Document and Entity Information Document - shares
6 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2016
May. 31, 2016
Entity Information [Line Items]    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --10-31  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Apr. 30, 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Trading Symbol PAY  
Entity Registrant Name VERIFONE SYSTEMS, INC.  
Entity Central Index Key 0001312073  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   110,549,555