v2.4.0.6
Document And Entity Information
3 Months Ended
Jan. 28, 2012
Feb. 24, 2012
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Jan. 28, 2012  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012  
Entity Registrant Name BROCADE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0001009626  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --10-27  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   459,267,665