derivative assets	1,310		—		1,310		—
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	732,570	$	731,260	$	1,310	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivative liabilities	$	627	$	—	$	627	$	—
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	627	$	—	$	627	$	—
	(1)	Money market funds are reported within “Cash and cash equivalents” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 26, 2013, were as follows (in thousands):
				Fair Value Measurements Using
		Balance as of		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
		October 26, 2013		Active Markets		Observable		Unobservable
				for Identical		Inputs		Inputs
				Instruments		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Money market funds (1)	$	431,750	$	431,750	$	—	$	—
	Derivative assets	1,814		—		1,814		—
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	433,564	$	431,750	$	1,814	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivative liabilities	$	1,441	$	—	$	1,441	$	—
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	1,441	$	—	$	1,441	$	—
	(1)	Money market funds are reported within “Cash and cash equivalents” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Restructuring_and_Other_Costs_

Restructuring and Other Costs (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Restructuring and Other Charges	'
	The following table provides details of the Company’s restructuring and other charges (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		May 3,			April 27,			May 3,			April 27,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Goodwill impairment (1)	$	83,382		$	—		$	83,382		$	—
	Severance and Benefits	(43		)	—			(1,788		)	—
	Lease Loss Reserve and Related Costs	(636		)	—			7,326			—
	Restructuring, goodwill impairment, and other related costs	$	82,703		$	—		$	88,920		$	—
	(1)	For additional discussion on goodwill impairment, see Note 4, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve	'
	The following table provides a reconciliation of the Company’s beginning and ending restructuring liability balances (in thousands):
		Fiscal 2013 Fourth Quarter Restructuring Plan									Prior Restructuring Plans
		Severance and Benefits			Contract Terminations and Other			Lease Loss Reserve and Related Costs			Lease Loss			Total
											Reserve and Related Costs
	Restructuring liabilities at October 26, 2013	$	15,216		$	416		$	—		$	1,794		$	17,426
	Restructuring and other charges	(1,788		)	—			7,326			—			5,538
	Cash payments	(13,258		)	(249		)	(2,460		)	(561		)	(16,528		)
	Translation adjustment	—			—			27			—			27
	Restructuring liabilities at May 3, 2014	$	170		$	167		$	4,893		$	1,233		$	6,463
	Current restructuring liabilities at May 3, 2014	$	170		$	167		$	2,078		$	461		$	2,876
	Non-current restructuring liabilities at May 3, 2014	$	—		$	—		$	2,815		$	772		$	3,587

Borrowings_Tables

Borrowings (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	'
	The following table provides details of the Company’s long-term debt (in thousands, except years and percentages):
					May 3, 2014				October 26, 2013
			Maturity	Stated Annual Interest Rate	Amount		Effective Interest Rate		Amount		Effective Interest Rate
	Senior Secured Notes:
	2020 Notes		2020	6.88%	$	300,000	7.26	%	$	300,000	7.26	%
	Senior Unsecured Notes:
	2023 Notes		2023	4.63%	300,000		4.83	%	300,000		4.83	%
	Capital lease obligations		2016	5.67%	2,851		5.41	%	4,600		5.5	%
	Total long-term debt				602,851				604,600
	Less:
	Unamortized discount				5,122				5,396
	Current portion of long-term debt				2,277				2,996
	Long-term debt, net of current portion				$	595,452			$	596,208
Schedule Of Debt Maturities	'
	As of May 3, 2014, our aggregate debt maturities based on outstanding principal were as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year	Principal
		Balances
	2014 (remaining six months)	$	1,275
	2015	1,286
	2016	290
	2017	—
	2018	—
	Thereafter	600,000
	Total	$	602,851

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Accrued Liability For Estimated Future Warranty Costs	'
	The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s accrued liability for estimated future warranty costs during the six months ended May 3, 2014, and April 27, 2013, respectively (in thousands):
		Accrued Warranty
		Six Months Ended
		May 3,			April 27,
		2014			2013
	Beginning balance	$	15,915		$	14,453
	Liabilities accrued for warranties issued during the period	2,288			2,263
	Warranty claims paid and used during the period	(2,987		)	(3,910		)
	Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties during the period	(383		)	(1,607		)
	Ending balance	$	14,833		$	11,199

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed2

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Net Gains (Losses) Related To The Effective Portion Of Foreign Currency Derivatives	'
	Net gains (losses) relating to the effective portion of foreign currency derivatives recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		May 3, 2014			April 27, 2013			May 3, 2014			April 27, 2013
	Cost of revenues	$	48		$	(4	)	$	120		$	29
	Research and development	(285		)	60			(585		)	55
	Sales and marketing	182			(24		)	421			142
	General and administrative	16			(3		)	38			5
	Total	$	(39	)	$	29		$	(6	)	$	231
Schedule Of Total Gross Notional Amounts, Presented By Currency	'
	Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency, are as follows (in thousands):
		Derivatives Designated						Derivatives Not Designated
		as Hedging Instruments						as Hedging Instruments
	In U.S. dollars	As of May 3, 2014			As of October 26, 2013			As of May 3, 2014			As of October 26, 2013
	Euro	$	20,302		$	16,012		$	—		$	25,478
	British pound	13,332			25,053			—			—
	Indian rupee	8,822			17,444			—			—
	Singapore dollar	6,382			12,867			—			—
	Japanese yen	6,162			16,172			—			—
	Swiss franc	5,741			11,066			—			—
	Total	$	60,741		$	98,614		$	—		$	25,478

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation Expense Included In Line Items Of Consolidated Statements Of Operations	'
	Stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, was included in the following line items of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		May 3, 2014			April 27, 2013			May 3, 2014				April 27, 2013
	Cost of revenues	$	3,474		$	3,541		$	6,617			$	7,487
	Research and development	4,422			4,500			8,757				9,185
	Sales and marketing	8,462			8,012			15,227				16,157
	General and administrative	4,694			3,119			9,039				5,493
	Total stock-based compensation	$	21,052		$	19,172		$	39,640			$	38,322
Stock-Based Compensation Expense By Grant Type	'
	The following table presents stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, by grant type (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		May 3, 2014			April 27, 2013			May 3, 2014				April 27, 2013
	Stock options, including variable options	$	1,249		$	781		$	2,530			$	990
	Restricted stock units, including stock units with market conditions (altogether “RSUs”)	17,404			13,479			31,987				27,149
	Employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”)	2,399			4,912			5,123				10,183
	Total stock-based compensation	$	21,052		$	19,172		$	39,640			$	38,322
Stock-Based Compensation, Unrecognized Compensation Expense And Weighted-Average Period	'
	The following table presents the unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, of the Company’s equity compensation plans as of May 3, 2014, which is expected to be recognized over the following weighted-average periods (in thousands, except for weighted-average period):
		Unrecognized			Weighted-
		Compensation			Average Period
		Expense			(in years)
	Stock options	$	5,463		1.6
	RSUs	$	92,562		1.79
	ESPP	$	3,158		0.86
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity	'
	The following table presents details on grants made by the Company for the following periods:
		Six Months Ended
		May 3, 2014					April 27, 2013
		Granted		Weighted-Average			Granted			Weighted-Average
		(in thousands)		Grant Date Fair Value			(in thousands)			Grant Date Fair Value
	Stock options	250		$	3.32		2,625			$	2.37
	RSUs	1,108		$	10.05		4,646			$	5.61
	The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised for the six months ended May 3, 2014, and April 27, 2013, was $17.5 million and $13.3 million, respectively.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax, for the six months ended May 3, 2014, and April 27, 2013, are as follows (in thousands):
		Six Months Ended
		May 3, 2014								April 27, 2013
		Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Beginning balance	$	267	$	(13,711	)	$	(13,444	)	$	2,390		$	(12,257	)	$	(9,867	)
	Change in unrealized gains and losses	170		475			645			(1,992		)	(2,142		)	(4,134		)
	Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	1		—			1			(210		)	—			(210		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	171		475			646			(2,202		)	(2,142		)	(4,344		)
	Ending balance	$	438	$	(13,236	)	$	(12,798	)	$	188		$	(14,399	)	$	(14,211	)
Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Tax Effects	'
	The tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended May 3, 2014, and April 27, 2013, are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		May 3, 2014								April 27, 2013
		Before-Tax Amount		Tax (Expense) or Benefit			Net-of-Tax Amount			Before-Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) or Benefit			Net-of-Tax Amount
	Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
	Change in unrealized gains and losses, foreign exchange contracts	$	1,248	$	(154	)	$	1,094		$	(2,142	)	$	227		$	(1,915	)
	Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings, foreign exchange contracts (1)	39		(7		)	32			(29		)	(3		)	(32		)
	Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	1,287		(161		)	1,126			(2,171		)	224			(1,947		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,298		—			1,298			(1,762		)	—			(1,762		)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	$	2,585	$	(161	)	$	2,424		$	(3,933	)	$	224		$	(3,709	)
	The tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended May 3, 2014, and April 27, 2013, are as follows (in thousands):
		Six Months Ended
		May 3, 2014								April 27, 2013
		Before-Tax Amount		Tax (Expense) or Benefit			Net-of-Tax Amount			Before-Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) or Benefit			Net-of-Tax Amount
	Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
	Change in unrealized gains and losses, foreign exchange contracts	$	227	$	(57	)	$	170		$	(1,969	)	$	(23	)	$	(1,992	)
	Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings, foreign exchange contracts (1)	6		(5		)	1			(231		)	21			(210		)
	Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	233		(62		)	171			(2,200		)	(2		)	(2,202		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	475		—			475			(2,142		)	—			(2,142		)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	$	708	$	(62	)	$	646		$	(4,342	)	$	(2	)	$	(4,344	)
	-1	For Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations classification of amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), see Note 10, “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Financial Information By Reportable Segment	'
	Summarized financial information by reportable segment for the three and six months ended May 3, 2014, and April 27, 2013, based on the internal management reporting system, is as follows (in thousands):
		SAN		IP Networking Products		Global Services		Total
		Products
	Three months ended May 3, 2014
	Net revenues	$	321,164	$	121,116	$	94,630	$	536,910
	Cost of revenues	84,514		57,757		40,347		182,618
	Gross margin	$	236,650	$	63,359	$	54,283	$	354,292
	Three months ended April 27, 2013
	Net revenues	$	319,088	$	132,658	$	87,038	$	538,784
	Cost of revenues	87,897		76,702		40,073		204,672
	Gross margin	$	231,191	$	55,956	$	46,965	$	334,112
	Six months ended May 3, 2014
	Net revenues	$	676,620	$	240,865	$	183,960	$	1,101,445
	Cost of revenues	177,455		118,443		78,585		374,483
	Gross margin	$	499,165	$	122,422	$	105,375	$	726,962
	Six months ended April 27, 2013
	Net revenues	$	680,822	$	273,171	$	173,520	$	1,127,513
	Cost of revenues	184,850		154,124		80,502		419,476
	Gross margin	$	495,972	$	119,047	$	93,018	$	708,037

Net_Income_Per_Share_Tables

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Calculation Of Basic And Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share	'
	The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
		May 3,			April 27,		May 3,		April 27,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Basic net income (loss) per share
	Net income (loss)	$	(13,684	)	$	46,949	$	67,200	$	25,694
	Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income (loss) per share	436,167			453,133		438,370		453,988
	Basic net income (loss) per share	$	(0.03	)	$	0.1	$	0.15	$	0.06
	Diluted net income (loss) per share
	Net income (loss)	$	(13,684	)	$	46,949	$	67,200	$	25,694
	Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income (loss) per share	436,167			453,133		438,370		453,988
	Dilutive potential common shares in the form of stock options	—			3,744		2,435		4,109
	Dilutive potential common shares in the form of other share-based awards	—			10,042		11,194		8,523
	Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income (loss) per share	436,167			466,919		451,999		466,620
	Diluted net income (loss) per share	$	(0.03	)	$	0.1	$	0.15	$	0.06
	Antidilutive potential common shares in the form of (1)
	Stock options	7,458			14,940		2,250		15,382
	Other share-based awards	9,873			6		1,014		250
	(1)	These amounts are excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share.

Guarantor_And_NonGuarantor_Sub1

Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14
Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	'
	The following is the condensed consolidating balance sheet as of May 3, 2014 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	431,158		$	8,403		$	698,052		$	—		$	1,137,613
	Accounts receivable, net	115,769			12			78,023			—			193,804
	Inventories	43,088			—			(2,315		)	—			40,773
	Intercompany receivables	—			476,800			—			(476,800		)	—
	Other current assets	152,246			112			11,595			291			164,244
	Total current assets	742,261			485,327			785,355			(476,509		)	1,536,434
	Property and equipment, net	438,747			325			13,650			—			452,722
	Investment in subsidiaries	1,116,621			—			—			(1,116,621		)	—
	Other non-current assets	1,534,165			82,020			3,568			—			1,619,753
	Total assets	$	3,831,794		$	567,672		$	802,573		$	(1,593,130	)	$	3,608,909
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	62,749		$	—		$	17,203		$	—		$	79,952
	Current portion of long-term debt	2,277			—			—			—			2,277
	Intercompany payables	412,299			—			64,501			(476,800		)	—
	Other current liabilities	312,899			4,550			122,220			291			439,960
	Total current liabilities	790,224			4,550			203,924			(476,509		)	522,189
	Long-term debt, net of current portion	595,452			—			—			—			595,452
	Other non-current liabilities	110,371			—			45,150			—			155,521
	Total liabilities	1,496,047			4,550			249,074			(476,509		)	1,273,162
	Total stockholders’ equity	2,335,747			563,122			553,499			(1,116,621		)	2,335,747
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,831,794		$	567,672		$	802,573		$	(1,593,130	)	$	3,608,909
	The following is the condensed consolidating balance sheet as of October 26, 2013 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	396,710		$	9,301		$	580,986		$	—		$	986,997
	Accounts receivable, net	159,436			328			89,834			—			249,598
	Inventories	40,072			—			5,272			—			45,344
	Intercompany receivables	—			464,443			—			(464,443		)	—
	Other current assets	127,709			7			11,395			1,753			140,864
	Total current assets	723,927			474,079			687,487			(462,690		)	1,422,803
	Property and equipment, net	457,054			567			15,319			—			472,940
	Investment in subsidiaries	1,026,247			—			—			(1,026,247		)	—
	Other non-current assets	1,626,031			95,624			3,993			—			1,725,648
	Total assets	$	3,833,259		$	570,270		$	706,799		$	(1,488,937	)	$	3,621,391
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	68,190		$	28		$	20,000		$	—		$	88,218
	Current portion of long-term debt	2,996			—			—			—			2,996
	Intercompany payables	409,590			—			54,853			(464,443		)	—
	Other current liabilities	335,261			7,075			125,360			1,753			469,449
	Total current liabilities	816,037			7,103			200,213			(462,690		)	560,663
	Long-term debt, net of current portion	596,208			—			—			—			596,208
	Other non-current liabilities	74,201			—			43,506			—			117,707
	Total liabilities	1,486,446			7,103			243,719			(462,690		)	1,274,578
	Total stockholders’ equity	2,346,813			563,167			463,080			(1,026,247		)	2,346,813
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,833,259		$	570,270		$	706,799		$	(1,488,937	)	$	3,621,391
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Income	'
	The following is the condensed consolidating statement of operations for the three months ended May 3, 2014 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.
	Revenues	$	313,634		$	582		$	222,694		$	—		$	536,910
	Intercompany revenues	7,422			—			3,136			(10,558		)	—
	Total net revenues	321,056			582			225,830			(10,558		)	536,910
	Cost of revenues	121,481			2,206			57,400			1,531			182,618
	Intercompany (income) cost of revenues	(14,985		)	—			25,543			(10,558		)	—
	Total cost of revenues	106,496			2,206			82,943			(9,027		)	182,618
	Gross margin (loss)	214,560			(1,624		)	142,887			(1,531		)	354,292
	Operating expenses	287,601			261			47,766			(1,531		)	334,097
	Intercompany operating expenses (income)	(46,576		)	(7,356		)	53,932			—			—
	Total operating expenses	241,025			(7,095		)	101,698			(1,531		)	334,097
	Income (loss) from operations	(26,465		)	5,471			41,189			—			20,195
	Other income (expense)	(9,445		)	(8		)	199			—			(9,254		)
	Income (loss) before income tax provision and equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	(35,910		)	5,463			41,388			—			10,941
	Income tax expense	22,853			—			1,772			—			24,625
	Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	45,078			—			—			(45,078		)	—
	Net income (loss)	$	(13,685	)	$	5,463		$	39,616		$	(45,078	)	$	(13,684	)
	The following is the condensed consolidating statement of operations for the three months ended April 27, 2013 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.
	Revenues	$	313,525		$	1,056		$	224,203		$	—		$	538,784
	Intercompany revenues	6,453			—			6,470			(12,923		)	—
	Total net revenues	319,978			1,056			230,673			(12,923		)	538,784
	Cost of revenues	131,123			11,649			59,726			2,174			204,672
	Intercompany (income) cost of revenues	(18,103		)	—			31,026			(12,923		)	—
	Total cost of revenues	113,020			11,649			90,752			(10,749		)	204,672
	Gross margin (loss)	206,958			(10,593		)	139,921			(2,174		)	334,112
	Operating expenses	196,641			10,232			72,234			(2,174		)	276,933
	Intercompany operating expenses (income)	(42,281		)	(7,446		)	49,727			—			—
	Total operating expenses	154,360			2,786			121,961			(2,174		)	276,933
	Income (loss) from operations	52,598			(13,379		)	17,960			—			57,179
	Other income (expense)	(7,421		)	50			(3,030		)	—			(10,401		)
	Income (loss) before income tax provision and equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	45,177			(13,329		)	14,930			—			46,778
	Income tax expense (benefit)	(2,817		)	866			1,780			—			(171		)
	Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	(1,045		)	—			—			1,045			—
	Net income (loss)	$	46,949		$	(14,195	)	$	13,150		$	1,045		$	46,949
	The following is the condensed consolidating statement of operations for the six months ended May 3, 2014 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.
	Revenues	$	636,750		$	1,381		$	463,314		$	—		$	1,101,445
	Intercompany revenues	13,815			—			6,677			(20,492		)	—
	Total net revenues	650,565			1,381			469,991			(20,492		)	1,101,445
	Cost of revenues	242,113			8,822			120,523			3,025			374,483
	Intercompany (income) cost of revenues	(30,159		)	—			50,651			(20,492		)	—
	Total cost of revenues	211,954			8,822			171,174			(17,467		)	374,483
	Gross margin (loss)	438,611			(7,441		)	298,817			(3,025		)	726,962
	Operating expenses	479,797			6,919			101,586			(3,025		)	585,277
	Intercompany operating expenses (income)	(89,740		)	(14,448		)	104,188			—			—
	Total operating expenses	390,057			(7,529		)	205,774			(3,025		)	585,277
	Income (loss) from operations	48,554			88			93,043			—			141,685
	Other income (expense)	(19,837		)	(134		)	185			—			(19,786		)
	Income (loss) before income tax provision and equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	28,717			(46		)	93,228			—			121,899
	Income tax expense	51,284			—			3,415			—			54,699
	Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	89,767			—			—			(89,767		)	—
	Net income (loss)	$	67,200		$	(46	)	$	89,813		$	(89,767	)	$	67,200
	The following is the condensed consolidating statement of operations for the six months ended April 27, 2013 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
Systems, Inc.
Revenues	$	676,580		$	2,123		$	448,810		$	—		$	1,127,513
Intercompany revenues	16,234			—			9,825			(26,059		)	—
Total net revenues	692,814			2,123			458,635			(26,059		)	1,127,513
Cost of revenues	267,745			22,213			125,291			4,227			419,476
Intercompany (income) cost of revenues	(27,222		)	—			53,281			(26,059		)	—
Total cost of revenues	240,523			22,213			178,572			(21,832		)	419,476
Gross margin (loss)	452,291			(20,090		)	280,063			(4,227		)	708,037
Operating expenses	410,404			21,053			130,337			(4,227		)	557,567
Intercompany operating expenses (income)	(74,885		)	(14,277		)	89,162			—			—
Total operating expenses	335,519			6,776			219,499			(4,227		)	557,567
Income (loss) from operations	116,772			(26,866		)	60,564			—			150,470
Other expense	(33,352		)	(44		)	(2,916		)	(391		)	(36,703		)
Income (loss) before income tax provision and equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	83,420			(26,910		)	57,648			(391		)	113,767
Income tax expense	83,035			866			4,172			—			88,073
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	25,699			—			—			(25,699		)	—
Net income (loss)	$	26,084		$	(27,776	)	$	53,476		$	(26,090	)	$	25,694
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	'
	The following is the condensed consolidating statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended May 3, 2014 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.
	Net income (loss)	$	(13,685	)	$	5,463		$	39,616		$	(45,078	)	$	(13,684	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
	Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges:
	Change in unrealized gains and losses	—			—			1,094			—			1,094
	Net gains reclassified into earnings	—			—			32			—			32
	Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	—			—			1,126			—			1,126
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(68		)	—			1,366			—			1,298
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(68		)	—			2,492			—			2,424
	Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	(13,753	)	$	5,463		$	42,108		$	(45,078	)	$	(11,260	)
	The following is the condensed consolidating statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended April 27, 2013 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.
	Net income (loss)	$	46,949		$	(14,195	)	$	13,150		$	1,045		$	46,949
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
	Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges:
	Change in unrealized gains and losses	—			—			(1,915		)	—			(1,915		)
	Net gains reclassified into earnings	—			—			(32		)	—			(32		)
	Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	—			—			(1,947		)	—			(1,947		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	100			—			(1,862		)	—			(1,762		)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	100			—			(3,809		)	—			(3,709		)
	Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	47,049		$	(14,195	)	$	9,341		$	1,045		$	43,240
	The following is the condensed consolidating statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended May 3, 2014 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.
	Net income (loss)	$	67,200		$	(46	)	$	89,813		$	(89,767	)	$	67,200
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
	Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges:
	Change in unrealized gains and losses	—			—			170			—			170
	Net gains reclassified into earnings	—			—			1			—			1
	Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	—			—			171			—			171
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	40			—			435			—			475
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	40			—			606			—			646
	Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	67,240		$	(46	)	$	90,419		$	(89,767	)	$	67,846
	The following is the condensed consolidating statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended April 27, 2013 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.
	Net income (loss)	$	26,084		$	(27,776	)	$	53,476		$	(26,090	)	$	25,694
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
	Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges:
	Change in unrealized gains and losses	—			—			(1,992		)	—			(1,992		)
	Net gains reclassified into earnings	—			—			(210		)	—			(210		)
	Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	—			—			(2,202		)	—			(2,202		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	498			—			(2,640		)	—			(2,142		)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	498			—			(4,842		)	—			(4,344		)
	Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	26,582		$	(27,776	)	$	48,634		$	(26,090	)	$	21,350
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Cash Flows	'
	The following is the condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for the six months ended May 3, 2014 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	165,349		$	(898	)	$	113,262		$	—		$	277,713
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Purchases of property and equipment	(23,773		)	—			(3,622		)	—			(27,395		)
	Purchases of non-marketable minority equity investments	(223		)	—			—			—			(223		)
	Proceeds from sale of network adapter business	3,081			—			6,914			—			9,995
	Proceeds from collection of note receivable	250			—			—			—			250
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(20,665		)	—			3,292			—			(17,373		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Payment of principal related to capital leases	(1,749		)	—			—			—			(1,749		)
	Common stock repurchases	(190,432		)	—			—			—			(190,432		)
	Proceeds from issuance of common stock	54,530			—			—			—			54,530
	Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	27,415			—			—			—			27,415
	Net cash used in financing activities	(110,236		)	—			—			—			(110,236		)
	Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			512			—			512
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	34,448			(898		)	117,066			—			150,616
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	396,710			9,301			580,986			—			986,997
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	431,158		$	8,403		$	698,052		$	—		$	1,137,613
	The following is the condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for the six months ended April 27, 2013 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	96,996		$	2,521		$	79,588		$	—		$	179,105
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Purchases of property and equipment	(27,887		)	(23		)	(3,658		)	—			(31,568		)
	Net cash acquired (paid) in connection with acquisition	(44,769		)	140			—			—			(44,629		)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(72,656		)	117			(3,658		)	—			(76,197		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Proceeds from senior unsecured notes	296,250			—			—			—			296,250
	Payment of debt issuance costs related to senior unsecured notes	(549		)	—			—			—			(549		)
	Payment of principal related to senior secured notes	(300,000		)	—			—			—			(300,000		)
	Payment of principal related to capital leases	(975		)	—			—			—			(975		)
	Common stock repurchases	(86,179		)	—			—			—			(86,179		)
	Proceeds from issuance of common stock	35,899			—			—			—			35,899
	Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	5,440			—			—			—			5,440
	Net cash used in financing activities	(50,114		)	—			—			—			(50,114		)
	Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(1,722		)	—			(1,722		)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(25,774		)	2,638			74,208			—			51,072
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	284,466			680			428,080			—			713,226
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	258,692		$	3,318		$	502,288		$	—		$	764,298

Summary_Of_Significant_Account1

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Concentration of Risk Narrative)(Details)

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3-May-14

3-May-14

Oct. 26, 2013

3-May-14

Oct. 26, 2013

3-May-14

Oct. 26, 2013

3-May-14

Oct. 26, 2013

Oct. 26, 2013

3-May-14

Apr. 27, 2013

3-May-14

Apr. 27, 2013

3-May-14

Apr. 27, 2013

3-May-14

Apr. 27, 2013

3-May-14

Customer Concentration Risk

Customer Concentration Risk

Customer Concentration Risk

Customer Concentration Risk

Customer Concentration Risk

Customer Concentration Risk

Customer Concentration Risk

Customer Concentration Risk

Customer Concentration Risk

Customer Concentration Risk

Customer Concentration Risk

Customer Concentration Risk

Customer Concentration Risk

Customer Concentration Risk

Customer Concentration Risk

Customer Concentration Risk

Customer Concentration Risk

Customer Concentration Risk

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

Sales Revenue, Segment

Sales Revenue, Segment

Sales Revenue, Segment

Sales Revenue, Segment

Sales Revenue, Segment

Sales Revenue, Segment

Sales Revenue, Segment

Sales Revenue, Segment

Sales Revenue, Segment

customer

customer

Major Customer One

Major Customer One

Major Customer Two

Major Customer Two

Major Customer Three

Major Customer Three

Major Customer Four

customer

customer

Major Customer One

Major Customer One

Major Customer Two

Major Customer Two

Major Customer Three

Major Customer Three

Major Customer Four

Concentration Risk

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Concentration Risk, Percentage

'

37.00%

52.00%

15.00%

18.00%

11.00%

12.00%

11.00%

11.00%

11.00%

56.00%

45.00%

17.00%

18.00%

16.00%

16.00%

12.00%

11.00%

11.00%

Number Of Customers Included In Concentration Disclosures

'

3

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Financial Institutions

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisitions_Narrative_Details

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) (Vyatta, USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 26, 2013	3-May-14
Vyatta	'	'
Business Acquisition	'	'
Effective Date of Acquisition	'	9-Nov-12
Acquisition Cost Expensed	$0.40	'
Consideration Paid Held In Escrow, Amount	'	7
Consideration Paid Held In Escrow, Escrow Duration	'	'18 months
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	'	'
Cash consideration	43.6	'
Prepaid license fees consideration	1.2	'
Total purchase price	$44.80	'

Divestitures_Narrative_Details

Divestitures (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	3-May-14	Apr. 27, 2013	3-May-14	Apr. 27, 2013	3-May-14	Jan. 17, 2014
					Network Adapter Business	Network Adapter Business
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disposal Group, Description and Timing of Disposal	'	'	'	'	'On January 17, 2014, the Company completed the sale of its network adapter business to QLogic Corporation, as part of the Company’s business strategy to focus development on a portfolio of high performance networking products and services--both hardware and software-based--that meet the demands of today’s virtualized and cloud based data centers.	'
Disposal Group, Goodwill	'	'	'	'	'	$4,100,000
Net Assets of Disposal Group	'	'	'	'	'	5,100,000
Disposal Group, Gain (Loss) on Disposal	$0	$0	$4,884,000	$0	$4,900,000	'
Disposal Group, Income Statement Caption	'	'	'	'	'Gain on sale of network adapter business	'

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	3-May-14		Oct. 26, 2013
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	'		'
Goodwill	$1,556,733,000		$1,645,437,000
In-process research and development (1)	12,260,000	[1]	21,590,000	[1]
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	11,126,000	[2]	18,668,000
Total intangible assets	1,580,119,000		1,685,695,000
Completed IPRD	$9,300,000		'
[1]	Acquired in-process research and development (“IPRD”) is an intangible asset accounted for as an indefinite-lived asset until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development effort. As an indefinite-lived asset, the IPRD intangible asset is subject to testing for impairment annually, which the Company conducts as of the first day of the second fiscal quarter, and whenever events or changes in facts and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that IPRD is impaired. If the research and development effort associated with the IPRD is successfully completed, then the IPRD intangible asset will be amortized over its estimated useful life to be determined at the date the effort is completed. During the three months ended May 3, 2014, development work was completed on $9.3 million of the IPRD intangible asset and this completed IPRD intangible asset is being amortized as Core/developed technology. The development effort on the remaining IPRD intangible asset is expected to be completed in the first half of fiscal year 2015.
[2]	During the six months ended May 3, 2014, $477.3 million of intangible assets became fully amortized and, therefore, were removed from the balance sheet.

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Goodwill Activity By Reportable Segment) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3-May-14		Apr. 27, 2013	3-May-14		Apr. 27, 2013
Goodwill	'		'	'		'
Goodwill, Gross, Beginning Balance	'		'	$1,691,269		'
Accumulated impairment losses, Beginning Balance	'		'	-45,832		'
Goodwill, Net, Beginning Balance	'		'	1,645,437		'
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	-83,382	[1]	0	-83,382	[1],[2]	0
Goodwill, Written off related to divestitures	'		'	-4,131	[3]	'
Goodwill, Tax and other adjustments	'		'	-1,191	[4]	'
Goodwill, Gross, Ending Balance	1,685,947		'	1,685,947		'
Accumulated impairment losses, Ending Balance	-129,214		'	-129,214		'
Goodwill, Net, Ending Balance	1,556,733		'	1,556,733		'
SAN Products	'		'	'		'
Goodwill	'		'	'		'
Goodwill, Gross, Beginning Balance	'		'	176,878		'
Accumulated impairment losses, Beginning Balance	'		'	0		'
Goodwill, Net, Beginning Balance	'		'	176,878		'
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	'		'	0	[2]	'
Goodwill, Written off related to divestitures	'		'	-474	[3]	'
Goodwill, Tax and other adjustments	'		'	-40	[4]	'
Goodwill, Gross, Ending Balance	176,364		'	176,364		'
Accumulated impairment losses, Ending Balance	0		'	0		'
Goodwill, Net, Ending Balance	176,364		'	176,364		'
IP Networking Products	'		'	'		'
Goodwill	'		'	'		'
Goodwill, Gross, Beginning Balance	'		'	1,358,975		'
Accumulated impairment losses, Beginning Balance	'		'	-45,832		'
Goodwill, Net, Beginning Balance	'		'	1,313,143		'
Goodwill, Written off related to divestitures	'		'	-3,657	[3]	'
Goodwill, Tax and other adjustments	'		'	-1,151	[4]	'
Goodwill, Gross, Ending Balance	1,354,167		'	1,354,167		'
Accumulated impairment losses, Ending Balance	-129,214		'	-129,214		'
Goodwill, Net, Ending Balance	1,224,953		'	1,224,953		'
Global Services	'		'	'		'
Goodwill	'		'	'		'
Goodwill, Gross, Beginning Balance	'		'	155,416		'
Accumulated impairment losses, Beginning Balance	'		'	0		'
Goodwill, Net, Beginning Balance	'		'	155,416		'
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	'		'	0	[2]	'
Goodwill, Written off related to divestitures	'		'	0	[3]	'
Goodwill, Tax and other adjustments	'		'	0	[4]	'
Goodwill, Gross, Ending Balance	155,416		'	155,416		'
Accumulated impairment losses, Ending Balance	0		'	0		'
Goodwill, Net, Ending Balance	$155,416		'	$155,416		'
[1]	For additional discussion on goodwill impairment, see Note 4, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
[2]	In the second quarter of fiscal year 2014, the Company has made a strategic shift in the allocation of its engineering resources and has reduced its investment in the hardware-based ADX products and increased investment in the software-based ADX products for the Layer 4-7 market. As a result of this change in strategy, the Company expects hardware-based ADX and related support revenue to be negatively impacted. Based on these changes in estimates, the Company recognized an impairment charge because the book value of its Application Delivery Products (“ADP”) reporting unit net assets, which includes the ADX products, exceeded the estimated fair value of these assets. The goodwill amount related to the Company’s other reporting units was not impacted.
[3]	The goodwill disposed relates to the sale of the Company’s network adapter business, see Note 3, “Acquisitions and Divestitures,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
[4]	The goodwill adjustments during the six months ended May 3, 2014, were primarily a result of tax benefits from the exercise of stock awards of acquired companies.

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets5

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Company's Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	3-May-14		Oct. 26, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	'		'
Gross Carrying Value	$12,720,000	[1]	$480,700,000
Accumulated Amortization	1,594,000	[1]	462,032,000
Net Carrying Value	11,126,000	[1]	18,668,000
Weighted- Average Remaining Useful Life (in years)	'4 years 4 months 28 days		'0 years 6 months 29 days
Cost of Fully Amortized Intangible Assets	477,300,000		'
Trade name	'		'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	'		'
Gross Carrying Value	460,000		460,000
Accumulated Amortization	167,000		110,000
Net Carrying Value	293,000		350,000
Weighted- Average Remaining Useful Life (in years)	'2 years 6 months 4 days		'3 years 0 months 4 days
Core/developed technology	'		'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	'		'
Gross Carrying Value	10,370,000		192,340,000
Accumulated Amortization	812,000		185,254,000
Net Carrying Value	9,558,000		7,086,000
Weighted- Average Remaining Useful Life (in years)	'4 years 7 months 24 days		'0 years 4 months 6 days
Customer relationships	'		'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	'		'
Gross Carrying Value	1,080,000		287,090,000
Accumulated Amortization	321,000		276,473,000
Net Carrying Value	759,000		10,617,000
Weighted- Average Remaining Useful Life (in years)	'3 years 6 months 4 days		'0 years 6 months 4 days
Non-compete agreements	'		'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	'		'
Gross Carrying Value	810,000		810,000
Accumulated Amortization	294,000		195,000
Net Carrying Value	$516,000		$615,000
Weighted- Average Remaining Useful Life (in years)	'2 years 6 months 4 days		'3 years 0 months 4 days
[1]	During the six months ended May 3, 2014, $477.3 million of intangible assets became fully amortized and, therefore, were removed from the balance sheet.

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets6

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Amortization Of Intangible Assets Included On Consolidated Statements Of Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3-May-14	Apr. 27, 2013	3-May-14	Apr. 27, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Cost of revenues	$396	$9,651	$6,858	$20,431
Operating expenses	131	13,151	10,014	28,007
Total	$527	$22,802	$16,872	$48,438

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets7

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Estimated Future Amortization Of Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	3-May-14		Oct. 26, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
2014 (remaining six months)	$1,366		'
2015	2,731		'
2016	2,419		'
2017	2,104		'
2018	1,884		'
Thereafter	622		'
Total	$11,126	[1]	$18,668
[1]	During the six months ended May 3, 2014, $477.3 million of intangible assets became fully amortized and, therefore, were removed from the balance sheet.

Balance_Sheet_Details_Schedule

Balance Sheet Details (Schedule of Inventory) (Details) (USD $)	3-May-14	Oct. 26, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$12,749	$14,048
Finished goods	28,024	31,296
Inventory, Net	$40,773	$45,344

Balance_Sheet_Details_Schedule1

Balance Sheet Details (Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment) (Details) (USD $)	3-May-14		Oct. 26, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment	'		'
Property and equipment, gross	$875,997		$927,735
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-423,275	[1],[2]	-454,795	[1],[2]
Total property and equipment, net	452,722		472,940
Computer equipment	'		'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'		'
Property and equipment, gross	13,732		16,006
Software	'		'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'		'
Property and equipment, gross	58,331		57,186
Engineering and other equipment	'		'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'		'
Property and equipment, gross	371,232	[1]	416,573	[1]
Furniture and fixtures	'		'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'		'
Property and equipment, gross	28,442	[1]	29,029	[1]
Leasehold improvements	'		'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'		'
Property and equipment, gross	19,695		24,287
Land and building	'		'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'		'
Property and equipment, gross	$384,565		$384,654
[1]	Engineering and other equipment, furniture and fixtures and accumulated depreciation and amortization include the following amounts under capital leases as of May 3, 2014, and October 26, 2013, respectively (in thousands): May 3, 2014 October 26, 2013Cost$11,925 $11,925Accumulated depreciation(6,287) (5,366)Total$5,638 $6,559
[2]	The following table presents the depreciation and amortization of property and equipment included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended May 3, 2014 April 27, 2013 May 3, 2014 April 27, 2013Depreciation and amortization expense$20,519 $21,162 $43,055 $44,920

Balance_Sheet_Details_Schedule2

Balance Sheet Details (Schedule of Capital Leased Assets) (Details) (USD $)	3-May-14	Oct. 26, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Capital Leases	'	'
Cost	$11,925	$11,925
Accumulated depreciation	-6,287	-5,366
Total	$5,638	$6,559

Balance_Sheet_Details_Narrativ

Balance Sheet Details (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3-May-14	Apr. 27, 2013	3-May-14	Apr. 27, 2013
Balance Sheet Details [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	$20,519	$21,162	$43,055	$44,920

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu

Fair Value Measurements (Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value) (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	3-May-14		Oct. 26, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'		'
Money market funds	$731,260	[1]	$431,750	[1]
Derivative assets	1,310		1,814
Total assets measured at fair value	732,570		433,564
Liabilities	'		'
Derivative liabilities	627		1,441
Total liabilities measured at fair value	627		1,441
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Instruments (Level 1)	'		'
Assets	'		'
Money market funds	731,260	[1]	431,750	[1]
Derivative assets	0		0
Total assets measured at fair value	731,260		431,750
Liabilities	'		'
Derivative liabilities	0		0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	0		0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'
Assets	'		'
Money market funds	0	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative assets	1,310		1,814
Total assets measured at fair value	1,310		1,814
Liabilities	'		'
Derivative liabilities	627		1,441
Total liabilities measured at fair value	627		1,441
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'		'
Assets	'		'
Money market funds	0	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative assets	0		0
Total assets measured at fair value	0		0
Liabilities	'		'
Derivative liabilities	0		0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$0		$0
[1]	Money market funds are reported within “Cash and cash equivalents” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Restructuring_and_Other_Costs_1

Restructuring and Other Costs (Schedule of Restructuring and Other Charges) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3-May-14		Apr. 27, 2013	3-May-14		Apr. 27, 2013
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]	'		'	'		'
Goodwill impairment charge	$83,382	[1]	$0	$83,382	[1],[2]	$0
Severance Costs	-43		0	-1,788		0
Business Exit Costs	-636		0	7,326		0
Restructuring, goodwill impairment, and other related costs (Note 7)	$82,703		$0	$88,920		$0
[1]	For additional discussion on goodwill impairment, see Note 4, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
[2]	In the second quarter of fiscal year 2014, the Company has made a strategic shift in the allocation of its engineering resources and has reduced its investment in the hardware-based ADX products and increased investment in the software-based ADX products for the Layer 4-7 market. As a result of this change in strategy, the Company expects hardware-based ADX and related support revenue to be negatively impacted. Based on these changes in estimates, the Company recognized an impairment charge because the book value of its Application Delivery Products (“ADP”) reporting unit net assets, which includes the ADX products, exceeded the estimated fair value of these assets. The goodwill amount related to the Company’s other reporting units was not impacted.

Restructuring_and_Other_Costs_2

Restructuring and Other Costs (Schedule of Restructuring Reserve) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-14	Oct. 26, 2013
Restructuring	'	'
Restructuring and Related Cost, Caption that Includes Restructuring Charges	'Restructuring, goodwill impairment, and other related costs	'
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 Reserve Rollforward	'	'
Restructuring liabilities, Beginning balance	$17,426,000	'
Restructuring and other charges	5,538,000	'
Cash payments	-16,528,000	'
Translation adjustment	27,000	'
Restructuring liabilities, Ending balance	6,463,000	'
Restructuring Reserve Ending Balance	'	'
Current restructuring liabilities	2,876,000	16,418,000
Non-current restructuring liabilities	3,587,000	1,008,000
Fiscal 2013 Fourth Quarter Restructuring Plan	'	'
Restructuring	'	'
Restructuring and Related Activities, Initiation Date	4-Sep-13	'
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. In connection with the restructuring plan, the Company incurred aggregate charges of $31.0 million through May 3, 2014, primarily related to severance and benefits charges and lease loss reserve and related costs, and substantially completed the restructuring plan by the end of the first quarter of fiscal year 2014. Severance and benefits charges incurred under this restructuring plan consisted of severance and related employee termination costs, including salary and other compensation payments to the employees during their post-notification retention period as well as associated outplacement services. The post-notification retention period for the employees terminated under the plan did not exceed the legal notification period, or, in the absence of a legal notification requirement, 60 days. Contract terminations and other charges were primarily related to the cancellation of certain contracts in connection with the restructuring of certain business functions. Lease loss reserve and related costs were primarily related to the costs that will continue to be incurred under exited facilities’ lease contracts for the remaining term of the leases without economic benefit to the Company, reduced by estimated sublease income that could be reasonably obtained for these facilities.	'
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 and Related Cost, Description	'Severance and benefits charges incurred under this restructuring plan consisted of severance and related employee termination costs, including salary and other compensation payments to the employees during their post-notification retention period as well as associated outplacement services. The post-notification retention period for the employees terminated under the plan did not exceed the legal notification period, or, in the absence of a legal notification requirement, 60 days. Contract terminations and other charges were primarily related to the cancellation of certain contracts in connection with the restructuring of certain business functions. Lease loss reserve and related costs were primarily related to the costs that will continue to be incurred under exited facilities’ lease contracts for the remaining term of the leases without economic benefit to the Company, reduced by estimated sublease income that could be reasonably obtained for these facilities. The Company reevaluates its estimates and assumptions on a quarterly basis and makes adjustments to the restructuring liabilities balance if necessary. During the six months ended May 3, 2014, the Company reversed approximately $1.8 million of severance and benefits charges due to actual cash payments to certain terminated employees being lower than original estimates as a result of the completion of the severance arrangements with these employees during the first quarter of fiscal year 2014.	'
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	31,000,000	'
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	1,800,000	'
Restructuring Reserve, Adjustment Description	'The Company reevaluates its estimates and assumptions on a quarterly basis and makes adjustments to the restructuring liabilities balance if necessary. During the six months ended May 3, 2014, the Company reversed approximately $1.8 million of severance and benefits charges due to actual cash payments to certain terminated employees being lower than original estimates as a result of the completion of the severance arrangements with these employees during the first quarter of fiscal year 2014.	'
Restructuring and Related Activities, Completion Date	25-Jan-14	'
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated, Inception to Date	250	'
Prior Restructuring Plans	'	'
Restructuring	'	'
Restructuring and Related Activities, Description	'Prior to fiscal year 2013, 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.	'
Restructuring and Related Cost, Description	'Prior to fiscal year 2013, 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	15,216,000	'
Restructuring and other charges	-1,788,000	'
Cash payments	-13,258,000	'
Translation adjustment	0	'
Restructuring liabilities, Ending balance	170,000	'
Restructuring Reserve Ending Balance	'	'
Current restructuring liabilities	170,000	'
Non-current restructuring liabilities	0	'
Contract Terminations and Other | Fiscal 2013 Fourth Quarter Restructuring Plan	'	'
Restructuring Reserve Rollforward	'	'
Restructuring liabilities, Beginning balance	416,000	'
Restructuring and other charges	0	'
Cash payments	-249,000	'
Translation adjustment	0	'
Restructuring liabilities, Ending balance	167,000	'
Restructuring Reserve Ending Balance	'	'
Current restructuring liabilities	167,000	'
Non-current restructuring liabilities	0	'
Lease Loss Reserve and Related Costs | Fiscal 2013 Fourth Quarter Restructuring Plan	'	'
Restructuring Reserve Rollforward	'	'
Restructuring liabilities, Beginning balance	0	'
Restructuring and other charges	7,326,000	'
Cash payments	-2,460,000	'
Translation adjustment	27,000	'
Restructuring liabilities, Ending balance	4,893,000	'
Restructuring Reserve Ending Balance	'	'
Current restructuring liabilities	2,078,000	'
Non-current restructuring liabilities	2,815,000	'
Lease Loss Reserve and Related Costs | Prior Restructuring Plans	'	'
Restructuring Reserve Rollforward	'	'
Restructuring liabilities, Beginning balance	1,794,000	'
Restructuring and other charges	0	'
Cash payments	-561,000	'
Translation adjustment	0	'
Restructuring liabilities, Ending balance	1,233,000	'
Restructuring Reserve Ending Balance	'	'
Current restructuring liabilities	461,000	'
Non-current restructuring liabilities	$772,000	'

Borrowings_Schedule_Of_LongTer

Borrowings (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3-May-14	Oct. 26, 2013
Debt Instrument	'	'
Long-term debt, gross	$602,851	$604,600
Unamortized discount	5,122	5,396
Current portion of long-term debt	2,277	2,996
Long-term debt, net of current portion	595,452	596,208
Senior Secured 2020 Notes	'	'
Debt Instrument	'	'
Maturity	15-Jan-20	'
Stated annual interest rate	6.88%	'
Long-term debt, gross	300,000	300,000
Effective interest rate	7.26%	7.26%
Senior Unsecured 2023 Notes	'	'
Debt Instrument	'	'
Maturity	15-Jan-23	'
Stated annual interest rate	4.63%	'
Long-term debt, gross	300,000	300,000
Effective interest rate	4.83%	4.83%
Capital Lease Obligations	'	'
Debt Instrument	'	'
Maturity	31-May-16	'
Stated annual interest rate	5.67%	'
Long-term debt, gross	$2,851	$4,600
Effective interest rate	5.41%	5.50%

Borrowings_Narrative_Details

Borrowings (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3-May-14

Oct. 26, 2013

Jan. 20, 2010

Apr. 27, 2013

Jan. 26, 2013

3-May-14

Jan. 22, 2013

Jan. 20, 2010

3-May-14

Jan. 20, 2010

3-May-14

Oct. 26, 2013

Jan. 22, 2013

Oct. 31, 2008

3-May-14

Oct. 26, 2013

Oct. 31, 2008

Oct. 31, 2008

Oct. 31, 2008

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Senior Secured Notes

Senior Secured Notes

Senior Secured Notes

Senior Secured 2018 Notes

Senior Secured 2018 Notes

Senior Secured 2018 Notes

Senior Secured 2018 Notes

Senior Secured 2018 Notes

Senior Secured 2020 Notes

Senior Secured 2020 Notes

Senior Unsecured 2023 Notes

Senior Unsecured 2023 Notes

Senior Unsecured 2023 Notes

Term Loan Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Swing Line Loan Subfacility

Letter Of Credit Subfacility

Debt Instrument

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

'

'

$600

'

'

'

'

$300

'

$300

'

'

$300

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-Term Debt, Fair Value

321.8

324.4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

288

281.1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Irrevocable deposit

'

'

'

'

'

'

311.9

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment of principal amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

300

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayments of debt

'

'

'

300

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Call premium

'

'

'

'

'

'

9.9

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unpaid interest deposited to escrow

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption price, percentage of face value

'

'

'

'

'

103.31%

'

'

100.00%

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption amount of notes, percentage of principal amount, when using the net cash proceed from capital stock sale

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

35.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption price, percentage of principal amount, when using the net cash proceed from capital stock sale

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

104.63%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repurchase price of notes in case of change in control, percentage of face value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

101.00%

'

101.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repurchase price of notes in case of sale of assets, percentage of face value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Original term of loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'5 years

'

'

Senior secured credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,100

125

125

125

25

25

Call premium cost and original issue discount and debt issuance costs related to lenders that did not participate in refinancing

'

'

'

'

$15.30

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowings_Schedule_Of_Debt_Ma

Borrowings (Schedule Of Debt Maturities) (Details) (USD $)	3-May-14	Oct. 26, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-term Debt, by Maturity [Abstract]	'	'
2014 (remaining six months)	$1,275	'
2015	1,286	'
2016	290	'
2017	0	'
2018	0	'
Thereafter	600,000	'
Long-term debt, gross	$602,851	$604,600

Commitments_And_Contingencies_1

Commitments And Contingencies (Schedule Of Accrued Liability For Estimated Future Warranty Costs) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3-May-14	Apr. 27, 2013
Product Warranty Activity	'	'
Beginning balance	$15,915	$14,453
Liabilities accrued for warranties issued during the period	2,288	2,263
Warranty claims paid and used during the period	-2,987	-3,910
Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties during the period	-383	-1,607
Ending balance	$14,833	$11,199

Commitments_And_Contingencies_2

Commitments And Contingencies (Purchase Commitment Narrative) (Details) (Details) (Inventory Purchase Commitment, USD $)	3-May-14
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Purchase Commitment	'
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]	'
Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed	$158.70
Purchase Commitment, Recognized Loss	$3.30

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed3

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Schedule Of Net Gains (Losses) Related To The Effective Portion Of Foreign Currency Derivatives) (Details) (Foreign Exchange Contract, USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3-May-14	Apr. 27, 2013	3-May-14	Apr. 27, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	'	'	'	'
Net gains (losses) related to the effective portion of foreign currency derivatives	($39)	$29	($6)	$231
Cost of revenues	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	'	'	'	'
Net gains (losses) related to the effective portion of foreign currency derivatives	48	-4	120	29
Research and development	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	'	'	'	'
Net gains (losses) related to the effective portion of foreign currency derivatives	-285	60	-585	55
Sales and marketing	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	'	'	'	'
Net gains (losses) related to the effective portion of foreign currency derivatives	182	-24	421	142
General and administrative	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	'	'	'	'
Net gains (losses) related to the effective portion of foreign currency derivatives	$16	($3)	$38	$5

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed4

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3-May-14	Apr. 27, 2013	3-May-14	Apr. 27, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Maximum derivative instrument maturity period	'	'	'15 months	'
Foreign Currency Transaction [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	($0.10)	($0.10)	($0.20)	$0.10
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Prepaid Expense And Other Current Asset	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	'	'	'	'
Gross unrealized gain positions	1.3	'	1.3	'
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Other Accrued Liabilities	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	'	'	'	'
Gross unrealized loss positions	($0.60)	'	($0.60)	'

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed5

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Schedule Of Total Gross Notional Amounts, Presented By Currency) (Details) (USD $)	3-May-14	Oct. 26, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments	'	'
Derivative	'	'
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	$60,741	$98,614
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Euro	'	'
Derivative	'	'
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	20,302	16,012
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | British pound	'	'
Derivative	'	'
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	13,332	25,053
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Indian rupee	'	'
Derivative	'	'
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	8,822	17,444
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Singapore dollar	'	'
Derivative	'	'
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	6,382	12,867
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Japanese yen	'	'
Derivative	'	'
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	6,162	16,172
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Swiss franc	'	'
Derivative	'	'
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	5,741	11,066
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments	'	'
Derivative	'	'
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	0	25,478
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Euro	'	'
Derivative	'	'
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	0	25,478
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | British pound	'	'
Derivative	'	'
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Indian rupee	'	'
Derivative	'	'
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Singapore dollar	'	'
Derivative	'	'
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Japanese yen	'	'
Derivative	'	'
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Swiss franc	'	'
Derivative	'	'
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	$0	$0

StockBased_Compensation_StockB

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock-Based Compensation Expense Included In Line Items Of Consolidated Statements Of Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3-May-14	Apr. 27, 2013	3-May-14	Apr. 27, 2013
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs	'	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation	$21,052	$19,172	$39,640	$38,322
Cost of revenues	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs	'	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation	3,474	3,541	6,617	7,487
Research and development	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs	'	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation	4,422	4,500	8,757	9,185
Sales and marketing	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs	'	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation	8,462	8,012	15,227	16,157
General and administrative	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs	'	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation	$4,694	$3,119	$9,039	$5,493

StockBased_Compensation_StockB1

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock-Based Compensation Expense By Grant Type) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3-May-14	Apr. 27, 2013	3-May-14	Apr. 27, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation	$21,052	$19,172	$39,640	$38,322
Stock options, including variable options	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation	1,249	781	2,530	990
Restricted stock units, including stock units with market conditions (altogether “RSUs”)	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation	17,404	13,479	31,987	27,149
Employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”)	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation	$2,399	$4,912	$5,123	$10,183

StockBased_Compensation_StockB2

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock-Based Compensation, Unrecognized Compensation Expense And Weighted-Average Period) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3-May-14
Stock options	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	$5,463
Weighted-Average Period (in years)	'1 year 7 months 6 days
Restricted stock units, including stock units with market conditions (altogether “RSUs”)	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	92,562
Weighted-Average Period (in years)	'1 year 9 months 14 days
Employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”)	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	$3,158
Weighted-Average Period (in years)	'0 years 10 months 10 days

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3-May-14	Apr. 27, 2013
Stock options	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'	'
Stock options, Granted	250	2,625
Stock options, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (dollars per share)	$3.32	$2.37
Stock options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	$17.50	$13.30
Restricted stock units, including stock units with market conditions (altogether “RSUs”)	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'	'
RSUs, Granted	1,108	4,646
RSUs, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (dollars per share)	$10.05	$5.61

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Tax Effects) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3-May-14		Apr. 27, 2013		3-May-14		Apr. 27, 2013
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, before tax	'		'		'		'
Change in unrealized gains and losses, foreign exchange contracts, before tax	$1,248		($2,142)		$227		($1,969)
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings, foreign exchange contracts, before tax	39	[1]	-29	[1]	6	[1]	-231	[1]
Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, before tax	1,287		-2,171		233		-2,200
Foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax	'		'		'		'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax	1,298		-1,762		475		-2,142
Total other comprehensive loss, before tax	2,585		-3,933		708		-4,342
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, tax	'		'		'		'
Change in unrealized gains and losses, foreign exchange contracts, tax	-154		227		-57		-23
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings, foreign exchange contracts, tax	-7	[1]	-3	[1]	-5	[1]	21	[1]
Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, tax	-161		224		-62		-2
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	'		'		'		'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	0		0		0		0
Total other comprehensive loss, tax	-161		224		-62		-2
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of tax	'		'		'		'
Change in unrealized gains and losses, foreign exchange contracts, net of tax	1,094		-1,915		170		-1,992
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings, foreign exchange contracts, net of tax	32	[1]	-32	[1]	1	[1]	-210	[1]
Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax	1,126		-1,947		171		-2,202
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	'		'		'		'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	1,298		-1,762		475		-2,142
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	$2,424		($3,709)		$646		($4,344)
[1]	For Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations classification of amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), see Note 10, “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3-May-14		Apr. 27, 2013		3-May-14		Apr. 27, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'		'		'		'
Change in unrealized gains and losses, foreign exchange contracts, before tax	$1,248		($2,142)		$227		($1,969)
Change in unrealized gains and losses, foreign exchange contracts, tax	-154		227		-57		-23
Change in unrealized gains and losses	1,094		-1,915		170		-1,992
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings, foreign exchange contracts, before tax	39	[1]	-29	[1]	6	[1]	-231	[1]
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings, foreign exchange contracts, tax	-7	[1]	-3	[1]	-5	[1]	21	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	-32	[1]	32	[1]	-1	[1]	210	[1]
Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, before tax	1,287		-2,171		233		-2,200
Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, tax	-161		224		-62		-2
Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax	1,126		-1,947		171		-2,202
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax	1,298		-1,762		475		-2,142
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	0		0		0		0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	'		'		-13,444		-9,867
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	'		'		'		'
Change in unrealized gains and losses	'		'		645		-4,134
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	'		'		1		-210
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	'		'		646		-4,344
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance	-12,798		-14,211		-12,798		-14,211
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,298		-1,762		475		-2,142
Total other comprehensive loss, before tax	2,585		-3,933		708		-4,342
Total other comprehensive loss, tax	-161		224		-62		-2
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	2,424		-3,709		646		-4,344
Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges	'		'		'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'		'		'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	'		'		267		2,390
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	'		'		'		'
Change in unrealized gains and losses	'		'		170		-1,992
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	'		'		1		-210
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	'		'		171		-2,202
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance	438		188		438		188
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	'		'		'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'		'		'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	'		'		-13,711		-12,257
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	'		'		'		'
Change in unrealized gains and losses	'		'		475		-2,142
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	'		'		0		0
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	'		'		475		-2,142
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance	($13,236)		($14,399)		($13,236)		($14,399)
[1]	For Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations classification of amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), see Note 10, “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	3-May-14		Apr. 27, 2013	3-May-14		Apr. 27, 2013
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	'		'	'		'
U.S. federal statutory tax rate	'		'	35.00%		35.00%
Goodwill impairment charge	$83,382,000	[1]	$0	$83,382,000	[1],[2]	$0
Change in California deferred tax asset valuation allowance as a result of the passage of Proposition 39	'		'	'		78,200,000
Income Tax Contingency	'		'	'		'
Amount of unrecognized tax benefits that could affect the effect tax rate	81,300,000		'	81,300,000		'
Upper range of estimated potential decreases in underlying uncertain tax positions	5,000,000		'	5,000,000		'
Lower range of estimated potential decreases in underlying uncertain tax positions	$0		'	$0		'
[1]	For additional discussion on goodwill impairment, see Note 4, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
[2]	In the second quarter of fiscal year 2014, the Company has made a strategic shift in the allocation of its engineering resources and has reduced its investment in the hardware-based ADX products and increased investment in the software-based ADX products for the Layer 4-7 market. As a result of this change in strategy, the Company expects hardware-based ADX and related support revenue to be negatively impacted. Based on these changes in estimates, the Company recognized an impairment charge because the book value of its Application Delivery Products (“ADP”) reporting unit net assets, which includes the ADX products, exceeded the estimated fair value of these assets. The goodwill amount related to the Company’s other reporting units was not impacted.

Segment_Information_Schedule_O

Segment Information (Schedule Of Financial Information By Reportable Segment) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3-May-14	Apr. 27, 2013	3-May-14	Apr. 27, 2013
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	$536,910	$538,784	$1,101,445	$1,127,513
Cost of revenues	182,618	204,672	374,483	419,476
Gross margin	354,292	334,112	726,962	708,037
SAN Products	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	321,164	319,088	676,620	680,822
Cost of revenues	84,514	87,897	177,455	184,850
Gross margin	236,650	231,191	499,165	495,972
IP Networking Products	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	121,116	132,658	240,865	273,171
Cost of revenues	57,757	76,702	118,443	154,124
Gross margin	63,359	55,956	122,422	119,047
Global Services	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	94,630	87,038	183,960	173,520
Cost of revenues	40,347	40,073	78,585	80,502
Gross margin	$54,283	$46,965	$105,375	$93,018

Segment_Information_Narrative_

Segment Information Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
	3-May-14	Jan. 25, 2014
	segments	segments
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'	'
Number of operating segments	3	4
Number of reportable operating segments	'	3

Net_Income_Per_Share_Details

Net Income Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3-May-14		Apr. 27, 2013		3-May-14		Apr. 27, 2013
Earnings Per Share, Basic	'		'		'		'
Net income (loss)	($13,684)		$46,949		$67,200		$25,694
Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income (loss) per share	436,167		453,133		438,370		453,988
Net income (loss) per share—basic	($0.03)		$0.10		$0.15		$0.06
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	'		'		'		'
Net income (loss)	($13,684)		$46,949		$67,200		$25,694
Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income (loss) per share	436,167		466,919		451,999		466,620
Net income (loss) per share—diluted	($0.03)		$0.10		$0.15		$0.06
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation	'		'		'		'
Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income (loss) per share	436,167		453,133		438,370		453,988
Dilutive potential common shares in the form of stock options	0		3,744		2,435		4,109
Dilutive potential common shares in the form of other share-based awards	0		10,042		11,194		8,523
Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income (loss) per share	436,167		466,919		451,999		466,620
Stock options	'		'		'		'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	'		'		'		'
Antidilutive potential common shares	7,458	[1]	14,940	[1]	2,250	[1]	15,382	[1]
Other share-based awards	'		'		'		'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	'		'		'		'
Antidilutive potential common shares	9,873	[1]	6	[1]	1,014	[1]	250	[1]
[1]	These amounts are excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share.

Guarantor_And_NonGuarantor_Sub2

Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 20, 2010	Jan. 22, 2013
		Senior Secured Notes	Senior Unsecured 2023 Notes
Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Abstract]	'	'	'
Description of Guarantees Given by Parent Company	'On January 20, 2010, the Company issued $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2018 Notes and 2020 Notes. In addition, on January 22, 2013, the Company issued $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes. The Company’s obligations under the 2023 Notes and the 2020 Notes are, and prior to January 22, 2013, the Company’s obligations under the 2018 Notes were, guaranteed by certain of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”). Each of the Subsidiary Guarantors is 100% owned by the Company and all guarantees are joint and several. The Senior Secured Notes are not guaranteed by certain of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries or any of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries (the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”). Pursuant to the terms of the indentures governing the Senior Secured Notes, the guarantees are full and unconditional, but are subject to release under the following circumstances: - Upon the sale of the subsidiary or all or substantially all of its assets; - Upon the discharge of the guarantees under the credit facility and any other debt guaranteed by the applicable subsidiary provided that the credit facility has been paid in full and the applicable series of senior secured notes have an investment-grade rating from both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s; - Upon designation of the subsidiary as an “unrestricted subsidiary” under the applicable indenture; - Upon the merger, consolidation or liquidation of the subsidiary into the Company or another subsidiary guarantor; and - Upon legal or covenant defeasance or the discharge of the Company’s obligations under the applicable indenture. The guarantees of the 2018 Notes were released on January 22, 2013, upon the discharge of the 2018 Indenture. Pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the 2023 Notes, the guarantees are full and unconditional but are subject to release under the following circumstances: - Upon the sale of the subsidiary or all or substantially all of its assets; - Upon the discharge of the guarantees under the Senior Secured Credit Facility, the 2020 Notes and any other debt guaranteed by the applicable subsidiary; - Upon the merger, consolidation or liquidation of the subsidiary into the Company or another subsidiary guarantor; and - Upon legal or covenant defeasance or the discharge of the Company’s obligations under the applicable indenture. Because the guarantees are subject to release under the above described circumstances, they would not be deemed “full and unconditional” for purposes of Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X. However, as these circumstances are customary, the Company concluded that it may rely on Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X, as the other requirements of Rule 3-10 have been met.	'	'
Debt Instrument	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	'	$600	$300

Guarantor_And_NonGuarantor_Sub3

Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Schedule Of Consolidated Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	3-May-14	Oct. 26, 2013	Apr. 27, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,137,613	$986,997	$764,298	$713,226
Accounts receivable, net	193,804	249,598	'	'
Inventories	40,773	45,344	'	'
Intercompany receivables	0	0	'	'
Other current assets	164,244	140,864	'	'
Total current assets	1,536,434	1,422,803	'	'
Property and equipment, net	452,722	472,940	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0	'	'
Other non-current assets	1,619,753	1,725,648	'	'
Total assets	3,608,909	3,621,391	'	'
Accounts payable	79,952	88,218	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	2,277	2,996	'	'
Intercompany payables	0	0	'	'
Other current liabilities	439,960	469,449	'	'
Total current liabilities	522,189	560,663	'	'
Long-term debt, net of current portion	595,452	596,208	'	'
Other non-current liabilities	155,521	117,707	'	'
Total liabilities	1,273,162	1,274,578	'	'
Total stockholders’ equity	2,335,747	2,346,813	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	3,608,909	3,621,391	'	'
Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.	'	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	431,158	396,710	258,692	284,466
Accounts receivable, net	115,769	159,436	'	'
Inventories	43,088	40,072	'	'
Intercompany receivables	0	0	'	'
Other current assets	152,246	127,709	'	'
Total current assets	742,261	723,927	'	'
Property and equipment, net	438,747	457,054	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	1,116,621	1,026,247	'	'
Other non-current assets	1,534,165	1,626,031	'	'
Total assets	3,831,794	3,833,259	'	'
Accounts payable	62,749	68,190	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	2,277	2,996	'	'
Intercompany payables	412,299	409,590	'	'
Other current liabilities	312,899	335,261	'	'
Total current liabilities	790,224	816,037	'	'
Long-term debt, net of current portion	595,452	596,208	'	'
Other non-current liabilities	110,371	74,201	'	'
Total liabilities	1,496,047	1,486,446	'	'
Total stockholders’ equity	2,335,747	2,346,813	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	3,831,794	3,833,259	'	'
Subsidiary Guarantors	'	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	8,403	9,301	3,318	680
Accounts receivable, net	12	328	'	'
Inventories	0	0	'	'
Intercompany receivables	476,800	464,443	'	'
Other current assets	112	7	'	'
Total current assets	485,327	474,079	'	'
Property and equipment, net	325	567	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0	'	'
Other non-current assets	82,020	95,624	'	'
Total assets	567,672	570,270	'	'
Accounts payable	0	28	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Intercompany payables	0	0	'	'
Other current liabilities	4,550	7,075	'	'
Total current liabilities	4,550	7,103	'	'
Long-term debt, net of current portion	0	0	'	'
Other non-current liabilities	0	0	'	'
Total liabilities	4,550	7,103	'	'
Total stockholders’ equity	563,122	563,167	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	567,672	570,270	'	'
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	698,052	580,986	502,288	428,080
Accounts receivable, net	78,023	89,834	'	'
Inventories	-2,315	5,272	'	'
Intercompany receivables	0	0	'	'
Other current assets	11,595	11,395	'	'
Total current assets	785,355	687,487	'	'
Property and equipment, net	13,650	15,319	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0	'	'
Other non-current assets	3,568	3,993	'	'
Total assets	802,573	706,799	'	'
Accounts payable	17,203	20,000	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Intercompany payables	64,501	54,853	'	'
Other current liabilities	122,220	125,360	'	'
Total current liabilities	203,924	200,213	'	'
Long-term debt, net of current portion	0	0	'	'
Other non-current liabilities	45,150	43,506	'	'
Total liabilities	249,074	243,719	'	'
Total stockholders’ equity	553,499	463,080	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	802,573	706,799	'	'
Consolidating Adjustments	'	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0	'	'
Inventories	0	0	'	'
Intercompany receivables	-476,800	-464,443	'	'
Other current assets	291	1,753	'	'
Total current assets	-476,509	-462,690	'	'
Property and equipment, net	0	0	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	-1,116,621	-1,026,247	'	'
Other non-current assets	0	0	'	'
Total assets	-1,593,130	-1,488,937	'	'
Accounts payable	0	0	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Intercompany payables	-476,800	-464,443	'	'
Other current liabilities	291	1,753	'	'
Total current liabilities	-476,509	-462,690	'	'
Long-term debt, net of current portion	0	0	'	'
Other non-current liabilities	0	0	'	'
Total liabilities	-476,509	-462,690	'	'
Total stockholders’ equity	-1,116,621	-1,026,247	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	($1,593,130)	($1,488,937)	'	'

Guarantor_And_NonGuarantor_Sub4

Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Schedule Of Consolidated Statement Of Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3-May-14	Apr. 27, 2013	3-May-14	Apr. 27, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$536,910	$538,784	$1,101,445	$1,127,513
Intercompany revenues	0	0	0	0
Total net revenues	536,910	538,784	1,101,445	1,127,513
Cost of revenues	182,618	204,672	374,483	419,476
Intercompany (income) cost of revenues	0	0	0	0
Total cost of revenues	182,618	204,672	374,483	419,476
Gross margin	354,292	334,112	726,962	708,037
Operating expenses	334,097	276,933	585,277	557,567
Intercompany operating expenses (income)	0	0	0	0
Total operating expenses	334,097	276,933	585,277	557,567
Income from operations	20,195	57,179	141,685	150,470
Other income (expense)	-9,254	-10,401	-19,786	-36,703
Income before income tax	10,941	46,778	121,899	113,767
Income tax expense (benefit)	24,625	-171	54,699	88,073
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss)	-13,684	46,949	67,200	25,694
Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.	'	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions	'	'	'	'
Revenues	313,634	313,525	636,750	676,580
Intercompany revenues	7,422	6,453	13,815	16,234
Total net revenues	321,056	319,978	650,565	692,814
Cost of revenues	121,481	131,123	242,113	267,745
Intercompany (income) cost of revenues	-14,985	-18,103	-30,159	-27,222
Total cost of revenues	106,496	113,020	211,954	240,523
Gross margin	214,560	206,958	438,611	452,291
Operating expenses	287,601	196,641	479,797	410,404
Intercompany operating expenses (income)	-46,576	-42,281	-89,740	-74,885
Total operating expenses	241,025	154,360	390,057	335,519
Income from operations	-26,465	52,598	48,554	116,772
Other income (expense)	-9,445	-7,421	-19,837	-33,352
Income before income tax	-35,910	45,177	28,717	83,420
Income tax expense (benefit)	22,853	-2,817	51,284	83,035
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	45,078	-1,045	89,767	25,699
Net income (loss)	-13,685	46,949	67,200	26,084
Subsidiary Guarantors	'	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions	'	'	'	'
Revenues	582	1,056	1,381	2,123
Intercompany revenues	0	0	0	0
Total net revenues	582	1,056	1,381	2,123
Cost of revenues	2,206	11,649	8,822	22,213
Intercompany (income) cost of revenues	0	0	0	0
Total cost of revenues	2,206	11,649	8,822	22,213
Gross margin	-1,624	-10,593	-7,441	-20,090
Operating expenses	261	10,232	6,919	21,053
Intercompany operating expenses (income)	-7,356	-7,446	-14,448	-14,277
Total operating expenses	-7,095	2,786	-7,529	6,776
Income from operations	5,471	-13,379	88	-26,866
Other income (expense)	-8	50	-134	-44
Income before income tax	5,463	-13,329	-46	-26,910
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	866	0	866
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss)	5,463	-14,195	-46	-27,776
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions	'	'	'	'
Revenues	222,694	224,203	463,314	448,810
Intercompany revenues	3,136	6,470	6,677	9,825
Total net revenues	225,830	230,673	469,991	458,635
Cost of revenues	57,400	59,726	120,523	125,291
Intercompany (income) cost of revenues	25,543	31,026	50,651	53,281
Total cost of revenues	82,943	90,752	171,174	178,572
Gross margin	142,887	139,921	298,817	280,063
Operating expenses	47,766	72,234	101,586	130,337
Intercompany operating expenses (income)	53,932	49,727	104,188	89,162
Total operating expenses	101,698	121,961	205,774	219,499
Income from operations	41,189	17,960	93,043	60,564
Other income (expense)	199	-3,030	185	-2,916
Income before income tax	41,388	14,930	93,228	57,648
Income tax expense (benefit)	1,772	1,780	3,415	4,172
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss)	39,616	13,150	89,813	53,476
Consolidating Adjustments	'	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions	'	'	'	'
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Intercompany revenues	-10,558	-12,923	-20,492	-26,059
Total net revenues	-10,558	-12,923	-20,492	-26,059
Cost of revenues	1,531	2,174	3,025	4,227
Intercompany (income) cost of revenues	-10,558	-12,923	-20,492	-26,059
Total cost of revenues	-9,027	-10,749	-17,467	-21,832
Gross margin	-1,531	-2,174	-3,025	-4,227
Operating expenses	-1,531	-2,174	-3,025	-4,227
Intercompany operating expenses (income)	0	0	0	0
Total operating expenses	-1,531	-2,174	-3,025	-4,227
Income from operations	0	0	0	0
Other income (expense)	0	0	0	-391
Income before income tax	0	0	0	-391
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	0	0	0
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	-45,078	1,045	-89,767	-25,699
Net income (loss)	($45,078)	$1,045	($89,767)	($26,090)

Guarantor_And_NonGuarantor_Sub5

Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Schedule Of Consolidated Statement Of Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3-May-14		Apr. 27, 2013		3-May-14		Apr. 27, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions	'		'		'		'
Net income (loss)	($13,684)		$46,949		$67,200		$25,694
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:	'		'		'		'
Change in unrealized gains and losses	1,094		-1,915		170		-1,992
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	32	[1]	-32	[1]	1	[1]	-210	[1]
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	1,126		-1,947		171		-2,202
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,298		-1,762		475		-2,142
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	2,424		-3,709		646		-4,344
Total comprehensive income (loss)	-11,260		43,240		67,846		21,350
Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.	'		'		'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions	'		'		'		'
Net income (loss)	-13,685		46,949		67,200		26,084
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:	'		'		'		'
Change in unrealized gains and losses	0		0		0		0
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	0		0		0		0
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	0		0		0		0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-68		100		40		498
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-68		100		40		498
Total comprehensive income (loss)	-13,753		47,049		67,240		26,582
Subsidiary Guarantors	'		'		'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions	'		'		'		'
Net income (loss)	5,463		-14,195		-46		-27,776
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:	'		'		'		'
Change in unrealized gains and losses	0		0		0		0
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	0		0		0		0
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	0		0		0		0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0		0		0		0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	0		0		0		0
Total comprehensive income (loss)	5,463		-14,195		-46		-27,776
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	'		'		'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions	'		'		'		'
Net income (loss)	39,616		13,150		89,813		53,476
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:	'		'		'		'
Change in unrealized gains and losses	1,094		-1,915		170		-1,992
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	32		-32		1		-210
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	1,126		-1,947		171		-2,202
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,366		-1,862		435		-2,640
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	2,492		-3,809		606		-4,842
Total comprehensive income (loss)	42,108		9,341		90,419		48,634
Consolidating Adjustments	'		'		'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions	'		'		'		'
Net income (loss)	-45,078		1,045		-89,767		-26,090
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:	'		'		'		'
Change in unrealized gains and losses	0		0		0		0
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	0		0		0		0
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	0		0		0		0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0		0		0		0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	0		0		0		0
Total comprehensive income (loss)	($45,078)		$1,045		($89,767)		($26,090)
[1]	For Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations classification of amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), see Note 10, “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Guarantor_And_NonGuarantor_Sub6

Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Schedule Of Consolidated Statement Of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3-May-14	Apr. 27, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions	'	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	$277,713	$179,105
Purchases of property and equipment	-27,395	-31,568
Purchases of non-marketable equity investments	-223	0
Proceeds from sale of network adapter business	9,995	0
Proceeds from collection of note receivable	250	0
Net cash paid in connection with acquisition	0	-44,629
Net cash used in investing activities	-17,373	-76,197
Payment of principal related to capital leases	-1,749	-975
Common stock repurchases	-190,432	-86,179
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	54,530	35,899
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	27,415	5,440
Proceeds from senior unsecured notes	0	296,250
Payment of debt issuance costs related to senior unsecured notes	0	-549
Payment of principal related to senior secured notes	0	-300,000
Net cash used in financing activities	-110,236	-50,114
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	512	-1,722
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	150,616	51,072
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	986,997	713,226
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	1,137,613	764,298
Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions	'	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	165,349	96,996
Purchases of property and equipment	-23,773	-27,887
Purchases of non-marketable equity investments	-223	'
Proceeds from sale of network adapter business	3,081	'
Proceeds from collection of note receivable	250	'
Net cash paid in connection with acquisition	'	-44,769
Net cash used in investing activities	-20,665	-72,656
Payment of principal related to capital leases	-1,749	-975
Common stock repurchases	-190,432	-86,179
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	54,530	35,899
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	27,415	5,440
Proceeds from senior unsecured notes	'	296,250
Payment of debt issuance costs related to senior unsecured notes	'	-549
Payment of principal related to senior secured notes	'	-300,000
Net cash used in financing activities	-110,236	-50,114
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	34,448	-25,774
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	396,710	284,466
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	431,158	258,692
Subsidiary Guarantors	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions	'	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	-898	2,521
Purchases of property and equipment	0	-23
Purchases of non-marketable equity investments	0	'
Proceeds from sale of network adapter business	0	'
Proceeds from collection of note receivable	0	'
Net cash paid in connection with acquisition	'	140
Net cash used in investing activities	0	117
Payment of principal related to capital leases	0	0
Common stock repurchases	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	0	0
Proceeds from senior unsecured notes	'	0
Payment of debt issuance costs related to senior unsecured notes	'	0
Payment of principal related to senior secured notes	'	0
Net cash used in financing activities	0	0
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	-898	2,638
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	9,301	680
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	8,403	3,318
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions	'	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	113,262	79,588
Purchases of property and equipment	-3,622	-3,658
Purchases of non-marketable equity investments	0	'
Proceeds from sale of network adapter business	6,914	'
Proceeds from collection of note receivable	0	'
Net cash paid in connection with acquisition	'	0
Net cash used in investing activities	3,292	-3,658
Payment of principal related to capital leases	0	0
Common stock repurchases	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	0	0
Proceeds from senior unsecured notes	'	0
Payment of debt issuance costs related to senior unsecured notes	'	0
Payment of principal related to senior secured notes	'	0
Net cash used in financing activities	0	0
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	512	-1,722
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	117,066	74,208
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	580,986	428,080
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	698,052	502,288
Consolidating Adjustments	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions	'	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	0	0
Purchases of property and equipment	0	0
Purchases of non-marketable equity investments	0	'
Proceeds from sale of network adapter business	0	'
Proceeds from collection of note receivable	0	'
Net cash paid in connection with acquisition	'	0
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0
Payment of principal related to capital leases	0	0
Common stock repurchases	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	0	0
Proceeds from senior unsecured notes	'	0
Payment of debt issuance costs related to senior unsecured notes	'	0
Payment of principal related to senior secured notes	'	0
Net cash used in financing activities	0	0
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$0	$0