Brocade Communications Systems (BRCD) 10-K 19 Dec 14 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014	Dec. 12, 2014	3-May-14
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	BROCADE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS INC
Entity Central Index Key	1009626
Current Fiscal Year End Date	10
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	1-Nov-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		430,939,700
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$3,846,799,989

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Inc

Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Net revenues:
Product	$1,852,187	$1,870,567	$1,890,856
Service	359,080	352,297	346,914
Total net revenues	2,211,267	2,222,864	2,237,770
Cost of revenues:
Product	592,441	658,362	689,856
Service	153,033	155,623	164,895
Total cost of revenues	745,474	813,985	854,751
Gross margin	1,465,793	1,408,879	1,383,019
Operating expenses:
Research and development	345,549	378,521	363,090
Sales and marketing	554,515	567,637	608,502
General and administrative	84,941	74,518	74,583
Amortization of intangible assets	10,280	54,256	59,204
Restructuring, goodwill impairment, and other related costs (recoveries) (Note 5)	89,280	25,464	-89
Gain on sale of network adapter business	-4,884	0	0
Total operating expenses	1,079,681	1,100,396	1,105,290
Income from operations	386,112	308,483	277,729
Interest income	665	1,404	659
Other income (loss), net (Note 14)	3,601	75,835	-1,499
Interest expense	-36,757	-55,261	-52,488
Income before income tax	353,621	330,461	224,401
Income tax expense	115,650	121,838	29,220
Net income	$237,971	$208,623	$195,181
Net income per share—basic	$0.55	$0.46	$0.43
Net income per share—diluted	$0.53	$0.45	$0.41
Shares used in per share calculation—basic	435,258	450,516	456,629
Shares used in per share calculation—diluted	446,859	463,705	472,343
Cash dividends declared per share	$0.07	$0	$0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$237,971	$208,623	$195,181
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Change in unrealized gains and losses	-1,939	-1,748	-3,468
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	-235	-376	7,433
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	-2,174	-2,124	3,965
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-3,196	-1,456	-1,833
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-5,370	-3,580	2,132
Total comprehensive income	$232,601	$205,043	$197,313

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,255,017	$986,997
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $80 and $575 at November 1, 2014, and October 26, 2013, respectively	224,913	249,598
Inventories	38,718	45,344
Deferred tax assets	92,692	98,018
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	46,665	42,846
Total current assets	1,658,005	1,422,803
Property and equipment, net	445,433	472,940
Goodwill	1,567,723	1,645,437
Intangible assets, net	26,658	40,258
Non-current deferred tax assets	605	1,585
Other assets	35,251	38,368
Total assets	3,733,675	3,621,391
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	93,705	88,218
Accrued employee compensation	169,018	145,996
Deferred revenue	239,993	226,696
Other accrued liabilities	84,592	99,753
Total current liabilities	587,308	560,663
Long-term debt, net of current portion	595,450	596,208
Non-current deferred revenue	71,746	76,426
Non-current income tax liability	39,647	38,680
Non-current deferred tax liabilities	27,153	0
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	4,310	2,601
Total liabilities	1,325,614	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: 431,470 and 445,285 shares at November 1, 2014, and October 26, 2013, respectively	431	445
Additional paid-in capital	1,774,197	1,915,152
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-18,814	-13,444
Retained earnings	652,247	444,660
Total stockholders’ equity	2,408,061	2,346,813
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$3,733,675	$3,621,391

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowances	$80	$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	431,470	445,285
Common stock, shares outstanding	431,470	445,285

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$237,971	$208,623	$195,181
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	-64,563	-3,189	-5,141
Non-cash tax charges	0	78,206	0
Depreciation and amortization	100,647	184,114	192,218
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	5,118	6,709	883
Gain on sale of network adapter business	-4,884	0	0
Amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount	1,151	1,214	7,788
Write-off of original issue discount and debt issuance costs related to lenders that did not participate in refinancing	0	-5,360	0
Net gain on sale of investments	-5,292	0	-179
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable and sales allowances	7,563	9,221	11,301
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	84,914	73,618	77,169
Goodwill impairment charge	83,382	0	0
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	17,121	-25,509	4,701
Inventories	6,626	24,173	4,656
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-10,984	-66,001	3,987
Deferred tax assets	-887	4,825	1,256
Accounts payable	2,339	-28,862	7,720
Accrued employee compensation	-11,382	-57,859	47,679
Deferred revenue	8,652	8,599	22,744
Other accrued liabilities	96,376	12,944	20,277
Restructuring liabilities	-12,271	14,843	-1,370
Net cash provided by operating activities	541,597	451,029	590,870
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of non-marketable equity investments	-223	0	0
Proceeds from sale of non-marketable equity investments	10,798	0	0
Proceeds from maturities and sale of short-term investments	0	0	952
Purchases of property and equipment	-54,734	-52,371	-72,797
Net cash paid in connection with acquisitions	-16,900	-44,629	0
Proceeds from collection of note receivable	250	70,000	0
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary	9,995	0	35
Net cash used in investing activities	-50,814	-27,000	-71,810
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from senior unsecured notes	0	296,250	0
Payment of principal related to senior secured notes	0	-300,000	0
Payment of principal related to the term loan	0	0	-190,000
Payment of debt issuance costs related to senior unsecured notes	0	-992	0
Payment of principal related to capital leases	-2,485	-1,627	-1,866
Common stock repurchases	-335,380	-240,000	-130,209
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	83,994	93,771	98,791
Payment of cash dividends to stockholders	-30,384	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	64,563	3,189	5,141
Net cash used in financing activities	-219,692	-149,409	-218,143
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	-3,071	-849	-1,893
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	268,020	273,771	299,024
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	986,997	713,226	414,202
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	1,255,017	986,997	713,226
Cash paid for interest
Cash paid for interest	34,737	39,842	44,686
Cash paid for income taxes
Cash paid for income taxes	22,207	14,493	4,999
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment through capital leases	$0	$1,312	$0

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Sto

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Retained Earnings	Total Stockholders’ Equity
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance, Value at Oct. 29, 2011		$448	$1,984,830	($11,996)	$40,856	$2,014,138
Balance, Shares at Oct. 29, 2011		448,022
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock, Value		33	82,138			82,171
Issuance of common stock, Shares		33,198
Common stock repurchases, Value		-24	-130,185			-130,209
Common stock repurchases, Shares		-24,307
Tax benefit (detriment) from employee stock plans	4,800		-4,762			-4,762
Stock-based compensation			77,169			77,169
Change in net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	3,965			3,965		3,965
Change in cumulative translation adjustments	-1,833			-1,833		-1,833
Net income	195,181				195,181	195,181
Balance, Value at Oct. 27, 2012		457	2,009,190	-9,864	236,037	2,235,820
Balance, Shares at Oct. 27, 2012		456,913
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock, Value		29	73,778			73,807
Issuance of common stock, Shares		29,556
Common stock repurchases, Value		-41	-239,959			-240,000
Common stock repurchases, Shares		-41,184
Tax benefit (detriment) from employee stock plans	1,500		-1,475			-1,475
Stock-based compensation			73,618			73,618
Change in net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	-2,124			-2,124		-2,124
Change in cumulative translation adjustments	-1,456			-1,456		-1,456
Net income	208,623				208,623	208,623
Balance, Value at Oct. 26, 2013		445	1,915,152	-13,444	444,660	2,346,813
Balance, Shares at Oct. 26, 2013		445,285
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock, Value		24	49,565			49,589
Issuance of common stock, Shares		24,196
Common stock repurchases, Value		-38	-335,342			-335,380
Common stock repurchases, Shares		-38,011
Tax benefit (detriment) from employee stock plans	-59,900		59,908			59,908
Stock-based compensation			84,914			84,914
Change in net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	-2,174			-2,174		-2,174
Change in cumulative translation adjustments	-3,196			-3,196		-3,196
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash					-30,384	-30,384
Net income	237,971				237,971	237,971
Balance, Value at Nov. 01, 2014		$431	$1,774,197	($18,814)	$652,247	$2,408,061
Balance, Shares at Nov. 01, 2014		431,470

Basis_Of_Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. (“Brocade” or the “Company”) is a leading supplier of networking hardware and software, including Storage Area Networking (“SAN”) solutions and Internet Protocol (“IP”) networking solutions for businesses and organizations worldwide. Brocade’s end customers are private sector and public sector organizations of many types and sizes, including global enterprises and service providers such as telecommunication firms, cable operators, and mobile carriers. Brocade’s products, services, and solutions simplify information technology (“IT”) infrastructure, increase resource utilization, ensure availability of mission critical applications, and support key IT services including Internet connectivity, enterprise mobility, virtualization, and cloud computing.
	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. As is customary for companies that use the 52/53-week convention, every fifth year is a 53-week year. Fiscal year 2014 is a 53-week fiscal year and fiscal years 2013 and 2012 are 52-week fiscal years. The Company’s next 53-week fiscal year will be fiscal year 2019 and its next 14-week quarter will be in the second quarter of fiscal year 2019.
	The 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 Consolidated Financial Statements
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the 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, and income taxes. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.
	Investments and Equity Securities
	From time to time, the Company makes equity investments in non-publicly traded companies. These investments are included in “Other assets” on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and are generally accounted for under the cost method as the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the respective issuer’s operating and financial policies, nor does it have a liquidation preference that is substantive. The Company monitors its investments in non-publicly traded companies for impairment on a quarterly basis and makes appropriate reductions in carrying values when such impairments are determined to be other-than-temporary. Impairment charges are included in “Other income (loss), net” on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Factors considered in determining an impairment include, but are not limited to, the current business environment including competition and uncertainty of financial condition, going concern considerations such as the rate at which the issuer company utilizes cash and the issuer company’s ability to obtain additional financing to fulfill its stated business plan, the need for changes to the issuer company’s existing business model due to changing business environments and its ability to successfully implement necessary changes, and comparable valuations. The carrying value of the Company’s equity investments in non-publicly traded companies at November 1, 2014, and October 26, 2013, was $0.9 million and $7.7 million, respectively.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The fair value of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities, approximate cost because of their short maturities.
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to fluctuations in interest rates and the exchange rates associated with foreign currencies. The derivatives entered into by the Company qualify for and are designated as foreign currency cash flow hedges.
	The derivatives are recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their respective fair values. Changes in fair values of outstanding cash flow hedges that are highly effective are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows of the underlying hedged transaction. In most cases, amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss will be recorded in earnings at maturity of the related derivative. The recognition of effective hedge results offsets the gains or losses on the underlying exposure. Cash flows from derivative transactions are classified according to the nature of the risk being hedged.
	The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking hedge transactions. This documentation includes linking all derivatives either to specific assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets or specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions have been highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of hedged items and whether those derivatives may be expected to remain highly effective in future periods.
	The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when (i) the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of a hedged item (including hedged items such as firm commitments or forecasted transactions); (ii) the derivative expires or is sold, terminated or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) management determines that designating the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate.
	When the Company discontinues hedge accounting, but it continues to be probable that the forecasted transaction will occur in the originally expected period, the gain or loss on the derivative remains in accumulated other comprehensive loss and is reclassified into earnings when the forecasted transaction affects earnings. However, if it is no longer probable that a forecasted transaction will occur by the end of the originally specified time period or within an additional two-month period of time thereafter, the gain or loss that was in accumulated other comprehensive loss will be recognized immediately in earnings. In all situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued and the derivative remains outstanding, the Company will carry the derivative at its fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheet until maturity and will recognize future changes in the fair value in current period earnings. Any hedge ineffectiveness is recorded in current period earnings within “Other income (loss), net.” Effectiveness is assessed based on the comparison of current forward rates to the rates established on the Company’s hedges.
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Inventory costs include material, labor and overhead. The Company records inventory write-downs based on excess and obsolete inventory determined primarily by its forecast of future demand. A majority of the Company’s inventory is located off-site at customers’ hubs, third-party managed service depots and at contract manufacturers’ locations. Cash flows related to the sale of inventories are classified as cash flows from operating activities.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. An estimated useful life of three years is used for computer equipment and four to seven years is used for software based on the nature of the software purchased. Estimated useful lives of up to four years are used for engineering and other equipment, seven years is used for furniture and an estimated useful life of thirty-nine years is used for buildings. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of ten years or the remaining term of the lease.
	Interest costs related to major construction projects are capitalized until the asset is ready for service. Capitalized interest is calculated by multiplying the weighted-average interest rate on the Company’s long-term debt by the qualifying construction costs. Interest capitalized may not exceed gross interest expense for the period. As the qualifying asset is moved to the depreciation and amortization pool, the related capitalized interest is also transferred and is amortized over the useful life of the related asset. No interest costs were capitalized during the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, since the construction of the Company’s San Jose, California campus project was completed in the third quarter of fiscal year 2010.
	Brocade evaluates long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360-10 Property, Plant and Equipment. Brocade assesses the fair value of the assets based on the undiscounted future cash flow the assets are expected to generate and recognizes an impairment loss when estimated undiscounted future cash flow expected to result from the use of the asset plus net proceeds expected to result from the disposition of the asset, if any, are less than the carrying value of the asset. When Brocade identifies an impairment, Brocade reduces the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair value based on a discounted cash flow approach or, when available and appropriate, to comparable market values.
	Goodwill, Other Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets and Long-lived Intangible Assets
	Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are generated as a result of business combinations. Our indefinite-lived assets are comprised of acquired in-process research and development (“IPRD”) and goodwill. IPRD is an intangible asset accounted as an indefinite-lived asset until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development effort.
	During the development period, the Company conducts an IPRD impairment test annually, 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. Events which might indicate impairment include, but are not limited to, adverse cost factors, deteriorating financial performance, strategic decisions made in response to economic and competitive conditions, the impact of the economic environment on us and our customer base, and/or other relevant events such as changes in management, key personnel, litigations, or customers.
	The Company evaluates goodwill on an annual basis during its second fiscal quarter or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the asset’s implied fair value. Events which might indicate impairment include, but are not limited to, strategic decisions made in response to economic and competitive conditions, the impact of the economic environment on the Company’s customer base, material negative changes in relationships with significant customers, and/or a significant decline in the Company’s stock price for a sustained period.
	Long-lived intangible assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the respective asset. The Company evaluates intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Examples of such events or circumstances include, but are not limited to, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of acquired assets or the strategy for the Company’s business, significant negative industry or economic trends, and/or a significant decline in the Company’s stock price for a sustained period. Impairment is recognized based on the difference between the fair value of the asset and its carrying value. For additional discussion, see Note 4, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Litigation Costs
	The Company is subject to the possibility of legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company regularly monitors the status of pending legal actions to evaluate both the magnitude and likelihood of any potential losses. An accrual for these potential losses is made when they are probable and the amount of loss, or possible range of loss, can be reasonably estimated. Legal costs related to such potential losses are expensed as incurred. In addition, recoveries are shown as a reduction in litigation costs in the period in which they are realized.
	Concentrations
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, and accounts receivable. Cash and cash equivalents are primarily maintained at five 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 November 1, 2014, three customers individually accounted for 15%, 12%, and 11% of total accounts receivable, for a combined total of 38% of total accounts receivable. As of October 26, 2013, four customers individually accounted for 18%, 12%, 11%, and 11% 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 fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, the same three customers accounted for a combined total of 46% (EMC Corporation (“EMC”) with 18%, Hewlett-Packard Company (“HP”) with 12%, and International Business Machines Corporation (“IBM”) with 16%), 46% (EMC with 18%, HP with 12%, and IBM with 16%) and 47% (EMC with 16%, HP with 13%, and IBM with 18%) of total net revenues, respectively.
	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 multiple contract manufacturers for the production of its products, including Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Accton Technology Corporation, and Quanta Computer Incorporated (collectively, the contract manufacturers or “CMs”). Although the Company uses standard parts and components for its products where possible, the Company’s CMs currently purchase, on their behalf, several key components used in the manufacture of products from single or limited supplier sources.
	Revenue Recognition
	Product revenue. Substantially all of the Company’s products are integrated with software that is essential to the functionality of the equipment. Additionally, the Company provides unspecified software upgrades and enhancements related to the equipment through its maintenance contracts for most of its products. Product revenue is generally recognized when all of the following criteria have been met:
	•	Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists;
	•	Delivery has occurred;
	•	The fee is fixed or determinable; and
	•	Collectibility is reasonably assured.
	For newly introduced products, many of the Company’s large OEM customers require a product qualification period during which the Company’s products are tested and approved by the OEM customers for sale to their customers. Revenue recognition and related cost are deferred for shipments to new OEM customers and for shipments of newly introduced products to existing OEM customers until satisfactory evidence of completion of the product qualification has been received from the OEM customer. In addition, revenue from sales to the Company’s distributor customers is recognized in the same period in which the product is actually sold by the distributor (sell-through).
	The Company reduces revenue for estimated sales allowances at the time of shipment and sales programs at the later of revenue recognition or communication of the commitment for sales incentives. Sales allowances are estimated based on historical sales returns. Sales programs are estimated based on approved sales programs versus claims under such sales programs, current trends and the Company’s expectations regarding future activity. In addition, the Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts, which is also accounted for as a reduction in revenue. The Company establishes the allowance for doubtful accounts to ensure accounts receivable are not overstated due to uncollectibility. The Company maintains bad debt reserves based upon the analysis of accounts receivable, historical collection patterns, customer concentrations, customer creditworthiness, current economic trends, changes in customer payment terms and practices, and customer communication. The Company records a specific reserve for individual accounts when it becomes aware of a customer’s likely inability to meet its financial obligations, such as in the case of bankruptcy filings or deterioration in the customer’s operating results or financial position. If circumstances related to customers change, the Company would further adjust estimates of the recoverability of receivables.
	Multiple-element arrangements. The Company’s multiple-element product offerings include networking hardware with embedded software products and support, which are considered separate units of accounting. For certain of the Company’s products, software and non-software components function together to deliver the tangible products’ essential functionality.
	The Company allocates revenue to each element in a multiple-element arrangement based upon their relative selling price. When applying the relative selling price method, the Company determines the selling price for each deliverable using vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of selling price, if it exists, or third-party evidence (“TPE”) of selling price. If neither VSOE nor TPE of selling price exist for a deliverable, the Company uses its best estimate of selling price for that deliverable. Revenue allocated to each element is then recognized when the basic revenue recognition criteria are met for each element.
	The Company determines VSOE based on its normal pricing and discounting practices for the specific product or service when sold separately. In determining VSOE, the Company requires that a substantial majority of the selling prices for a product or service fall within a reasonably narrow pricing range. For post-contract customer support (“PCS”), the Company considers stated renewal rates in determining VSOE.
	In most instances, the Company is not able to establish VSOE for all deliverables in an arrangement with multiple elements. This may be due to the Company infrequently selling each element separately, not pricing products within a narrow range, or only having a limited sales history. When VSOE cannot be established, the Company attempts to establish the selling price for each element based on TPE. TPE is determined based on competitor prices for similar deliverables when sold separately. Generally, the Company’s go-to-market strategy differs from that of its peers and its offerings contain a significant level of customization and differentiation such that the comparable pricing of products with similar functionality cannot be obtained. Furthermore, the Company is unable to reliably determine what similar competitor products’ selling prices are on a stand-alone basis. Therefore, the Company is typically unable to determine TPE.
	When the Company is unable to establish selling price using VSOE or TPE, the Company uses estimated selling price (“ESP”) in its allocation of the arrangement consideration. The objective of ESP is to determine the price at which the Company would transact a sale if the product or service were sold on a stand-alone basis. ESP is generally used for offerings that are not typically sold on a stand-alone basis or for new or highly customized offerings.
	The Company determines ESP for a product by considering multiple factors including, but not limited to, geographies, market conditions, competitive landscape, internal costs, gross margin objectives and pricing practices. The determination of ESP is made through consultation with and formal approval by the Company’s management, taking into consideration the go-to-market strategy.
	The Company regularly reviews VSOE, TPE and ESP, as well as the establishment and updates of these estimates. There was no material impact on revenues during the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014, nor does the Company expect a material impact in the near term from changes in VSOE, TPE or ESP.
	Services revenue. Services revenue consists of professional services and maintenance arrangements, including PCS and other professional services. PCS services are offered under renewable, annual fee-based contracts or as part of multiple-element arrangements, and typically include telephone support and upgrades and enhancements to the Company’s operating system software. Revenue related to PCS elements is deferred and recognized ratably over the contractual period. PCS contracts are typically one to three years in length.
	Professional services are offered under hourly or fixed fee-based contracts. Professional services revenue is recognized as services are performed.
	Warranty Expense
	The Company provides standard warranties on its products ranging from one year to limited lifetime warranties. Estimated future warranty costs are accrued at the time of shipment and charged to cost of revenues based upon historical experience, current trends and the Company’s expectations regarding future experience.
	Foreign Currency
	Assets and liabilities of the Company’s international subsidiaries in which the local currency is the functional currency are translated into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets in the stockholders’ equity section as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Foreign exchange gains and losses for assets and liabilities of the Company’s international subsidiaries in which the functional currency is the U.S. dollar are recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income.
	Capitalized Software Development Costs
	Eligible software development costs are capitalized upon the establishment of technological feasibility, which is defined as being equivalent to completion of a beta-phase working prototype. Total eligible software development costs have not been material to date.
	Costs related to internally developed software and software purchased for internal use, primarily for implementation and upgrade of the Company’s enterprise-wide integrated business information system, are capitalized and included in “Property and equipment, net.” These costs are being depreciated over the estimated useful lives of four to seven years based on the nature of the software purchased.
	Advertising Costs
	The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs were $17.6 million, $15.3 million, and $17.7 million for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, respectively.
	During the fiscal year ended October 27, 2012, the Company entered into a multi-year arrangement which includes exchanging certain of the Company’s products and services, with the estimated overall fair value of $16.6 million, for advertising services. The Company is accounting for this transaction based on fair values of products and services surrendered and recognized $2.4 million, $7.1 million, and $0.3 million of gross operating revenue for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, respectively. In addition, $2.7 million of the advertising costs for the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014, were incurred in connection with this multi-year arrangement, and the remaining advertising prepayment is currently recorded within “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” and “Other assets”.
	Income Taxes
	The Company recognizes income tax expense for the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts, along with net operating loss carryforwards and credit carryforwards. A valuation allowance is recognized to the extent that it is more likely than not that the tax benefits will not be realized.
	The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes using a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. The Company classifies the liability for unrecognized tax benefits as current to the extent that the Company anticipates payment (or receipt) of cash within one year. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized in the provision for income taxes. For additional discussion, see Note 15, “Income Taxes,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Computation of Net Income per Share
	Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, less shares subject to repurchase. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period that have a dilutive effect on earnings per share. Potentially dilutive common shares result from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options, assumed vesting of outstanding restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and awards and assumed issuance of stock under the employee stock purchase plan, all using the treasury stock method.
	Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for employee equity awards under the fair value method. Accordingly, the Company measures stock-based compensation at the grant date based on the fair value of the award. The fair values of stock options and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) are estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Estimated compensation cost relating to RSUs granted prior to the initial declaration of a quarterly cash dividend on May 22, 2014, is based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant because Brocade did not historically pay cash dividends on its common stock. For RSUs granted on or subsequent to May 22, 2014, the fair value of RSUs is measured based on the grant-date share price, less the present value of expected dividends during the vesting period, discounted at a risk-free interest rate. The Company records stock-based compensation expense over the 24-month offering period in connection with shares issued under its ESPP. The compensation expense for stock-based awards is reduced by an estimate for forfeitures and is recognized over the vesting period of the award under a graded vesting method, except for restricted stock units granted by the Company, which is recognized over the expected term of the award under a straight-line vesting method. For additional discussion, see Note 12, “Stock-Based Compensation,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company accounts for the tax effects of share-based payment awards using the alternative transition method, which includes simplified methods to establish the beginning balance of the additional paid-in capital pool (“APIC Pool”) related to the tax effects of employee stock-based compensation and to determine the subsequent impact on the APIC Pool and consolidated statement of cash flows of the tax effects of employee stock-based compensation awards.
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 13, “Stockholders’ Equity,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 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. The Company adopted this update in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014, which resulted in a reduction in deferred tax assets and a reduction in non-current income tax liability.
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 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.

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures

Acquisitions and Divestitures	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Divestitures	Acquisitions and Divestitures
	Vistapointe, Inc.
	On September 11, 2014, the Company completed its acquisition of the assets of Vistapointe, Inc. (“Vistapointe”), a privately held developer of network visibility and analytics solutions with facilities located in San Ramon, California and Bangalore, India, and certain assets of its related entities. Vistapointe has taken a leadership role in developing software-based, carrier-grade Network Visibility and Analytics (“NVA”) solutions for mobile network operators who are embracing Network Functions Virtualization (“NFV”) and software-defined networking (“SDN”) architectures. This acquisition enhances Brocade’s leadership in NFV technology and gives Brocade a new market to address with visibility and analytics solutions for mobile operators.
	The results of operations of Vistapointe are included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income from the date of the acquisition. The Company does not consider the acquisition of Vistapointe 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 $16.9 million, consisting entirely of cash consideration. 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. The total weighted-average amortization period for finite-lived intangible assets is five years. The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired (in thousands):
	Assets acquired:
	Identifiable intangible assets:
	In-process technology	$	2,850
	Developed technology	1,710
	Trade name	130
	Total identifiable intangible assets	4,690
	Goodwill	11,475
	Property and equipment, net	735
	Net assets acquired	$	16,900
	Vyatta, Inc.
	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 operating system suite is deployed on conventional computer hardware platforms for multiple applications in network virtualization, SDN, 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 Consolidated Statement of Income 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 was held in escrow for a period of 18 months from the closing of the acquisition and was subsequently released in the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. In addition, the Company paid direct acquisition costs of $0.4 million.
	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 data centers whether virtualized or cloud based.
	The net carrying amount of the network adapter business’ assets and liabilities at the time of the divestiture 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 Consolidated Statements of Income as “Gain on sale of network adapter business.”

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill And Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
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):
		November 1,			October 26,
		2014			2013
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Goodwill	$	1,567,723		$	1,645,437
	In-process research and development (1)	15,110			21,590
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Total intangible assets subject to amortization	11,548			18,668
	Total intangible assets	$	1,594,381		$	1,685,695
	-1	Acquired IPRD is an intangible asset accounted for as an indefinite-lived asset until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development effort. While accounted as an indefinite-lived asset, the IPRD intangible asset is subject to testing for impairment annually, 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 fiscal year ended November 1, 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 by the first half of fiscal year 2016.
	The Company performs its IPRD impairment test annually, as of the first day of the second fiscal quarter, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might more likely than not be impaired. During the annual IPRD impairment test for fiscal year 2014, the Company performed a qualitative assessment and determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of the IPRD assets were less than its carrying amount. No further testing was required. As of November 1, 2014, there were no events or changes in facts and circumstances that indicated that it is more likely than not that IPRD is impaired.
	The following table summarizes goodwill activity by reportable segment during the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, and October 26, 2013 (in thousands):
		SAN			IP Networking			Global		Total
		Products			Products			Services
	Balance at October 27, 2012
	Goodwill	$	176,956		$	1,337,549		$	155,416	$	1,669,921
	Accumulated impairment losses	—			(45,832		)	—		(45,832		)
		176,956			1,291,717			155,416		1,624,089
	Acquisition	—			25,681			—		25,681
	Tax and other adjustments (1)	(78		)	(4,255		)	—		(4,333		)
	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 (2)	—			(83,382		)	—		(83,382		)
	Divestitures (3)	(474		)	(3,657		)	—		(4,131		)
	Acquisition	—			11,475			—		11,475
	Tax and other adjustments (1)	(58		)	(1,618		)	—		(1,676		)
	Balance at November 1, 2014
	Goodwill	176,346			1,365,175			155,416		1,696,937
	Accumulated impairment losses	—			(129,214		)	—		(129,214		)
		$	176,346		$	1,235,961		$	155,416	$	1,567,723
	(1)	The goodwill adjustments were primarily a result of tax benefits from the exercise of stock awards of acquired companies.
	(2)	In the second quarter of fiscal year 2014, the Company made a strategic change in the allocation of its engineering resources and reduced engineering investment in and sales for the hardware-based Brocade ADX® products and increased engineering investment in the software-based Brocade ADX products for Layer 4-7 applications. As a result of this change in strategy, the Company expects hardware-based Brocade ADX and related support revenue to be negatively impacted. Based on these changes in estimates, the Company recognized an impairment charge during the second fiscal quarter of 2014 because the book value of its Application Delivery Products (“ADP”) reporting unit net assets, which includes the Brocade 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 Consolidated Financial Statements.
	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 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 goodwill in the Storage Area Networking (“SAN”) Products, Ethernet Switching & Internet Protocol (“IP”), and Global Services reporting units was not impaired 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.
	As of November 1, 2014, there were no other facts and circumstances that indicated that the fair value of the reporting units may be less than their current carrying amount since the annual goodwill impairment analysis performed during the second quarter of fiscal year 2014.
	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):
		Gross			Accumulated			Net		Weighted-
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying		Average
		Value						Value		Remaining
										Useful Life
										(in years)
	November 1, 2014
	Trade name	$	590		$	227		$	363	3
	Core/developed technology	12,080			1,964			10,116		4.3
	Customer relationships	1,080			427			653		3.01
	Non-compete agreements	810			394			416		2.01
	Total finite-lived intangible assets (1)	$	14,560		$	3,012		$	11,548	4.1
		Gross			Accumulated			Net		Weighted-
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying		Average
		Value						Value		Remaining
										Useful Life
										(in years)
	October 26, 2013
	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 finite-lived intangible assets	$	480,700		$	462,032		$	18,668	0.58
(1)	During the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014, $477.3 million of finite-lived 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 on the Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year Ended
	November 1,			October 26,			October 27,
	2014			2013			2012
Cost of revenues	$	8,010		$	39,731		$	46,229
Operating expenses	10,280			54,256			59,204
Total	$	18,290		$	93,987		$	105,433
The following table presents the estimated future amortization of finite-lived intangible assets as of November 1, 2014 (in thousands):
Fiscal Year	Estimated
	Future
	Amortization
2015	$	3,099
2016	2,787
2017	2,472
2018	2,252
2019	938
Total	$	11,548

Restructuring_And_Other_Charge

Restructuring And Other Charges	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Other Chargers	Restructuring and Other Charges
	The following table provides details of the Company’s restructuring and other charges (in thousands):
		Fiscal 2013 Fourth Quarter Restructuring Plan									Prior Restructuring Plans
		Severance			Contract Terminations			Lease Loss			Lease Loss			Total
		and Benefits			and Other			Reserve and Related Costs			Reserve and Related Costs
	Restructuring liabilities at October 27, 2012	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	2,582		$	2,582
	Restructuring and other charges	20,413			3,981			1,070			—			25,464
	Cash payments	(5,197		)	(3,565		)	(1		)	(788		)	(9,551		)
	Non-cash charges	—			—			(1,069		)	—			(1,069		)
	Restructuring liabilities at October 26, 2013	15,216			416			—			1,794			17,426
	Restructuring and other charges	18			—			7,686			—			7,704
	Cash payments	(13,258		)	(374		)	(3,600		)	(800		)	(18,032		)
	Translation adjustment	—			—			(137		)	—			(137		)
	Other adjustments, net	(1,805		)	—			—			—			(1,805		)
	Restructuring liabilities at November 1, 2014	$	171		$	42		$	3,949		$	994		$	5,156
	Current restructuring liabilities at November 1, 2014	$	171		$	42		$	1,478		$	417		$	2,108
	Non-current restructuring liabilities at November 1, 2014	$	—		$	—		$	2,471		$	577		$	3,048
	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 plan included a workforce reduction of approximately 250 employees, primarily in the engineering, sales, and marketing organizations, as well as the cancellation of certain nonrecurring engineering agreements and exit from certain leased facilities. The Company substantially completed the restructuring plan by the end of the first quarter of fiscal year 2014.
	In connection with the plan, the Company incurred aggregate charges of $89.3 million as of November 1, 2014, primarily related to a goodwill impairment charge of $83.4 million (see Note 4, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).
	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 fiscal year ended November 1, 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 (recoveries)” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	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.

Balance_Sheet_Details

Balance Sheet Details	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Balance Sheet Details [Abstract]
Balance Sheet Details	Balance Sheet Details
	The following tables provide details of selected balance sheet items (in thousands):
		November 1,			October 26,
		2014			2013
	Accounts receivable:
	Accounts receivable	$	232,389		$	257,494
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	(80		)	(575		)
	Sales allowances	(7,396		)	(7,321		)
	Accounts receivable, net	$	224,913		$	249,598
		November 1,			October 26,
		2014			2013
	Inventories:
	Raw materials	$	10,491		$	14,048
	Finished goods	28,227			31,296
	Inventories, net	$	38,718		$	45,344
		November 1,			October 26,
		2014			2013
	Property and equipment:
	Computer equipment	$	13,679		$	16,006
	Software	62,919			57,186
	Engineering and other equipment (1)	383,412			416,573
	Furniture and fixtures (1)	29,053			29,029
	Leasehold improvements	23,607			24,287
	Land and building	384,659			384,654
	Subtotal	897,329			927,735
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1), (2)	(451,896		)	(454,795		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	445,433		$	472,940
	(1)	Engineering and other equipment, furniture and fixtures, and accumulated depreciation and amortization include the following amounts under capital leases as of November 1, 2014, and October 26, 2013 (in thousands):
		November 1,			October 26,
		2014			2013
	Cost	$	11,925		$	11,925
	Accumulated depreciation	(7,209		)	(5,366		)
	Property and equipment, net, under capital leases	$	4,716		$	6,559
	(2)	The following table presents the depreciation of property and equipment included on the Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1,			October 26,			October 27,
		2014			2013			2012
	Depreciation expense	$	82,357		$	90,127		$	86,785
		November 1,			October 26,
		2014			2013
	Other accrued liabilities:
	Income taxes payable	$	5,632		$	11,081
	Accrued warranty	7,486			8,632
	Inventory purchase commitments	2,541			4,436
	Accrued sales programs	31,640			25,752
	Accrued interest	9,922			10,056
	Others	27,371			39,796
	Total	$	84,592		$	99,753

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	Fair value is the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and also considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. 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 November 1, 2014.
	The fair value of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, approximate cost because of their short maturities.
	The Company did not elect to measure any eligible financial instruments at fair value and report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date.
	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. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
	Level 1
	Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Brocade’s assets utilizing Level 1 inputs include money market funds.
	Level 2
	Inputs that reflect quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in less active markets, or model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Brocade’s assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs include derivative instruments.
	Level 3
	Unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s own assumptions incorporated in valuation techniques used to determine fair value. These assumptions are required to be consistent with market participant assumptions that are reasonably available. Brocade has no assets or liabilities utilizing Level 3 inputs.
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of November 1, 2014, were as follows (in thousands):
				Fair Value Measurements Using
		Balance as of November 1, 2014		Quoted Prices in		Significant  Other		Significant
				Active Markets		Observable		Unobservable
				For Identical		Inputs		Inputs
				Instruments		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Money market funds (1)	$	1,009,283	$	1,009,283	$	—	$	—
	Derivative assets	99		—		99		—
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	1,009,382	$	1,009,283	$	99	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivative liabilities	$	1,937	$	—	$	1,937	$	—
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	1,937	$	—	$	1,937	$	—
	(1)	Money market funds are reported within “Cash and cash equivalents” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 26, 2013, were as follows (in thousands):
				Fair Value Measurements Using
		Balance as of October 26, 2013		Quoted Prices in		Significant  Other		Significant
				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” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The Company uses a midpoint of the highest bid and lowest offering obtained from market makers to value its corporate bonds. The Company uses observable market prices for comparable instruments to value its derivative instruments.
	During the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014, the Company had no transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy of its assets measured at fair value.

Borrowings

Borrowings	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Borrowings	Borrowings
	The following table provides details of the Company’s long-term debt (in thousands, except years and percentages):
					November 1, 2014				October 26, 2013
			Maturity	Stated Annual Interest Rate	Amount		Effective Interest Rate		Amount		Effective Interest Rate
	Senior Unsecured Notes:
	2023 Notes		2023	4.63%	$	300,000	4.83	%	$	300,000	4.83	%
	Senior Secured Notes:
	2020 Notes		2020	6.88%	300,000		7.26	%	300,000		7.26	%
	Capital lease obligations		2016	5.67%	2,115		5.37	%	4,600		5.5	%
	Total long-term debt				602,115				604,600
	Less:
	Unamortized discount				4,839				5,396
	Current portion of long-term debt				1,826				2,996
	Total long-term debt, net of current portion				$	595,450			$	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 18, “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 fiscal year ended November 1, 2014.
	As of November 1, 2014, the fair value of the Company’s 2023 Notes was approximately $292.4 million, 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 semiannually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. 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 18, “Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
	As of November 1, 2014, and October 26, 2013, the fair value of the Senior Secured Notes was approximately $312.5 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 accounting, 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 Consolidated Statements of Income for the fiscal year ended October 26, 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 its restricted 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 debt of the Company and its subsidiaries. Prior to discharge, the 2018 Indenture contained substantially similar covenants and events of default 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, January 2013, 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 November 1, 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 November 1, 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 November 1, 2014, our aggregate debt maturities based on outstanding principal were as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year	Principal
		Balances
	2015	$	1,826
	2016	289
	2017	—
	2018	—
	2019	—
	Thereafter	600,000
	Total	$	602,115

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Operating Leases
	The Company leases certain facilities and certain equipment under various operating agreements expiring through March 2021. In connection with its facilities lease agreements, the Company has signed unconditional, irrevocable letters of credit totaling $0.1 million as security for the leases.
	The following table presents the composition of net rent expense included on the Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1,			October 26,			October 27,
		2014			2013			2012
	Rent expense	$	21,928		$	26,199		$	25,867
	Less: Sublease income	(7,264		)	(6,834		)	(6,606		)
	Net rent expense	$	14,664		$	19,365		$	19,261
	Future minimum lease payments under all non-cancellable operating leases as of November 1, 2014, excluding the contractual sublease income of $16.1 million, are as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year	Operating
		Leases
	2015	$	20,033
	2016	17,133
	2017	8,974
	2018	5,822
	2019	5,775
	Thereafter	16,773
	Total minimum lease payments	$	74,510
	Capital Lease Obligations
	Future minimum lease payments under all non-cancellable capital leases as of November 1, 2014, are as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year	Capital
		Leases
	2015	$	1,888
	2016	295
	2017	—
	2018	—
	Total minimum lease payments	2,183
	Less: Amount representing interest	(68		)
	Present value of net minimum lease payments	$	2,115
	Product Warranties
	The Company’s accrued liability for estimated future warranty costs is included in “Other accrued liabilities” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s accrued liability for estimated future warranty costs during the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, and October 26, 2013 (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1,			October 26,
		2014			2013
	Beginning balance	$	8,632		$	14,453
	Liabilities accrued for warranties issued during the period	4,683			4,969
	Warranty claims paid and used during the period	(4,978		)	(8,213		)
	Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties during the period	(851		)	(2,577		)
	Ending balance	$	7,486		$	8,632
	In addition, the Company has standard 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 November 1, 2014, Brocade was not aware of any 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 CMs under which Brocade provides product forecasts and places purchase orders at the time of the scheduled delivery of products to Brocade’s customers. The required lead time for placing orders with its 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 to, usable by, or sold to other customers of the CMs.
	As of November 1, 2014, the Company’s aggregate commitment to the CMs for inventory components used in the manufacture of Brocade products was approximately $178.4 million, which the Company expects to utilize during future normal ongoing operations, net of a purchase commitments reserve of $2.5 million. The Company’s purchase commitments reserve reflects the Company’s estimate of purchase commitments it does not expect to use in normal ongoing operations.
	Income Taxes
	The Company is subject to several ongoing income tax audits. For additional discussion, see Note 15, “Income Taxes,” of the Notes to 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 recognized.

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
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. However, 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 the counterparty’s obligations to the Company 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 is 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 fiscal year ended November 1, 2014, were the euro, the British pound, the Indian rupee, the Singapore dollar, the Chinese yuan, the Japanese yen, 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 always entirely 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 (loss) was not significant for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012.
	Effective cash flow hedges are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Ineffective cash flow hedges are included in the Company’s net income as part of “Other income (loss), net.” The amount recorded on ineffective cash flow hedges was not significant for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012.
	Net gains (losses) relating to the effective portion of foreign currency derivatives recorded in the consolidated statements of income are as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year Ended
		1-Nov-14			26-Oct-13			27-Oct-12
	Cost of revenues	$	126		$	98		$	(1,043	)
	Research and development	(451		)	(60		)	(1,094		)
	Sales and marketing	528			356			(5,704		)
	General and administrative	59			31			(510		)
	Total	$	262		$	425		$	(8,351	)
	Alternatively, the Company may choose not to hedge the foreign currency risk associated with its foreign currency exposures if the Company believes such exposure acts as a natural foreign currency hedge for other offsetting amounts denominated in the same currency or if the currency is difficult or too expensive to hedge. The net foreign currency exchange gains and losses recorded as part of “Other income (loss), net” were losses of $0.3 million, gains of $0.1 million, and losses of $1.5 million for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, 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 November 1, 2014, the Company had gross unrealized loss positions of $1.9 million and gross unrealized gain positions of $0.1 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 United States dollars	November 1, 2014			October 26, 2013			November 1, 2014			October 26, 2013
	Indian rupee	$	19,413		$	17,444		$	—		$	—
	Euro	14,404			16,012			19,200			25,478
	British pound	11,168			25,053			14,891			—
	Chinese yuan	10,406			—			—			—
	Singapore dollar	9,242			12,867			—			—
	Japanese yen	8,856			16,172			—			—
	Swiss franc	7,468			11,066			—			—
	Total	$	80,957		$	98,614		$	34,091		$	25,478
	The Company utilizes a rolling hedge strategy for the majority of its foreign currency derivative instruments with cash flow hedge accounting designation that hedges exposures to the variability in the U.S. dollar equivalent of anticipated non-U.S.-dollar-denominated cash flows. All of the Company’s foreign currency forward contracts are single delivery, which are settled at maturity involving one cash payment.

Employee_Compensation_Plans

Employee Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract]
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Compensation Plans
	In April 2009, the stockholders of Brocade approved the Company’s 2009 Stock Plan, 2009 Director Plan and 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“2009 ESPP”), and such plans are now part of the Company’s equity compensation plans. The Company’s 1999 Stock Plan, 1999 Director Option Plan and 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan each expired in March 2009 by their terms.
	In April 2012, the stockholders of Brocade approved an amendment and restatement of the Company’s 2009 Stock Plan and 2009 ESPP to increase the plans’ share reserves by 35.0 million and 30.0 million shares, respectively.
	In January 2013, the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors of Brocade adopted the 2013 Inducement Award Plan. The objective of the plan is to provide incentives to attract, retain, and motivate eligible persons whose potential contributions are important to promote the success of the Company.
	2013 Inducement Award Plan
	The 2013 Inducement Award Plan provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance units, performance shares, and other stock or cash awards to recipients as the Committee may determine. Per the terms of the plan, 2.4 million shares of the Company’s common stock are reserved for issuance under the plan, subject to adjustment for stock dividends, stock splits, or other changes in the Company’s common stock or the Company’s capital structure. In addition, the exercise price of stock options and stock appreciation rights granted under the plan must be at least equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The term, vesting schedule, and other conditions applicable to grants made under this plan are established by the Committee at the time of grant.
	2009 Stock Plan
	The 2009 Stock Plan provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance units and performance shares, and other stock or cash awards to employees, directors and consultants. Per the terms of the 2009 Stock Plan, as amended, 83.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock are reserved for issuance under the plan, plus the following:
	•	Any shares subject to stock options or similar awards granted under the Company’s 1999 Stock Plan, 1999 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan (“NSO Plan”) and 2001 McDATA Equity Incentive Plan that expire or otherwise terminate without having been exercised in full; and
	•	Shares issued pursuant to awards granted under the Company’s 1999 Stock Plan, 1999 NSO Plan and 2001 McDATA Equity Incentive Plan that are forfeited to or repurchased by the Company, with the maximum number of shares to be added to the 2009 Stock Plan pursuant to this clause equal to 40.3 million shares.
	2009 Director Plan
	The 2009 Director Plan provides for the grant of stock options and restricted stock units to non-employee directors of the Company. The Board of Directors has reserved 2.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock for issuance under the 2009 Director Plan, plus any shares subject to stock options or similar awards granted under the Company’s 1999 Director Option Plan that expire or otherwise terminate without having been exercised in full, and shares issued pursuant to awards granted under the Company’s 1999 Director Option Plan that are forfeited to or repurchased by the Company, with the maximum number of shares to be added to the 2009 Director Plan pursuant to this clause equal to 0.9 million shares.
	2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	The 2009 ESPP permits eligible employees to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock through payroll deductions for up to 15% of qualified compensation during the offering period. The purchase price is 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on (i) the first trading day of the offering period, or (ii) the last day of each purchase period; provided, however, that the purchase price for subsequent offering periods may be determined by the administrator, subject to compliance with the terms of the 2009 ESPP. A total of 65.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock are reserved for issuance under the 2009 ESPP, as amended. The 2009 ESPP is implemented through consecutive, overlapping offering periods. The offering periods generally start with the first trading day on or after June 1 and December 1 each year and end on the last trading day in the periods ending 24 months later, unless the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the last day of a purchase period is lower than the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the first trading day of the offering period, in which case the offering period will end early, immediately after the purchase period, and a new offering period will commence on or about such date. Each offering period will be divided into four purchase periods of approximately six months in length. Eligible employees may purchase no more than 3,750 shares of the Company’s common stock during each purchase period. As of November 1, 2014, 17.1 million shares were available for issuance under the 2009 ESPP.
	McDATA Equity Plans
	On January 29, 2007, effective upon the consummation of the merger, Brocade assumed the McDATA equity plans. As of November 1, 2014, options to purchase approximately 0.1 million shares of converted common stock, restricted stock and other equity awards remained outstanding under former McDATA equity plans.
	Summary of Equity Compensation Plans
	The Company may grant stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units for shares of the Company’s common stock and other types of equity compensation awards to its employees and directors under the various equity compensation plans described above. In accordance with the terms of the 2009 Stock Plan and the 2009 Director Plan, each award granted with an exercise price that is less than fair market value, which includes all grants of restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, performance shares and performance units, will count against the applicable plan’s share reserve as 1.56 shares for every one share subject to such award. In addition, the exercise price of stock options and stock appreciation rights granted under the 2009 Stock Plan must be at least equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant and the exercise price of incentive stock options granted to any participant who owns more than 10% of the total voting power of all classes of the Company’s outstanding stock must be at least 110% of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.
	The term of a stock option and a stock appreciation right may not exceed seven years, except that, with respect to any participant who owns 10% of the voting power of all classes of the Company’s outstanding capital stock, the term of an incentive stock option may not exceed five years. The majority of the stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units granted under the Company’s equity compensation plans vest over a period of three to four years. Certain options and awards granted under the 2009 Stock Plan vest over shorter or longer periods.
	As of November 1, 2014, and October 26, 2013, approximately 55.2 million and 90.6 million shares, respectively, were authorized for future issuance under the Company’s equity compensation plans, which include stock options, shares to be issued pursuant to the 2009 ESPP, restricted stock units and other awards, and shares of Brocade common stock that became issuable in connection with the assumption or substitution of Foundry equity awards. A total of 30.0 million shares and 56.8 million shares of common stock were available for grant under the Company’s equity compensation plans as of November 1, 2014, and October 26, 2013, respectively. Awards that expire, or are cancelled without delivery of shares, generally become available for issuance under the Company’s equity compensation plans.
	Employee 401(k) Plan
	The Company sponsors the Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. 401(k) Plan (“401(k) Plan”), which qualifies under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code and is designed to provide retirement benefits for its eligible employees through tax-deferred salary deductions.
	Employees may elect to contribute up to 60% of their eligible compensation to the 401(k) Plan. Employee contributions are limited to a maximum annual amount as set periodically by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). The Company matches employee contributions dollar for dollar up to a maximum of $3,000 per calendar year per person. All matching contributions vest immediately. The Company’s matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan totaled $8.2 million, $9.2 million, and $9.1 million for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, respectively.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	Equity Compensation Plan Information
	The following table summarizes information with respect to shares of the Company’s common stock that may be issued under the Company’s existing equity compensation plans as of November 1, 2014 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
	Plan Category	A				B				C
										Number of Securities
										Remaining Available
		Number of Securities								for Future Issuance
		to be Issued				Weighted-Average				Under Equity
		upon Exercise of				Exercise Price of				Compensation Plans
		Outstanding Options,				Outstanding Options,				(Excludes Securities
		Warrants and Rights				Warrants and Rights				Reflected in Column A)
	Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders (1)	3,799		(3)		$	7.5			29,999		(4)
	Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders (2)	2,400		(5)		$	5.66			—
	Total	6,199				$	6.79			29,999
	(1)	Primarily consist of the 2009 ESPP, the 2009 and 1999 Director Plans, and the 2009 and 1999 Stock Plans.
	(2)	Consist solely of the 1999 NSO Plan described in Note 11, “Employee Compensation Plans,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Foundry’s 2000 NSO Plan, which was assumed in connection with our acquisition of Foundry.
	(3)	Amount excludes purchase rights accrued under the 2009 ESPP. As of November 1, 2014, the 2009 ESPP had a stockholder-approved reserve of 65.0 million shares, of which 17.1 million shares were available for future issuance.
	(4)	Amount consists of shares available for future issuance under the 2009 ESPP, the 2009 Director Plan, and the 2009 Stock Plan.
	(5)	All shares were granted in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. Information relating to equity compensation plans is set forth in Note 11, “Employee Compensation Plans,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, was included in the following line items on the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year Ended November 1, 2014				Fiscal Year Ended October 26, 2013				Fiscal Year Ended October 27, 2012
	Cost of revenues	$	14,963			$	14,519			$	15,433
	Research and development	18,635				17,509				17,952
	Sales and marketing	31,650				29,425				33,257
	General and administrative	19,666				12,165				10,527
	Total stock-based compensation	$	84,914			$	73,618			$	77,169
	The following table presents stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, by grant type (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year Ended November 1, 2014				Fiscal Year Ended October 26, 2013				Fiscal Year Ended October 27, 2012
	Stock options	$	4,581			$	2,581			$	1,079
	RSUs	62,906				50,522				56,791
	Employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”)	17,427				20,515				19,299
	Total stock-based compensation	$	84,914			$	73,618			$	77,169
	The following table presents unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, of the Company’s equity compensation plans as of November 1, 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	$	3,986			1.35
	RSUs	$	115,111			2.07
	ESPP	$	13,834			1.06
	Stock Options
	The fair value of each option granted during the respective period is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model and the assumptions noted in the following table. The dividend yield reflects the cash dividends paid by Brocade starting in the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield on a U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issue with a remaining term equal to the expected term of the option. The expected volatility is based on an equal weighted-average of implied volatilities from traded options of the Company’s common stock and historical volatility of the Company’s common stock. The expected term is based on historical exercise behavior.
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1,		October 26,			October 27,
		2014		2013			2012
	Expected dividend yield	0.0% - 1.5%		0	%		0	%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.7 - 2.3%		0.6 - 1.7%			0.1 - 0.8%
	Expected volatility	36.8 - 39.4%		39.9 - 44.9%			48.8 - 56.5%
	Expected term (in years)	5		5.7			4.7
	Compensation expense computed under the fair value method for stock options issued is being amortized under a graded vesting method over the options’ vesting period. A summary of stock option activity under the equity compensation plans for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, is presented as follows:
		Shares			Weighted-Average				Weighted-Average				Weighted-Average	Aggregate
		(in  thousands)			Exercise Price				Grant Date Fair Value				Remaining	Intrinsic
													Contractual Term	Value
													(in years)	(in thousands)
	Outstanding as of October 29, 2011	50,765			$	4.91							1.98	$	35,494
	Granted	160			5.55				$	2.39
	Exercised	(16,993	)		3.39									36,498
	Forfeited or expired	(4,435	)		7.34
	Outstanding as of October 27, 2012	29,497			5.43								1.61	26,077
	Granted	2,875			5.64				$	2.34
	Exercised	(13,149	)		3.99									32,324
	Forfeited or expired	(6,662	)		6.9
	Outstanding as of October 26, 2013	12,561			6.19								2.37	24,784
	Granted	1,770			9.03				$	3.16
	Exercised	(9,767	)		5.19									24,240
Forfeited or expired	(1,250	)		8.6
Outstanding as of November 1, 2014	3,314			6.79								4.74	24,452
Vested and expected to vest as of November 1, 2014	6,012			$	6.77							4.71	$	23,832
Exercisable and vested as of:
1-Nov-14	3,088			$	6.31							3.76	$	13,656
Restricted Stock Units
Prior to the initial declaration of a quarterly cash dividend on May 22, 2014, the fair value of RSUs was measured based on the grant-date share price because Brocade did not historically pay cash dividends on its common stock. For awards granted on or subsequent to May 22, 2014, the fair value of RSUs is measured based on the grant-date share price, less the present value of expected dividends during the vesting period, discounted at a risk-free interest rate. A summary of the changes in RSUs outstanding under Brocade’s equity compensation plans during the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, respectively, is presented as follows:
	Shares			Weighted-Average
	(in  thousands)			Grant Date  Fair Value
Nonvested as of October 29, 2011	23,481			$	3.85
Granted	11,166			4.97
Vested	(9,597	)		4.82
Forfeited	(3,054	)		5.92
Nonvested as of October 27, 2012	21,996			3.71
Granted	11,518			5.75
Vested	(7,401	)		5.69
Forfeited	(3,352	)		5.39
Nonvested as of October 26, 2013	22,761			3.85
Granted	11,582			9.69
Vested	(11,750	)		5.59
Forfeited	(3,594	)		6.01
Nonvested as of November 1, 2014	18,999			5.93
Vested and expected to vest as of November 1, 2014	17,388			$	5.93
Typically, vesting of restricted stock units occurs over one to four years and is subject to the employee’s continuing service to Brocade.
The aggregate intrinsic value of restricted stock units outstanding at November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, was $203.9 million, $178.8 million, and $116.6 million, respectively.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Under Brocade’s employee stock purchase plans, including the 2009 ESPP and the 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (together, the “Brocade ESPP”), eligible employees can participate and purchase shares semi-annually at the lower of 85% of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on (i) the first trading day of the offering period, or (ii) the last day of each six-month purchase period. The Brocade ESPP permits eligible employees to purchase common stock through payroll deductions for up to 15% of qualified compensation. The Company accounts for the Brocade ESPP as a compensatory plan and compensation expense is being amortized under a graded vesting method over the 24-month offering period. In addition, the Company accounts for changes in percentage contribution elected by employees, as well as decreases in the Company’s common stock price on the last day of each six-month purchase period as compared to the common stock price on the first trading day of the offering period, by applying modification accounting which results in an increase in compensation expense during the period of modification.
The fair value of the option component of Brocade ESPP shares was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following weighted-average assumptions:
	Fiscal Year Ended
	November 1,			October 26,			October 27,
	2014			2013			2012
Expected dividend yield	1.4	%		0	%		0	%
Risk-free interest rate	0.2	%		0.2	%		0.2	%
Expected volatility	30.1	%		39.5	%		52.5	%
Expected term (in years)	1.3			1.3			1.5

Stockholders_Equity_Stockholde

Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity
	Dividends
	In the third quarter of fiscal year 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the initiation of a quarterly cash dividend on the Company’s common stock. As of November 1, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors declared the following dividends (in thousands, except per share amounts):
	Declaration Date		Dividend per Share			Record Date		Total Amount Paid				Payment Date
	May 22, 2014		$	0.035		June 10, 2014		$	(15,270	)		July 2, 2014
	August 21, 2014		$	0.035		September 10, 2014		$	(15,114	)		October 2, 2014
	No dividends were declared or paid by the Company during the first two quarters of fiscal year 2014. Future dividend payments are subject to review and approval by the Company’s Board of Directors.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive loss for the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014, and October 26, 2013, are as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1, 2014											October 26, 2013
		Before-Tax Amount			Tax Benefit				Net-of-Tax Amount				Before-Tax Amount			Tax Benefit			Net-of-Tax Amount
	Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
	Change in unrealized gains and losses, foreign exchange contracts	$	(2,192	)	$	253			$	(1,939	)		$	(1,725	)	$	(23	)	$	(1,748	)
	Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings, foreign exchange contracts (1)	(262		)	27				(235		)		(425		)	49			(376		)
	Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	(2,454		)	280				(2,174		)		(2,150		)	26			(2,124		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(3,196		)	—				(3,196		)		(1,456		)	—			(1,456		)
	Total other comprehensive loss	$	(5,650	)	$	280			$	(5,370	)		$	(3,606	)	$	26		$	(3,580	)
	(1)	For Consolidated Statements of Income classification of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, see Note 10, “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of tax, for the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014, and October 26, 2013, are as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1, 2014											October 26, 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	)		$	2,391		$	(12,255	)	$	(9,864	)
	Change in unrealized gains and losses	(1,939		)	(3,196		)		(5,135		)		(1,748		)	(1,456		)	(3,204		)
	Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	(235		)	—				(235		)		(376		)	—			(376		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,174		)	(3,196		)		(5,370		)		(2,124		)	(1,456		)	(3,580		)
	Ending balance	$	(1,907	)	$	(16,907	)		$	(18,814	)		$	267		$	(13,711	)	$	(13,444	)

Other_Income_Loss_net

Other Income (Loss), net	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income (Loss), net	Other Income (Loss), Net
	On May 20, 2013, Brocade and A10 Networks, Inc. (“A10”) reached an agreement to settle both the lawsuit that Brocade filed against A10, A10’s founder, and other individuals in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California on August 4, 2010, and the lawsuit that A10 filed against Brocade on September 9, 2011, along with all related claims.
	Among other agreed upon terms, A10 has granted the Company a broad patent license and agreed to pay the Company $5.0 million in cash and issued a $70.0 million unsecured convertible promissory note payable to the Company, which bore interest at 8% per annum. A10 fully paid the unsecured convertible promissory note in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013. A10 also has agreed not to use any of the versions of source code that were found to infringe any of Brocade’s copyrights, patents or trade secrets, except as necessary to service prior versions of product already sold to and in the possession of A10’s customers. In addition, the settlement provides certain mutual covenants not to sue for various periods of time and certain general releases.
	Based on the fair value of the consideration received as a result of this settlement, the Company recognized a gain of $76.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2013, which is reported within “Other income (loss), net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the fiscal year ended October 26, 2013.
	The current and non-current portion of the $1.8 million in fair value of certain licensing rights granted to the Company as part of the settlement were reported within “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” and “Other assets,” respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of October 26, 2013.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The domestic and international components of income before income tax for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, are presented as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1,				October 26,				October 27,
		2014				2013				2012
	United States	$	192,730			$	176,536			$	115,736
	International	160,891				153,925				108,665
	Total	$	353,621			$	330,461			$	224,401
	The income tax expense (benefit) for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1,				October 26,				October 27,
		2014				2013				2012
	U.S. federal taxes:
	Current	$	61,666			$	(13,666	)		$	(11,750	)
	Deferred	33,065				46,313				33,981
	Total U.S. federal taxes	94,731				32,647				22,231
	State taxes:
	Current	16,597				8,091				613
	Deferred	(2,599		)		78,106				(2,412		)
	Total state taxes	13,998				86,197				(1,799		)
	Non-U.S. taxes:
	Current	6,655				2,837				8,770
	Deferred	266				157				18
	Total non-U.S. taxes	6,921				2,994				8,788
	Total	$	115,650			$	121,838			$	29,220
	The difference between the U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate and the Company’s effective tax rate for fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, consisted of the following:
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1,			October 26,			October 27,
		2014			2013			2012
	U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State taxes, net of federal tax benefit	3.1			4.1			3.8
	Foreign income taxed at other than U.S. rates	(16.9	)		(17.6	)		(17.7	)
	Stock-based compensation	2.3			1.9			3.5
	Research and development credit	(3.1	)		(5.6	)		(3.5	)
	Permanent items	0.3			0.3			0.3
	Change in liabilities for uncertain tax positions	0.5			(5.1	)		(6.5	)
	Goodwill impairment charge	8.3			—			—
	Audit settlement and reinstated tax credit	0.1			1.3			(2.9	)
	Change in valuation allowance	1.6			23.7			—
	Other	1.5			(1.1	)		1
	Effective tax rate	32.7	%		36.9	%		13	%
	In general, the Company’s provision for income taxes differs from the 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 goodwill impairment charge, and adjustments to unrecognized tax benefits.
	The effective tax rate in fiscal year 2014 is lower than the 35% U.S. Federal statutory rate primarily due to earnings in our subsidiaries outside of the U.S. in jurisdictions where our effective tax rate is lower than in the United States, and a discrete benefit from release of tax reserves due to expired statute of limitations, partially offset by an increase in certain unrecognized tax benefits. In addition, the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2014 was negatively impacted by a goodwill impairment charge of $83.4 million, which is nondeductible for tax purposes, and a lower benefit from the federal research and development tax credit which expired on December 31, 2013, and, therefore, was not applicable in calendar year 2014.
	The effective tax rate in fiscal year 2013 is higher than the 35% U.S. Federal statutory rate, and the effective tax rate for fiscal years 2014 and 2012 are lower compared to the same period in fiscal year 2013, primarily due to a discrete charge of $78.2 million in fiscal year 2013 to reduce previously recognized California deferred tax assets due to changes in California law resulting from the passage of Proposition 39 during fiscal year 2013.
	As of November 1, 2014, U.S. Federal income taxes and foreign withholding taxes were not provided for on an estimated cumulative total of $686.6 million of undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries. The Company intends to reinvest current and accumulated earnings of its foreign subsidiaries for expansion of its business operations outside the United States for an indefinite period of time. Our existing cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaled $1,255.0 million as of November 1, 2014. Of this amount, approximately 61% was held by our foreign subsidiaries. If these earnings were distributed to the United States in the form of dividends or otherwise, or if the shares of the relevant foreign subsidiaries were sold or otherwise transferred, the Company could be subject to additional U.S. income taxes, net of foreign tax credits, and foreign withholding taxes. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred income tax liability related to these earnings is not practicable.
	The components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, and October 26, 2013, are presented as follows (in thousands):
		November 1,				October 26,
		2014				2013
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	8,679			$	10,525
	Stock-based compensation expense	14,202				17,664
	Tax credit carryforwards	84,930				141,975
	Reserves and accruals	101,301				63,765
	Capitalized research and development expenditures	183				621
	Net unrealized losses on investments	370				396
	Gross deferred tax assets	209,665				234,946
	Less: Valuation allowance	(83,489		)		(81,116		)
	Total deferred tax assets	126,176				153,830
	Acquired intangibles and goodwill	(15,433		)		(22,307		)
	Fixed assets	(31,231		)		(29,878		)
	Other	(13,368		)		(2,042		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(60,032		)		(54,227		)
	Total net deferred tax assets	$	66,144			$	99,603
	As of November 1, 2014, 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 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 that occurred in November 2012, and to capital loss carryforwards due to the limited carryforward periods of these tax assets.
	As of November 1, 2014, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of $152.0 million, California state net operating loss carryforwards of $51.6 million and other significant state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $143.4 million. Additionally, the Company had federal tax credit carryforwards of $156.7 million and state tax credit carryforwards of $177.3 million. The federal net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards expire on various dates between fiscal year 2017 through 2034. The state net operating loss and credit carryforwards expire on various dates between fiscal year 2015 through 2032. The federal net operating loss carryforwards and federal tax credit carryforwards include excess tax deductions related to stock-based compensation. Under the current tax law, net operating loss and credit carryforwards available to offset future income in any given year may be limited by statute or upon the occurrence of certain events, including significant changes in ownership interests. As a result of the McDATA, Foundry, and other acquisitions, all of the tax attributes from these companies are subject to an annual limitation, but the Company expects to use a majority of the tax attributes before expiration.
The Company applies a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of an income tax position taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. Recognition of a tax position is determined when it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation process. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of total gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding accrued net interest and penalties, is as follows (in thousands):
	November 1,				October 26,
	2014				2013
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance	$	112,479			$	119,253
Gross increases for tax positions taken in prior periods	3,325				3,472
Gross decreases for tax positions taken in prior periods	(4,784		)		(12,970		)
Gross increases for tax positions taken in current period	15,426				14,875
Changes due to settlements with taxing authorities	—				(9,442		)
Reductions resulting from lapses of statutes of limitations	(6,831		)		(2,709		)
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance	$	119,615			$	112,479
As of November 1, 2014, the Company had net unrecognized tax benefits of $82.4 million, all of which, if recognized, would result in a reduction of the Company’s effective tax rate.
The IRS and other tax authorities regularly examine the Company’s income tax returns. In November 2011, the Company was notified by the IRS that the Company’s domestic federal income tax return for the fiscal years ended October 25, 2009 and October 26, 2010, were subject to audit. In October 2014, the IRS issued a Revenue Agent’s Report related to its field examination of the Company’s federal income tax return for the fiscal years 2009 and 2010. The IRS is contesting the Company’s transfer pricing for the cost sharing and buy-in arrangements with its foreign subsidiaries. On November 3, 2014, subsequent to the end of fiscal year 2014, the Company filed a protest to challenge the proposed adjustment and to move the issue to Appeals. In addition, we are in negotiations with Switzerland tax authorities to obtain correlative relief on transfer pricing adjustments previously settled with the IRS. In October 2014, the Geneva Tax Administration issued its final assessments for fiscal years 2003 to 2012. The Geneva Tax Administration is contesting the inter-cantonal transfer pricing methods for the fiscal years 2009 to 2012. In November 2014, subsequent to the end of fiscal year 2014, the Company filed a protest with the Geneva Tax Administration to challenge its final assessment. The Company believes its reserves are adequate to cover any potential assessments that may result from the examination and negotiation. However, given the unpredictable nature of the appeals and negotiation process, it is reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits related to these tax positions could change within the next twelve months. The Company is unable to estimate the range of this possible change.
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 $4.0 million in the next 12 months.
The Company classifies interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits (detriments) as a component of income tax expense. During the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014, the Company expensed $(0.1) million for net interest and penalties related to income tax liabilities through income tax expense. The total net interest and penalties accrued as of November 1, 2014, was $2.3 million. During the fiscal year ended October 26, 2013, the Company expensed $0.6 million for net interest and penalties related to income tax liabilities through income tax expense. The total net interest and penalties accrued as of October 26, 2013, was $2.3 million.
Of the total tax benefits (detriments) resulting from the exercise of employee stock options and employee participation in the Company’s equity compensation plans, the amounts recorded to stockholders’ equity were approximately $59.9 million benefit in fiscal year 2014, $(1.5) million in fiscal year 2013, and $(4.8) million in fiscal year 2012.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
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 financial reporting, realigning it with the changes in Brocade’s strategic focus. 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.
	The types of products and services from which each reportable segment derives its revenues are as follows:
	•	SAN Products include infrastructure products and solutions that assist customers in the development and delivery of storage and server consolidation, disaster recovery and data security, and in meeting compliance issues regarding data management. These products are used to build storage area networks and are generally used in conjunction with servers and storage subsystems, and server and storage management software applications and tools. Brocade’s family of Fibre Channel (“FC”) SAN backbones, directors, fabric and embedded switches provide interconnections, bandwidth and high-speed routing of data between servers and storage devices. Switches and directors support applications, such as data backup, remote mirroring and high-availability clustering, as well as high-volume transaction processing applications, such as enterprise resource planning and data warehousing. Additionally, Brocade offers a variety of fabric extension, switching, and routing solutions;
	•	IP Networking Products include Open Systems Interconnection Reference Model (“OSI”) Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches and routers that are designed to connect users in an enterprise network, enabling network connectivity, such as access to the Internet, network-based communications, and collaboration through unified messaging applications and mobility. Brocade also offers converged network products, and a portfolio of both software- and hardware-based platforms designed for service provider environments, as well as carrier Ethernet products. Additionally, the Company offers OSI Layer 4-7 solutions that are designed for application traffic management and server load balancing; and
	•	Global Services include break/fix maintenance, installation, consulting, network management and software maintenance, and post-contract customer support revenue.
	Financial decisions and the allocation of resources are based on the information from the Company’s internal management reporting system. At this time, the Company does not track its operating expenses by operating segments because management does not include this information in its measurement of the performance of the operating segments. The Company also does not track all of its assets by operating segments. The majority of the Company’s assets as of November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, were attributable to its U.S. operations.
	Summarized financial information by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, based on the internal management reporting system, is as follows (in thousands):
		SAN		IP Networking		Global Services		Total
		Products		Products
	Fiscal Year Ended November 1, 2014
	Net revenues	$	1,326,950	$	525,237	$	359,080	$	2,211,267
	Cost of revenues	344,466		247,975		153,033		745,474
	Gross margin	$	982,484	$	277,262	$	206,047	$	1,465,793
	Fiscal Year Ended October 26, 2013
	Net revenues	$	1,318,509	$	552,058	$	352,297	$	2,222,864
	Cost of revenues	355,388		302,974		155,623		813,985
	Gross margin	$	963,121	$	249,084	$	196,674	$	1,408,879
	Fiscal Year Ended October 27, 2012
	Net revenues	$	1,356,099	$	534,757	$	346,914	$	2,237,770
	Cost of revenues	362,608		327,248		164,895		854,751
	Gross margin	$	993,491	$	207,509	$	182,019	$	1,383,019
	Revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on where the Company’s products are shipped. Geographic revenue and property and equipment information for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012 is presented below (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1,		October 26,		October 27,
		2014		2013		2012
	Net revenues:
	United States	$	1,286,650	$	1,351,242	$	1,414,390
	International
	Europe, the Middle East and Africa (1)	598,196		552,734		493,979
	Asia Pacific	183,035		181,461		186,244
	Japan	91,062		97,259		99,887
	Canada, Central and South America	52,324		40,168		43,270
	Total international net revenues	924,617		871,622		823,380
	Total net revenues	$	2,211,267	$	2,222,864	$	2,237,770
	(1)	Includes net revenues of $385.2 million, $339.1 million, and $259.2 million for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, respectively, relating to the Netherlands.
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1,		October 26,		October 27,
		2014		2013		2012
	Property and equipment, net:
	United States	$	426,941	$	457,622	$	500,744
	International	18,492		15,318		18,196
	Total property and equipment, net	$	445,433	$	472,940	$	518,940

Net_Income_Per_Share

Net Income Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share	Net Income Per Share
	The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1,		October 26,		October 27,
		2014		2013		2012
	Basic net income per share
	Net income	$	237,971	$	208,623	$	195,181
	Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income per share	435,258		450,516		456,629
	Basic net income per share	$	0.55	$	0.46	$	0.43
	Diluted net income per share
	Net income	$	237,971	$	208,623	$	195,181
	Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income per share	435,258		450,516		456,629
	Dilutive potential common shares in the form of stock options	1,995		3,472		7,846
	Dilutive potential common shares in the form of other share-based awards	9,606		9,717		7,868
	Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income per share	446,859		463,705		472,343
	Diluted net income per share	$	0.53	$	0.45	$	0.41
	Antidilutive potential common shares in the form of (1)
	Stock options	1,725		11,868		16,402
	Other share-based awards	893		167		570
	(1)	These amounts are excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share.

Guarantor_And_NonGuarantor_Sub

Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
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 and all 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 consolidated financial statements for the parent company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, respectively.
	The following is the consolidated balance sheet as of November 1, 2014 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors			Guarantor			Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.						Subsidiaries
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	486,472		$	8,146		$	760,399		$	—		$	1,255,017
	Accounts receivable, net	146,908			12			77,993			—			224,913
	Inventories	38,266			—			452			—			38,718
	Intercompany receivables	—			500,321			—			(500,321		)	—
	Other current assets	131,555			28			7,735			39			139,357
	Total current assets	803,201			508,507			846,579			(500,282		)	1,658,005
	Property and equipment, net	426,785			156			18,492			—			445,433
	Investment in subsidiaries	1,197,620			—			—			(1,197,620		)	—
	Other non-current assets	1,540,854			80,655			8,728			—			1,630,237
	Total assets	$	3,968,460		$	589,318		$	873,799		$	(1,697,902	)	$	3,733,675
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	73,311		$	—		$	20,394		$	—		$	93,705
	Current portion of long-term debt	1,826			—			—			—			1,826
	Intercompany payables	423,347			—			76,974			(500,321		)	—
	Other current liabilities	367,247			3,472			121,019			39			491,777
	Total current liabilities	865,731			3,472			218,387			(500,282		)	587,308
	Long-term debt, net of current portion	595,450			—			—			—			595,450
	Other non-current liabilities	99,218			—			43,638			—			142,856
	Total liabilities	1,560,399			3,472			262,025			(500,282		)	1,325,614
	Total stockholders’ equity	2,408,061			585,846			611,774			(1,197,620		)	2,408,061
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,968,460		$	589,318		$	873,799		$	(1,697,902	)	$	3,733,675
	The following is the consolidated balance sheet as of October 26, 2013 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors			Guarantor			Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.						Subsidiaries
	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 consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014 (in thousands):
	Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-			Consolidating			Total
	Communications			Guarantors			Guarantor			Adjustments
	Systems, Inc.						Subsidiaries
Revenues	$	1,284,672		$	1,978		$	924,617		$	—		$	2,211,267
Intercompany revenues	26,978			—			14,953			(41,931		)	—
Total net revenues	1,311,650			1,978			939,570			(41,931		)	2,211,267
Cost of revenues	488,787			8,503			241,944			6,240			745,474
Intercompany cost of revenues	(57,403		)	—			99,334			(41,931		)	—
Total cost of revenues	431,384			8,503			341,278			(35,691		)	745,474
Gross margin (loss)	880,266			(6,525		)	598,292			(6,240		)	1,465,793
Operating expenses	866,389			7,241			212,291			(6,240		)	1,079,681
Intercompany operating expenses (income)	(188,300		)	(30,515		)	218,815			—			—
Total operating expenses	678,089			(23,274		)	431,106			(6,240		)	1,079,681
Income from operations	202,177			16,749			167,186			—			386,112
Other income (expense)	(32,134		)	5,930			(6,287		)	—			(32,491		)
Income before income tax provision and equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	170,043			22,679			160,899			—			353,621
Income tax expense	108,729			—			6,921			—			115,650
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	176,657			—			—			(176,657		)	—
Net income	$	237,971		$	22,679		$	153,978		$	(176,657	)	$	237,971
The following is the consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended October 26, 2013 (in thousands):
	Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-			Consolidating			Total
	Communications			Guarantors			Guarantor			Adjustments
	Systems, Inc.						Subsidiaries
Revenues	$	1,347,055		$	4,257		$	871,552		$	—		$	2,222,864
Intercompany revenues	25,507			—			22,123			(47,630		)	—
Total net revenues	1,372,562			4,257			893,675			(47,630		)	2,222,864
Cost of revenues	534,699			38,991			232,807			7,488			813,985
Intercompany cost of revenues	(58,050		)	—			105,680			(47,630		)	—
Total cost of revenues	476,649			38,991			338,487			(40,142		)	813,985
Gross margin (loss)	895,913			(34,734		)	555,188			(7,488		)	1,408,879
Operating expenses	826,239			34,175			247,470			(7,488		)	1,100,396
Intercompany operating expenses (income)	(127,997		)	(22,443		)	150,440			—			—
Total operating expenses	698,242			11,732			397,910			(7,488		)	1,100,396
Income (loss) from operations	197,671			(46,466		)	157,278			—			308,483
Other income (expense)	25,481			258			(3,370		)	(391		)	21,978
Income (loss) before income tax provision and equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	223,152			(46,208		)	153,908			(391		)	330,461
Income tax expense	117,654			1,190			2,994			—			121,838
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	103,516			—			—			(103,516		)	—
Net income (loss)	$	209,014		$	(47,398	)	$	150,914		$	(103,907	)	$	208,623
The following is the consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended October 27, 2012 (in thousands):
	Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-			Consolidating			Total
	Communications			Guarantors			Guarantor			Adjustments
	Systems, Inc.						Subsidiaries
Revenues	$	1,409,705		$	4,685		$	823,380		$	—		$	2,237,770
Intercompany revenues	44,152			—			21,709			(65,861		)	—
Total net revenues	1,453,857			4,685			845,089			(65,861		)	2,237,770
Cost of revenues	559,835			49,935			234,889			10,092			854,751
Intercompany cost of revenues	(35,070		)	—			100,931			(65,861		)	—
Total cost of revenues	524,765			49,935			335,820			(55,769		)	854,751
Gross margin (loss)	929,092			(45,250		)	509,269			(10,092		)	1,383,019
Operating expenses	827,318			56,838			231,226			(10,092		)	1,105,290
Intercompany operating expenses (income)	(138,197		)	(27,319		)	165,516			—			—
Total operating expenses	689,121			29,519			396,742			(10,092		)	1,105,290
Income (loss) from operations	239,971			(74,769		)	112,527			—			277,729
Other expense	(49,470		)	4			(3,862		)	—			(53,328		)
Income (loss) before income tax provision and equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	190,501			(74,765		)	108,665			—			224,401
Income tax expense	20,432			—			8,788			—			29,220
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	25,112			—			—			(25,112		)	—
Net income (loss)	$	195,181		$	(74,765	)	$	99,877		$	(25,112	)	$	195,181
The following is the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014 (in thousands):
	Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
	Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
	Systems, Inc.
Net income	$	237,971		$	22,679		$	153,978		$	(176,657	)	$	237,971
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges:
Change in unrealized gains and losses	—			—			(1,939		)	—			(1,939		)
Net gains reclassified into earnings	—			—			(235		)	—			(235		)
Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	—			—			(2,174		)	—			(2,174		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	68			171			(3,435		)	—			(3,196		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	68			171			(5,609		)	—			(5,370		)
Total comprehensive income	$	238,039		$	22,850		$	148,369		$	(176,657	)	$	232,601
The following is the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the fiscal year ended October 26, 2013 (in thousands):
	Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
	Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
	Systems, Inc.
Net income (loss)	$	209,014		$	(47,398	)	$	150,914		$	(103,907	)	$	208,623
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges:
Change in unrealized gains and losses	—			—			(1,748		)	—			(1,748		)
Net gains reclassified into earnings	—			—			(376		)	—			(376		)
Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	—			—			(2,124		)	—			(2,124		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,021			(628		)	(1,849		)	—			(1,456		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	1,021			(628		)	(3,973		)	—			(3,580		)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	210,035		$	(48,026	)	$	146,941		$	(103,907	)	$	205,043
The following is the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the fiscal year ended October 27, 2012 (in thousands):
	Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
	Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
	Systems, Inc.
Net income (loss)	$	195,181		$	(74,765	)	$	99,877		$	(25,112	)	$	195,181
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges:
Change in unrealized gains and losses	—			—			(3,468		)	—			(3,468		)
Net gains reclassified into earnings	—			—			7,433			—			7,433
Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	—			—			3,965			—			3,965
Foreign currency translation adjustments	128			11			(1,972		)	—			(1,833		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	128			11			1,993			—			2,132
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	195,309		$	(74,754	)	$	101,870		$	(25,112	)	$	197,313
The following is the consolidated statement of cash flows for the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014 (in thousands):
	Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-			Consolidating			Total
	Communications			Guarantors			Guarantor			Adjustments
	Systems, Inc.						Subsidiaries
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	348,422		$	(1,155	)	$	194,330		$	—		$	541,597
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of non-marketable equity investments	(223		)	—			—			—			(223		)
Proceeds from sale of non-marketable equity investments	10,798			—			—			—			10,798
Purchases of property and equipment	(41,544		)	—			(13,190		)	—			(54,734		)
Net cash paid in connection with acquisition	(11,007		)	—			(5,893		)	—			(16,900		)
Proceeds from sale of network adapter business	3,081			—			6,914			—			9,995
Proceeds from collection of convertible note receivable	250			—			—			—			250
Net cash used in investing activities	(38,645		)	—			(12,169		)	—			(50,814		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payment of principal related to capital leases	(2,485		)	—			—			—			(2,485		)
Common stock repurchases	(335,380		)	—			—			—			(335,380		)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	83,994			—			—			—			83,994
Payment of cash dividends to stockholders	(30,384		)	—			—			—			(30,384		)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	64,240			—			323			—			64,563
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(220,015		)	—			323			—			(219,692		)
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(3,071		)	—			(3,071		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	89,762			(1,155		)	179,413			—			268,020
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	396,710			9,301			580,986			—			986,997
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	486,472		$	8,146		$	760,399		$	—		$	1,255,017
The following is the consolidated statement of cash flows for the fiscal year ended October 26, 2013 (in thousands):
	Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-			Consolidating			Total
	Communications			Guarantors			Guarantor			Adjustments
	Systems, Inc.						Subsidiaries
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	281,478		$	8,503		$	161,048		$	—		$	451,029
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(44,786		)	(22		)	(7,563		)	—			(52,371		)
Net cash paid in connection with acquisition	(44,769		)	140			—			—			(44,629		)
Proceeds from collection of note receivable	70,000			—			—			—			70,000
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(19,555		)	118			(7,563		)	—			(27,000		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from senior unsecured notes	296,250			—			—			—			296,250
Payment of principal related to senior secured notes	(300,000		)	—			—			—			(300,000		)
Payment of debt issuance costs related to senior unsecured notes	(992		)	—			—			—			(992		)
Payment of principal related to capital leases	(1,627		)	—			—			—			(1,627		)
Common stock repurchases	(240,000		)	—			—			—			(240,000		)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	93,771			—			—			—			93,771
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	2,919			—			270			—			3,189
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(149,679		)	—			270			—			(149,409		)
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(849		)	—			(849		)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	112,244			8,621			152,906			—			273,771
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	284,466			680			428,080			—			713,226
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	396,710		$	9,301		$	580,986		$	—		$	986,997
The following is the consolidated statement of cash flows for the fiscal year ended October 27, 2012 (in thousands):
	Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-			Consolidating			Total
	Communications			Guarantors			Guarantor			Adjustments
	Systems, Inc.						Subsidiaries
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	464,097		$	(1,799	)	$	128,572		$	—		$	590,870
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from maturities and sale of short-term investments	—			952			—			—			952
Purchases of property and equipment	(62,791		)	—			(10,006		)	—			(72,797		)
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary	35			—			—			—			35
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(62,756		)	952			(10,006		)	—			(71,810		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payment of principal related to the term loan	(190,000		)	—			—			—			(190,000		)
Payment of principal related to capital leases	(1,866		)	—			—			—			(1,866		)
Common stock repurchases	(130,209		)	—			—			—			(130,209		)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	98,791			—			—			—			98,791
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	5,042			—			99			—			5,141
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(218,242		)	—			99			—			(218,143		)
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(1,893		)	—			(1,893		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	183,099			(847		)	116,772			—			299,024
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	101,367			1,527			311,308			—			414,202
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	284,466		$	680		$	428,080		$	—		$	713,226

Quarterly_Summary

Quarterly Summary	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	BROCADE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
	QUARTERLY SUMMARY
	(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended
		November 1, 2014		August 2, 2014		May 3, 2014 (1)			January 25, 2014		October 26, 2013		July 27, 2013 (2)		April 27, 2013		January 26, 2013 (3)
		(In thousands, except per share and stock price amounts)
	Quarterly Data:
	Net revenues	$	564,358	$	545,464	$	536,910		$	564,535	$	558,800	$	536,551	$	538,784	$	588,729
	Gross margin	$	377,118	$	361,713	$	354,292		$	372,670	$	362,640	$	338,202	$	334,112	$	373,925
	Income from operations	$	126,530	$	117,897	$	20,195		$	121,490	$	83,650	$	74,363	$	57,179	$	93,291
	Net income (loss)	$	83,419	$	87,352	$	(13,684	)	$	80,884	$	64,233	$	118,696	$	46,949	$	(21,255	)
	Per share amounts:
	Basic	$	0.19	$	0.2	$	(0.03	)	$	0.18	$	0.14	$	0.26	$	0.1	$	(0.05	)
	Diluted	$	0.19	$	0.2	$	(0.03	)	$	0.18	$	0.14	$	0.26	$	0.1	$	(0.05	)
	Shares used in computing
	per share amounts:
	Basic	431,843		432,448		436,167			440,573		444,642		449,446		453,133		454,843
	Diluted	441,649		441,789		436,167			453,549		460,237		461,344		466,919		454,843
	Sale prices:
	High	$	10.99	$	9.75	$	10.96		$	9.7	$	8.43	$	6.69	$	6.15	$	5.8
	Low	$	8.91	$	7.95	$	8.81		$	7.77	$	6.28	$	5.14	$	5.38	$	5.17
	-1	The quarter ended May 3, 2014, includes the impact of an $83.4 million impairment of goodwill in the Company’s Application Delivery Products reporting unit.
	(2)	The quarter ended July 27, 2013, includes the impact of the nonrecurring gain of $76.8 million resulting from the litigation settlement with A10 Networks, Inc.
	(3)	The quarter ended January 26, 2013, includes a discrete charge of $78.2 million to reduce previously recognized California deferred tax assets due to changes in California law resulting from the passage of Proposition 39 during fiscal year 2013.

Valuation_And_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure	SCHEDULE II
	VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	Fiscal Years Ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012
		Balance at		Additions (Recoveries)			Deductions (1)			Balance at
		Beginning of		Charged to						End of
		Period		Revenues						Period
		(In thousands)
	Allowance for doubtful accounts:
	2014	$	575	$	(85	)	$	(410	)	$	80
	2013	$	833	$	319		$	(577	)	$	575
	2012	$	1,388	$	1,482		$	(2,037	)	$	833
	Sales allowances:
	2014	$	7,321	$	7,563		$	(7,488	)	$	7,396
	2013	$	9,759	$	8,885		$	(11,323	)	$	7,321
	2012	$	5,011	$	10,947		$	(6,199	)	$	9,759
	(1)	Deductions related to the allowance for doubtful accounts and sales allowances represent amounts written off against the allowance and recoveries.

Basis_Of_Presentation_Policies

Basis Of Presentation (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Accounting Policies [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. As is customary for companies that use the 52/53-week convention, every fifth year is a 53-week year. Fiscal year 2014 is a 53-week fiscal year and fiscal years 2013 and 2012 are 52-week fiscal years. The Company’s next 53-week fiscal year will be fiscal year 2019 and its next 14-week quarter will be in the second quarter of fiscal year 2019.
Consolidation Policy	The 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 Consolidated Financial Statements	Use of Estimates in Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the 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, and income taxes. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account1

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.
Investments and Equity Securities, Policy	Investments and Equity Securities
	From time to time, the Company makes equity investments in non-publicly traded companies. These investments are included in “Other assets” on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and are generally accounted for under the cost method as the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the respective issuer’s operating and financial policies, nor does it have a liquidation preference that is substantive. The Company monitors its investments in non-publicly traded companies for impairment on a quarterly basis and makes appropriate reductions in carrying values when such impairments are determined to be other-than-temporary. Impairment charges are included in “Other income (loss), net” on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Factors considered in determining an impairment include, but are not limited to, the current business environment including competition and uncertainty of financial condition, going concern considerations such as the rate at which the issuer company utilizes cash and the issuer company’s ability to obtain additional financing to fulfill its stated business plan, the need for changes to the issuer company’s existing business model due to changing business environments and its ability to successfully implement necessary changes, and comparable valuations. The carrying value of the Company’s equity investments in non-publicly traded companies at November 1, 2014, and October 26, 2013, was $0.9 million and $7.7 million, respectively.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The fair value of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities, approximate cost because of their short maturities.
Derivative Financial Instruments, Policy	Derivative Financial Instruments
	In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to fluctuations in interest rates and the exchange rates associated with foreign currencies. The derivatives entered into by the Company qualify for and are designated as foreign currency cash flow hedges.
	The derivatives are recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their respective fair values. Changes in fair values of outstanding cash flow hedges that are highly effective are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows of the underlying hedged transaction. In most cases, amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss will be recorded in earnings at maturity of the related derivative. The recognition of effective hedge results offsets the gains or losses on the underlying exposure. Cash flows from derivative transactions are classified according to the nature of the risk being hedged.
	The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking hedge transactions. This documentation includes linking all derivatives either to specific assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets or specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions have been highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of hedged items and whether those derivatives may be expected to remain highly effective in future periods.
	The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when (i) the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of a hedged item (including hedged items such as firm commitments or forecasted transactions); (ii) the derivative expires or is sold, terminated or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) management determines that designating the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate.
	When the Company discontinues hedge accounting, but it continues to be probable that the forecasted transaction will occur in the originally expected period, the gain or loss on the derivative remains in accumulated other comprehensive loss and is reclassified into earnings when the forecasted transaction affects earnings. However, if it is no longer probable that a forecasted transaction will occur by the end of the originally specified time period or within an additional two-month period of time thereafter, the gain or loss that was in accumulated other comprehensive loss will be recognized immediately in earnings. In all situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued and the derivative remains outstanding, the Company will carry the derivative at its fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheet until maturity and will recognize future changes in the fair value in current period earnings. Any hedge ineffectiveness is recorded in current period earnings within “Other income (loss), net.” Effectiveness is assessed based on the comparison of current forward rates to the rates established on the Company’s hedges.
Inventory, Policy	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Inventory costs include material, labor and overhead. The Company records inventory write-downs based on excess and obsolete inventory determined primarily by its forecast of future demand. A majority of the Company’s inventory is located off-site at customers’ hubs, third-party managed service depots and at contract manufacturers’ locations. Cash flows related to the sale of inventories are classified as cash flows from operating activities.
Property and Equipment, Policy	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. An estimated useful life of three years is used for computer equipment and four to seven years is used for software based on the nature of the software purchased. Estimated useful lives of up to four years are used for engineering and other equipment, seven years is used for furniture and an estimated useful life of thirty-nine years is used for buildings. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of ten years or the remaining term of the lease.
	Interest costs related to major construction projects are capitalized until the asset is ready for service. Capitalized interest is calculated by multiplying the weighted-average interest rate on the Company’s long-term debt by the qualifying construction costs. Interest capitalized may not exceed gross interest expense for the period. As the qualifying asset is moved to the depreciation and amortization pool, the related capitalized interest is also transferred and is amortized over the useful life of the related asset. No interest costs were capitalized during the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, since the construction of the Company’s San Jose, California campus project was completed in the third quarter of fiscal year 2010.
	Brocade evaluates long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360-10 Property, Plant and Equipment. Brocade assesses the fair value of the assets based on the undiscounted future cash flow the assets are expected to generate and recognizes an impairment loss when estimated undiscounted future cash flow expected to result from the use of the asset plus net proceeds expected to result from the disposition of the asset, if any, are less than the carrying value of the asset. When Brocade identifies an impairment, Brocade reduces the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair value based on a discounted cash flow approach or, when available and appropriate, to comparable market values.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy	Goodwill, Other Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets and Long-lived Intangible Assets
	Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are generated as a result of business combinations. Our indefinite-lived assets are comprised of acquired in-process research and development (“IPRD”) and goodwill. IPRD is an intangible asset accounted as an indefinite-lived asset until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development effort.
	During the development period, the Company conducts an IPRD impairment test annually, 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. Events which might indicate impairment include, but are not limited to, adverse cost factors, deteriorating financial performance, strategic decisions made in response to economic and competitive conditions, the impact of the economic environment on us and our customer base, and/or other relevant events such as changes in management, key personnel, litigations, or customers.
	The Company evaluates goodwill on an annual basis during its second fiscal quarter or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the asset’s implied fair value. Events which might indicate impairment include, but are not limited to, strategic decisions made in response to economic and competitive conditions, the impact of the economic environment on the Company’s customer base, material negative changes in relationships with significant customers, and/or a significant decline in the Company’s stock price for a sustained period.
	Long-lived intangible assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the respective asset. The Company evaluates intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Examples of such events or circumstances include, but are not limited to, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of acquired assets or the strategy for the Company’s business, significant negative industry or economic trends, and/or a significant decline in the Company’s stock price for a sustained period. Impairment is recognized based on the difference between the fair value of the asset and its carrying value. For additional discussion, see Note 4, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Litigation Costs, Policy	Litigation Costs
	The Company is subject to the possibility of legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company regularly monitors the status of pending legal actions to evaluate both the magnitude and likelihood of any potential losses. An accrual for these potential losses is made when they are probable and the amount of loss, or possible range of loss, can be reasonably estimated. Legal costs related to such potential losses are expensed as incurred. In addition, recoveries are shown as a reduction in litigation costs in the period in which they are realized.
Revenue Recognition, Policy	Revenue Recognition
	Product revenue. Substantially all of the Company’s products are integrated with software that is essential to the functionality of the equipment. Additionally, the Company provides unspecified software upgrades and enhancements related to the equipment through its maintenance contracts for most of its products. Product revenue is generally recognized when all of the following criteria have been met:
	•	Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists;
	•	Delivery has occurred;
	•	The fee is fixed or determinable; and
	•	Collectibility is reasonably assured.
	For newly introduced products, many of the Company’s large OEM customers require a product qualification period during which the Company’s products are tested and approved by the OEM customers for sale to their customers. Revenue recognition and related cost are deferred for shipments to new OEM customers and for shipments of newly introduced products to existing OEM customers until satisfactory evidence of completion of the product qualification has been received from the OEM customer. In addition, revenue from sales to the Company’s distributor customers is recognized in the same period in which the product is actually sold by the distributor (sell-through).
	The Company reduces revenue for estimated sales allowances at the time of shipment and sales programs at the later of revenue recognition or communication of the commitment for sales incentives. Sales allowances are estimated based on historical sales returns. Sales programs are estimated based on approved sales programs versus claims under such sales programs, current trends and the Company’s expectations regarding future activity. In addition, the Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts, which is also accounted for as a reduction in revenue. The Company establishes the allowance for doubtful accounts to ensure accounts receivable are not overstated due to uncollectibility. The Company maintains bad debt reserves based upon the analysis of accounts receivable, historical collection patterns, customer concentrations, customer creditworthiness, current economic trends, changes in customer payment terms and practices, and customer communication. The Company records a specific reserve for individual accounts when it becomes aware of a customer’s likely inability to meet its financial obligations, such as in the case of bankruptcy filings or deterioration in the customer’s operating results or financial position. If circumstances related to customers change, the Company would further adjust estimates of the recoverability of receivables.
	Multiple-element arrangements. The Company’s multiple-element product offerings include networking hardware with embedded software products and support, which are considered separate units of accounting. For certain of the Company’s products, software and non-software components function together to deliver the tangible products’ essential functionality.
	The Company allocates revenue to each element in a multiple-element arrangement based upon their relative selling price. When applying the relative selling price method, the Company determines the selling price for each deliverable using vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of selling price, if it exists, or third-party evidence (“TPE”) of selling price. If neither VSOE nor TPE of selling price exist for a deliverable, the Company uses its best estimate of selling price for that deliverable. Revenue allocated to each element is then recognized when the basic revenue recognition criteria are met for each element.
	The Company determines VSOE based on its normal pricing and discounting practices for the specific product or service when sold separately. In determining VSOE, the Company requires that a substantial majority of the selling prices for a product or service fall within a reasonably narrow pricing range. For post-contract customer support (“PCS”), the Company considers stated renewal rates in determining VSOE.
	In most instances, the Company is not able to establish VSOE for all deliverables in an arrangement with multiple elements. This may be due to the Company infrequently selling each element separately, not pricing products within a narrow range, or only having a limited sales history. When VSOE cannot be established, the Company attempts to establish the selling price for each element based on TPE. TPE is determined based on competitor prices for similar deliverables when sold separately. Generally, the Company’s go-to-market strategy differs from that of its peers and its offerings contain a significant level of customization and differentiation such that the comparable pricing of products with similar functionality cannot be obtained. Furthermore, the Company is unable to reliably determine what similar competitor products’ selling prices are on a stand-alone basis. Therefore, the Company is typically unable to determine TPE.
	When the Company is unable to establish selling price using VSOE or TPE, the Company uses estimated selling price (“ESP”) in its allocation of the arrangement consideration. The objective of ESP is to determine the price at which the Company would transact a sale if the product or service were sold on a stand-alone basis. ESP is generally used for offerings that are not typically sold on a stand-alone basis or for new or highly customized offerings.
	The Company determines ESP for a product by considering multiple factors including, but not limited to, geographies, market conditions, competitive landscape, internal costs, gross margin objectives and pricing practices. The determination of ESP is made through consultation with and formal approval by the Company’s management, taking into consideration the go-to-market strategy.
	The Company regularly reviews VSOE, TPE and ESP, as well as the establishment and updates of these estimates. There was no material impact on revenues during the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014, nor does the Company expect a material impact in the near term from changes in VSOE, TPE or ESP.
	Services revenue. Services revenue consists of professional services and maintenance arrangements, including PCS and other professional services. PCS services are offered under renewable, annual fee-based contracts or as part of multiple-element arrangements, and typically include telephone support and upgrades and enhancements to the Company’s operating system software. Revenue related to PCS elements is deferred and recognized ratably over the contractual period. PCS contracts are typically one to three years in length.
	Professional services are offered under hourly or fixed fee-based contracts. Professional services revenue is recognized as services are performed.
Warranty Expense, Policy	Warranty Expense
	The Company provides standard warranties on its products ranging from one year to limited lifetime warranties. Estimated future warranty costs are accrued at the time of shipment and charged to cost of revenues based upon historical experience, current trends and the Company’s expectations regarding future experience.
Foreign Currency, Policy	Foreign Currency
	Assets and liabilities of the Company’s international subsidiaries in which the local currency is the functional currency are translated into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets in the stockholders’ equity section as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Foreign exchange gains and losses for assets and liabilities of the Company’s international subsidiaries in which the functional currency is the U.S. dollar are recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income.
Software to be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed, Policy	Eligible software development costs are capitalized upon the establishment of technological feasibility, which is defined as being equivalent to completion of a beta-phase working prototype. Total eligible software development costs have not been material to date.
Internal Use Software, Policy	Costs related to internally developed software and software purchased for internal use, primarily for implementation and upgrade of the Company’s enterprise-wide integrated business information system, are capitalized and included in “Property and equipment, net.” These costs are being depreciated over the estimated useful lives of four to seven years based on the nature of the software purchased.
Advertising Costs, Policy	Advertising Costs
	The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs were $17.6 million, $15.3 million, and $17.7 million for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, respectively.
	During the fiscal year ended October 27, 2012, the Company entered into a multi-year arrangement which includes exchanging certain of the Company’s products and services, with the estimated overall fair value of $16.6 million, for advertising services. The Company is accounting for this transaction based on fair values of products and services surrendered and recognized $2.4 million, $7.1 million, and $0.3 million of gross operating revenue for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, respectively. In addition, $2.7 million of the advertising costs for the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014, were incurred in connection with this multi-year arrangement, and the remaining advertising prepayment is currently recorded within “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” and “Other assets”.
Income Taxes, Policy	Income Taxes
	The Company recognizes income tax expense for the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts, along with net operating loss carryforwards and credit carryforwards. A valuation allowance is recognized to the extent that it is more likely than not that the tax benefits will not be realized.
	The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes using a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. The Company classifies the liability for unrecognized tax benefits as current to the extent that the Company anticipates payment (or receipt) of cash within one year. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized in the provision for income taxes. For additional discussion, see Note 15, “Income Taxes,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Computation of Net Income (Loss) per Share, Policy	Computation of Net Income per Share
	Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, less shares subject to repurchase. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period that have a dilutive effect on earnings per share. Potentially dilutive common shares result from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options, assumed vesting of outstanding restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and awards and assumed issuance of stock under the employee stock purchase plan, all using the treasury stock method.
Stock-Based Compensation, Policy	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company accounts for employee equity awards under the fair value method. Accordingly, the Company measures stock-based compensation at the grant date based on the fair value of the award. The fair values of stock options and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) are estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Estimated compensation cost relating to RSUs granted prior to the initial declaration of a quarterly cash dividend on May 22, 2014, is based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant because Brocade did not historically pay cash dividends on its common stock. For RSUs granted on or subsequent to May 22, 2014, the fair value of RSUs is measured based on the grant-date share price, less the present value of expected dividends during the vesting period, discounted at a risk-free interest rate. The Company records stock-based compensation expense over the 24-month offering period in connection with shares issued under its ESPP. The compensation expense for stock-based awards is reduced by an estimate for forfeitures and is recognized over the vesting period of the award under a graded vesting method, except for restricted stock units granted by the Company, which is recognized over the expected term of the award under a straight-line vesting method. For additional discussion, see Note 12, “Stock-Based Compensation,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
	The Company accounts for the tax effects of share-based payment awards using the alternative transition method, which includes simplified methods to establish the beginning balance of the additional paid-in capital pool (“APIC Pool”) related to the tax effects of employee stock-based compensation and to determine the subsequent impact on the APIC Pool and consolidated statement of cash flows of the tax effects of employee stock-based compensation awards.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements or Updates Recently Adopted or That Are Not Yet Effective, 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 13, “Stockholders’ Equity,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 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. The Company adopted this update in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014, which resulted in a reduction in deferred tax assets and a reduction in non-current income tax liability.
	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 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)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
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 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 goodwill in the Storage Area Networking (“SAN”) Products, Ethernet Switching & Internet Protocol (“IP”), and Global Services reporting units was not impaired as these reporting units passed the first step of goodwill impairment testing.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Indefinite-Lived, Policy	Acquired IPRD is an intangible asset accounted for as an indefinite-lived asset until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development effort. While accounted as an indefinite-lived asset, the IPRD intangible asset is subject to testing for impairment annually, 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)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Fair Value Transfer Policy	During the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014, the Company had no transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy of its assets measured at fair value.

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed1

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
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 is 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 fiscal year ended November 1, 2014, were the euro, the British pound, the Indian rupee, the Singapore dollar, the Chinese yuan, the Japanese yen, 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 always entirely 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 (loss) was not significant for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012.
	Effective cash flow hedges are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Ineffective cash flow hedges are included in the Company’s net income as part of “Other income (loss), net.” The amount recorded on ineffective cash flow hedges was not significant for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012.

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired (in thousands):
	Assets acquired:
	Identifiable intangible assets:
	In-process technology	$	2,850
	Developed technology	1,710
	Trade name	130
	Total identifiable intangible assets	4,690
	Goodwill	11,475
	Property and equipment, net	735
	Net assets acquired	$	16,900

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
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):
		November 1,			October 26,
		2014			2013
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Goodwill	$	1,567,723		$	1,645,437
	In-process research and development (1)	15,110			21,590
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Total intangible assets subject to amortization	11,548			18,668
	Total intangible assets	$	1,594,381		$	1,685,695
	-1	Acquired IPRD is an intangible asset accounted for as an indefinite-lived asset until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development effort. While accounted as an indefinite-lived asset, the IPRD intangible asset is subject to testing for impairment annually, 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 fiscal year ended November 1, 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 by the first half of fiscal year 2016.
Schedule Of Goodwill Activity By Reportable Segment	The following table summarizes goodwill activity by reportable segment during the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, and October 26, 2013 (in thousands):
		SAN			IP Networking			Global		Total
		Products			Products			Services
	Balance at October 27, 2012
	Goodwill	$	176,956		$	1,337,549		$	155,416	$	1,669,921
	Accumulated impairment losses	—			(45,832		)	—		(45,832		)
		176,956			1,291,717			155,416		1,624,089
	Acquisition	—			25,681			—		25,681
	Tax and other adjustments (1)	(78		)	(4,255		)	—		(4,333		)
	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 (2)	—			(83,382		)	—		(83,382		)
	Divestitures (3)	(474		)	(3,657		)	—		(4,131		)
	Acquisition	—			11,475			—		11,475
	Tax and other adjustments (1)	(58		)	(1,618		)	—		(1,676		)
	Balance at November 1, 2014
	Goodwill	176,346			1,365,175			155,416		1,696,937
	Accumulated impairment losses	—			(129,214		)	—		(129,214		)
		$	176,346		$	1,235,961		$	155,416	$	1,567,723
	(1)	The goodwill adjustments 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):
		Gross			Accumulated			Net		Weighted-
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying		Average
		Value						Value		Remaining
										Useful Life
										(in years)
	November 1, 2014
	Trade name	$	590		$	227		$	363	3
	Core/developed technology	12,080			1,964			10,116		4.3
	Customer relationships	1,080			427			653		3.01
	Non-compete agreements	810			394			416		2.01
	Total finite-lived intangible assets (1)	$	14,560		$	3,012		$	11,548	4.1
		Gross			Accumulated			Net		Weighted-
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying		Average
		Value						Value		Remaining
										Useful Life
										(in years)
	October 26, 2013
	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 finite-lived intangible assets	$	480,700		$	462,032		$	18,668	0.58
	(1)	During the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014, $477.3 million of finite-lived 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 on the Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1,			October 26,			October 27,
		2014			2013			2012
	Cost of revenues	$	8,010		$	39,731		$	46,229
	Operating expenses	10,280			54,256			59,204
	Total	$	18,290		$	93,987		$	105,433
Schedule Of Estimated Future Amortization Of Intangible Assets	The following table presents the estimated future amortization of finite-lived intangible assets as of November 1, 2014 (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year	Estimated
		Future
		Amortization
	2015	$	3,099
	2016	2,787
	2017	2,472
	2018	2,252
	2019	938
	Total	$	11,548

Restructuring_And_Other_Charge1

Restructuring And Other Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs	The following table provides details of the Company’s restructuring and other charges (in thousands):
		Fiscal 2013 Fourth Quarter Restructuring Plan									Prior Restructuring Plans
		Severance			Contract Terminations			Lease Loss			Lease Loss			Total
		and Benefits			and Other			Reserve and Related Costs			Reserve and Related Costs
	Restructuring liabilities at October 27, 2012	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	2,582		$	2,582
	Restructuring and other charges	20,413			3,981			1,070			—			25,464
	Cash payments	(5,197		)	(3,565		)	(1		)	(788		)	(9,551		)
	Non-cash charges	—			—			(1,069		)	—			(1,069		)
	Restructuring liabilities at October 26, 2013	15,216			416			—			1,794			17,426
	Restructuring and other charges	18			—			7,686			—			7,704
	Cash payments	(13,258		)	(374		)	(3,600		)	(800		)	(18,032		)
	Translation adjustment	—			—			(137		)	—			(137		)
	Other adjustments, net	(1,805		)	—			—			—			(1,805		)
	Restructuring liabilities at November 1, 2014	$	171		$	42		$	3,949		$	994		$	5,156
	Current restructuring liabilities at November 1, 2014	$	171		$	42		$	1,478		$	417		$	2,108
	Non-current restructuring liabilities at November 1, 2014	$	—		$	—		$	2,471		$	577		$	3,048

Balance_Sheet_Details_Tables

Balance Sheet Details (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Balance Sheet Details [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Receivable
		November 1,			October 26,
		2014			2013
	Accounts receivable:
	Accounts receivable	$	232,389		$	257,494
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	(80		)	(575		)
	Sales allowances	(7,396		)	(7,321		)
	Accounts receivable, net	$	224,913		$	249,598
Schedule of Inventory
		November 1,			October 26,
		2014			2013
	Inventories:
	Raw materials	$	10,491		$	14,048
	Finished goods	28,227			31,296
	Inventories, net	$	38,718		$	45,344
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment
		November 1,			October 26,
		2014			2013
	Property and equipment:
	Computer equipment	$	13,679		$	16,006
	Software	62,919			57,186
	Engineering and other equipment (1)	383,412			416,573
	Furniture and fixtures (1)	29,053			29,029
	Leasehold improvements	23,607			24,287
	Land and building	384,659			384,654
	Subtotal	897,329			927,735
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1), (2)	(451,896		)	(454,795		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	445,433		$	472,940
	(1)	Engineering and other equipment, furniture and fixtures, and accumulated depreciation and amortization include the following amounts under capital leases as of November 1, 2014, and October 26, 2013 (in thousands):
		November 1,			October 26,
		2014			2013
	Cost	$	11,925		$	11,925
	Accumulated depreciation	(7,209		)	(5,366		)
	Property and equipment, net, under capital leases	$	4,716		$	6,559
	(2)	The following table presents the depreciation of property and equipment included on the Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1,			October 26,			October 27,
		2014			2013			2012
	Depreciation expense	$	82,357		$	90,127		$	86,785
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 November 1, 2014, and October 26, 2013 (in thousands):
		November 1,			October 26,
		2014			2013
	Cost	$	11,925		$	11,925
	Accumulated depreciation	(7,209		)	(5,366		)
	Property and equipment, net, under capital leases	$	4,716		$	6,559
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities
		November 1,			October 26,
		2014			2013
	Other accrued liabilities:
	Income taxes payable	$	5,632		$	11,081
	Accrued warranty	7,486			8,632
	Inventory purchase commitments	2,541			4,436
	Accrued sales programs	31,640			25,752
	Accrued interest	9,922			10,056
	Others	27,371			39,796
	Total	$	84,592		$	99,753

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of November 1, 2014, were as follows (in thousands):
				Fair Value Measurements Using
		Balance as of November 1, 2014		Quoted Prices in		Significant  Other		Significant
				Active Markets		Observable		Unobservable
				For Identical		Inputs		Inputs
				Instruments		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Money market funds (1)	$	1,009,283	$	1,009,283	$	—	$	—
	Derivative assets	99		—		99		—
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	1,009,382	$	1,009,283	$	99	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivative liabilities	$	1,937	$	—	$	1,937	$	—
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	1,937	$	—	$	1,937	$	—
	(1)	Money market funds are reported within “Cash and cash equivalents” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 26, 2013, were as follows (in thousands):
				Fair Value Measurements Using
		Balance as of October 26, 2013		Quoted Prices in		Significant  Other		Significant
				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” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Borrowings_Tables

Borrowings (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
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):
					November 1, 2014				October 26, 2013
			Maturity	Stated Annual Interest Rate	Amount		Effective Interest Rate		Amount		Effective Interest Rate
	Senior Unsecured Notes:
	2023 Notes		2023	4.63%	$	300,000	4.83	%	$	300,000	4.83	%
	Senior Secured Notes:
	2020 Notes		2020	6.88%	300,000		7.26	%	300,000		7.26	%
	Capital lease obligations		2016	5.67%	2,115		5.37	%	4,600		5.5	%
	Total long-term debt				602,115				604,600
	Less:
	Unamortized discount				4,839				5,396
	Current portion of long-term debt				1,826				2,996
	Total long-term debt, net of current portion				$	595,450			$	596,208
Schedule Of Debt Maturities	As of November 1, 2014, our aggregate debt maturities based on outstanding principal were as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year	Principal
		Balances
	2015	$	1,826
	2016	289
	2017	—
	2018	—
	2019	—
	Thereafter	600,000
	Total	$	602,115

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Rent Expense	The following table presents the composition of net rent expense included on the Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1,			October 26,			October 27,
		2014			2013			2012
	Rent expense	$	21,928		$	26,199		$	25,867
	Less: Sublease income	(7,264		)	(6,834		)	(6,606		)
	Net rent expense	$	14,664		$	19,365		$	19,261
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	Future minimum lease payments under all non-cancellable operating leases as of November 1, 2014, excluding the contractual sublease income of $16.1 million, are as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year	Operating
		Leases
	2015	$	20,033
	2016	17,133
	2017	8,974
	2018	5,822
	2019	5,775
	Thereafter	16,773
	Total minimum lease payments	$	74,510
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases	Future minimum lease payments under all non-cancellable capital leases as of November 1, 2014, are as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year	Capital
		Leases
	2015	$	1,888
	2016	295
	2017	—
	2018	—
	Total minimum lease payments	2,183
	Less: Amount representing interest	(68		)
	Present value of net minimum lease payments	$	2,115
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 fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, and October 26, 2013 (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1,			October 26,
		2014			2013
	Beginning balance	$	8,632		$	14,453
	Liabilities accrued for warranties issued during the period	4,683			4,969
	Warranty claims paid and used during the period	(4,978		)	(8,213		)
	Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties during the period	(851		)	(2,577		)
	Ending balance	$	7,486		$	8,632

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed2

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
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 consolidated statements of income are as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year Ended
		1-Nov-14			26-Oct-13			27-Oct-12
	Cost of revenues	$	126		$	98		$	(1,043	)
	Research and development	(451		)	(60		)	(1,094		)
	Sales and marketing	528			356			(5,704		)
	General and administrative	59			31			(510		)
	Total	$	262		$	425		$	(8,351	)
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 United States dollars	November 1, 2014			October 26, 2013			November 1, 2014			October 26, 2013
	Indian rupee	$	19,413		$	17,444		$	—		$	—
	Euro	14,404			16,012			19,200			25,478
	British pound	11,168			25,053			14,891			—
	Chinese yuan	10,406			—			—			—
	Singapore dollar	9,242			12,867			—			—
	Japanese yen	8,856			16,172			—			—
	Swiss franc	7,468			11,066			—			—
	Total	$	80,957		$	98,614		$	34,091		$	25,478

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule Of Equity Compensation Plans	The following table summarizes information with respect to shares of the Company’s common stock that may be issued under the Company’s existing equity compensation plans as of November 1, 2014 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
	Plan Category	A				B				C
										Number of Securities
										Remaining Available
		Number of Securities								for Future Issuance
		to be Issued				Weighted-Average				Under Equity
		upon Exercise of				Exercise Price of				Compensation Plans
		Outstanding Options,				Outstanding Options,				(Excludes Securities
		Warrants and Rights				Warrants and Rights				Reflected in Column A)
	Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders (1)	3,799		(3)		$	7.5			29,999		(4)
	Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders (2)	2,400		(5)		$	5.66			—
	Total	6,199				$	6.79			29,999
	(1)	Primarily consist of the 2009 ESPP, the 2009 and 1999 Director Plans, and the 2009 and 1999 Stock Plans.
	(2)	Consist solely of the 1999 NSO Plan described in Note 11, “Employee Compensation Plans,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Foundry’s 2000 NSO Plan, which was assumed in connection with our acquisition of Foundry.
	(3)	Amount excludes purchase rights accrued under the 2009 ESPP. As of November 1, 2014, the 2009 ESPP had a stockholder-approved reserve of 65.0 million shares, of which 17.1 million shares were available for future issuance.
	(4)	Amount consists of shares available for future issuance under the 2009 ESPP, the 2009 Director Plan, and the 2009 Stock Plan.
	(5)	All shares were granted in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. Information relating to equity compensation plans is set forth in Note 11, “Employee Compensation Plans,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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 on the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year Ended November 1, 2014				Fiscal Year Ended October 26, 2013				Fiscal Year Ended October 27, 2012
	Cost of revenues	$	14,963			$	14,519			$	15,433
	Research and development	18,635				17,509				17,952
	Sales and marketing	31,650				29,425				33,257
	General and administrative	19,666				12,165				10,527
	Total stock-based compensation	$	84,914			$	73,618			$	77,169
Stock-Based Compensation Expense By Grant Type	The following table presents stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, by grant type (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year Ended November 1, 2014				Fiscal Year Ended October 26, 2013				Fiscal Year Ended October 27, 2012
	Stock options	$	4,581			$	2,581			$	1,079
	RSUs	62,906				50,522				56,791
	Employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”)	17,427				20,515				19,299
	Total stock-based compensation	$	84,914			$	73,618			$	77,169
Stock-Based Compensation, Unrecognized Compensation Expense And Weighted-Average Period	The following table presents unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, of the Company’s equity compensation plans as of November 1, 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	$	3,986			1.35
	RSUs	$	115,111			2.07
	ESPP	$	13,834			1.06
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1,		October 26,			October 27,
		2014		2013			2012
	Expected dividend yield	0.0% - 1.5%		0	%		0	%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.7 - 2.3%		0.6 - 1.7%			0.1 - 0.8%
	Expected volatility	36.8 - 39.4%		39.9 - 44.9%			48.8 - 56.5%
	Expected term (in years)	5		5.7			4.7
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	A summary of stock option activity under the equity compensation plans for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, is presented as follows:
		Shares			Weighted-Average				Weighted-Average				Weighted-Average	Aggregate
		(in  thousands)			Exercise Price				Grant Date Fair Value				Remaining	Intrinsic
													Contractual Term	Value
													(in years)	(in thousands)
	Outstanding as of October 29, 2011	50,765			$	4.91							1.98	$	35,494
	Granted	160			5.55				$	2.39
	Exercised	(16,993	)		3.39									36,498
	Forfeited or expired	(4,435	)		7.34
	Outstanding as of October 27, 2012	29,497			5.43								1.61	26,077
	Granted	2,875			5.64				$	2.34
	Exercised	(13,149	)		3.99									32,324
	Forfeited or expired	(6,662	)		6.9
	Outstanding as of October 26, 2013	12,561			6.19								2.37	24,784
	Granted	1,770			9.03				$	3.16
	Exercised	(9,767	)		5.19									24,240
	Forfeited or expired	(1,250	)		8.6
	Outstanding as of November 1, 2014	3,314			6.79								4.74	24,452
	Vested and expected to vest as of November 1, 2014	6,012			$	6.77							4.71	$	23,832
	Exercisable and vested as of:
	1-Nov-14	3,088			$	6.31							3.76	$	13,656
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Valuation Assumptions	The fair value of the option component of Brocade ESPP shares was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following weighted-average assumptions:
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1,			October 26,			October 27,
		2014			2013			2012
	Expected dividend yield	1.4	%		0	%		0	%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.2	%		0.2	%		0.2	%
	Expected volatility	30.1	%		39.5	%		52.5	%
	Expected term (in years)	1.3			1.3			1.5
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity	A summary of the changes in RSUs outstanding under Brocade’s equity compensation plans during the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, respectively, is presented as follows:
		Shares			Weighted-Average
		(in  thousands)			Grant Date  Fair Value
	Nonvested as of October 29, 2011	23,481			$	3.85
	Granted	11,166			4.97
	Vested	(9,597	)		4.82
	Forfeited	(3,054	)		5.92
	Nonvested as of October 27, 2012	21,996			3.71
	Granted	11,518			5.75
	Vested	(7,401	)		5.69
	Forfeited	(3,352	)		5.39
	Nonvested as of October 26, 2013	22,761			3.85
	Granted	11,582			9.69
	Vested	(11,750	)		5.59
	Forfeited	(3,594	)		6.01
	Nonvested as of November 1, 2014	18,999			5.93
	Vested and expected to vest as of November 1, 2014	17,388			$	5.93

Stockholders_Equity_Stockholde1

Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Dividends Payable [Table Text Block]	As of November 1, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors declared the following dividends (in thousands, except per share amounts):
	Declaration Date		Dividend per Share			Record Date		Total Amount Paid				Payment Date
	May 22, 2014		$	0.035		June 10, 2014		$	(15,270	)		July 2, 2014
	August 21, 2014		$	0.035		September 10, 2014		$	(15,114	)		October 2, 2014
Schedule of Comprehensive Income/Loss Tax Effects	The tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive loss for the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014, and October 26, 2013, are as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1, 2014											October 26, 2013
		Before-Tax Amount			Tax Benefit				Net-of-Tax Amount				Before-Tax Amount			Tax Benefit			Net-of-Tax Amount
	Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
	Change in unrealized gains and losses, foreign exchange contracts	$	(2,192	)	$	253			$	(1,939	)		$	(1,725	)	$	(23	)	$	(1,748	)
	Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings, foreign exchange contracts (1)	(262		)	27				(235		)		(425		)	49			(376		)
	Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	(2,454		)	280				(2,174		)		(2,150		)	26			(2,124		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(3,196		)	—				(3,196		)		(1,456		)	—			(1,456		)
	Total other comprehensive loss	$	(5,650	)	$	280			$	(5,370	)		$	(3,606	)	$	26		$	(3,580	)
	(1)	For Consolidated Statements of Income classification of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, see Note 10, “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of tax, for the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014, and October 26, 2013, are as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1, 2014											October 26, 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	)		$	2,391		$	(12,255	)	$	(9,864	)
	Change in unrealized gains and losses	(1,939		)	(3,196		)		(5,135		)		(1,748		)	(1,456		)	(3,204		)
	Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	(235		)	—				(235		)		(376		)	—			(376		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,174		)	(3,196		)		(5,370		)		(2,124		)	(1,456		)	(3,580		)
	Ending balance	$	(1,907	)	$	(16,907	)		$	(18,814	)		$	267		$	(13,711	)	$	(13,444	)

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Tabl

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	The domestic and international components of income before income tax for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, are presented as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1,				October 26,				October 27,
		2014				2013				2012
	United States	$	192,730			$	176,536			$	115,736
	International	160,891				153,925				108,665
	Total	$	353,621			$	330,461			$	224,401
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The income tax expense (benefit) for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1,				October 26,				October 27,
		2014				2013				2012
	U.S. federal taxes:
	Current	$	61,666			$	(13,666	)		$	(11,750	)
	Deferred	33,065				46,313				33,981
	Total U.S. federal taxes	94,731				32,647				22,231
	State taxes:
	Current	16,597				8,091				613
	Deferred	(2,599		)		78,106				(2,412		)
	Total state taxes	13,998				86,197				(1,799		)
	Non-U.S. taxes:
	Current	6,655				2,837				8,770
	Deferred	266				157				18
	Total non-U.S. taxes	6,921				2,994				8,788
	Total	$	115,650			$	121,838			$	29,220
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The difference between the U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate and the Company’s effective tax rate for fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, consisted of the following:
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1,			October 26,			October 27,
		2014			2013			2012
	U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State taxes, net of federal tax benefit	3.1			4.1			3.8
	Foreign income taxed at other than U.S. rates	(16.9	)		(17.6	)		(17.7	)
	Stock-based compensation	2.3			1.9			3.5
	Research and development credit	(3.1	)		(5.6	)		(3.5	)
	Permanent items	0.3			0.3			0.3
	Change in liabilities for uncertain tax positions	0.5			(5.1	)		(6.5	)
	Goodwill impairment charge	8.3			—			—
	Audit settlement and reinstated tax credit	0.1			1.3			(2.9	)
	Change in valuation allowance	1.6			23.7			—
	Other	1.5			(1.1	)		1
	Effective tax rate	32.7	%		36.9	%		13	%
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, and October 26, 2013, are presented as follows (in thousands):
		November 1,				October 26,
		2014				2013
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	8,679			$	10,525
	Stock-based compensation expense	14,202				17,664
	Tax credit carryforwards	84,930				141,975
	Reserves and accruals	101,301				63,765
	Capitalized research and development expenditures	183				621
	Net unrealized losses on investments	370				396
	Gross deferred tax assets	209,665				234,946
	Less: Valuation allowance	(83,489		)		(81,116		)
	Total deferred tax assets	126,176				153,830
	Acquired intangibles and goodwill	(15,433		)		(22,307		)
	Fixed assets	(31,231		)		(29,878		)
	Other	(13,368		)		(2,042		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(60,032		)		(54,227		)
	Total net deferred tax assets	$	66,144			$	99,603
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of total gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding accrued net interest and penalties, is as follows (in thousands):
		November 1,				October 26,
		2014				2013
	Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance	$	112,479			$	119,253
	Gross increases for tax positions taken in prior periods	3,325				3,472
	Gross decreases for tax positions taken in prior periods	(4,784		)		(12,970		)
	Gross increases for tax positions taken in current period	15,426				14,875
	Changes due to settlements with taxing authorities	—				(9,442		)
	Reductions resulting from lapses of statutes of limitations	(6,831		)		(2,709		)
	Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance	$	119,615			$	112,479

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule Of Financial Information By Reportable Segment	Summarized financial information by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, based on the internal management reporting system, is as follows (in thousands):
		SAN		IP Networking		Global Services		Total
		Products		Products
	Fiscal Year Ended November 1, 2014
	Net revenues	$	1,326,950	$	525,237	$	359,080	$	2,211,267
	Cost of revenues	344,466		247,975		153,033		745,474
	Gross margin	$	982,484	$	277,262	$	206,047	$	1,465,793
	Fiscal Year Ended October 26, 2013
	Net revenues	$	1,318,509	$	552,058	$	352,297	$	2,222,864
	Cost of revenues	355,388		302,974		155,623		813,985
	Gross margin	$	963,121	$	249,084	$	196,674	$	1,408,879
	Fiscal Year Ended October 27, 2012
	Net revenues	$	1,356,099	$	534,757	$	346,914	$	2,237,770
	Cost of revenues	362,608		327,248		164,895		854,751
	Gross margin	$	993,491	$	207,509	$	182,019	$	1,383,019
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas	Geographic revenue and property and equipment information for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012 is presented below (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1,		October 26,		October 27,
		2014		2013		2012
	Net revenues:
	United States	$	1,286,650	$	1,351,242	$	1,414,390
	International
	Europe, the Middle East and Africa (1)	598,196		552,734		493,979
	Asia Pacific	183,035		181,461		186,244
	Japan	91,062		97,259		99,887
	Canada, Central and South America	52,324		40,168		43,270
	Total international net revenues	924,617		871,622		823,380
	Total net revenues	$	2,211,267	$	2,222,864	$	2,237,770
	(1)	Includes net revenues of $385.2 million, $339.1 million, and $259.2 million for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, respectively, relating to the Netherlands.
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1,		October 26,		October 27,
		2014		2013		2012
	Property and equipment, net:
	United States	$	426,941	$	457,622	$	500,744
	International	18,492		15,318		18,196
	Total property and equipment, net	$	445,433	$	472,940	$	518,940

Net_Income_Per_Share_Tables

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
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 per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Fiscal Year Ended
		November 1,		October 26,		October 27,
		2014		2013		2012
	Basic net income per share
	Net income	$	237,971	$	208,623	$	195,181
	Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income per share	435,258		450,516		456,629
	Basic net income per share	$	0.55	$	0.46	$	0.43
	Diluted net income per share
	Net income	$	237,971	$	208,623	$	195,181
	Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income per share	435,258		450,516		456,629
	Dilutive potential common shares in the form of stock options	1,995		3,472		7,846
	Dilutive potential common shares in the form of other share-based awards	9,606		9,717		7,868
	Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income per share	446,859		463,705		472,343
	Diluted net income per share	$	0.53	$	0.45	$	0.41
	Antidilutive potential common shares in the form of (1)
	Stock options	1,725		11,868		16,402
	Other share-based awards	893		167		570
	(1)	These amounts are excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share.

Guarantor_And_NonGuarantor_Sub1

Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Abstract]
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	The following is the consolidated balance sheet as of November 1, 2014 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors			Guarantor			Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.						Subsidiaries
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	486,472		$	8,146		$	760,399		$	—		$	1,255,017
	Accounts receivable, net	146,908			12			77,993			—			224,913
	Inventories	38,266			—			452			—			38,718
	Intercompany receivables	—			500,321			—			(500,321		)	—
	Other current assets	131,555			28			7,735			39			139,357
	Total current assets	803,201			508,507			846,579			(500,282		)	1,658,005
	Property and equipment, net	426,785			156			18,492			—			445,433
	Investment in subsidiaries	1,197,620			—			—			(1,197,620		)	—
	Other non-current assets	1,540,854			80,655			8,728			—			1,630,237
	Total assets	$	3,968,460		$	589,318		$	873,799		$	(1,697,902	)	$	3,733,675
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	73,311		$	—		$	20,394		$	—		$	93,705
	Current portion of long-term debt	1,826			—			—			—			1,826
	Intercompany payables	423,347			—			76,974			(500,321		)	—
	Other current liabilities	367,247			3,472			121,019			39			491,777
	Total current liabilities	865,731			3,472			218,387			(500,282		)	587,308
	Long-term debt, net of current portion	595,450			—			—			—			595,450
	Other non-current liabilities	99,218			—			43,638			—			142,856
	Total liabilities	1,560,399			3,472			262,025			(500,282		)	1,325,614
	Total stockholders’ equity	2,408,061			585,846			611,774			(1,197,620		)	2,408,061
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,968,460		$	589,318		$	873,799		$	(1,697,902	)	$	3,733,675
	The following is the consolidated balance sheet as of October 26, 2013 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors			Guarantor			Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.						Subsidiaries
	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 consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors			Guarantor			Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.						Subsidiaries
	Revenues	$	1,284,672		$	1,978		$	924,617		$	—		$	2,211,267
	Intercompany revenues	26,978			—			14,953			(41,931		)	—
	Total net revenues	1,311,650			1,978			939,570			(41,931		)	2,211,267
	Cost of revenues	488,787			8,503			241,944			6,240			745,474
	Intercompany cost of revenues	(57,403		)	—			99,334			(41,931		)	—
	Total cost of revenues	431,384			8,503			341,278			(35,691		)	745,474
	Gross margin (loss)	880,266			(6,525		)	598,292			(6,240		)	1,465,793
	Operating expenses	866,389			7,241			212,291			(6,240		)	1,079,681
	Intercompany operating expenses (income)	(188,300		)	(30,515		)	218,815			—			—
	Total operating expenses	678,089			(23,274		)	431,106			(6,240		)	1,079,681
	Income from operations	202,177			16,749			167,186			—			386,112
	Other income (expense)	(32,134		)	5,930			(6,287		)	—			(32,491		)
	Income before income tax provision and equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	170,043			22,679			160,899			—			353,621
	Income tax expense	108,729			—			6,921			—			115,650
	Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	176,657			—			—			(176,657		)	—
	Net income	$	237,971		$	22,679		$	153,978		$	(176,657	)	$	237,971
	The following is the consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended October 26, 2013 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors			Guarantor			Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.						Subsidiaries
	Revenues	$	1,347,055		$	4,257		$	871,552		$	—		$	2,222,864
	Intercompany revenues	25,507			—			22,123			(47,630		)	—
	Total net revenues	1,372,562			4,257			893,675			(47,630		)	2,222,864
	Cost of revenues	534,699			38,991			232,807			7,488			813,985
	Intercompany cost of revenues	(58,050		)	—			105,680			(47,630		)	—
	Total cost of revenues	476,649			38,991			338,487			(40,142		)	813,985
	Gross margin (loss)	895,913			(34,734		)	555,188			(7,488		)	1,408,879
	Operating expenses	826,239			34,175			247,470			(7,488		)	1,100,396
	Intercompany operating expenses (income)	(127,997		)	(22,443		)	150,440			—			—
	Total operating expenses	698,242			11,732			397,910			(7,488		)	1,100,396
	Income (loss) from operations	197,671			(46,466		)	157,278			—			308,483
	Other income (expense)	25,481			258			(3,370		)	(391		)	21,978
	Income (loss) before income tax provision and equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	223,152			(46,208		)	153,908			(391		)	330,461
	Income tax expense	117,654			1,190			2,994			—			121,838
	Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	103,516			—			—			(103,516		)	—
	Net income (loss)	$	209,014		$	(47,398	)	$	150,914		$	(103,907	)	$	208,623
	The following is the consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended October 27, 2012 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors			Guarantor			Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.						Subsidiaries
	Revenues	$	1,409,705		$	4,685		$	823,380		$	—		$	2,237,770
	Intercompany revenues	44,152			—			21,709			(65,861		)	—
	Total net revenues	1,453,857			4,685			845,089			(65,861		)	2,237,770
	Cost of revenues	559,835			49,935			234,889			10,092			854,751
	Intercompany cost of revenues	(35,070		)	—			100,931			(65,861		)	—
	Total cost of revenues	524,765			49,935			335,820			(55,769		)	854,751
	Gross margin (loss)	929,092			(45,250		)	509,269			(10,092		)	1,383,019
	Operating expenses	827,318			56,838			231,226			(10,092		)	1,105,290
	Intercompany operating expenses (income)	(138,197		)	(27,319		)	165,516			—			—
	Total operating expenses	689,121			29,519			396,742			(10,092		)	1,105,290
	Income (loss) from operations	239,971			(74,769		)	112,527			—			277,729
	Other expense	(49,470		)	4			(3,862		)	—			(53,328		)
	Income (loss) before income tax provision and equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	190,501			(74,765		)	108,665			—			224,401
	Income tax expense	20,432			—			8,788			—			29,220
	Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	25,112			—			—			(25,112		)	—
	Net income (loss)	$	195,181		$	(74,765	)	$	99,877		$	(25,112	)	$	195,181
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Comprehensive Income	The following is the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.
	Net income	$	237,971		$	22,679		$	153,978		$	(176,657	)	$	237,971
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
	Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges:
	Change in unrealized gains and losses	—			—			(1,939		)	—			(1,939		)
	Net gains reclassified into earnings	—			—			(235		)	—			(235		)
	Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	—			—			(2,174		)	—			(2,174		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	68			171			(3,435		)	—			(3,196		)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	68			171			(5,609		)	—			(5,370		)
	Total comprehensive income	$	238,039		$	22,850		$	148,369		$	(176,657	)	$	232,601
	The following is the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the fiscal year ended October 26, 2013 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.
	Net income (loss)	$	209,014		$	(47,398	)	$	150,914		$	(103,907	)	$	208,623
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
	Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges:
	Change in unrealized gains and losses	—			—			(1,748		)	—			(1,748		)
	Net gains reclassified into earnings	—			—			(376		)	—			(376		)
	Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	—			—			(2,124		)	—			(2,124		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,021			(628		)	(1,849		)	—			(1,456		)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	1,021			(628		)	(3,973		)	—			(3,580		)
	Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	210,035		$	(48,026	)	$	146,941		$	(103,907	)	$	205,043
	The following is the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the fiscal year ended October 27, 2012 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors						Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.
	Net income (loss)	$	195,181		$	(74,765	)	$	99,877		$	(25,112	)	$	195,181
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
	Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges:
	Change in unrealized gains and losses	—			—			(3,468		)	—			(3,468		)
	Net gains reclassified into earnings	—			—			7,433			—			7,433
	Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	—			—			3,965			—			3,965
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	128			11			(1,972		)	—			(1,833		)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	128			11			1,993			—			2,132
	Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	195,309		$	(74,754	)	$	101,870		$	(25,112	)	$	197,313
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Cash Flows	The following is the consolidated statement of cash flows for the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors			Guarantor			Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.						Subsidiaries
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	348,422		$	(1,155	)	$	194,330		$	—		$	541,597
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Purchases of non-marketable equity investments	(223		)	—			—			—			(223		)
	Proceeds from sale of non-marketable equity investments	10,798			—			—			—			10,798
	Purchases of property and equipment	(41,544		)	—			(13,190		)	—			(54,734		)
	Net cash paid in connection with acquisition	(11,007		)	—			(5,893		)	—			(16,900		)
	Proceeds from sale of network adapter business	3,081			—			6,914			—			9,995
	Proceeds from collection of convertible note receivable	250			—			—			—			250
	Net cash used in investing activities	(38,645		)	—			(12,169		)	—			(50,814		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Payment of principal related to capital leases	(2,485		)	—			—			—			(2,485		)
	Common stock repurchases	(335,380		)	—			—			—			(335,380		)
	Proceeds from issuance of common stock	83,994			—			—			—			83,994
	Payment of cash dividends to stockholders	(30,384		)	—			—			—			(30,384		)
	Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	64,240			—			323			—			64,563
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(220,015		)	—			323			—			(219,692		)
	Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(3,071		)	—			(3,071		)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	89,762			(1,155		)	179,413			—			268,020
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	396,710			9,301			580,986			—			986,997
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	486,472		$	8,146		$	760,399		$	—		$	1,255,017
	The following is the consolidated statement of cash flows for the fiscal year ended October 26, 2013 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors			Guarantor			Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.						Subsidiaries
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	281,478		$	8,503		$	161,048		$	—		$	451,029
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Purchases of property and equipment	(44,786		)	(22		)	(7,563		)	—			(52,371		)
	Net cash paid in connection with acquisition	(44,769		)	140			—			—			(44,629		)
	Proceeds from collection of note receivable	70,000			—			—			—			70,000
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(19,555		)	118			(7,563		)	—			(27,000		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Proceeds from senior unsecured notes	296,250			—			—			—			296,250
	Payment of principal related to senior secured notes	(300,000		)	—			—			—			(300,000		)
	Payment of debt issuance costs related to senior unsecured notes	(992		)	—			—			—			(992		)
	Payment of principal related to capital leases	(1,627		)	—			—			—			(1,627		)
	Common stock repurchases	(240,000		)	—			—			—			(240,000		)
	Proceeds from issuance of common stock	93,771			—			—			—			93,771
	Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	2,919			—			270			—			3,189
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(149,679		)	—			270			—			(149,409		)
	Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(849		)	—			(849		)
	Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	112,244			8,621			152,906			—			273,771
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	284,466			680			428,080			—			713,226
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	396,710		$	9,301		$	580,986		$	—		$	986,997
	The following is the consolidated statement of cash flows for the fiscal year ended October 27, 2012 (in thousands):
		Brocade			Subsidiary			Non-			Consolidating			Total
		Communications			Guarantors			Guarantor			Adjustments
		Systems, Inc.						Subsidiaries
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	464,097		$	(1,799	)	$	128,572		$	—		$	590,870
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Proceeds from maturities and sale of short-term investments	—			952			—			—			952
	Purchases of property and equipment	(62,791		)	—			(10,006		)	—			(72,797		)
	Proceeds from sale of subsidiary	35			—			—			—			35
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(62,756		)	952			(10,006		)	—			(71,810		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Payment of principal related to the term loan	(190,000		)	—			—			—			(190,000		)
	Payment of principal related to capital leases	(1,866		)	—			—			—			(1,866		)
	Common stock repurchases	(130,209		)	—			—			—			(130,209		)
	Proceeds from issuance of common stock	98,791			—			—			—			98,791
	Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	5,042			—			99			—			5,141
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(218,242		)	—			99			—			(218,143		)
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(1,893		)	—			(1,893		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	183,099			(847		)	116,772			—			299,024
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	101,367			1,527			311,308			—			414,202
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	284,466		$	680		$	428,080		$	—		$	713,226

Quarterly_Summary_Tables

Quarterly Summary (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	BROCADE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
	QUARTERLY SUMMARY
	(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended
		November 1, 2014		August 2, 2014		May 3, 2014 (1)			January 25, 2014		October 26, 2013		July 27, 2013 (2)		April 27, 2013		January 26, 2013 (3)
		(In thousands, except per share and stock price amounts)
	Quarterly Data:
	Net revenues	$	564,358	$	545,464	$	536,910		$	564,535	$	558,800	$	536,551	$	538,784	$	588,729
	Gross margin	$	377,118	$	361,713	$	354,292		$	372,670	$	362,640	$	338,202	$	334,112	$	373,925
	Income from operations	$	126,530	$	117,897	$	20,195		$	121,490	$	83,650	$	74,363	$	57,179	$	93,291
	Net income (loss)	$	83,419	$	87,352	$	(13,684	)	$	80,884	$	64,233	$	118,696	$	46,949	$	(21,255	)
	Per share amounts:
	Basic	$	0.19	$	0.2	$	(0.03	)	$	0.18	$	0.14	$	0.26	$	0.1	$	(0.05	)
	Diluted	$	0.19	$	0.2	$	(0.03	)	$	0.18	$	0.14	$	0.26	$	0.1	$	(0.05	)
	Shares used in computing
	per share amounts:
	Basic	431,843		432,448		436,167			440,573		444,642		449,446		453,133		454,843
	Diluted	441,649		441,789		436,167			453,549		460,237		461,344		466,919		454,843
	Sale prices:
	High	$	10.99	$	9.75	$	10.96		$	9.7	$	8.43	$	6.69	$	6.15	$	5.8
	Low	$	8.91	$	7.95	$	8.81		$	7.77	$	6.28	$	5.14	$	5.38	$	5.17

Summary_Of_Significant_Account2

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Property and Equipment Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014
Computer equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Software | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	4 years
Software | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Engineering and other equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	4 years
Furniture and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Leasehold improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Building and Building Improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	39 years

Summary_Of_Significant_Account3

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Concentration of Risk Narrative)(Details)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
	customer
Concentration Risk
Number of Financial Institutions	5
Customer Concentration Risk | Accounts Receivable
Concentration Risk
Number Of Customers Included In Concentration Disclosures	3	4
Concentration Risk, Percentage	38.00%	52.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Accounts Receivable | Major Customer One
Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk, Percentage	15.00%	18.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Accounts Receivable | Major Customer Two
Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk, Percentage	12.00%	12.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Accounts Receivable | Major Customer Three
Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk, Percentage	11.00%	11.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Accounts Receivable | Major Customer Four
Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk, Percentage		11.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue
Concentration Risk
Number Of Customers Included In Concentration Disclosures	3
Concentration Risk, Percentage	46.00%	46.00%	47.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue | Major Customer One
Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk, Percentage	18.00%	18.00%	16.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue | Major Customer Two
Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk, Percentage	12.00%	12.00%	13.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue | Major Customer Three
Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk, Percentage	16.00%	16.00%	18.00%

Summary_Of_Significant_Account4

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Nonmonetary Transactions Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Nonmonetary Transaction
Advertising expense	$17.60	$15.30	$17.70
Exchange of product held-for-sale for advertising services
Nonmonetary Transaction
Basis of accounting for assets transferred	The Company is accounting for this transaction based on fair values of products and services surrendered
Estimated overall fair value of barter transaction			16.6
Gross operating revenue recognized	2.4	7.1	0.3
Advertising expense	$2.70

Summary_Of_Significant_Account5

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Advertising expense	$17.60	$15.30	$17.70
Investments in non-publicly traded companies	$0.90	$7.70

Acquisitions_Schedule_of_Purch

Acquisitions (Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012	Sep. 11, 2014
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation
Goodwill	$1,567,723,000	$1,645,437,000	$1,624,089,000
Vistapointe
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation
Identifiable intangible assets:				4,690,000
Goodwill				11,475,000
Acquisition Cost Expensed	400,000
Property and equipment, net				735,000
Net assets acquired				16,900,000
Core/developed technology | Vistapointe
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation
Finite-Lived Intangibles				1,710,000
Trade name | Vistapointe
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation
Finite-Lived Intangibles				130,000
In-process technology | Vistapointe
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets				$2,850,000

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_

Acquisitions and Divestitures Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014		Oct. 26, 2013	Nov. 01, 2014	Jan. 26, 2013
Business Acquisition
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	4 years 1 month 6 days	[1]	0 years 6 months 29 days
Vistapointe
Business Acquisition
Effective Date of Acquisition	11-Sep-14
Total purchase price				$16.90
Cash consideration				16.9
Acquisition Cost Expensed				0.4
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years
Vyatta
Business Acquisition
Effective Date of Acquisition	9-Nov-12
Total purchase price					44.8
Cash consideration					43.6
Prepaid license fees consideration					1.2
Consideration Paid Held In Escrow, Amount					7
Consideration Paid Held In Escrow, Escrow Duration					18 months
Acquisition Cost Expensed					$0.40
[1]	During the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014, $477.3 million of finite-lived intangible assets became fully amortized and, therefore, were removed from the balance sheet.

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_1

Acquisitions and Divestitures Divestitures (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012	Jan. 17, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations
Disposal Group, Gain (Loss) on Disposal	$4,884,000	$0	$0
Network Adapter Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations
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 data centers whether virtualized or cloud based.
Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation				5,100,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill				4,100,000
Disposal Group, Gain (Loss) on Disposal	$4,900,000
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal, 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	Nov. 01, 2014		Oct. 26, 2013		Oct. 27, 2012
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)
Goodwill		$1,567,723,000		$1,645,437,000		$1,624,089,000
In-process research and development (1)		15,110,000	[1]	21,590,000	[1]
Total intangible assets subject to amortization		11,548,000	[2]	18,668,000
Total intangible assets		1,594,381,000		1,685,695,000
Completed IPRD	($9,300,000)
[1]	Acquired IPRD is an intangible asset accounted for as an indefinite-lived asset until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development effort. While accounted as an indefinite-lived asset, the IPRD intangible asset is subject to testing for impairment annually, 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 fiscal year ended November 1, 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 by the first half of fiscal year 2016.
[2]	During the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014, $477.3 million of finite-lived 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 $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014		Oct. 26, 2013		Oct. 27, 2012
Goodwill
Goodwill, Gross, Beginning Balance	$1,691,269		$1,669,921
Accumulated impairment losses, Beginning Balance	-45,832		-45,832
Goodwill, Net, Beginning Balance	1,645,437		1,624,089
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	-83,382		0		0
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	-4,131
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	11,475		25,681
Goodwill, Tax and other adjustments	-1,676	[1]	-4,333	[1]
Goodwill, Gross, Ending Balance	1,696,937		1,691,269		1,669,921
Accumulated impairment losses, Ending Balance	-129,214		-45,832		-45,832
Goodwill, Net, Ending Balance	1,567,723		1,645,437		1,624,089
SAN Products
Goodwill
Goodwill, Gross, Beginning Balance	176,878		176,956
Accumulated impairment losses, Beginning Balance	0		0
Goodwill, Net, Beginning Balance	176,878		176,956
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	-474
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0		0
Goodwill, Tax and other adjustments	-58	[1]	-78	[1]
Goodwill, Gross, Ending Balance	176,346		176,878
Accumulated impairment losses, Ending Balance	0		0
Goodwill, Net, Ending Balance	176,346		176,878
IP Networking Products
Goodwill
Goodwill, Gross, Beginning Balance	1,358,975		1,337,549
Accumulated impairment losses, Beginning Balance	-45,832		-45,832
Goodwill, Net, Beginning Balance	1,313,143		1,291,717
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	-83,382
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	-3,657
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	11,475		25,681
Goodwill, Tax and other adjustments	-1,618	[1]	-4,255	[1]
Goodwill, Gross, Ending Balance	1,365,175		1,358,975
Accumulated impairment losses, Ending Balance	-129,214		-45,832
Goodwill, Net, Ending Balance	1,235,961		1,313,143
Global Services
Goodwill
Goodwill, Gross, Beginning Balance	155,416		155,416
Accumulated impairment losses, Beginning Balance	0		0
Goodwill, Net, Beginning Balance	155,416		155,416
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	0
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0		0
Goodwill, Tax and other adjustments	0	[1]	0	[1]
Goodwill, Gross, Ending Balance	155,416		155,416
Accumulated impairment losses, Ending Balance	0		0
Goodwill, Net, Ending Balance	$155,416		$155,416
[1]	The goodwill adjustments 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 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014		Oct. 26, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Value	$14,560,000	[1]	$480,700,000
Accumulated Amortization	3,012,000	[1]	462,032,000
Net Carrying Value	11,548,000	[1]	18,668,000
Weighted-Average Remaining Useful Life	4 years 1 month 6 days	[1]	0 years 6 months 29 days
Cost of Fully Amortized Intangible Assets	477,300,000
Trade name
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Value	590,000		460,000
Accumulated Amortization	227,000		110,000
Net Carrying Value	363,000		350,000
Weighted-Average Remaining Useful Life	3 years 0 months 0 days		3 years 0 months 4 days
Core/developed technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Value	12,080,000		192,340,000
Accumulated Amortization	1,964,000		185,254,000
Net Carrying Value	10,116,000		7,086,000
Weighted-Average Remaining Useful Life	4 years 3 months 18 days		0 years 4 months 6 days
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Value	1,080,000		287,090,000
Accumulated Amortization	427,000		276,473,000
Net Carrying Value	653,000		10,617,000
Weighted-Average Remaining Useful Life	3 years 0 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	394,000		195,000
Net Carrying Value	$416,000		$615,000
Weighted-Average Remaining Useful Life	2 years 0 months 4 days		3 years 0 months 4 days
[1]	During the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014, $477.3 million of finite-lived 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 $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Cost of revenues	$8,010	$39,731	$46,229
Amortization of intangible assets	10,280	54,256	59,204
Total	$18,290	$93,987	$105,433

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets7

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Estimated Future Amortization Of Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 01, 2014		Oct. 26, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$3,099
2016	2,787
2017	2,472
2018	2,252
2019	938
Total	$11,548	[1]	$18,668
[1]	During the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014, $477.3 million of finite-lived intangible assets became fully amortized and, therefore, were removed from the balance sheet.

Restructuring_And_Other_Charge2

Restructuring And Other Charges (Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Restructuring
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	($83,382,000)	$0	$0
Restructuring and Related Cost, Caption that Includes Restructuring Charges	Restructuring, goodwill impairment, and other related costs (recoveries)
Initial Period in which Effects are Expected to be Realized	2021
Restructuring Reserve Rollforward
Restructuring liabilities, Beginning balance	17,426,000	2,582,000
Restructuring and other charges	7,704,000	25,464,000
Cash payments	-18,032,000	-9,551,000
Translation adjustment	-137,000
Non-cash charges		-1,069,000
Other adjustments, net	-1,805,000
Restructuring liabilities, Ending balance	5,156,000	17,426,000	2,582,000
Restructuring Reserve Ending Balance
Current restructuring liabilities	2,108,000
Non-current restructuring liabilities	3,048,000
Fiscal 2013 Fourth Quarter Restructuring Plan
Restructuring
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 plan included a workforce reduction of approximately 250 employees, primarily in the engineering, sales, and marketing organizations, as well as the cancellation of certain nonrecurring engineering agreements and exit from certain leased facilities. The Company substantially completed the restructuring plan by the end of the first quarter of fiscal year 2014. In connection with the plan, the Company incurred aggregate charges of $89.3 million as of November 1, 2014, primarily related to a goodwill impairment charge of $83.4 million (see Note 4, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). 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 Activities, Initiation Date	4-Sep-13
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated	250
Restructuring and Related Activities, Expected Completion Date	25-Jan-14
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 fiscal year ended November 1, 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	89,300,000
Restructuring Reserve Rollforward
Other adjustments, net	1,800,000
Restructuring Reserve Ending Balance
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 fiscal year ended November 1, 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.
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	0
Restructuring and other charges	18,000	20,413,000
Cash payments	-13,258,000	-5,197,000
Translation adjustment	0
Non-cash charges		0
Other adjustments, net	-1,805,000
Restructuring liabilities, Ending balance	171,000	15,216,000
Restructuring Reserve Ending Balance
Current restructuring liabilities	171,000
Non-current restructuring liabilities	0
Contract Terminations and Other | Fiscal 2013 Fourth Quarter Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Reserve Rollforward
Restructuring liabilities, Beginning balance	416,000	0
Restructuring and other charges	0	3,981,000
Cash payments	-374,000	-3,565,000
Translation adjustment	0
Non-cash charges		0
Other adjustments, net	0
Restructuring liabilities, Ending balance	42,000	416,000
Restructuring Reserve Ending Balance
Current restructuring liabilities	42,000
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	0
Restructuring and other charges	7,686,000	1,070,000
Cash payments	-3,600,000	-1,000
Translation adjustment	-137,000
Non-cash charges		-1,069,000
Other adjustments, net	0
Restructuring liabilities, Ending balance	3,949,000	0
Restructuring Reserve Ending Balance
Current restructuring liabilities	1,478,000
Non-current restructuring liabilities	2,471,000
Lease Loss Reserve and Related Costs | Prior Restructuring Plans
Restructuring Reserve Rollforward
Restructuring liabilities, Beginning balance	1,794,000	2,582,000
Restructuring and other charges	0	0
Cash payments	-800,000	-788,000
Translation adjustment	0
Non-cash charges		0
Other adjustments, net	0
Restructuring liabilities, Ending balance	994,000	1,794,000
Restructuring Reserve Ending Balance
Current restructuring liabilities	417,000
Non-current restructuring liabilities	$577,000

Balance_Sheet_Details_Schedule

Balance Sheet Details (Schedule of Accounts Receivable) (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	($80)	($575)
Accounts receivable, net	224,913	249,598
Trade Accounts Receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable
Accounts Receivable, Gross	232,389	257,494
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	-80	-575
Sales Allowance	-7,396	-7,321
Accounts receivable, net	$224,913	$249,598

Balance_Sheet_Details_Schedule1

Balance Sheet Details (Schedule of Inventory) (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory
Inventory, Raw Materials	$10,491	$14,048
Inventory, Finished Goods	28,227	31,296
Inventory, Net	$38,718	$45,344

Balance_Sheet_Details_Schedule2

Balance Sheet Details (Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment) (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 01, 2014		Oct. 26, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type
Property and equipment, gross	$897,329		$927,735
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-451,896	[1],[2]	-454,795	[1],[2]
Total property and equipment, net	445,433		472,940
Computer equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type
Property and equipment, gross	13,679		16,006
Software
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type
Property and equipment, gross	62,919		57,186
Engineering and other equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type
Property and equipment, gross	383,412	[1]	416,573	[1]
Furniture and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type
Property and equipment, gross	29,053	[1]	29,029	[1]
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type
Property and equipment, gross	23,607		24,287
Land and building
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type
Property and equipment, gross	$384,659		$384,654
[1]	Engineering and other equipment, furniture and fixtures, and accumulated depreciation and amortization include the following amounts under capital leases as of November 1, 2014, and October 26, 2013 (in thousands): November 1, 2014 October 26, 2013Cost$11,925 $11,925Accumulated depreciation(7,209) (5,366)Property and equipment, net, under capital leases$4,716 $6,559
[2]	The following table presents the depreciation of property and equipment included on the Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended November 1, 2014 October 26, 2013 October 27, 2012Depreciation expense$82,357 $90,127 $86,785

Balance_Sheet_Details_Schedule3

Balance Sheet Details (Schedule of Capital Leased Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Capital Leases
Cost	$11,925	$11,925
Accumulated depreciation	-7,209	-5,366
Total	$4,716	$6,559

Balance_Sheet_Details_Schedule4

Balance Sheet Details (Schedule of Accrued Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities, Current
Income taxes payable	$5,632	$11,081
Accrued warranty	7,486	8,632
Inventory purchase commitments	2,541	4,436
Accrued sales programs	31,640	25,752
Accrued interest	9,922	10,056
Others	27,371	39,796
Total other accrued liabilities	$84,592	$99,753

Balance_Sheet_Details_Narrativ

Balance Sheet Details (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Depreciation
Depreciation expense	$82,357	$90,127	$86,785

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu

Fair Value Measurements (Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value) (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Nov. 01, 2014		Oct. 26, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Money market funds	$1,009,283	[1]	$431,750	[1]
Derivative assets	99		1,814
Total assets measured at fair value	1,009,382		433,564
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure
Derivative liabilities	1,937		1,441
Total liabilities measured at fair value	1,937		1,441
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Instruments (Level 1)
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Money market funds	1,009,283	[1]	431,750	[1]
Derivative assets	0		0
Total assets measured at fair value	1,009,283		431,750
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure
Derivative liabilities	0		0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	0		0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Money market funds	0	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative assets	99		1,814
Total assets measured at fair value	99		1,814
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure
Derivative liabilities	1,937		1,441
Total liabilities measured at fair value	1,937		1,441
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Money market funds	0	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative assets	0		0
Total assets measured at fair value	0		0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure
Derivative liabilities	0		0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$0		$0
[1]	Money market funds are reported within “Cash and cash equivalents” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Borrowings_Schedule_Of_LongTer

Borrowings (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross	$602,115	$604,600
Unamortized discount	4,839	5,396
Current portion of long-term debt	1,826	2,996
Long-term debt, net of current portion	595,450	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	$2,115	$4,600
Effective interest rate	5.37%	5.50%

Borrowings_Narrative_Details

Borrowings (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Jan. 24, 2009	Oct. 26, 2013	Jan. 20, 2010	Jan. 22, 2013	Oct. 31, 2008
Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument
Debt instrument, face amount				$600
Long-term debt, fair value	312.5		324.4
Senior Secured 2018 Notes
Debt Instrument
Debt instrument, face amount				300
Irrevocable deposit					311.9
Repayment of principal amount					300
Call premium					9.9
Unpaid interest deposited to escrow					2
Redemption price, percentage of face value	103.31%
Call premium cost and original issue discount and debt issuance costs related to lenders that did not participate in refinancing	15.3
Senior Secured 2020 Notes
Debt Instrument
Debt instrument, face amount				300
Redemption price, percentage of face value	100.00%
Repurchase price of notes in case of change in control, percentage of face value	101.00%
Repurchase price of notes in case of sale of assets, percentage of face value	100.00%
Senior Unsecured 2023 Notes
Debt Instrument
Debt instrument, face amount					300
Long-term debt, fair value	292.4
Redemption price, percentage of face value	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%
Term Loan Facility
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Original Term of Loan		5 years
Senior secured credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity						1,100
Senior secured credit facility, amount outstanding	0		0
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Original Term of Loan		5 years
Senior secured credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	125		125			125
Senior secured credit facility, amount outstanding	0		0
Swing Line Loan Subfacility
Debt Instrument
Senior secured credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity						25
Letter Of Credit Subfacility
Debt Instrument
Senior secured credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity						$25

Borrowings_Schedule_Of_Debt_Ma

Borrowings (Schedule Of Debt Maturities) (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-term Debt, by Maturity
2015	$1,826
2016	289
2017	0
2018	0
2019	0
Thereafter	600,000
Total	$602,115	$604,600

Commitments_And_Contingencies_1

Commitments And Contingencies Commitments And Contingencies (Leases Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 01, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$0.10

Commitments_And_Contingencies_2

Commitments And Contingencies Commitments And Contingencies (Schedule of Rent Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net [Abstract]
Rent expense	$21,928	$26,199	$25,867
Sublease income	-7,264	-6,834	-6,606
Rent Expense, Net	$14,664	$19,365	$19,261

Commitments_And_Contingencies_3

Commitments And Contingencies Commitments And Contingencies (Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases) (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 01, 2014
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]
2015	$20,033,000
2016	17,133,000
2017	8,974,000
2018	5,822,000
2019	5,775,000
Thereafter	16,773,000
Total minimum lease payments	74,510,000
Contractual sublease income	$16,100,000

Commitments_And_Contingencies_4

Commitments And Contingencies Commitments And Contingencies (Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases) (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due
2015	$1,888
2016	295
2017	0
2018	0
Total minimum lease payments	2,183
Amount representing interest	-68
Present value of net minimum lease payments	$2,115

Commitments_And_Contingencies_5

Commitments And Contingencies (Schedule Of Accrued Liability For Estimated Future Warranty Costs) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013
Product Warranty Activity
Beginning balance	$8,632	$14,453
Liabilities accrued for warranties issued during the period	4,683	4,969
Warranty claims paid and used during the period	-4,978	-8,213
Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties during the period	-851	-2,577
Ending balance	$7,486	$8,632

Commitments_And_Contingencies_6

Commitments And Contingencies (Purchase Commitment Narrative) (Details) (Inventory Purchase Commitment, USD $)	Nov. 01, 2014
Inventory Purchase Commitment
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment
Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed	$178,400,000
Purchase Commitment, Recognized Loss	$2,541,000

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 $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Net gains (losses) related to the effective portion of foreign currency derivatives	$262	$425	($8,351)
Cost of revenues
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Net gains (losses) related to the effective portion of foreign currency derivatives	126	98	-1,043
Research and development
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Net gains (losses) related to the effective portion of foreign currency derivatives	-451	-60	-1,094
Sales and marketing
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Net gains (losses) related to the effective portion of foreign currency derivatives	528	356	-5,704
General and administrative
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Net gains (losses) related to the effective portion of foreign currency derivatives	$59	$31	($510)

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed4

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Maximum derivative instrument maturity period	15 months
Foreign Currency Transaction [Abstract]
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	($0.30)	$0.10	($1.50)
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Other Accrued Liabilities
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Gross unrealized loss positions	-1.9
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Prepaid Expense And Other Current Asset
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Gross unrealized gain positions	$0.10

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed5

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Schedule Of Total Gross Notional Amounts, Presented By Currency) (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	$80,957	$98,614
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Euro
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	14,404	16,012
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | British Pound
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	11,168	25,053
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | India Rupee
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	19,413	17,444
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Singapore Dollar
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	9,242	12,867
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Swiss Franc
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	7,468	11,066
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Japanese Yen
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	8,856	16,172
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Chinese Yuan
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	10,406	0
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	34,091	25,478
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Euro
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	19,200	25,478
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | British Pound
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	14,891	0
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | India 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 | Swiss Franc
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 | Chinese Yuan
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	$0	$0

Employee_Compensation_Plans_Em

Employee Compensation Plans Employee Compensation Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014	Apr. 28, 2012	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Equity Compensation Plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Shares authorized for issuance under plan	55,200,000		90,600,000
Shares available for issuance under plan	30,000,000		56,800,000
Reduction In Number Of Shares Available For Issuance	1.56
Minimum Percentage Holding Requirement For Principal Shareholder	10.00%
Minimum Fair Market Value Of The Shares Granted To Principal Shareholder	110.00%
Expiration Date For Stock Options And Stock Appreciation Rights Maximum Time From Grant Date - 10% owners	5 years
Expiration Date For Stock Options And Stock Appreciation Rights Maximum Time From Grant Date	7 years
Equity Compensation Plans | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Award vesting period	3 years
Equity Compensation Plans | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Award vesting period	4 years
2013 Inducement Award Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Shares authorized for issuance under plan	2,400,000
2009 Stock Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Additional shares authorized under plan		35,000,000
Shares authorized for issuance under plan	83,000,000
Maximum number of shares to be added to the plan	40,300,000
2009 Director Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Shares authorized for issuance under plan	2,000,000
Maximum number of shares to be added to the plan	900,000
2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Additional shares authorized under plan		30,000,000
Shares authorized for issuance under plan	65,000,000
Shares available for issuance under plan	17,100,000
Maximum payroll deductions	15.00%
Discount from Market Price At Offering Date	85.00%
Maximum number of shares to be purchased per employee	3,750
Plan Offering Period	24 months
Plan Purchase Period	6 months
Number of purchase periods	4
Mcdata Equity Plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Shares authorized for issuance under plan	100,000
Employee 401 K Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Employee contribution maximum rate	60.00%
Maximum company matching contribution per employee	3,000
Company's matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan	8,200,000		$9,200,000	$9,100,000

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Equity Compensation Plans) (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 01, 2014
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Stock option and Employee stock purchase plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Number of securities to be Issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights	6,199
Weighted-average exercise price of options outstanding	$6.79
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans	29,999
Equity Compensation Plans Approved By Stockholders
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Number of securities to be Issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights	3,799	[1],[2]
Weighted-average exercise price of options outstanding	$7.50	[1]
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans	29,999	[1],[3]
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved By Stockholders
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Number of securities to be Issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights	2,400	[4]
Weighted-average exercise price of options outstanding	$5.66	[4]
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans	0	[4]
[1]	Primarily consist of the 2009 ESPP, the 2009 and 1999 Director Plans, and the 2009 and 1999 Stock Plans.
[2]	Amount excludes purchase rights accrued under the 2009 ESPP. As of November 1, 2014, the 2009 ESPP had a stockholder-approved reserve of 65.0 million shares, of which 17.1 million shares were available for future issuance.
[3]	Amount consists of shares available for future issuance under the 2009 ESPP, the 2009 Director Plan, and the 2009 Stock Plan.
[4]	Consist solely of the 1999 NSO Plan described in Note 11, “Employee Compensation Plans,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Foundry’s 2000 NSO Plan, which was assumed in connection with our acquisition of Foundry.

StockBased_Compensation_StockB

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock-Based Compensation Expense Included In Line Items Of Consolidated Statements Of Operations) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs
Total stock-based compensation	$84,914	$73,618	$77,169
Cost of revenues
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs
Total stock-based compensation	14,963	14,519	15,433
Research and development
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs
Total stock-based compensation	18,635	17,509	17,952
Sales and marketing
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs
Total stock-based compensation	31,650	29,425	33,257
General and administrative
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs
Total stock-based compensation	$19,666	$12,165	$10,527

StockBased_Compensation_StockB1

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock-Based Compensation Expense By Grant Type) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Total stock-based compensation	$84,914	$73,618	$77,169
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Total stock-based compensation	4,581	2,581	1,079
Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Total stock-based compensation	62,906	50,522	56,791
Employee stock purchase plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Total stock-based compensation	$17,427	$20,515	$19,299

StockBased_Compensation_StockB2

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock-Based Compensation, Unrecognized Compensation Expense And Weighted-Average Period) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	$3,986
Weighted-Average Period	1 year 4 months 6 days
Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	115,111
Weighted-Average Period	2 years 0 months 25 days
Employee stock purchase plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	$13,834
Weighted-Average Period	1 year 0 months 22 days

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu1

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedules of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options and Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Valuation Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Expected dividend yield		0.00%	0.00%
Risk free interest rate minimum	0.70%	0.60%	0.10%
Risk free interest rate maximum	2.30%	1.70%	0.80%
Expected volatility minimum	36.80%	39.90%	48.80%
Expected volatility maximum	39.40%	44.90%	56.50%
Expected term	5 years 0 months 0 days	5 years 8 months 12 days	4 years 8 months 12 days
Stock options | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Expected dividend yield	0.00%
Stock options | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Expected dividend yield	1.50%
Employee stock purchase plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Expected dividend yield	1.37%	0.00%	0.00%
Risk free interest rate	0.22%	0.20%	0.20%
Expected volatility	30.05%	39.50%	52.50%
Expected term	1 year 3 months 4 days	1 year 3 months 18 days	1 year 6 months 0 days

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu2

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity) (Details) (Stock options, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding
Stock options, Beginning balance	12,561	29,497	50,765
Stock options, Granted	1,770	2,875	160
Stock options, Exercised	-9,767	-13,149	-16,993
Stock options, Forfeited or expired	-1,250	-6,662	-4,435
Stock options, Ending balance	3,314	12,561	29,497	50,765
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Stock options, Beginning balance	$6.19	$5.43	$4.91
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Stock options, Granted	$9.03	$5.64	$5.55
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Stock options, Exercised	$5.19	$3.99	$3.39
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Stock options, Forfeited or expired	$8.60	$6.90	$7.34
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Stock options, Ending balance	$6.79	$6.19	$5.43	$4.91
Aggregate intrinsic value, Stock options, Outstanding	$24,452	$24,784	$26,077	$35,494
Aggregate intrinsic value, Stock options, Exercised	24,240	32,324	36,498
Weighted-average grant date fair value	$3.16	$2.34	$2.39
Weighted average remaining contractual term, Stock options, Outstanding	4 years 8 months 26 days	2 years 4 months 13 days	1 year 7 months 10 days	1 year 11 months 23 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest
Vested and expected to vest, Stock options, Outstanding	6,012
Vested and expected to vest, Stock options, Weighted average exercise price	$6.77
Vested and expected to vest, Stock options, Weighted average remaining contractual term	4 years 8 months 16 days
Vested and expected to vest, Stock options, Outstanding, Aggregate intrinsic value	23,832
Exercisable and vested, Stock options, Outstanding	3,088
Exercisable and vested, Stock options, Weighted average exercise price	$6.31
Exercisable and vested, Stock options, Weighted average remaining contractual term	3 years 9 months 4 days
Exercisable and vested, Stock options, Outstanding, Aggregate intrinsic value	$13,656

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu3

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity) (Details) (Restricted stock units, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested
RSUs, Nonvested, Beginning balance	22,761	21,996	23,481
RSUs, Granted	11,582	11,518	11,166
RSUs, Vested	-11,750	-7,401	-9,597
RSUs, Forfeited	-3,594	-3,352	-3,054
RSUs, Nonvested, Ending balance	18,999	22,761	21,996
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures
RSUs, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning balance	$3.85	$3.71	$3.85
RSUs, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$9.69	$5.75	$4.97
RSUs, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	$5.59	$5.69	$4.82
RSUs, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited	$6.01	$5.39	$5.92
RSUs, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending balance	$5.93	$3.85	$3.71
Vested and expected to vest, Shares	17,388
Vested and expected to vest, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$5.93

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Shares authorized for issuance under plan	65,000,000
Shares available for issuance under plan	17,100,000
Discount from Market Price At Offering Date	85.00%
Maximum payroll deductions	15.00%
Plan Offering Period	24 months
Plan Purchase Period	6 months
Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
RSUs, Nonvested, Aggregate intrinsic value	203,900,000	$178,800,000	$116,600,000
Restricted stock units | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Award vesting period	1 year
Restricted stock units | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Award vesting period	4 years
Employee stock purchase plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Discount from Market Price At Offering Date	85.00%
Maximum payroll deductions	15.00%
Plan Offering Period	24 months
Plan Purchase Period	6 months

Stockholders_Equity_Stockholde2

Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Dividends Payable) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012	Nov. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014	3-May-14
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.07	$0	$0
Payment of cash dividends to stockholders	($30,384)	$0	$0
Common Stock
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends Payable, Date Declared				21-Aug-14	22-May-14
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared				$0.04	$0.04	$0
Dividends Payable, Date of Record				10-Sep-14	10-Jun-14
Payment of cash dividends to stockholders				($15,114)	($15,270)
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid				2-Oct-14	2-Jul-14

Stockholders_Equity_Stockholde3

Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Taxes related to Other Comprehensive Income/Loss) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax [Abstract]
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax	($2,192)	($1,725)
Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax	-262	-425
Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax	-2,454	-2,150
Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax	-3,196	-1,456
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	-5,650	-3,606
Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Effect [Abstract]
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax	253	-23
Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax	27	49
Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax	280	26
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	280	26
Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax [Abstract]
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-1,939	-1,748	-3,468
Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	235	376	-7,433
Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	-2,174	-2,124	3,965
Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract]
Change in cumulative translation adjustments	-3,196	-1,456	-1,833
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	($5,370)	($3,580)	$2,132

Stockholders_Equity_Stockholde4

Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	($5,135)	($3,204)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	-235	-376
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-5,370	-3,580
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-18,814	-13,444	-9,864
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	-1,939	-1,748
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	-235	-376
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-2,174	-2,124
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-1,907	267	2,391
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	-3,196	-1,456
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-3,196	-1,456
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	($16,907)	($13,711)	($12,255)

Other_Income_Loss_net_Narrativ

Other Income (Loss), net (Narrative) (Details) (A10 Networks, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014
Component of Other Income, Nonoperating
Other Nonoperating Income	$76.80
Gain Litigation Settlement Date	20-May-13
Cash
Component of Other Income, Nonoperating
Other Nonoperating Income	5
Notes Receivable
Component of Other Income, Nonoperating
Other Nonoperating Income	70
Note Receivable Interest Rate	8.00%
Other Assets
Component of Other Income, Nonoperating
Other Nonoperating Income	$1.80

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Sche

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
United States	$192,730	$176,536	$115,736
International	160,891	153,925	108,665
Income before income tax	$353,621	$330,461	$224,401

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Sche1

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
U.S. federal taxes:
Current, U.S. federal taxes	$61,666	($13,666)	($11,750)
Deferred, U.S. federal taxes	33,065	46,313	33,981
Total U.S. federal taxes	94,731	32,647	22,231
State taxes:
Current, State taxes	16,597	8,091	613
Deferred, State taxes	-2,599	78,106	-2,412
Total state taxes	13,998	86,197	-1,799
Non-U.S. taxes:
Current, Non-U.S. taxes	6,655	2,837	8,770
Deferred, Non-U.S. taxes	266	157	18
Total non-U.S. taxes	6,921	2,994	8,788
Total	$115,650	$121,838	$29,220

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Sche2

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit	3.10%	4.10%	3.80%
Foreign income taxed at other than U.S. rates	-16.90%	-17.60%	-17.70%
Stock-based compensation	2.30%	1.90%	3.50%
Research and development credit	-3.10%	-5.60%	-3.50%
Permanent items	0.30%	0.30%	0.30%
Change in liabilities for uncertain tax positions	0.50%	-5.10%	-6.50%
Repatriation from offshore operations	8.30%	0.00%	0.00%
Audit settlement and reinstated tax credit	0.10%	1.30%	-2.90%
Change in valuation allowance	1.60%	23.70%	0.00%
Other	1.50%	-1.10%	1.00%
Effective tax rate	32.70%	36.90%	13.00%

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Sche3

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross
Net operating loss carry forwards	$8,679	$10,525
Stock-based compensation expense	14,202	17,664
Tax credit carry forwards	84,930	141,975
Reserves and accruals	101,301	63,765
Capitalized research and development expenditures	183	621
Net unrealized losses on investments	370	396
Gross deferred tax assets	209,665	234,946
Valuation allowance	-83,489	-81,116
Total deferred tax assets	126,176	153,830
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Acquired intangibles and goodwill	-15,433	-22,307
Fixed assets	-31,231	-29,878
Other	-13,368	-2,042
Total deferred tax liabilities	-60,032	-54,227
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net
Total net deferred tax assets	$66,144	$99,603

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Summ

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Summary of Income Tax Contingencies) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance	$112,479	$119,253
Gross increases for tax positions taken in prior periods	3,325	3,472
Gross decreases for tax positions taken in prior periods	-4,784	-12,970
Gross increases for tax positions taken in current period	15,426	14,875
Changes due to settlements with taxing authorities	0	-9,442
Reductions resulting from lapses of statutes of limitations	-6,831	-2,709
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance	$119,615	$112,479

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Undistributed earnings of the foreign subsidiaries	$686,600,000
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	1,255,000,000
Percentage of cash and cash equivalents and short term investments held in foreign subsidiaries	61.00%
Percentage Of Tax Benefit Realized Upon Ultimate Settlement With Taxing Authority	50.00%
Amount of unrecognized tax benefits that could affect the effect tax rate	82,400,000
Lower range of estimated potential decreases in underlying uncertain tax positions	0
Upper range of estimated potential decreases in underlying uncertain tax positions	4,000,000
Tax benefit (detriment) from employee stock plans	59,900,000	-1,500,000	-4,800,000
Change in California deferred tax asset valuation allowance as a result of the passage of Proposition 39		78,200,000
Income tax expense	115,650,000	121,838,000	29,220,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Goodwill impairment charge	83,382,000	0	0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense	-100,000	-600,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	2,300,000	2,300,000
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Operating loss carryforwards	152,000,000
Operating loss carryforwards, Expiration Date Range	various dates between fiscal year 2017 through 2034
Tax credit carryforward	156,700,000
State and Local Jurisdiction
Operating loss carryforwards, Expiration Date Range	various dates between fiscal year 2015 through 2032
Tax credit carryforward	177,300,000
California State
Operating loss carryforwards	51,600,000
Other States
Operating loss carryforwards	$143,400,000

Segment_Information_Schedule_O

Segment Information (Schedule Of Financial Information By Reportable Segment) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014	3-May-14	Jan. 25, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Jul. 27, 2013	Apr. 27, 2013	Jan. 26, 2013	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Segment Reporting Information
Net revenues	$564,358	$545,464	$536,910	$564,535	$558,800	$536,551	$538,784	$588,729	$2,211,267	$2,222,864	$2,237,770
Cost of revenues									745,474	813,985	854,751
Gross margin	377,118	361,713	354,292	372,670	362,640	338,202	334,112	373,925	1,465,793	1,408,879	1,383,019
SAN Products
Segment Reporting Information
Net revenues									1,326,950	1,318,509	1,356,099
Cost of revenues									344,466	355,388	362,608
Gross margin									982,484	963,121	993,491
IP Networking Products
Segment Reporting Information
Net revenues									525,237	552,058	534,757
Cost of revenues									247,975	302,974	327,248
Gross margin									277,262	249,084	207,509
Global Services
Segment Reporting Information
Net revenues									359,080	352,297	346,914
Cost of revenues									153,033	155,623	164,895
Gross margin									$206,047	$196,674	$182,019

Recovered_Sheet1

Segment Information (Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014		Oct. 26, 2013		Oct. 27, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Revenues	$2,211,267		$2,222,864		$2,237,770
Property and equipment, net	445,433		472,940		518,940
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Revenues	1,286,650		1,351,242		1,414,390
Property and equipment, net	426,941		457,622		500,744
International
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Revenues	924,617		871,622		823,380
Property and equipment, net	18,492		15,318		18,196
Europe Middle East And Africa, including Netherlands
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Revenues	598,196	[1]	552,734	[1]	493,979	[1]
Netherlands
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Revenues	385,200		339,100		259,200
Asia Pacific
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Revenues	183,035		181,461		186,244
JAPAN
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Revenues	91,062		97,259		99,887
Canada Central And South America
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Revenues	$52,324		$40,168		$43,270
[1]	Includes net revenues of $385.2 million, $339.1 million, and $259.2 million for the fiscal years ended November 1, 2014, October 26, 2013, and October 27, 2012, respectively, relating to the Netherlands.

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 Segments		3

Net_Income_Per_Share_Schedule_

Net Income Per Share (Schedule Of Calculation Of Basic And Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014	3-May-14		Jan. 25, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Jul. 27, 2013		Apr. 27, 2013	Jan. 26, 2013		Nov. 01, 2014		Oct. 26, 2013		Oct. 27, 2012
Basic net income per share
Net income												$237,971		$208,623		$195,181
Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income per share	431,843	432,448	436,167		440,573	444,642	449,446		453,133	454,843		435,258		450,516		456,629
Net income per share—basic	$0.19	$0.20	($0.03)	[1]	$0.18	$0.14	$0.26	[2]	$0.10	($0.05)	[3]	$0.55		$0.46		$0.43
Diluted net income per share
Net income												$237,971		$208,623		$195,181
Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income per share	441,649	441,789	436,167		453,549	460,237	461,344		466,919	454,843		446,859		463,705		472,343
Net income per share—diluted	$0.19	$0.20	($0.03)	[1]	$0.18	$0.14	$0.26	[2]	$0.10	($0.05)	[3]	$0.53		$0.45		$0.41
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation
Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income per share	431,843	432,448	436,167		440,573	444,642	449,446		453,133	454,843		435,258		450,516		456,629
Dilutive potential common shares in the form of stock options												1,995		3,472		7,846
Dilutive potential common shares in the form of other share-based awards												9,606		9,717		7,868
Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income per share	441,649	441,789	436,167		453,549	460,237	461,344		466,919	454,843		446,859		463,705		472,343
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Antidilutive potential common shares												1,725	[4]	11,868	[4]	16,402	[4]
Other share based awards
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Antidilutive potential common shares												893	[4]	167	[4]	570	[4]
[1]	The quarter ended May 3, 2014, includes the impact of an $83.4 million impairment of goodwill in the Company’s Application Delivery Products reporting unit.
[2]	The quarter ended July 27, 2013, includes the impact of the nonrecurring gain of $76.8 million resulting from the litigation settlement with A10 Networks, Inc.
[3]	The quarter ended January 26, 2013, includes a discrete charge of $78.2 million to reduce previously recognized California deferred tax assets due to changes in California law resulting from the passage of Proposition 39 during fiscal year 2013.
[4]	These amounts are excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share.

Guarantor_And_NonGuarantor_Sub2

Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Jan. 20, 2010	Jan. 22, 2013
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 and all 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.
Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument
Debt instrument, face amount		$600
Senior Unsecured 2023 Notes
Debt Instrument
Debt instrument, face amount			$300

Guarantor_And_NonGuarantor_Sub3

Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Schedule Of Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,255,017	$986,997	$713,226	$414,202
Accounts receivable, net	224,913	249,598
Inventories	38,718	45,344
Intercompany receivables	0	0
Other current assets	139,357	140,864
Total current assets	1,658,005	1,422,803
Property and equipment, net	445,433	472,940
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Other non-current assets	1,630,237	1,725,648
Total assets	3,733,675	3,621,391
Accounts payable	93,705	88,218
Current portion of long-term debt	1,826	2,996
Intercompany payables	0	0
Other current liabilities	491,777	469,449
Total current liabilities	587,308	560,663
Long-term debt, net of current portion	595,450	596,208
Other non-current liabilities	142,856	117,707
Total liabilities	1,325,614	1,274,578
Total stockholders’ equity	2,408,061	2,346,813
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	3,733,675	3,621,391
Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Cash and cash equivalents	486,472	396,710	284,466	101,367
Accounts receivable, net	146,908	159,436
Inventories	38,266	40,072
Intercompany receivables	0	0
Other current assets	131,555	127,709
Total current assets	803,201	723,927
Property and equipment, net	426,785	457,054
Investment in subsidiaries	1,197,620	1,026,247
Other non-current assets	1,540,854	1,626,031
Total assets	3,968,460	3,833,259
Accounts payable	73,311	68,190
Current portion of long-term debt	1,826	2,996
Intercompany payables	423,347	409,590
Other current liabilities	367,247	335,261
Total current liabilities	865,731	816,037
Long-term debt, net of current portion	595,450	596,208
Other non-current liabilities	99,218	74,201
Total liabilities	1,560,399	1,486,446
Total stockholders’ equity	2,408,061	2,346,813
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	3,968,460	3,833,259
Subsidiary Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Cash and cash equivalents	8,146	9,301	680	1,527
Accounts receivable, net	12	328
Inventories	0	0
Intercompany receivables	500,321	464,443
Other current assets	28	7
Total current assets	508,507	474,079
Property and equipment, net	156	567
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Other non-current assets	80,655	95,624
Total assets	589,318	570,270
Accounts payable	0	28
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0
Intercompany payables	0	0
Other current liabilities	3,472	7,075
Total current liabilities	3,472	7,103
Long-term debt, net of current portion	0	0
Other non-current liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	3,472	7,103
Total stockholders’ equity	585,846	563,167
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	589,318	570,270
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Cash and cash equivalents	760,399	580,986	428,080	311,308
Accounts receivable, net	77,993	89,834
Inventories	452	5,272
Intercompany receivables	0	0
Other current assets	7,735	11,395
Total current assets	846,579	687,487
Property and equipment, net	18,492	15,319
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Other non-current assets	8,728	3,993
Total assets	873,799	706,799
Accounts payable	20,394	20,000
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0
Intercompany payables	76,974	54,853
Other current liabilities	121,019	125,360
Total current liabilities	218,387	200,213
Long-term debt, net of current portion	0	0
Other non-current liabilities	43,638	43,506
Total liabilities	262,025	243,719
Total stockholders’ equity	611,774	463,080
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	873,799	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	-500,321	-464,443
Other current assets	39	1,753
Total current assets	-500,282	-462,690
Property and equipment, net	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	-1,197,620	-1,026,247
Other non-current assets	0	0
Total assets	-1,697,902	-1,488,937
Accounts payable	0	0
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0
Intercompany payables	-500,321	-464,443
Other current liabilities	39	1,753
Total current liabilities	-500,282	-462,690
Long-term debt, net of current portion	0	0
Other non-current liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	-500,282	-462,690
Total stockholders’ equity	-1,197,620	-1,026,247
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	($1,697,902)	($1,488,937)

Guarantor_And_NonGuarantor_Sub4

Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Schedule Of Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014	3-May-14	Jan. 25, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Jul. 27, 2013	Apr. 27, 2013	Jan. 26, 2013	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Revenues									$2,211,267	$2,222,864	$2,237,770
Intercompany revenues									0	0	0
Total net revenues	564,358	545,464	536,910	564,535	558,800	536,551	538,784	588,729	2,211,267	2,222,864	2,237,770
Cost of revenues									745,474	813,985	854,751
Intercompany cost of revenues									0	0	0
Total cost of revenues									745,474	813,985	854,751
Gross margin	377,118	361,713	354,292	372,670	362,640	338,202	334,112	373,925	1,465,793	1,408,879	1,383,019
Operating expenses									1,079,681	1,100,396	1,105,290
Intercompany operating expenses (income)									0	0	0
Total operating expenses									1,079,681	1,100,396	1,105,290
Income from operations	126,530	117,897	20,195	121,490	83,650	74,363	57,179	93,291	386,112	308,483	277,729
Other income (expense)									-32,491	21,978	-53,328
Income before income tax									353,621	330,461	224,401
Income tax expense									115,650	121,838	29,220
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries									0	0	0
Net income									237,971	208,623	195,181
Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Revenues									1,284,672	1,347,055	1,409,705
Intercompany revenues									26,978	25,507	44,152
Total net revenues									1,311,650	1,372,562	1,453,857
Cost of revenues									488,787	534,699	559,835
Intercompany cost of revenues									-57,403	-58,050	-35,070
Total cost of revenues									431,384	476,649	524,765
Gross margin									880,266	895,913	929,092
Operating expenses									866,389	826,239	827,318
Intercompany operating expenses (income)									-188,300	-127,997	-138,197
Total operating expenses									678,089	698,242	689,121
Income from operations									202,177	197,671	239,971
Other income (expense)									-32,134	25,481	-49,470
Income before income tax									170,043	223,152	190,501
Income tax expense									108,729	117,654	20,432
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries									176,657	103,516	25,112
Net income									237,971	209,014	195,181
Subsidiary Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Revenues									1,978	4,257	4,685
Intercompany revenues									0	0	0
Total net revenues									1,978	4,257	4,685
Cost of revenues									8,503	38,991	49,935
Intercompany cost of revenues									0	0	0
Total cost of revenues									8,503	38,991	49,935
Gross margin									-6,525	-34,734	-45,250
Operating expenses									7,241	34,175	56,838
Intercompany operating expenses (income)									-30,515	-22,443	-27,319
Total operating expenses									-23,274	11,732	29,519
Income from operations									16,749	-46,466	-74,769
Other income (expense)									5,930	258	4
Income before income tax									22,679	-46,208	-74,765
Income tax expense									0	1,190	0
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries									0	0	0
Net income									22,679	-47,398	-74,765
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Revenues									924,617	871,552	823,380
Intercompany revenues									14,953	22,123	21,709
Total net revenues									939,570	893,675	845,089
Cost of revenues									241,944	232,807	234,889
Intercompany cost of revenues									99,334	105,680	100,931
Total cost of revenues									341,278	338,487	335,820
Gross margin									598,292	555,188	509,269
Operating expenses									212,291	247,470	231,226
Intercompany operating expenses (income)									218,815	150,440	165,516
Total operating expenses									431,106	397,910	396,742
Income from operations									167,186	157,278	112,527
Other income (expense)									-6,287	-3,370	-3,862
Income before income tax									160,899	153,908	108,665
Income tax expense									6,921	2,994	8,788
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries									0	0	0
Net income									153,978	150,914	99,877
Consolidating Adjustments
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Revenues									0	0	0
Intercompany revenues									-41,931	-47,630	-65,861
Total net revenues									-41,931	-47,630	-65,861
Cost of revenues									6,240	7,488	10,092
Intercompany cost of revenues									-41,931	-47,630	-65,861
Total cost of revenues									-35,691	-40,142	-55,769
Gross margin									-6,240	-7,488	-10,092
Operating expenses									-6,240	-7,488	-10,092
Intercompany operating expenses (income)									0	0	0
Total operating expenses									-6,240	-7,488	-10,092
Income from operations									0	0	0
Other income (expense)									0	-391	0
Income before income tax									0	-391	0
Income tax expense									0	0	0
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries									-176,657	-103,516	-25,112
Net income									($176,657)	($103,907)	($25,112)

Guarantor_And_NonGuarantor_Sub5

Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Schedule Of Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Net income (loss)	$237,971	$208,623	$195,181
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Change in unrealized gains and losses	-1,939	-1,748	-3,468
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	-235	-376	7,433
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	-2,174	-2,124	3,965
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-3,196	-1,456	-1,833
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-5,370	-3,580	2,132
Total comprehensive income	232,601	205,043	197,313
Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Net income (loss)	237,971	209,014	195,181
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Change in unrealized gains and losses	0	0	0
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	0	0	0
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	0	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	68	1,021	128
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	68	1,021	128
Total comprehensive income	238,039	210,035	195,309
Subsidiary Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Net income (loss)	22,679	-47,398	-74,765
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Change in unrealized gains and losses	0	0	0
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	0	0	0
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	0	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	171	-628	11
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	171	-628	11
Total comprehensive income	22,850	-48,026	-74,754
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Net income (loss)	153,978	150,914	99,877
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Change in unrealized gains and losses	-1,939	-1,748	-3,468
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	-235	-376	7,433
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	-2,174	-2,124	3,965
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-3,435	-1,849	-1,972
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-5,609	-3,973	1,993
Total comprehensive income	148,369	146,941	101,870
Consolidating Adjustments
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Net income (loss)	-176,657	-103,907	-25,112
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Change in unrealized gains and losses	0	0	0
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	0	0	0
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	0	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0
Total comprehensive income	($176,657)	($103,907)	($25,112)

Guarantor_And_NonGuarantor_Sub6

Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Schedule Of Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Net cash provided by operating activities	$541,597	$451,029	$590,870
Purchases of non-marketable equity investments	-223	0	0
Proceeds from sale of non-marketable equity investments	10,798	0	0
Proceeds from maturities and sale of short-term investments	0	0	952
Purchases of property and equipment	-54,734	-52,371	-72,797
Net cash paid in connection with acquisitions	-16,900	-44,629	0
Proceeds from collection of note receivable	250	70,000	0
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary	9,995	0	35
Net cash used in investing activities	-50,814	-27,000	-71,810
Proceeds from senior unsecured notes	0	296,250	0
Payment of principal related to senior secured notes	0	-300,000	0
Payment of principal related to the term loan			-190,000
Payment of debt issuance costs related to senior unsecured notes	0	-992	0
Payment of principal related to capital leases	-2,485	-1,627	-1,866
Common stock repurchases	-335,380	-240,000	-130,209
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	83,994	93,771	98,791
Payment of cash dividends to stockholders	-30,384	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	64,563	3,189	5,141
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-219,692	-149,409	-218,143
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	-3,071	-849	-1,893
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	268,020	273,771	299,024
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	986,997	713,226	414,202
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	1,255,017	986,997	713,226
Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Net cash provided by operating activities	348,422	281,478	464,097
Purchases of non-marketable equity investments	-223
Proceeds from sale of non-marketable equity investments	10,798
Proceeds from maturities and sale of short-term investments			0
Purchases of property and equipment	-41,544	-44,786	-62,791
Net cash paid in connection with acquisitions	-11,007	-44,769
Proceeds from collection of note receivable	250	70,000
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary	3,081		35
Net cash used in investing activities	-38,645	-19,555	-62,756
Proceeds from senior unsecured notes		296,250
Payment of principal related to senior secured notes		-300,000
Payment of principal related to the term loan			-190,000
Payment of debt issuance costs related to senior unsecured notes		-992
Payment of principal related to capital leases	-2,485	-1,627	-1,866
Common stock repurchases	-335,380	-240,000	-130,209
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	83,994	93,771	98,791
Payment of cash dividends to stockholders	-30,384
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	64,240	2,919	5,042
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-220,015	-149,679	-218,242
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	89,762	112,244	183,099
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	396,710	284,466	101,367
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	486,472	396,710	284,466
Subsidiary Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Net cash provided by operating activities	-1,155	8,503	-1,799
Purchases of non-marketable equity investments	0
Proceeds from sale of non-marketable equity investments	0
Proceeds from maturities and sale of short-term investments			952
Purchases of property and equipment	0	-22	0
Net cash paid in connection with acquisitions	0	140
Proceeds from collection of note receivable	0	0
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary	0		0
Net cash used in investing activities	0	118	952
Proceeds from senior unsecured notes		0
Payment of principal related to senior secured notes		0
Payment of principal related to the term loan			0
Payment of debt issuance costs related to senior unsecured notes		0
Payment of principal related to capital leases	0	0	0
Common stock repurchases	0	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0	0	0
Payment of cash dividends to stockholders	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	0	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	0	0	0
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	-1,155	8,621	-847
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	9,301	680	1,527
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	8,146	9,301	680
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Net cash provided by operating activities	194,330	161,048	128,572
Purchases of non-marketable equity investments	0
Proceeds from sale of non-marketable equity investments	0
Proceeds from maturities and sale of short-term investments			0
Purchases of property and equipment	-13,190	-7,563	-10,006
Net cash paid in connection with acquisitions	-5,893	0
Proceeds from collection of note receivable	0	0
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary	6,914		0
Net cash used in investing activities	-12,169	-7,563	-10,006
Proceeds from senior unsecured notes		0
Payment of principal related to senior secured notes		0
Payment of principal related to the term loan			0
Payment of debt issuance costs related to senior unsecured notes		0
Payment of principal related to capital leases	0	0	0
Common stock repurchases	0	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0	0	0
Payment of cash dividends to stockholders	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	323	270	99
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	323	270	99
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	-3,071	-849	-1,893
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	179,413	152,906	116,772
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	580,986	428,080	311,308
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	760,399	580,986	428,080
Consolidating Adjustments
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Net cash provided by operating activities	0	0	0
Purchases of non-marketable equity investments	0
Proceeds from sale of non-marketable equity investments	0
Proceeds from maturities and sale of short-term investments			0
Purchases of property and equipment	0	0	0
Net cash paid in connection with acquisitions	0	0
Proceeds from collection of note receivable	0	0
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary	0		0
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0	0
Proceeds from senior unsecured notes		0
Payment of principal related to senior secured notes		0
Payment of principal related to the term loan			0
Payment of debt issuance costs related to senior unsecured notes		0
Payment of principal related to capital leases	0	0	0
Common stock repurchases	0	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0	0	0
Payment of cash dividends to stockholders	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	0	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	0	0	0
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$0	$0	$0

Quarterly_Summary_Schedule_of_

Quarterly Summary (Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014	3-May-14		Jan. 25, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Jul. 27, 2013		Apr. 27, 2013	Jan. 26, 2013		Nov. 01, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Selected Quarterly Financial Information
Net revenues	$564,358,000	$545,464,000	$536,910,000		$564,535,000	$558,800,000	$536,551,000		$538,784,000	$588,729,000		$2,211,267,000	$2,222,864,000	$2,237,770,000
Gross margin	377,118,000	361,713,000	354,292,000		372,670,000	362,640,000	338,202,000		334,112,000	373,925,000		1,465,793,000	1,408,879,000	1,383,019,000
Income from operations	126,530,000	117,897,000	20,195,000		121,490,000	83,650,000	74,363,000		57,179,000	93,291,000		386,112,000	308,483,000	277,729,000
Net income (loss)	83,419,000	87,352,000	-13,684,000	[1]	80,884,000	64,233,000	118,696,000	[2]	46,949,000	-21,255,000	[3]
Net income (loss) per-share—basic	$0.19	$0.20	($0.03)	[1]	$0.18	$0.14	$0.26	[2]	$0.10	($0.05)	[3]	$0.55	$0.46	$0.43
Net income (loss) per-share—diluted	$0.19	$0.20	($0.03)	[1]	$0.18	$0.14	$0.26	[2]	$0.10	($0.05)	[3]	$0.53	$0.45	$0.41
Shares used in per share calculation—basic	431,843	432,448	436,167		440,573	444,642	449,446		453,133	454,843		435,258	450,516	456,629
Shares used in per share calculation—diluted	441,649	441,789	436,167		453,549	460,237	461,344		466,919	454,843		446,859	463,705	472,343
Brocade Price Per Share High	$10.99	$9.75	$10.96		$9.70	$8.43	$6.69		$6.15	$5.80
Brocade Price Per Share Low	$8.91	$7.95	$8.81		$7.77	$6.28	$5.14		$5.38	$5.17
Quarterly Financial Information, Explanatory Disclosure			The quarter ended May 3, 2014, includes the impact of an $83.4 million impairment of goodwill in the Company’s Application Delivery Products reporting unit.				The quarter ended July 27, 2013, includes the impact of the nonrecurring gain of $76.8 million resulting from the litigation settlement with A10 Networks, Inc.			The quarter ended January 26, 2013, includes a discrete charge of $78.2 million to reduce previously recognized California deferred tax assets due to changes in California law resulting from the passage of Proposition 39 during fiscal year 2013.
Goodwill, Impairment Loss												83,382,000	0	0
Quarterly Financial Information, Explanatory Note, Period			The quarter ended May 3, 2014				The quarter ended July 27, 2013			The quarter ended January 26, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information, Quarterly Charges and Credits, Amount Affecting Comparability							76,800,000
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount													$78,200,000
[1]	The quarter ended May 3, 2014, includes the impact of an $83.4 million impairment of goodwill in the Company’s Application Delivery Products reporting unit.
[2]	The quarter ended July 27, 2013, includes the impact of the nonrecurring gain of $76.8 million resulting from the litigation settlement with A10 Networks, Inc.
[3]	The quarter ended January 26, 2013, includes a discrete charge of $78.2 million to reduce previously recognized California deferred tax assets due to changes in California law resulting from the passage of Proposition 39 during fiscal year 2013.

Valuation_And_Qualifying_Accou1

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014		Oct. 26, 2013		Oct. 27, 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure
Balance at Beginning of Period	$575		$833		$1,388
Additions (Recoveries) Charged to Revenues	-85		319		1,482
Deductions (1)	-410	[1]	-577	[1]	-2,037	[1]
Balance at End of Period	80		575		833
Sales Allowances
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure
Balance at Beginning of Period	7,321		9,759		5,011
Additions (Recoveries) Charged to Revenues	7,563		8,885		10,947
Deductions (1)	-7,488	[1]	-11,323	[1]	-6,199	[1]
Balance at End of Period	$7,396		$7,321		$9,759
[1]	Deductions related to the allowance for doubtful accounts and sales allowances represent amounts written off against the allowance and recoveries.