| Cover | Feb. 25, 2020 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 25, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | INFINERA CORPORATION |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-33486 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 77-0560433 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 140 Caspian Court |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Sunnyvale, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94089 |
| City Area Code | 408 |
| Local Phone Number | 572-5200 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001138639 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
