v3.3.1.900
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Feb. 16, 2016
Jun. 26, 2015
Document And Entity Information      
Entity Registrant Name SONUS NETWORKS INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0001105472    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2015    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2015    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   49,479,678  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Public Float     $ 376,492,000