| Cover | Nov. 05, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 5, 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 |
