Brocade Communications Systems (BRCD) 10-Q 6 Mar 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 27, 2015
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	BROCADE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS INC
Entity Central Index Key	1009626
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-21
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Jan-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		421,726,760

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014
Net revenues:
Product	$486,238	$475,205
Service	90,001	89,330
Total net revenues	576,239	564,535
Cost of revenues:
Product	149,926	153,627
Service	36,630	38,238
Total cost of revenues	186,556	191,865
Gross margin	389,683	372,670
Operating expenses:
Research and development	85,231	87,156
Sales and marketing	140,238	132,665
General and administrative	24,671	20,143
Amortization of intangible assets	138	9,883
Restructuring and other related costs	0	6,217
Gain on sale of network adapter business	0	-4,884
Total operating expenses	250,278	251,180
Income from operations	139,405	121,490
Interest expense	-25,424	-9,196
Interest income and other loss, net	-559	-1,336
Income before income tax	113,422	110,958
Income tax expense	26,155	30,074
Net income	$87,267	$80,884
Net income per share—basic	$0.20	$0.18
Net income per share—diluted	$0.20	$0.18
Shares used in per share calculation—basic	428,536	440,573
Shares used in per share calculation—diluted	439,156	453,549
Cash dividends declared per share	$0.04	$0

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015		Jan. 25, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$87,267		$80,884
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Change in unrealized gains and losses	-1,774		-924
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	603	[1]	-31	[1]
Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	-1,171		-955
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-4,221		-823
Total other comprehensive loss	-5,392		-1,778
Total comprehensive income	$81,875		$79,106
[1]	For Condensed 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 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Nov. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,359,365	$1,255,017
Restricted cash	311,918	0
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $107 and $80 at January 31, 2015, and November 1, 2014, respectively	239,767	224,913
Inventories	40,275	38,718
Deferred tax assets	99,691	92,692
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	43,498	46,665
Total current assets	2,094,514	1,658,005
Property and equipment, net	442,644	445,433
Goodwill	1,567,718	1,567,723
Intangible assets, net	33,633	26,658
Other assets	44,972	35,856
Total assets	4,183,481	3,733,675
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	88,198	93,705
Accrued employee compensation	96,598	169,018
Deferred revenue	236,322	239,993
Current portion of long-term debt	300,778	1,826
Other accrued liabilities	84,134	82,766
Total current liabilities	806,030	587,308
Long-term debt, net of current portion	783,597	595,450
Non-current deferred revenue	73,227	71,746
Non-current income tax liability	47,451	39,647
Non-current deferred tax liabilities	19,302	27,153
Other non-current liabilities	4,289	4,310
Total liabilities	1,733,896	1,325,614
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: 423,622 and 431,470 shares at January 31, 2015, and November 1, 2014, respectively	424	431
Additional paid-in capital	1,748,959	1,774,197
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-24,206	-18,814
Retained earnings	724,408	652,247
Total stockholders’ equity	2,449,585	2,408,061
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$4,183,481	$3,733,675

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Nov. 01, 2014
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowances	$107	$80
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	423,622	431,470
Common stock, shares outstanding	423,622	431,470

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$87,267	$80,884
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	-16,102	-14,335
Depreciation and amortization	19,575	38,754
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	444	2,348
Gain on sale of network adapter business	0	-4,884
Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount	1,056	281
Call premium cost and write-off of debt discount and debt issuance costs related to lenders that did not participate in refinancing	15,122	0
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable and sales allowances	2,403	1,567
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	24,082	18,588
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash	-11,918	0
Accounts receivable	-17,256	29,771
Inventories	1,155	2,097
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-5,746	3,486
Deferred tax assets	494	95
Accounts payable	-8,776	-8,077
Accrued employee compensation	-77,033	-39,208
Deferred revenue	-2,190	-5,414
Other accrued liabilities	-1,423	10,455
Restructuring liabilities	-761	-6,939
Net cash provided by operating activities	10,393	109,469
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	-16,514	-12,966
Purchase of intangible assets	-7,750	0
Proceeds from collection of note receivable	250	250
Proceeds from sale of network adapter business	0	9,995
Net cash used in investing activities	-24,014	-2,721
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payment of debt issuance costs	-409	0
Payment of principal related to capital leases	-1,154	-608
Common stock repurchases	-128,966	-140,380
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	21,036	32,410
Payment of cash dividends to stockholders	-15,106	0
Proceeds from convertible notes	565,656	0
Purchase of convertible hedge	-86,135	0
Proceeds from issuance of warrants	51,175	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	16,102	14,335
Increase in restricted cash	-300,000	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	122,199	-94,243
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	-4,230	-815
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	104,348	11,690
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,255,017	986,997
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	1,359,365	998,687
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	17,333	17,265
Cash paid for income taxes	$13,128	$4,074

Basis_Of_Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. (“Brocade” or the “Company”) has prepared the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States (“U.S.”) Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of November 1, 2014, was derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. These unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014.
	The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of the Company’s management, reflect all adjustments—including normal recurring adjustments—that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full fiscal year or any other future period.
	The Company’s fiscal year is a 52- or 53-week period ending on the last Saturday in October or the first Saturday in November, respectively. Fiscal year 2015 is a 52-week fiscal year and fiscal year 2014 was a 53-week fiscal year. The second quarter of fiscal year 2014 was a 14-week quarter, which was one week longer than a typical quarter.
	The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Brocade and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Use of Estimates in Preparation of Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
	The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, revenue recognition, sales allowances and programs, allowance for doubtful accounts, stock-based compensation, purchase price allocations, warranty obligations, inventory valuation and purchase commitments, restructuring costs, incentive compensation, 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	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	There have been no material changes in the Company’s significant accounting policies for the three months ended January 31, 2015, as compared to the significant accounting policies disclosed in Brocade’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014.
	New Accounting Pronouncements or Updates Recently Adopted
	In March 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an update to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 830, Foreign Currency Matters: 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 the entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest resulting from the complete or substantially complete liquidation of a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. This update should be applied prospectively. The Company adopted this update in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. There was no material impact on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements or Updates That Are Not Yet Effective
	In April 2014, the FASB issued an update to ASC 205, Presentation of Financial Statements, and ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment: 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 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. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued an update to ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, 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 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 becomes effective and will be adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.
	Concentrations
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, and accounts receivable. 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 January 31, 2015, one customer individually accounted for 24% of total accounts receivable and no other customers exceeded 10% of total accounts receivable. 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. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral on accounts receivable balances. The Company has established reserves for credit losses, sales allowances, and other allowances.
	For the three months ended January 31, 2015, three customers individually accounted for 20%, 14%, and 10% of the Company’s total net revenues for a combined total of 44% of total net revenues. For the three months ended January 25, 2014, four customers individually accounted for 18%, 18%, 11%, and 10% of the Company’s total net revenues for a combined total of 57% of total net revenues.
	The Company currently relies on single and limited sources for multiple key components used in the manufacture of its products. Additionally, the Company relies on multiple contract manufacturers (“CMs”) for the production of its products. Although the Company uses standard parts and components for its products where possible, the Company’s CMs currently purchase, on the Company’s behalf, several key components used in the manufacture of products from single or limited supplier sources.

Divestitures

Divestitures	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Divestitures	Divestitures
	On January 17, 2014, the Company completed the sale of its network adapter business to QLogic Corporation, as part of the Company’s business strategy to focus development on a portfolio of high performance networking products and services—both hardware and software-based—that meet the demands of today’s 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 in the three months ended January 25, 2014, which is presented in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income as “Gain on sale of network adapter business.”

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill And Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
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):
		January 31,			November 1,
		2015			2014
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets
	Goodwill	$	1,567,718		$	1,567,723
	In-process research and development (1)	15,110			15,110
	Finite-lived intangible assets
	Total intangible assets subject to amortization (2)	18,523			11,548
	Total intangible assets	$	1,601,351		$	1,594,381
	-1	Acquired in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) is an intangible asset accounted for as an indefinite-lived asset until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development effort. If the research and development effort associated with the IPR&D is successfully completed, then the IPR&D intangible asset will be amortized over its estimated useful life to be determined at the date the effort is completed. The development effort on the IPR&D intangible asset is expected to be completed by the first half of fiscal year 2016.
	(2)	During the three months ended January 31, 2015, the Company purchased a perpetual, non-exclusive license to certain patents for $7.8 million.
	The following table summarizes goodwill activity by reportable segment for the three months ended January 31, 2015 (in thousands):
		SAN			Internet Protocol (“IP”) Networking Products			Global Services		Total
		Products
	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
	Tax and other adjustments during the three	(5		)	—			—		(5		)
	months ended January 31, 2015 (1)
	Balance at January 31, 2015
	Goodwill	176,341			1,365,175			155,416		1,696,932
	Accumulated impairment losses	—			(129,214		)	—		(129,214		)
		$	176,341		$	1,235,961		$	155,416	$	1,567,718
	(1)	The goodwill adjustments during the three months ended January 31, 2015, were primarily a result of tax benefits from the exercise of stock awards of acquired companies.
	The Company conducts the goodwill impairment test annually, as of the first day of the second fiscal quarter, and whenever events occur or facts and circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit has fallen below its carrying amount. For the annual goodwill impairment test, the Company uses the income approach, the market approach, or a combination thereof to determine each reporting unit’s fair value. The income approach provides an estimate of fair value based on discounted expected future cash flows (“DCF”). The market approach provides an estimate of fair value applying various observable market-based multiples to the reporting unit’s operating results and then applying an appropriate control premium. For the fiscal year 2014 annual goodwill impairment test, the Company used a combination of approaches to estimate each reporting unit’s fair value. The Company believed that, at the time of the impairment testing performed in the second fiscal quarter of 2014, the income approach and the market approach were equally representative of a reporting unit’s fair value.
	Determining the fair value of a reporting unit or an intangible asset requires judgment and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. The Company based its fair value estimates on assumptions it believes to be reasonable, but inherently uncertain. Estimates and assumptions with respect to the determination of the fair value of its reporting units using the income approach include, among other inputs:
	•	The Company’s operating forecasts;
	•	Revenue growth rates; and
	•	Risk-commensurate discount rates and costs of capital.
	The Company’s estimates of revenues and costs are based on historical data, various internal estimates, and a variety of external sources, and are developed as part of our regular long-range planning process. The control premium used in market or combined approaches is determined by considering control premiums offered as part of the acquisitions that have occurred in market segments that are comparable with the Company’s reporting units.
	Based on the results of the annual goodwill impairment analysis performed during the second fiscal quarter of 2014, the Company determined that no impairment needed to be recorded for Storage Area Networking (“SAN”) Products, Ethernet Switching & IP Routing, and Global Services reporting units, as these reporting units passed the first step of goodwill impairment testing.
	However, the Company determined that the fair value of the ADP reporting unit was below the reporting unit’s carrying value. Accordingly, the Company performed the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of the impairment. During the second step, the Company assigned the ADP reporting unit’s fair value to the reporting unit’s assets and liabilities, using the relevant acquisition accounting guidance, to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. The implied fair value of the ADP reporting unit was below the carrying cost and, as a result, an impairment loss of $83.4 million was recorded.
	As of January 31, 2015, there were no 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 Company did not incur costs to renew or extend the term of recognized intangible assets during the three months ended January 31, 2015. The following tables present details of the Company’s finite-lived intangible assets (in thousands, except for weighted-average remaining useful life):
	January 31, 2015	Gross			Accumulated			Net		Weighted-
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying		Average
		Value						Value		Remaining
										Useful Life
										(in years)
	Trade name	$	590		$	262		$	328	2.8
	Core/developed technology	12,080			2,602			9,478		4.07
	Patent license (1)	7,750			—			7,750		18.74
	Customer relationships	1,080			479			601		2.76
	Non-compete agreements	810			444			366		1.76
	Total intangible assets	$	22,310		$	3,787		$	18,523	10.1
	November 1, 2014	Gross			Accumulated			Net		Weighted-
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying		Average
		Value						Value		Remaining
										Useful Life
										(in years)
	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 intangible assets	$	14,560		$	3,012		$	11,548	4.1
	(1)	The patent license was assigned an estimated useful life that reflects the Company’s consumption of the expected defensive benefits related to this intangible asset. The method of amortization for the patent license reflects the Company’s estimate of the pattern in which these expected defensive benefits will be consumed or otherwise used up by the Company, and is primarily driven by a mix of expiration patterns of the individual patents included in the license.
	The following table presents the amortization of finite-lived intangible assets included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		January 31, 2015			January 25, 2014
	Cost of revenues	$	637		$	6,462
	Operating expenses	138			9,883
	Total	$	775		$	16,345
The following table presents the estimated future amortization of finite-lived intangible assets as of January 31, 2015 (in thousands):
Fiscal Year		Estimated
		Future
		Amortization
2015 (remaining nine months)		$	3,173
2016		3,875
2017		3,476
2018		3,139
2019		1,680
Thereafter		3,180
Total		$	18,523

Balance_Sheet_Details

Balance Sheet Details	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Balance Sheet Details [Abstract]
Balance Sheet Details	Balance Sheet Details
	The following tables provide details of selected balance sheet items (in thousands):
		January 31,			November 1,
		2015			2014
	Inventories:
	Raw materials	$	11,592		$	10,491
	Finished goods	28,683			28,227
	Inventories, net	$	40,275		$	38,718
		January 31,			November 1,
		2015			2014
	Property and equipment:
	Computer equipment	$	13,569		$	13,679
	Software	64,266			62,919
	Engineering and other equipment (1)	385,394			383,412
	Furniture and fixtures (1)	28,646			29,053
	Leasehold improvements	24,651			23,607
	Land and building	384,426			384,659
	Subtotal	900,952			897,329
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1), (2)	(458,308		)	(451,896		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	442,644		$	445,433
	(1)	Engineering and other equipment, furniture and fixtures, and accumulated depreciation and amortization include the following amounts under capital leases as of January 31, 2015, and November 1, 2014, respectively (in thousands):
		January 31,			November 1,
		2015			2014
	Cost	$	11,925		$	11,925
	Accumulated depreciation	(7,669		)	(7,209		)
	Property and equipment, net, under capital leases	$	4,256		$	4,716
	(2)	The following table presents the depreciation of property and equipment included on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		January 31,			January 25,
		2015			2014
	Depreciation expense	$	18,800		$	22,409

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	The Company applies fair value measurements to both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. The Company has no non-financial assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 31, 2015.
	The fair value accounting guidance permits companies to elect fair value measurement for many financial instruments and certain other items that are not required to be accounted for at fair value. The Company did not elect to measure any eligible financial instruments or other assets at fair value as of January 31, 2015, and November 1, 2014.
	Fair Value Hierarchy
	The Company utilizes a fair value hierarchy that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
	Assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 31, 2015, were as follows (in thousands):
				Fair Value Measurements Using
		Balance as of		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
		January 31, 2015		Active Markets		Observable		Unobservable
				for Identical		Inputs		Inputs
				Instruments		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Money market funds (1)	$	1,113,605	$	1,113,605	$	—	$	—
	Derivative assets	108		—		108		—
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	1,113,713	$	1,113,605	$	108	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivative liabilities	$	3,310	$	—	$	3,310	$	—
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	3,310	$	—	$	3,310	$	—
	(1)	Money market funds are reported within “Cash and cash equivalents” on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of November 1, 2014, were as follows (in thousands):
				Fair Value Measurements Using
		Balance as of		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
		November 1, 2014		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 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	During the three months ended January 31, 2015, the Company had no transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy of its assets and liabilities measured at fair value.

Restructuring_and_Other_Costs

Restructuring and Other Costs	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Other Costs	Restructuring and Other Related Costs
	The following table provides details of the Company’s restructuring and other charges (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		January 31,		January 25,
		2015		2014
	Severance and benefits	$	—	$	(1,744	)
	Lease loss reserve and related costs	—		7,961
	Restructuring and other related costs	$	—	$	6,217
	The following table provides a reconciliation of the Company’s beginning and ending restructuring liability balances (in thousands):
		Fiscal 2013 Fourth Quarter Restructuring Plan								Prior Restructuring Plans
		Severance and Benefits		Contract Terminations and Other			Lease Loss Reserve and Related Costs			Lease Loss			Total
										Reserve and Related Costs
	Restructuring liabilities at November 1, 2014	$	171	$	42		$	3,949		$	994		$	5,156
	Cash payments	—		(42		)	(416		)	(112		)	(570		)
	Translation adjustment	—		—			(192		)	—			(192		)
	Restructuring liabilities at January 31, 2015	$	171	$	—		$	3,341		$	882		$	4,394
	Current restructuring liabilities at January 31, 2015	$	171	$	—		$	1,496		$	396		$	2,063
	Non-current restructuring liabilities at January 31, 2015	$	—	$	—		$	1,845		$	486		$	2,331
	Fiscal 2013 Fourth Quarter Restructuring Plan
	During the fiscal year ended October 26, 2013, and the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, the Company restructured certain business operations and reduced the Company’s operating expense structure. The restructuring plan was approved by the Company’s management and communicated to the Company’s employees in September 2013. The restructuring plan included a workforce reduction of approximately 250 employees, primarily in the engineering, sales, and marketing organizations, as well as the cancellation of certain nonrecurring engineering agreements and exits from certain leased facilities. The Company substantially completed the restructuring plan by the end of the first quarter of fiscal year 2014.
	The Company reevaluates its estimates and assumptions on a quarterly basis and makes adjustments to the restructuring liabilities balance if necessary. During the three months ended January 31, 2015, there were no adjustments made to the restructuring liabilities balance, as there were no changes in its estimates or assumptions.
	The restructuring and other related charges are included in “Restructuring and other related costs” on the Condensed 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.

Borrowings

Borrowings	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Borrowings	Borrowings
	The following table provides details of the Company’s long-term debt (in thousands, except years and percentages):
							January 31, 2015				November 1, 2014
			Maturity		Stated Annual Interest Rate		Amount		Effective Interest Rate		Amount		Effective Interest Rate
	Convertible Senior Unsecured Notes
	2020 Convertible Notes		2020		1.38%		$	575,000	4.98	%	$	—	—	%
	Senior Unsecured Notes:
	2023 Notes		2023		4.63%		300,000		4.83	%	300,000		4.83	%
	Senior Secured Notes:
	2020 Notes		2015		6.88%		300,000		8.39	%	300,000		7.26	%
	Capital lease obligations		2016		5.00%		963		5	%	2,115		5.37	%
	Total long-term debt						1,175,963				602,115
	Less:
	Unamortized discount						91,588				4,839
	Current portion of long-term debt						300,778				1,826
	Long-term debt, net of current portion						$	783,597			$	595,450
	Convertible Senior Unsecured Notes
	On January 14, 2015, the Company issued $575.0 million aggregate principal amount of 1.375% convertible senior unsecured notes due 2020 (the “2020 Convertible Notes”) pursuant to an indenture, dated as of January 14, 2015, between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as the trustee (the “Offering”). Net of an original issue discount, the Company received $565.7 million in proceeds from the offering of the 2020 Convertible Notes. Concurrently with the closing of the Offering, the Company called for redemption its outstanding 6.875% senior secured notes due 2020 (the “2020 Notes”) and irrevocably deposited a portion of the net proceeds from the Offering with the trustee to discharge the 2020 Indenture as described below under “Senior Secured Notes”.
	The 2020 Convertible Notes bear interest payable semi-annually on January 1 and July 1 of each year, beginning on July 1, 2015. No payments were made toward the principal of the 2020 Convertible Notes during the three months ended January 31, 2015.
	The Company separately accounts for the liability and equity components of the 2020 Convertible Notes. The fair value of the liability component, used in the allocation between the liability and equity components as of the date of issuance, was based on the present value of cash flows using a discount rate of 4.57%, the Company’s borrowing rate for a similar debt instrument without the conversion feature. The carrying values of the liability and equity components of the 2020 Convertible Notes are as follows (in thousands):
		January 31,				November 1,
		2015				2014
	Principal	$	575,000			$	—
	Less: Unamortized discount of the liability component	88,457				—
	Net carrying amount of liability component	$	486,543			$	—
	Carrying amount of equity component	$	81,818			$	—
	As of January 31, 2015, the remaining period of amortization for the discount is 4.92 years. During the three months ended January 31, 2015, the amount of interest cost recognized for amortization of the discount and for contractual interest coupon in relation to the 2020 Convertible Notes was $0.7 million and 0.4 million, respectively. No interest cost was recognized in relation to the 2020 Convertible Notes during the three months ended January 25, 2014.
	As of January 31, 2015, the fair value of the 2020 Convertible Notes was approximately $591.0 million, which was estimated based on broker trading prices.
	The 2020 Convertible Notes mature on January 1, 2020, unless repurchased or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date. The 2020 Convertible Notes are not callable prior to their maturity. The 2020 Convertible Notes are convertible at an initial conversion rate of 62.7746 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the notes, which is equal to an initial conversion price of approximately $15.93 per share. 36.1 million shares are initially issuable upon conversion of the 2020 Convertible Notes.
	Holders of the 2020 Convertible Notes may convert all or a portion of their notes prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding September 1, 2019, in multiples of $1,000 principal amount, only under the following circumstances:
	•	During any fiscal quarter commencing after the fiscal quarter ending on May 2, 2015 (and only during such fiscal quarter), if the last reported sale price of common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price of the notes on each applicable trading day;
	•	During the five-business-day period after any 10 consecutive trading day period in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of the notes for each trading day of that 10 consecutive trading day period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of common stock and the conversion rate of the notes on each such trading day; or
	•	Upon the occurrence of certain corporate events as specified in the terms of the indenture governing the 2020 Convertible Notes.
	On or after September 1, 2019, to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert all or any portion of their notes regardless of the foregoing conditions.
	As of January 31, 2015, the circumstances for conversion have not been triggered and the 2020 Convertible Notes were not convertible. The if-converted value of the 2020 Convertible Notes as of January 31, 2015, did not exceed the principal amount of the 2020 Convertible Notes.
	If a fundamental change, as specified in the terms of the indenture governing the 2020 Convertible Notes, occurs prior to the maturity date, holders of the notes may require the Company to repurchase the 2020 Convertible Notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2020 Convertible Notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, up to the repurchase date. As of January 31, 2015, a fundamental change has not occurred and the 2020 Convertible Notes were not re-purchasable.
	Convertible Note Hedge and Warrant Related to the Convertible Senior Unsecured Notes
	In connection with the issuance of the 2020 Convertible Notes, the Company entered into convertible note hedge transactions with certain financial institutions (the “counterparties”) with respect to its common stock. Upon conversion of the 2020 Convertible Notes, the convertible note hedge transactions, subject to anti-dilution adjustments substantially identical to those in the 2020 Convertible Notes, give the Company the right to acquire approximately 36.1 million shares of common stock at an initial strike price of $15.93 per share. The convertible note hedge transactions are expected generally to reduce the potential common stock dilution, and/or offset potential cash payments in excess of the principal amount of converted notes, upon conversion of the notes in the event that the market price per share of our common stock, as measured under the terms of the convertible note hedge transactions, is greater than the strike price of the convertible note hedge transactions. The convertible note hedge transactions will be terminated on the maturity date of the 2020 Convertible Notes or earlier under certain circumstances. The convertible note hedge transactions cost of $86.1 million has been accounted for as an equity transaction.
	Separately from the convertible note hedge transactions, the Company entered into warrant transactions with the counterparties pursuant to which the Company sold warrants to the counterparties to acquire, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, up to 36.1 million shares in the aggregate at an initial strike price of $20.65 per share. The primary reason the Company entered into these warrant transactions was to partially offset the cost of the convertible note hedge transactions. The warrants mature over 60 trading days commencing on April 1, 2020, and are exercisable solely on the maturity dates. The warrants are subject to net share settlement; however, the Company may elect to cash settle the warrants. The Company received gross proceeds of $51.2 million from the warrants transaction, which has been accounted for as an equity transaction.
	In connection with the dilutive impact from the 2020 Convertible Notes and the convertible note hedge and warrant transactions that the Company entered into with certain financial institutions with respect to its common stock, see Note 15, “Net Income per Share,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
	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, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as the trustee. The guarantees of the 2023 Notes were released upon the termination of the Senior Secured Credit Facility and discharge of the 2020 Indenture, and, as a result, the Company has ceased presenting condensed consolidated financial statements for the parent company, the former subsidiary guarantors, and non-guarantor subsidiaries effective in the first fiscal quarter of 2015. See Note 16, “Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	The 2023 Notes bear interest payable semiannually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. No payments were made toward the principal of the 2023 Notes during the three months ended January 31, 2015.
	As of January 31, 2015, and November 1, 2014, the fair value of the 2023 Notes was approximately $295.6 million and $292.4 million, respectively, which was estimated based on broker trading prices.
	On or after January 15, 2018, the Company may redeem all or part of the 2023 Notes at the redemption prices set forth in the 2023 Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, up to the redemption date. At any time prior to January 15, 2018, the Company may redeem all or a part of the 2023 Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2023 Notes, plus an applicable premium and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, up to the redemption date. In addition, at any time prior to January 15, 2016, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the principal amount of the 2023 Notes, using the net cash proceeds of one or more sales of the Company’s capital stock at a redemption price equal to 104.625% of the principal amount of the 2023 Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, up to the redemption date.
	If the Company experiences a specified change of control triggering event, it must offer to repurchase the 2023 Notes at a repurchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the 2023 Notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, up to the repurchase date.
	The 2023 Indenture contains covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to:
	•	Incur certain liens and enter into certain sale-leaseback transactions;
	•	Create, assume, incur, or guarantee additional indebtedness of the Company’s subsidiaries without such subsidiary guaranteeing the 2023 Notes on a pari passu basis; and
	•	Consolidate or merge with, or convey, transfer, or lease all or substantially all of the Company’s or its subsidiaries’ assets.
	These covenants are subject to a number of limitations and exceptions set forth in the 2023 Indenture. The 2023 Indenture also includes customary events of default, including cross-defaults to other debt of the Company and its subsidiaries.
	Senior Secured Notes
	In January 2010, the Company issued $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes pursuant to an indenture, dated as of January 20, 2010, between the Company, certain domestic subsidiaries of the Company that have guaranteed the Company’s obligations under the 2020 Notes, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as the trustee (the “2020 Indenture”). Interest on the 2020 Notes was payable semiannually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. The Company’s obligations under the 2020 Notes were previously 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. However, all guarantees were released upon the discharge of the 2020 Indenture, and, as a result, the Company has ceased presenting condensed consolidated financial statements for the parent company, the former subsidiary guarantors, and non-guarantor subsidiaries effective in the first fiscal quarter of 2015. See Note 16, “Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	On January 14, 2015, the Company called the 2020 Notes for redemption at a redemption price equal to 103.438% of the principal amount of the 2020 Notes, and irrevocably deposited $322.2 million with the trustee for the 2020 Notes to discharge the 2020 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 2020 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 2020 Notes, $10.3 million representing the difference between the redemption price and the principal amount of the 2020 Notes (“Call Premium”), $10.3 million for accrued interest through January 15, 2015, and $1.6 million of unpaid interest payable up to the redemption date of February 13, 2015. The trustee will use the deposited amounts to redeem the 2020 Notes on February 13, 2015. The Company reported the deposited amounts as “Restricted cash” on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 31, 2015.
	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 2020 Notes in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, which totaled $20.4 million. The Company reported this expense within “Interest expense” on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended January 31, 2015.
	As of January 31, 2015, and November 1, 2014, the fair value of the 2020 Notes was approximately $310.1 million and $312.5 million, respectively, which was estimated based on broker trading prices.
	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 January 31, 2015, or November 1, 2014.
	On January 9, 2015, the Company terminated the Senior Secured Credit Facility.
	Debt Maturities
	As of January 31, 2015, our aggregate debt maturities based on outstanding principal were as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year		Principal
			Balances
	2015 (remaining nine months)		$	300,672
2016		291
2017		—
2018		—
2019		—
Thereafter		875,000
Total		$	1,175,963

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Product Warranties
	The Company’s accrued liability for estimated future warranty costs is included in “Other accrued liabilities” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s accrued liability for estimated future warranty costs during the three months ended January 31, 2015, and January 25, 2014, respectively (in thousands):
		Accrued Warranty
		Three Months Ended
		January 31,			January 25,
		2015			2014
	Beginning balance	$	7,486		$	8,632
	Liabilities accrued for warranties issued during the period	1,262			866
	Warranty claims paid and used during the period	(1,114		)	(1,761		)
	Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties during the period	(446		)	(455		)
	Ending balance	$	7,188		$	7,282
	In addition, the Company has defense and indemnification clauses contained within its various customer contracts. As such, the Company indemnifies the parties to whom it sells its products with respect to the Company’s product, alone or potentially in combination with others, infringing upon any patents, trademarks, copyrights, or trade secrets, as well as against bodily injury or damage to real or tangible personal property caused by a defective Company product. As of January 31, 2015, there have been no known events or circumstances that have resulted in a material customer contract-related indemnification liability to the Company.
	Manufacturing and Purchase Commitments
	Brocade has manufacturing arrangements with contract manufacturers (“CMs”) under which Brocade provides product forecasts and places purchase orders in advance of the scheduled delivery of products to Brocade’s customers. The required lead time for placing orders with the CMs depends on the specific product. Brocade issues purchase orders and the CMs then generate invoices based on prices and payment terms mutually agreed upon and set forth in those purchase orders. Although the purchase orders Brocade places with its CMs are cancellable, the terms of the agreements require Brocade to purchase all inventory components not returnable, usable by, or sold to other customers of the CMs.
	As of January 31, 2015, the Company’s aggregate commitment to the CMs for inventory components used in the manufacture of Brocade products was $181.4 million, which the Company expects to utilize during future normal ongoing operations, net of a purchase commitments reserve of $1.1 million, which is reported within “Other accrued liabilities” on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 31, 2015. The Company’s purchase commitments reserve reflects the Company’s estimate of purchase commitments it does not expect to consume in normal ongoing operations.
	Income Taxes
	The Company is subject to several ongoing income tax audits. For additional discussion, see Note 13, “Income Taxes,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company believes it has adequate reserves for all open tax years.
	Legal Proceedings
	From time to time, the Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims, either asserted or unasserted, which arise in the ordinary course of business, including claims of alleged infringement of patents and/or other intellectual property rights and commercial and employment contract disputes. While the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not believe that the outcome of any of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will result in losses that are materially in excess of amounts already accrued by the Company.

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
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 a counterparty’s obligations exceed the Company’s obligations with that counterparty.
	Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
	A majority of the Company’s revenue, expense, and capital purchasing activities are transacted in U.S. dollars. However, the Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk inherent in conducting business globally in numerous currencies. The Company is primarily exposed to foreign currency fluctuations related to operating expenses denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, of which the most significant to its operations for the three months ended January 31, 2015, and January 25, 2014, were the euro, the British pound, the Indian rupee, the Chinese yuan, the Japanese yen, the Singapore dollar, and the Swiss franc. The Company has established a foreign currency risk management program to protect against the volatility of future cash flows caused by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. This program reduces, but does not eliminate, the impact of foreign currency exchange rate movements.
	The Company 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. The Company’s foreign currency risk management program includes foreign currency derivatives with a 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 15 months. For these derivatives, the Company reports the after-tax gain or loss from the effective portion of the hedge as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity and reclassifies it into earnings in the same period in which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The tax effect allocated to cash flow hedge-related components of other comprehensive income was not significant for the three months ended January 31, 2015, and January 25, 2014.
	Ineffective cash flow hedges are included in the Company’s net income as part of “Interest and other income (loss), net.” The amount recorded on ineffective cash flow hedges was not significant for the three months ended January 31, 2015, and January 25, 2014, respectively.
	Net gains (losses) relating to the effective portion of foreign currency derivatives recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		January 31, 2015			January 25, 2014
	Cost of revenues	$	(136	)	$	72
	Research and development	(35		)	(300		)
	Sales and marketing	(454		)	239
	General and administrative	(58		)	22
	Total	$	(683	)	$	33
	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 “Interest income and other loss, net” were losses of $1.0 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, and the three months ended January 25, 2014, respectively.
	As of January 31, 2015, the Company had gross unrealized loss positions of $3.3 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 U.S. dollars	As of January 31, 2015			As of November 1, 2014			As of January 31, 2015		As of November 1, 2014
	Euro	$	9,741		$	14,404		$	12,985	$	19,200
	British pound	7,887			11,168			10,517		14,891
	Indian rupee	14,510			19,413			—		—
	Chinese yuan	7,638			10,406			—		—
	Singapore dollar	6,583			9,242			—		—
	Japanese yen	6,342			8,856			—		—
	Swiss franc	5,863			7,468			—		—
	Total	$	58,564		$	80,957		$	23,502	$	34,091

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity and Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	Stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, was included in the following line items of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		January 31, 2015			January 25, 2014
	Cost of revenues	$	3,816		$	3,142
	Research and development	4,933			4,336
	Sales and marketing	9,843			6,765
	General and administrative	5,490			4,345
	Total stock-based compensation	$	24,082		$	18,588
	The following table presents stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, by grant type (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		January 31, 2015			January 25, 2014
	Stock options	$	1,356		$	1,281
	Restricted stock units, including stock units with market conditions (altogether “RSUs”)	17,934			14,584
	Employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”)	4,792			2,723
	Total stock-based compensation	$	24,082		$	18,588
	The following table presents the unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, of the Company’s equity compensation plans as of January 31, 2015, which is expected to be recognized over the following weighted-average periods (in thousands, except for the weighted-average period):
		Unrecognized			Weighted-
		Compensation			Average Period
		Expense			(in years)
	Stock options	$	5,791		1.41
	RSUs	$	130,468		2.04
	ESPP	$	12,005		0.95
	The following table presents details on grants made by the Company for the following periods:
		Three Months Ended
		January 31, 2015					January 25, 2014
		Granted		Weighted-Average			Granted	Weighted-Average
		(in thousands)		Grant Date Fair Value			(in thousands)	Grant Date Fair Value
	Stock options	1,117		$	3.09		1,270	$	3.25
	RSUs	3,641		$	10.87		2,885	$	10.75
	The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised for the three months ended January 31, 2015, and January 25, 2014, was $1.0 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity
	Dividends
	During the three months ended January 31, 2015, 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
	November 24, 2014		$	0.035		December 10, 2014		$	15,106			January 2, 2015
	No dividends were declared or paid by the Company during the three months ended January 25, 2014. Future dividend payments are subject to review and approval by the Company’s Board of Directors.
	Convertible Note Hedge and Warrant Related to the Convertible Senior Unsecured Notes
	In connection with the issuance of the 2020 Convertible Notes, the Company entered into convertible note hedge and warrant transactions with certain financial institutions with respect to its common stock. See Note 8, “Borrowings,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended January 31, 2015, and January 25, 2014, are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		January 31, 2015											January 25, 2014
		Before-Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) or 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	$	(2,179	)	$	405			$	(1,774	)		$	(1,021	)	$	97		$	(924	)
	Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings, foreign exchange contracts (1)	683			(80		)		603				(33		)	2			(31		)
	Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	(1,496		)	325				(1,171		)		(1,054		)	99			(955		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(4,221		)	—				(4,221		)		(823		)	—			(823		)
	Total other comprehensive loss	$	(5,717	)	$	325			$	(5,392	)		$	(1,877	)	$	99		$	(1,778	)
	-1	For Condensed 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 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of tax, for the three months ended January 31, 2015, and January 25, 2014, are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		January 31, 2015											January 25, 2014
		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	$	(1,907	)	$	(16,907	)		$	(18,814	)		$	267		$	(13,711	)	$	(13,444	)
	Change in unrealized gains and losses	(1,774		)	(4,221		)		(5,995		)		(924		)	(823		)	(1,747		)
	Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	603			—				603				(31		)	—			(31		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss	(1,171		)	(4,221		)		(5,392		)		(955		)	(823		)	(1,778		)
	Ending balance	$	(3,078	)	$	(21,128	)		$	(24,206	)		$	(688	)	$	(14,534	)	$	(15,222	)

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The effective tax rate for the three months ended January 31, 2015, differs from tax computed at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 35% due to state taxes, the effect of earnings in foreign jurisdictions which are subject to tax at lower tax rates, nondeductible stock-based compensation expense, and adjustments to unrecognized tax benefits.
	The lower effective tax rate for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared with the same period in fiscal year 2014, was primarily due to discrete benefits from an increase in the federal research and development tax credit that was reinstated in December 2014 and made retroactive for calendar year 2014.
	The total amount of net unrecognized tax benefits of $81.0 million as of January 31, 2015, would affect the Company’s effective tax rate, if recognized. The timing of the closure of audits is highly uncertain and it is reasonably possible that the balance of unrecognized tax benefits could change during the remainder of fiscal year 2015.
	The IRS and other tax authorities regularly examine the Company’s income tax returns. In October 2014, the IRS issued a Revenue Agent’s Report related to its field examination of the Company’s federal income tax returns for fiscal years 2009 and 2010. The IRS is contesting the Company’s transfer pricing with its foreign subsidiaries. In November 2014, the Company filed a protest to challenge the proposed adjustment and to move the issue to the Office of Appeals. In addition, in October 2014, the Geneva Tax Administration issued its final assessments for fiscal years 2003 to 2012 disputing certain of the Company’s transfer pricing arrangements. In November 2014, the Company filed a protest to challenge the final assessments. 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. Before the end of fiscal year 2015, it is reasonably possible that either certain audits will conclude or the statute of limitations relating to certain income tax examination periods will expire, or both. 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 million and $4 million in the next 12 months.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
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.
	Brocade is organized into three operating segments, each of which is an individually reportable segment: SAN Products, IP Networking Products, and Global Services. These reportable segments are organized principally by product category.
	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 January 31, 2015, were attributable to its U.S. operations.
	Summarized financial information by reportable segment for the three months ended January 31, 2015, and January 25, 2014, based on the internal management reporting system, is as follows (in thousands):
		SAN Products		IP Networking Products		Global Services		Total
	Three months ended January 31, 2015
	Net revenues	$	353,399	$	132,839	$	90,001	$	576,239
	Cost of revenues	85,725		64,201		36,630		186,556
	Gross margin	$	267,674	$	68,638	$	53,371	$	389,683
	Three months ended January 25, 2014
	Net revenues	$	355,456	$	119,749	$	89,330	$	564,535
	Cost of revenues	92,941		60,686		38,238		191,865
	Gross margin	$	262,515	$	59,063	$	51,092	$	372,670

Net_Income_Per_Share

Net Income Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) 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):
		Three Months Ended
		January 31,		January 25,
		2015		2014
	Basic net income per share
	Net income	$	87,267	$	80,884
	Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income per share	428,536		440,573
	Basic net income per share	$	0.2	$	0.18
	Diluted net income per share
	Net income	$	87,267	$	80,884
	Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income per share	428,536		440,573
	Dilutive potential common shares in the form of stock options	1,734		2,620
	Dilutive potential common shares in the form of other share-based awards	8,886		10,356
	Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income per share	439,156		453,549
	Diluted net income per share	$	0.2	$	0.18
	Antidilutive potential common shares in the form of: (1)
	Warrants issued in conjunction with the 2020 Convertible Notes (2)	7,140		—
	Stock options	577		3,015
	Other share-based awards	—		462
	(1)	These amounts are excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share.
	(2)	In connection with the issuance of the 2020 Convertible Notes, the Company entered into convertible note hedge and warrant transactions as described in Note 8, “Borrowings.” The 2020 Convertible Notes have no impact on diluted earnings per share until the average quarterly price of the Company’s common stock exceeds the conversion price of $15.93 per share. If the common stock price exceeds this conversion price, prior to conversion, the Company will calculate the effect of the additional shares that may be issued using the treasury stock method. If the average price of the Company’s common stock exceeds $20.65 per share for a quarterly period, the Company’s weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income per share will be impacted by the effect of the additional potential shares that may be issued related to the warrants using the treasury stock method. The convertible note hedge is not considered for purposes of the diluted earnings per share calculation, as its effect would be antidilutive.

Guarantor_And_NonGuarantor_Sub

Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Abstract]
Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
	On January 20, 2010, the Company issued $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 6.625% senior secured notes due 2018 (the “2018 Notes”) and $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes (together with the 2018 Notes, the “Senior Secured Notes”) pursuant to separate indentures between the Company, certain domestic subsidiaries of the Company, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as the trustee (the “2020 Indenture” and “2018 Indenture,” respectively). In addition, on January 22, 2013, the Company issued $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes. The Company’s obligations under the Senior Secured Notes and the 2023 Notes were previously 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 were joint and several. Neither the Senior Secured Notes nor the 2023 Notes were guaranteed by certain of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries or any of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries (the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”).
	The Company determined that the circumstances under which the subsidiary guarantees may be released were customary under applicable SEC guidance, and, as such, the Company previously provided consolidated financial statements in reliance on Item 3-10 of Regulation S-X.
	The guarantees of the 2018 Notes and 2020 Notes were released on January 22, 2013, and January 14, 2015, respectively, upon the discharge of the 2018 Indenture and 2020 Indenture. The guarantees of the 2023 Notes were released on January 14, 2015, upon termination of the Senior Secured Credit Facility and discharge of the 2020 Indenture.
	As a result, all guarantees have been released prior to January 31, 2015, and the Company has ceased presenting condensed consolidated financial statements for the parent company, the former Subsidiary Guarantors, and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries effective in the first fiscal quarter in 2015.

Subsequent_Events_Subsequent_E

Subsequent Events Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	17. Subsequent Events
	During the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company irrevocably deposited $311.9 million with the trustee for redemption of the 2020 Notes as described in Note 8, “Borrowings,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. On February 13, 2015, the trustee redeemed the 2020 Notes using the deposited amount (less the amount used for the January 15, 2015 interest payment), extinguishing the Company’s $300.0 million liability in relation to the principal amount of the 2020 Notes.

Basis_Of_Presentation_Policies

Basis Of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Fiscal Period Policy	The Company’s fiscal year is a 52- or 53-week period ending on the last Saturday in October or the first Saturday in November, respectively. Fiscal year 2015 is a 52-week fiscal year and fiscal year 2014 was a 53-week fiscal year. The second quarter of fiscal year 2014 was a 14-week quarter, which was one week longer than a typical quarter.
Consolidation Policy	The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Brocade and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates in Preparation of Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	Use of Estimates in Preparation of Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
	The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, revenue recognition, sales allowances and programs, allowance for doubtful accounts, stock-based compensation, purchase price allocations, warranty obligations, inventory valuation and purchase commitments, restructuring costs, incentive compensation, facilities lease losses, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, litigation, and income taxes. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.

Recovered_Sheet1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy	New Accounting Pronouncements or Updates Recently Adopted
	In March 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an update to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 830, Foreign Currency Matters: 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 the entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest resulting from the complete or substantially complete liquidation of a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. This update should be applied prospectively. The Company adopted this update in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. There was no material impact on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements or Updates That Are Not Yet Effective
	In April 2014, the FASB issued an update to ASC 205, Presentation of Financial Statements, and ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment: 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 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. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued an update to ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, 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 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 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)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Indefinite-Lived, Policy	Acquired in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) is an intangible asset accounted for as an indefinite-lived asset until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development effort. If the research and development effort associated with the IPR&D is successfully completed, then the IPR&D intangible asset will be amortized over its estimated useful life to be determined at the date the effort is completed.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill Policy	The Company conducts the goodwill impairment test annually, as of the first day of the second fiscal quarter, and whenever events occur or facts and circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit has fallen below its carrying amount. For the annual goodwill impairment test, the Company uses the income approach, the market approach, or a combination thereof to determine each reporting unit’s fair value. The income approach provides an estimate of fair value based on discounted expected future cash flows (“DCF”). The market approach provides an estimate of fair value applying various observable market-based multiples to the reporting unit’s operating results and then applying an appropriate control premium. For the fiscal year 2014 annual goodwill impairment test, the Company used a combination of approaches to estimate each reporting unit’s fair value. The Company believed that, at the time of the impairment testing performed in the second fiscal quarter of 2014, the income approach and the market approach were equally representative of a reporting unit’s fair value.
	Determining the fair value of a reporting unit or an intangible asset requires judgment and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. The Company based its fair value estimates on assumptions it believes to be reasonable, but inherently uncertain. Estimates and assumptions with respect to the determination of the fair value of its reporting units using the income approach include, among other inputs:
	•	The Company’s operating forecasts;
	•	Revenue growth rates; and
	•	Risk-commensurate discount rates and costs of capital.
	The Company’s estimates of revenues and costs are based on historical data, various internal estimates, and a variety of external sources, and are developed as part of our regular long-range planning process. The control premium used in market or combined approaches is determined by considering control premiums offered as part of the acquisitions that have occurred in market segments that are comparable with the Company’s reporting units.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, 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)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Fair Value Transfer Policy	During the three months ended January 31, 2015, the Company had no transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy of its assets and liabilities measured at fair value.

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed1

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Hedging Derivatives	A majority of the Company’s revenue, expense, and capital purchasing activities are transacted in U.S. dollars. However, the Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk inherent in conducting business globally in numerous currencies. The Company is primarily exposed to foreign currency fluctuations related to operating expenses denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, of which the most significant to its operations for the three months ended January 31, 2015, and January 25, 2014, were the euro, the British pound, the Indian rupee, the Chinese yuan, the Japanese yen, the Singapore dollar, and the Swiss franc. The Company has established a foreign currency risk management program to protect against the volatility of future cash flows caused by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. This program reduces, but does not eliminate, the impact of foreign currency exchange rate movements.
	The Company 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. The Company’s foreign currency risk management program includes foreign currency derivatives with a 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 15 months. For these derivatives, the Company reports the after-tax gain or loss from the effective portion of the hedge as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity and reclassifies it into earnings in the same period in which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The tax effect allocated to cash flow hedge-related components of other comprehensive income was not significant for the three months ended January 31, 2015, and January 25, 2014.
	Ineffective cash flow hedges are included in the Company’s net income as part of “Interest and other income (loss), net.” The amount recorded on ineffective cash flow hedges was not significant for the three months ended January 31, 2015, and January 25, 2014, respectively.

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
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):
		January 31,			November 1,
		2015			2014
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets
	Goodwill	$	1,567,718		$	1,567,723
	In-process research and development (1)	15,110			15,110
	Finite-lived intangible assets
	Total intangible assets subject to amortization (2)	18,523			11,548
	Total intangible assets	$	1,601,351		$	1,594,381
	-1	Acquired in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) is an intangible asset accounted for as an indefinite-lived asset until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development effort. If the research and development effort associated with the IPR&D is successfully completed, then the IPR&D intangible asset will be amortized over its estimated useful life to be determined at the date the effort is completed. The development effort on the IPR&D intangible asset is expected to be completed by the first half of fiscal year 2016.
	(2)	During the three months ended January 31, 2015, the Company purchased a perpetual, non-exclusive license to certain patents for $7.8 million.
Schedule Of Goodwill Activity By Reportable Segment	The following table summarizes goodwill activity by reportable segment for the three months ended January 31, 2015 (in thousands):
		SAN			Internet Protocol (“IP”) Networking Products			Global Services		Total
		Products
	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
	Tax and other adjustments during the three	(5		)	—			—		(5		)
	months ended January 31, 2015 (1)
	Balance at January 31, 2015
	Goodwill	176,341			1,365,175			155,416		1,696,932
	Accumulated impairment losses	—			(129,214		)	—		(129,214		)
		$	176,341		$	1,235,961		$	155,416	$	1,567,718
	(1)	The goodwill adjustments during the three months ended January 31, 2015, 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):
	January 31, 2015	Gross			Accumulated			Net		Weighted-
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying		Average
		Value						Value		Remaining
										Useful Life
										(in years)
	Trade name	$	590		$	262		$	328	2.8
	Core/developed technology	12,080			2,602			9,478		4.07
	Patent license (1)	7,750			—			7,750		18.74
	Customer relationships	1,080			479			601		2.76
	Non-compete agreements	810			444			366		1.76
	Total intangible assets	$	22,310		$	3,787		$	18,523	10.1
	November 1, 2014	Gross			Accumulated			Net		Weighted-
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying		Average
		Value						Value		Remaining
										Useful Life
										(in years)
	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 intangible assets	$	14,560		$	3,012		$	11,548	4.1
	(1)	The patent license was assigned an estimated useful life that reflects the Company’s consumption of the expected defensive benefits related to this intangible asset. The method of amortization for the patent license reflects the Company’s estimate of the pattern in which these expected defensive benefits will be consumed or otherwise used up by the Company, and is primarily driven by a mix of expiration patterns of the individual patents included in the license.
Schedule Of Amortization Of Intangible Assets Included On Consolidated Statements Of Operations	The following table presents the amortization of finite-lived intangible assets included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		January 31, 2015			January 25, 2014
	Cost of revenues	$	637		$	6,462
	Operating expenses	138			9,883
	Total	$	775		$	16,345
Schedule Of Estimated Future Amortization Of Intangible Assets	The following table presents the estimated future amortization of finite-lived intangible assets as of January 31, 2015 (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year		Estimated
			Future
			Amortization
	2015 (remaining nine months)		$	3,173
	2016		3,875
	2017		3,476
	2018		3,139
	2019		1,680
	Thereafter		3,180
	Total		$	18,523

Balance_Sheet_Details_Tables

Balance Sheet Details (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Balance Sheet Details [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory
		January 31,			November 1,
		2015			2014
	Inventories:
	Raw materials	$	11,592		$	10,491
	Finished goods	28,683			28,227
	Inventories, net	$	40,275		$	38,718
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment
		January 31,			November 1,
		2015			2014
	Property and equipment:
	Computer equipment	$	13,569		$	13,679
	Software	64,266			62,919
	Engineering and other equipment (1)	385,394			383,412
	Furniture and fixtures (1)	28,646			29,053
	Leasehold improvements	24,651			23,607
	Land and building	384,426			384,659
	Subtotal	900,952			897,329
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1), (2)	(458,308		)	(451,896		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	442,644		$	445,433
	(1)	Engineering and other equipment, furniture and fixtures, and accumulated depreciation and amortization include the following amounts under capital leases as of January 31, 2015, and November 1, 2014, respectively (in thousands):
		January 31,			November 1,
		2015			2014
	Cost	$	11,925		$	11,925
	Accumulated depreciation	(7,669		)	(7,209		)
	Property and equipment, net, under capital leases	$	4,256		$	4,716
	(2)	The following table presents the depreciation of property and equipment included on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		January 31,			January 25,
		2015			2014
	Depreciation expense	$	18,800		$	22,409
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 January 31, 2015, and November 1, 2014, respectively (in thousands):
		January 31,			November 1,
		2015			2014
	Cost	$	11,925		$	11,925
	Accumulated depreciation	(7,669		)	(7,209		)
	Property and equipment, net, under capital leases	$	4,256		$	4,716

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value	Assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 31, 2015, were as follows (in thousands):
				Fair Value Measurements Using
		Balance as of		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
		January 31, 2015		Active Markets		Observable		Unobservable
				for Identical		Inputs		Inputs
				Instruments		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Money market funds (1)	$	1,113,605	$	1,113,605	$	—	$	—
	Derivative assets	108		—		108		—
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	1,113,713	$	1,113,605	$	108	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivative liabilities	$	3,310	$	—	$	3,310	$	—
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	3,310	$	—	$	3,310	$	—
	(1)	Money market funds are reported within “Cash and cash equivalents” on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of November 1, 2014, were as follows (in thousands):
				Fair Value Measurements Using
		Balance as of		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
		November 1, 2014		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 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Restructuring_and_Other_Costs_

Restructuring and Other Costs (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring and Other Charges	The following table provides details of the Company’s restructuring and other charges (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		January 31,		January 25,
		2015		2014
	Severance and benefits	$	—	$	(1,744	)
	Lease loss reserve and related costs	—		7,961
	Restructuring and other related costs	$	—	$	6,217
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve	The following table provides a reconciliation of the Company’s beginning and ending restructuring liability balances (in thousands):
		Fiscal 2013 Fourth Quarter Restructuring Plan								Prior Restructuring Plans
		Severance and Benefits		Contract Terminations and Other			Lease Loss Reserve and Related Costs			Lease Loss			Total
										Reserve and Related Costs
	Restructuring liabilities at November 1, 2014	$	171	$	42		$	3,949		$	994		$	5,156
	Cash payments	—		(42		)	(416		)	(112		)	(570		)
	Translation adjustment	—		—			(192		)	—			(192		)
	Restructuring liabilities at January 31, 2015	$	171	$	—		$	3,341		$	882		$	4,394
	Current restructuring liabilities at January 31, 2015	$	171	$	—		$	1,496		$	396		$	2,063
	Non-current restructuring liabilities at January 31, 2015	$	—	$	—		$	1,845		$	486		$	2,331

Borrowings_Tables

Borrowings (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
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):
							January 31, 2015				November 1, 2014
			Maturity		Stated Annual Interest Rate		Amount		Effective Interest Rate		Amount		Effective Interest Rate
	Convertible Senior Unsecured Notes
	2020 Convertible Notes		2020		1.38%		$	575,000	4.98	%	$	—	—	%
	Senior Unsecured Notes:
	2023 Notes		2023		4.63%		300,000		4.83	%	300,000		4.83	%
	Senior Secured Notes:
	2020 Notes		2015		6.88%		300,000		8.39	%	300,000		7.26	%
	Capital lease obligations		2016		5.00%		963		5	%	2,115		5.37	%
	Total long-term debt						1,175,963				602,115
	Less:
	Unamortized discount						91,588				4,839
	Current portion of long-term debt						300,778				1,826
	Long-term debt, net of current portion						$	783,597			$	595,450
Schedule of Carrying Values of Liability and Equity Components	The carrying values of the liability and equity components of the 2020 Convertible Notes are as follows (in thousands):
		January 31,				November 1,
		2015				2014
	Principal	$	575,000			$	—
	Less: Unamortized discount of the liability component	88,457				—
	Net carrying amount of liability component	$	486,543			$	—
	Carrying amount of equity component	$	81,818			$	—
Schedule Of Debt Maturities	As of January 31, 2015, our aggregate debt maturities based on outstanding principal were as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year		Principal
			Balances
	2015 (remaining nine months)		$	300,672
	2016		291
	2017		—
	2018		—
	2019		—
	Thereafter		875,000
	Total		$	1,175,963

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Accrued Liability For Estimated Future Warranty Costs	The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s accrued liability for estimated future warranty costs during the three months ended January 31, 2015, and January 25, 2014, respectively (in thousands):
		Accrued Warranty
		Three Months Ended
		January 31,			January 25,
		2015			2014
	Beginning balance	$	7,486		$	8,632
	Liabilities accrued for warranties issued during the period	1,262			866
	Warranty claims paid and used during the period	(1,114		)	(1,761		)
	Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties during the period	(446		)	(455		)
	Ending balance	$	7,188		$	7,282

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed2

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Net Gains (Losses) Related To The Effective Portion Of Foreign Currency Derivatives	Net gains (losses) relating to the effective portion of foreign currency derivatives recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		January 31, 2015			January 25, 2014
	Cost of revenues	$	(136	)	$	72
	Research and development	(35		)	(300		)
	Sales and marketing	(454		)	239
	General and administrative	(58		)	22
	Total	$	(683	)	$	33
Schedule Of Total Gross Notional Amounts, Presented By Currency	Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency, are as follows (in thousands):
		Derivatives Designated						Derivatives Not Designated
		as Hedging Instruments						as Hedging Instruments
	In U.S. dollars	As of January 31, 2015			As of November 1, 2014			As of January 31, 2015		As of November 1, 2014
	Euro	$	9,741		$	14,404		$	12,985	$	19,200
	British pound	7,887			11,168			10,517		14,891
	Indian rupee	14,510			19,413			—		—
	Chinese yuan	7,638			10,406			—		—
	Singapore dollar	6,583			9,242			—		—
	Japanese yen	6,342			8,856			—		—
	Swiss franc	5,863			7,468			—		—
	Total	$	58,564		$	80,957		$	23,502	$	34,091

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation Expense Included In Line Items Of Consolidated Statements Of Operations	Stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, was included in the following line items of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		January 31, 2015			January 25, 2014
	Cost of revenues	$	3,816		$	3,142
	Research and development	4,933			4,336
	Sales and marketing	9,843			6,765
	General and administrative	5,490			4,345
	Total stock-based compensation	$	24,082		$	18,588
Stock-Based Compensation Expense By Grant Type	The following table presents stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, by grant type (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		January 31, 2015			January 25, 2014
	Stock options	$	1,356		$	1,281
	Restricted stock units, including stock units with market conditions (altogether “RSUs”)	17,934			14,584
	Employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”)	4,792			2,723
	Total stock-based compensation	$	24,082		$	18,588
Stock-Based Compensation, Unrecognized Compensation Expense And Weighted-Average Period	The following table presents the unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, of the Company’s equity compensation plans as of January 31, 2015, which is expected to be recognized over the following weighted-average periods (in thousands, except for the weighted-average period):
		Unrecognized			Weighted-
		Compensation			Average Period
		Expense			(in years)
	Stock options	$	5,791		1.41
	RSUs	$	130,468		2.04
	ESPP	$	12,005		0.95
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity	The following table presents details on grants made by the Company for the following periods:
		Three Months Ended
		January 31, 2015					January 25, 2014
		Granted		Weighted-Average			Granted	Weighted-Average
		(in thousands)		Grant Date Fair Value			(in thousands)	Grant Date Fair Value
	Stock options	1,117		$	3.09		1,270	$	3.25
	RSUs	3,641		$	10.87		2,885	$	10.75
	The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised for the three months ended January 31, 2015, and January 25, 2014, was $1.0 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Dividends Payable [Table Text Block]	During the three months ended January 31, 2015, 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
	November 24, 2014		$	0.035		December 10, 2014		$	15,106			January 2, 2015
Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Tax Effects	The tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended January 31, 2015, and January 25, 2014, are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		January 31, 2015											January 25, 2014
		Before-Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) or 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	$	(2,179	)	$	405			$	(1,774	)		$	(1,021	)	$	97		$	(924	)
	Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings, foreign exchange contracts (1)	683			(80		)		603				(33		)	2			(31		)
	Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	(1,496		)	325				(1,171		)		(1,054		)	99			(955		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(4,221		)	—				(4,221		)		(823		)	—			(823		)
	Total other comprehensive loss	$	(5,717	)	$	325			$	(5,392	)		$	(1,877	)	$	99		$	(1,778	)
	-1	For Condensed 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 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of tax, for the three months ended January 31, 2015, and January 25, 2014, are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		January 31, 2015											January 25, 2014
		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	$	(1,907	)	$	(16,907	)		$	(18,814	)		$	267		$	(13,711	)	$	(13,444	)
	Change in unrealized gains and losses	(1,774		)	(4,221		)		(5,995		)		(924		)	(823		)	(1,747		)
	Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	603			—				603				(31		)	—			(31		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss	(1,171		)	(4,221		)		(5,392		)		(955		)	(823		)	(1,778		)
	Ending balance	$	(3,078	)	$	(21,128	)		$	(24,206	)		$	(688	)	$	(14,534	)	$	(15,222	)

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule Of Financial Information By Reportable Segment	Summarized financial information by reportable segment for the three months ended January 31, 2015, and January 25, 2014, based on the internal management reporting system, is as follows (in thousands):
		SAN Products		IP Networking Products		Global Services		Total
	Three months ended January 31, 2015
	Net revenues	$	353,399	$	132,839	$	90,001	$	576,239
	Cost of revenues	85,725		64,201		36,630		186,556
	Gross margin	$	267,674	$	68,638	$	53,371	$	389,683
	Three months ended January 25, 2014
	Net revenues	$	355,456	$	119,749	$	89,330	$	564,535
	Cost of revenues	92,941		60,686		38,238		191,865
	Gross margin	$	262,515	$	59,063	$	51,092	$	372,670

Net_Income_Per_Share_Tables

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
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):
		Three Months Ended
		January 31,		January 25,
		2015		2014
	Basic net income per share
	Net income	$	87,267	$	80,884
	Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income per share	428,536		440,573
	Basic net income per share	$	0.2	$	0.18
	Diluted net income per share
	Net income	$	87,267	$	80,884
	Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income per share	428,536		440,573
	Dilutive potential common shares in the form of stock options	1,734		2,620
	Dilutive potential common shares in the form of other share-based awards	8,886		10,356
	Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income per share	439,156		453,549
	Diluted net income per share	$	0.2	$	0.18
	Antidilutive potential common shares in the form of: (1)
	Warrants issued in conjunction with the 2020 Convertible Notes (2)	7,140		—
	Stock options	577		3,015
	Other share-based awards	—		462
	(1)	These amounts are excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share.
	(2)	In connection with the issuance of the 2020 Convertible Notes, the Company entered into convertible note hedge and warrant transactions as described in Note 8, “Borrowings.” The 2020 Convertible Notes have no impact on diluted earnings per share until the average quarterly price of the Company’s common stock exceeds the conversion price of $15.93 per share. If the common stock price exceeds this conversion price, prior to conversion, the Company will calculate the effect of the additional shares that may be issued using the treasury stock method. If the average price of the Company’s common stock exceeds $20.65 per share for a quarterly period, the Company’s weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income per share will be impacted by the effect of the additional potential shares that may be issued related to the warrants using the treasury stock method. The convertible note hedge is not considered for purposes of the diluted earnings per share calculation, as its effect would be antidilutive.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account1

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Concentration of Risk Narrative)(Details)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Nov. 01, 2014	Jan. 25, 2014
		customer	customer
Concentration Risk
Number of Financial Institutions	5
Customer Concentration Risk | Accounts Receivable
Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk, Percentage		38.00%
Number Of Customers Included In Concentration Disclosures	1	3
Customer Concentration Risk | Accounts Receivable | Major Customer One
Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk, Percentage	24.00%	15.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Accounts Receivable | Major Customer Two
Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk, Percentage		12.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Accounts Receivable | Major Customer Three
Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk, Percentage		11.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Segment
Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk, Percentage	44.00%		57.00%
Number Of Customers Included In Concentration Disclosures	3		4
Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Segment | Major Customer One
Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk, Percentage	20.00%		18.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Segment | Major Customer Two
Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk, Percentage	14.00%		18.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Segment | Major Customer Three
Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk, Percentage	10.00%		11.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Segment | Major Customer Four
Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk, Percentage			10.00%

Divestitures_Narrative_Details

Divestitures (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014	Nov. 01, 2014	Jan. 17, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups
Disposal Group, Gain (Loss) on Disposal	$0	$4,884,000
Network Adapter Business
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups
Disposal Group, Description and Timing of Disposal			On January 17, 2014, the Company completed the sale of its network adapter business to QLogic Corporation, as part of the Company’s business strategy to focus development on a portfolio of high performance networking products and services—both hardware and software-based—that meet the demands of today’s data centers whether virtualized or cloud based.
Net Assets of Disposal Group				5,100,000
Disposal Group, Goodwill				4,100,000
Disposal Group, Gain (Loss) on Disposal		$4,900,000
Disposal Group, Income Statement Caption		Gain on sale of network adapter business

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015		Jan. 25, 2014	Nov. 01, 2014
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)
Goodwill	$1,567,718			$1,567,723
In-process research and development (1)	15,110	[1]		15,110	[1]
Total intangible assets subject to amortization (2)	18,523	[2]		11,548	[2]
Total intangible assets	1,601,351			1,594,381
Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets	$7,750		$0
[1]	Acquired in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) is an intangible asset accounted for as an indefinite-lived asset until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development effort. If the research and development effort associated with the IPR&D is successfully completed, then the IPR&D intangible asset will be amortized over its estimated useful life to be determined at the date the effort is completed. The development effort on the IPR&D intangible asset is expected to be completed by the first half of fiscal year 2016.
[2]	During the three months ended January 31, 2015, the Company purchased a perpetual, non-exclusive license to certain patents for $7.8 million.

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Goodwill Activity By Reportable Segment) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015		3-May-14
Goodwill
Goodwill, Gross, Beginning Balance	$1,696,937,000
Accumulated impairment losses, Beginning Balance	-129,214,000
Goodwill, Net, Beginning Balance	1,567,723,000
Goodwill, Tax and other adjustments	-5,000	[1]
Goodwill, Gross, Ending Balance	1,696,932,000
Accumulated impairment losses, Ending Balance	-129,214,000
Goodwill, Net, Ending Balance	1,567,718,000
SAN Products
Goodwill
Goodwill, Gross, Beginning Balance	176,346,000
Accumulated impairment losses, Beginning Balance	0
Goodwill, Net, Beginning Balance	176,346,000
Goodwill, Tax and other adjustments	-5,000	[1]
Goodwill, Gross, Ending Balance	176,341,000
Accumulated impairment losses, Ending Balance	0
Goodwill, Net, Ending Balance	176,341,000
Internet Protocol (“IP”) Networking Products
Goodwill
Goodwill, Gross, Beginning Balance	1,365,175,000
Accumulated impairment losses, Beginning Balance	-129,214,000
Goodwill, Net, Beginning Balance	1,235,961,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss			-83,400,000
Goodwill, Tax and other adjustments	0	[1]
Goodwill, Gross, Ending Balance	1,365,175,000
Accumulated impairment losses, Ending Balance	-129,214,000
Goodwill, Net, Ending Balance	1,235,961,000
Global Services
Goodwill
Goodwill, Gross, Beginning Balance	155,416,000
Accumulated impairment losses, Beginning Balance	0
Goodwill, Net, Beginning Balance	155,416,000
Goodwill, Tax and other adjustments	0	[1]
Goodwill, Gross, Ending Balance	155,416,000
Accumulated impairment losses, Ending Balance	0
Goodwill, Net, Ending Balance	$155,416,000
[1]	The goodwill adjustments during the three months ended January 31, 2015, were primarily a result of tax benefits from the exercise of stock awards of acquired companies.

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets5

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Company's Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015		Nov. 01, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Value	$22,310		$14,560
Accumulated Amortization	3,787		3,012
Net Carrying Value	18,523	[1]	11,548	[1]
Weighted- Average Remaining Useful Life (in years)	10 years 1 month 6 days		4 years 1 month 6 days
Trade name
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Value	590		590
Accumulated Amortization	262		227
Net Carrying Value	328		363
Weighted- Average Remaining Useful Life (in years)	2 years 9 months 18 days		3 years 0 months 0 days
Core/developed technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Value	12,080		12,080
Accumulated Amortization	2,602		1,964
Net Carrying Value	9,478		10,116
Weighted- Average Remaining Useful Life (in years)	4 years 0 months 25 days		4 years 3 months 18 days
Patent license (1)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Value	7,750	[2]
Accumulated Amortization	0	[2]
Net Carrying Value	7,750	[2]
Weighted- Average Remaining Useful Life (in years)	18 years 8 months 26 days	[2]
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Value	1,080		1,080
Accumulated Amortization	479		427
Net Carrying Value	601		653
Weighted- Average Remaining Useful Life (in years)	2 years 9 months 4 days		3 years 0 months 4 days
Non-compete agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Value	810		810
Accumulated Amortization	444		394
Net Carrying Value	$366		$416
Weighted- Average Remaining Useful Life (in years)	1 year 9 months 4 days		2 years 0 months 4 days
[1]	During the three months ended January 31, 2015, the Company purchased a perpetual, non-exclusive license to certain patents for $7.8 million.
[2]	The patent license was assigned an estimated useful life that reflects the Company’s consumption of the expected defensive benefits related to this intangible asset. The method of amortization for the patent license reflects the Company’s estimate of the pattern in which these expected defensive benefits will be consumed or otherwise used up by the Company, and is primarily driven by a mix of expiration patterns of the individual patents included in the license.

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets6

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Amortization Of Intangible Assets Included On Consolidated Statements Of Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Cost of revenues	$637	$6,462
Operating expenses	138	9,883
Total	$775	$16,345

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets7

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Estimated Future Amortization Of Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015		Nov. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015 (remaining nine months)	$3,173
2016	3,875
2017	3,476
2018	3,139
2019	1,680
Thereafter	3,180
Total	$18,523	[1]	$11,548	[1]
[1]	During the three months ended January 31, 2015, the Company purchased a perpetual, non-exclusive license to certain patents for $7.8 million.

Balance_Sheet_Details_Schedule

Balance Sheet Details (Schedule of Inventory) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Nov. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$11,592	$10,491
Finished goods	28,683	28,227
Inventory, Net	$40,275	$38,718

Balance_Sheet_Details_Schedule1

Balance Sheet Details (Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015		Nov. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$900,952		$897,329
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-458,308	[1]	-451,896	[1]
Total property and equipment, net	442,644		445,433
Computer equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	13,569		13,679
Software
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	64,266		62,919
Engineering and other equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	385,394	[1]	383,412	[1]
Furniture and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	28,646	[1]	29,053	[1]
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	24,651		23,607
Land and building
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$384,426		$384,659
[1]	Engineering and other equipment, furniture and fixtures, and accumulated depreciation and amortization include the following amounts under capital leases as of January 31, 2015, and November 1, 2014, respectively (in thousands): January 31, 2015 November 1, 2014Cost$11,925 $11,925Accumulated depreciation(7,669) (7,209)Property and equipment, net, under capital leases$4,256 $4,716

Balance_Sheet_Details_Schedule2

Balance Sheet Details (Schedule of Capital Leased Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Nov. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Capital Leases
Cost	$11,925	$11,925
Accumulated depreciation	-7,669	-7,209
Total	$4,256	$4,716

Balance_Sheet_Details_Narrativ

Balance Sheet Details (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014
Balance Sheet Details [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$18,800	$22,409

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu

Fair Value Measurements (Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value) (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015		Nov. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Money market funds	$1,113,605	[1]	$1,009,283	[1]
Derivative assets	108		99
Total assets measured at fair value	1,113,713		1,009,382
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities	3,310		1,937
Total liabilities measured at fair value	3,310		1,937
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Instruments (Level 1)
Assets
Money market funds	1,113,605	[1]	1,009,283	[1]
Derivative assets	0		0
Total assets measured at fair value	1,113,605		1,009,283
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities	0		0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	0		0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Assets
Money market funds	0	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative assets	108		99
Total assets measured at fair value	108		99
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities	3,310		1,937
Total liabilities measured at fair value	3,310		1,937
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Money market funds	0	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative assets	0		0
Total assets measured at fair value	0		0
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities	0		0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$0		$0
[1]	Money market funds are reported within “Cash and cash equivalents” on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Restructuring_and_Other_Costs_1

Restructuring and Other Costs (Schedule of Restructuring and Other Charges) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Severance Costs	$0	($1,744)
Business Exit Costs	0	7,961
Restructuring and other related costs	$0	$6,217

Restructuring_and_Other_Costs_2

Restructuring and Other Costs (Schedule of Restructuring Reserve) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015
Restructuring
Restructuring and Related Cost, Caption that Includes Restructuring Charges	Restructuring and other related costs
Initial Period in which Effects are Expected to be Realized	Cash payments for facilities that are part of the Company’s lease loss reserve are expected to be paid over the respective lease terms through fiscal year 2021.
Restructuring Reserve Rollforward
Restructuring liabilities, Beginning balance	$5,156
Cash payments	-570
Translation adjustment	-192
Restructuring liabilities, Ending balance	4,394
Restructuring Reserve Ending Balance
Current restructuring liabilities	2,063
Non-current restructuring liabilities	2,331
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 restructuring plan included a workforce reduction of approximately 250 employees, primarily in the engineering, sales, and marketing organizations, as well as the cancellation of certain nonrecurring engineering agreements and exits from certain leased facilities. The Company substantially completed the restructuring plan by the end of the first quarter of fiscal year 2014.
Restructuring and Related Activities, Authorized Approval	The restructuring plan was approved by the Company’s management and communicated to the Company’s employees in September 2013.
Restructuring Reserve, Adjustment Description	The Company reevaluates its estimates and assumptions on a quarterly basis and makes adjustments to the restructuring liabilities balance if necessary. During the three months ended January 31, 2015, there were no adjustments made to the restructuring liabilities balance, as there were no changes in its estimates or assumptions.
Restructuring and Related Activities, Initiation Date	4-Sep-13
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated, Inception to Date	250
Restructuring and Related Activities, Completion Date	25-Jan-14
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.
Severance and Benefits | Fiscal 2013 Fourth Quarter Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Reserve Rollforward
Restructuring liabilities, Beginning balance	171
Cash payments	0
Translation adjustment	0
Restructuring liabilities, Ending balance	171
Restructuring Reserve Ending Balance
Current restructuring liabilities	171
Non-current restructuring liabilities	0
Contract Terminations and Other | Fiscal 2013 Fourth Quarter Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Reserve Rollforward
Restructuring liabilities, Beginning balance	42
Cash payments	-42
Translation adjustment	0
Restructuring liabilities, Ending balance	0
Restructuring Reserve Ending Balance
Current restructuring liabilities	0
Non-current restructuring liabilities	0
Lease Loss Reserve and Related Costs | Fiscal 2013 Fourth Quarter Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Reserve Rollforward
Restructuring liabilities, Beginning balance	3,949
Cash payments	-416
Translation adjustment	-192
Restructuring liabilities, Ending balance	3,341
Restructuring Reserve Ending Balance
Current restructuring liabilities	1,496
Non-current restructuring liabilities	1,845
Lease Loss Reserve and Related Costs | Prior Restructuring Plans
Restructuring Reserve Rollforward
Restructuring liabilities, Beginning balance	994
Cash payments	-112
Translation adjustment	0
Restructuring liabilities, Ending balance	882
Restructuring Reserve Ending Balance
Current restructuring liabilities	396
Non-current restructuring liabilities	$486

Borrowings_Schedule_Of_LongTer

Borrowings (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Nov. 01, 2014
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross	$1,175,963	$602,115
Unamortized discount	91,588	4,839
Current portion of long-term debt	300,778	1,826
Long-term debt, net of current portion	783,597	595,450
Senior Secured 2020 Notes
Debt Instrument
Maturity	13-Feb-15
Stated annual interest rate	6.88%
Long-term debt, gross	300,000	300,000
Effective interest rate	8.39%	7.26%
Convertible Senior Unsecured 2020 Notes
Debt Instrument
Maturity	1-Jan-20
Stated annual interest rate	1.38%
Long-term debt, gross	575,000	0
Effective interest rate	4.98%	0.00%
Unamortized discount	88,457	0
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	5.00%
Long-term debt, gross	$963	$2,115
Effective interest rate	5.00%	5.37%

Borrowings_Schedule_of_Carryin

Borrowings (Schedule of Carrying Values of Liability and Equity Components) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Nov. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross	$1,175,963	$602,115
Unamortized discount	91,588	4,839
Convertible Senior Unsecured 2020 Notes
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross	575,000	0
Unamortized discount	88,457	0
Long-term Debt	486,543	0
Carrying amount of equity component	$81,818	$0

Borrowings_Narrative_Details

Borrowings (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 24, 2009	Jan. 20, 2010	Jan. 14, 2015	Nov. 01, 2014	Jan. 22, 2013	Oct. 31, 2008
Debt Instrument
Proceeds from convertible notes	$565,656,000	$0
Purchase of convertible hedge	86,135,000	0
Proceeds from issuance of warrants	51,175,000	0
Senior Secured 2018 Notes
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				300,000,000
Senior Secured 2020 Notes
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				300,000,000
Stated annual interest rate	6.88%
Long-Term Debt, Fair Value	310,100,000					312,500,000
Maturity	13-Feb-15
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage	103.44%
Irrevocable deposit					322,200,000
Repayment of principal amount					300,000,000
Call premium					10,300,000
Debt Instrument, Increase, Accrued Interest	10,300,000
Unpaid interest deposited to escrow					1,600,000
Call premium cost and original issue discount and debt issuance costs related to lenders that did not participate in refinancing	20,400,000
Convertible Senior Unsecured 2020 Notes
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Face Amount					575,000,000
Proceeds from convertible notes	565,700,000
DiscountRateForFairValueOfLiabilityComponent	4.57%
Stated annual interest rate	1.38%
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Remaining Discount Amortization Period	4 years 11 months 1 day
Long-Term Debt, Fair Value	591,000,000
Maturity	1-Jan-20
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio	62.7746
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price	$15.93
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Number of Equity Instruments	36.1
Debt Instrument, Convertible, If-converted Value in Excess of Principal	0
Repurchase price of notes in case of change in control, percentage of face value	100.00%
Shares Covered By Note Hedge	36.1
Note Hedge, Exercise Price	$15.93
Purchase of convertible hedge	86,100,000
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights	36.1
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights	$20.65
Class of Warrant or Right, Date from which Warrants or Rights Exercisable	1-Apr-20
WarrantsMaturityPeriod	60 days
Proceeds from issuance of warrants	51,200,000
Interest Expense, Debt [Abstract]
Amortization of Debt Discount	700,000
Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization	400,000
Interest Expense, Debt		0
Senior Unsecured 2023 Notes
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Face Amount							300,000,000
Stated annual interest rate	4.63%
Long-Term Debt, Fair Value	295,600,000					292,400,000
Maturity	15-Jan-23
Repurchase price of notes in case of change in control, percentage of face value	101.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage	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%
Term Loan Facility
Debt Instrument
Original term of loan			5 years
Senior secured credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity								1,100,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument
Original term of loan			5 years
Senior secured credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	125,000,000					125,000,000		125,000,000
Swing Line Loan Subfacility
Debt Instrument
Senior secured credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity								25,000,000
Letter Of Credit Subfacility
Debt Instrument
Senior secured credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity								25,000,000
Line of Credit	$0					$0
Trading Price Trigger One | Convertible Senior Unsecured 2020 Notes
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Trading Days	20
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Consecutive Trading Days	30 days
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Percentage of Stock Price Trigger	130.00%
Trading Price Trigger Two | Convertible Senior Unsecured 2020 Notes
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Trading Days	5
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Consecutive Trading Days	10 days
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Percentage of Notes Price Trigger	98.00%

Borrowings_Schedule_Of_Debt_Ma

Borrowings (Schedule Of Debt Maturities) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Nov. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-term Debt, by Maturity [Abstract]
2015 (remaining nine months)	$300,672
2016	291
2017	0
2018	0
2019	0
Thereafter	875,000
Long-term debt, gross	$1,175,963	$602,115

Commitments_And_Contingencies_1

Commitments And Contingencies (Schedule Of Accrued Liability For Estimated Future Warranty Costs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014
Product Warranty Activity
Beginning balance	$7,486	$8,632
Liabilities accrued for warranties issued during the period	1,262	866
Warranty claims paid and used during the period	-1,114	-1,761
Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties during the period	-446	-455
Ending balance	$7,188	$7,282

Commitments_And_Contingencies_2

Commitments And Contingencies (Purchase Commitment Narrative) (Details) (Details) (Inventory Purchase Commitment, USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Purchase Commitment
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed	$181.40
Purchase Commitment, Recognized Loss	$1.10

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed3

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Schedule Of Net Gains (Losses) Related To The Effective Portion Of Foreign Currency Derivatives) (Details) (Foreign Exchange Contract, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Net gains (losses) related to the effective portion of foreign currency derivatives	($683)	$33
Cost of revenues
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Net gains (losses) related to the effective portion of foreign currency derivatives	-136	72
Research and development
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Net gains (losses) related to the effective portion of foreign currency derivatives	-35	-300
Sales and marketing
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Net gains (losses) related to the effective portion of foreign currency derivatives	-454	239
General and administrative
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Net gains (losses) related to the effective portion of foreign currency derivatives	($58)	$22

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed4

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Maximum derivative instrument maturity period	15 months
Foreign Currency Transaction [Abstract]
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	($1)	($0.10)
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Prepaid Expense And Other Current Asset
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Gross unrealized gain positions	0.1
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Other Accrued Liabilities
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Gross unrealized loss positions	($3.30)

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed5

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Schedule Of Total Gross Notional Amounts, Presented By Currency) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Nov. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	$58,564	$80,957
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Euro
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	9,741	14,404
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | British pound
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	7,887	11,168
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Indian rupee
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	14,510	19,413
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Chinese Yuan
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	7,638	10,406
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Singapore dollar
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	6,583	9,242
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Japanese yen
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	6,342	8,856
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Swiss franc
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	5,863	7,468
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	23,502	34,091
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Euro
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	12,985	19,200
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | British pound
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	10,517	14,891
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Indian rupee
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
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Singapore dollar
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Japanese yen
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Swiss franc
Derivative
Total gross notional amounts, presented by currency	$0	$0

StockBased_Compensation_StockB

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock-Based Compensation Expense Included In Line Items Of Consolidated Statements Of Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs
Total stock-based compensation	$24,082	$18,588
Cost of revenues
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs
Total stock-based compensation	3,816	3,142
Research and development
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs
Total stock-based compensation	4,933	4,336
Sales and marketing
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs
Total stock-based compensation	9,843	6,765
General and administrative
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs
Total stock-based compensation	$5,490	$4,345

StockBased_Compensation_StockB1

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock-Based Compensation Expense By Grant Type) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Total stock-based compensation	$24,082	$18,588
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Total stock-based compensation	1,356	1,281
Restricted stock units, including stock units with market conditions (altogether “RSUs”)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Total stock-based compensation	17,934	14,584
Employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Total stock-based compensation	$4,792	$2,723

StockBased_Compensation_StockB2

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock-Based Compensation, Unrecognized Compensation Expense And Weighted-Average Period) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	$5,791
Weighted-Average Period (in years)	1 year 4 months 28 days
Restricted stock units, including stock units with market conditions (altogether “RSUs”)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	130,468
Weighted-Average Period (in years)	2 years 0 months 14 days
Employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	$12,005
Weighted-Average Period (in years)	0 years 11 months 12 days

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Stock options, Granted	1,117	1,270
Stock options, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (dollars per share)	$3.09	$3.25
Stock options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	$1	$2.10
Restricted stock units, including stock units with market conditions (altogether “RSUs”)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
RSUs, Granted	3,641	2,885
RSUs, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (dollars per share)	$10.87	$10.75

Stockholders_Equity_Stockholde

Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Dividends Payable) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Cash dividends declared per share	$0.04	$0
Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock	$15,106	$0
Common Stock
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends Payable, Date Declared	24-Nov-14
Cash dividends declared per share	$0.04	$0
Dividends Payable, Date of Record	10-Dec-14
Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock	$15,106
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid	2-Jan-15

Stockholders_Equity_Stockholde1

Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note, Derivative Transactions Connected with Contingently Convertible Securities	In connection with the issuance of the 2020 Convertible Notes, the Company entered into convertible note hedge and warrant transactions with certain financial institutions with respect to its common stock. See Note 8, “Borrowings,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Tax Effects) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015		Jan. 25, 2014
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, before tax
Change in unrealized gains and losses, foreign exchange contracts, before tax	($2,179)		($1,021)
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings, foreign exchange contracts, before tax	683	[1]	-33	[1]
Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, before tax	-1,496		-1,054
Foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax	-4,221		-823
Total other comprehensive loss, before tax	-5,717		-1,877
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, tax
Change in unrealized gains and losses, foreign exchange contracts, tax	405		97
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings, foreign exchange contracts, tax	-80	[1]	2	[1]
Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, tax	325		99
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	0		0
Total other comprehensive loss, tax	325		99
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of tax
Change in unrealized gains and losses, foreign exchange contracts, net of tax	-1,774		-924
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings, foreign exchange contracts, net of tax	603	[1]	-31	[1]
Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax	-1,171		-955
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-4,221		-823
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	($5,392)		($1,778)
[1]	For Condensed 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 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o1

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	($18,814)	($13,444)	($24,206)	($15,222)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax
Change in unrealized gains and losses	-5,995	-1,747
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	603	-31
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	-5,392	-1,778
Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	-1,907	267	-3,078	-688
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax
Change in unrealized gains and losses	-1,774	-924
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	603	-31
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	-1,171	-955
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	-16,907	-13,711	-21,128	-14,534
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax
Change in unrealized gains and losses	-4,221	-823
Net gains and losses reclassified into earnings	0	0
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	($4,221)	($823)

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations
U.S. federal statutory tax rate	35.00%
Income Tax Contingency
Amount of unrecognized tax benefits that could affect the effect tax rate	$81
Lower range of estimated potential decreases in underlying uncertain tax positions	0
Upper range of estimated potential decreases in underlying uncertain tax positions	$4

Segment_Information_Schedule_O

Segment Information (Schedule Of Financial Information By Reportable Segment) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014
Segment Reporting Information
Net revenues	$576,239	$564,535
Cost of revenues	186,556	191,865
Gross margin	389,683	372,670
SAN Products
Segment Reporting Information
Net revenues	353,399	355,456
Cost of revenues	85,725	92,941
Gross margin	267,674	262,515
Internet Protocol (“IP”) Networking Products
Segment Reporting Information
Net revenues	132,839	119,749
Cost of revenues	64,201	60,686
Gross margin	68,638	59,063
Global Services
Segment Reporting Information
Net revenues	90,001	89,330
Cost of revenues	36,630	38,238
Gross margin	$53,371	$51,092

Segment_Information_Narrative_

Segment Information Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
	segments
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	3
Number of reportable operating 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
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015		Jan. 25, 2014
Earnings Per Share, Basic
Net income	$87,267		$80,884
Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income per share	428,536		440,573
Net income per share—basic	$0.20		$0.18
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Net income	$87,267		$80,884
Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income per share	439,156		453,549
Net income per share—diluted	$0.20		$0.18
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation
Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income per share	428,536		440,573
Dilutive potential common shares in the form of stock options	1,734		2,620
Dilutive potential common shares in the form of other share-based awards	8,886		10,356
Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income per share	439,156		453,549
Warrant
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Antidilutive potential common shares	7,140	[1],[2]	0	[1],[2]
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Antidilutive potential common shares	577	[1]	3,015	[1]
Other share-based awards
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Antidilutive potential common shares	0	[1]	462	[1]
Convertible Senior Unsecured 2020 Notes
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price	$15.93
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights	$20.65
[1]	These amounts are excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share.
[2]	In connection with the issuance of the 2020 Convertible Notes, the Company entered into convertible note hedge and warrant transactions as described in Note 8, “Borrowings.” The 2020 Convertible Notes have no impact on diluted earnings per share until the average quarterly price of the Company’s common stock exceeds the conversion price of $15.93 per share. If the common stock price exceeds this conversion price, prior to conversion, the Company will calculate the effect of the additional shares that may be issued using the treasury stock method. If the average price of the Company’s common stock exceeds $20.65 per share for a quarterly period, the Company’s weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income per share will be impacted by the effect of the additional potential shares that may be issued related to the warrants using the treasury stock method. The convertible note hedge is not considered for purposes of the diluted earnings per share calculation, as its effect would be antidilutive.

Guarantor_And_NonGuarantor_Sub1

Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	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 $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 6.625% senior secured notes due 2018 (the “2018 Notes”) and $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes (together with the 2018 Notes, the “Senior Secured Notes”) pursuant to separate indentures between the Company, certain domestic subsidiaries of the Company, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as the trustee (the “2020 Indenture” and “2018 Indenture,” respectively). In addition, on January 22, 2013, the Company issued $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes. The Company’s obligations under the Senior Secured Notes and the 2023 Notes were previously 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 were joint and several. Neither the Senior Secured Notes nor the 2023 Notes were guaranteed by certain of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries or any of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries (the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”). The Company determined that the circumstances under which the subsidiary guarantees may be released were customary under applicable SEC guidance, and, as such, the Company previously provided consolidated financial statements in reliance on Item 3-10 of Regulation S-X. The guarantees of the 2018 Notes and 2020 Notes were released on January 22, 2013, and January 14, 2015, respectively, upon the discharge of the 2018 Indenture and 2020 Indenture. The guarantees of the 2023 Notes were released on January 14, 2015, upon termination of the Senior Secured Credit Facility and discharge of the 2020 Indenture. As a result, all guarantees have been released prior to January 31, 2015, and the Company has ceased presenting condensed consolidated financial statements for the parent company, the former Subsidiary Guarantors, and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries effective in the first fiscal quarter in 2015.
Senior Secured 2018 Notes
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$300
Senior Secured 2020 Notes
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		300
Senior Unsecured 2023 Notes
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$300

Subsequent_Events_Subsequent_E1

Subsequent Events Subsequent Events (Details) (Senior Secured 2020 Notes, USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 06, 2015	Jan. 14, 2015	Feb. 13, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015
Subsequent Event
Repayment of principal amount		$300
Extinguishment of 2020 Notes
Subsequent Event
Irrevocable deposit				311.9
Subsequent Event, Date	13-Feb-15
Subsequent Event, Description	During the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company irrevocably deposited $311.9 million with the trustee for redemption of the 2020 Notes as described in Note 8, “Borrowings,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. On February 13, 2015, the trustee redeemed the 2020 Notes using the deposited amount (less the amount used for the January 15, 2015 interest payment), extinguishing the Company’s $300.0 million liability in relation to the principal amount of the 2020 Notes.
Repayment of principal amount			$300