| Cover | May 11, 2020 | Feb. 25, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | May 11, 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 | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share | |
| Trading Symbol | INFN | |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
