v3.5.0.2
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016
Oct. 24, 2016
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-Q  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2016  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   49,436,925
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No  
Entity Voluntary Filers No  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes