Goodwill and purchased intangible assets Activity related to goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands |
6 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Apr. 30, 2016
USD ($)
| |
| Goodwill [Line Items] | |
| Balance at beginning of period | $ 1,084,031 |
| Goodwill, Acquired During Period | 68,010 |
| Goodwill, Other Changes | (762) |
| Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | 13,465 |
| Balance at end of period | 1,164,744 |
| Verifone Systems [Member] | |
| Goodwill [Line Items] | |
| Balance at beginning of period | 512,182 |
| Goodwill, Acquired During Period | 0 |
| Goodwill, Other Changes | 0 |
| Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | 4,946 |
| Balance at end of period | 517,128 |
| Verifone Services [Member] | |
| Goodwill [Line Items] | |
| Balance at beginning of period | 571,849 |
| Goodwill, Acquired During Period | 68,010 |
| Goodwill, Other Changes | (762) |
| Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | 8,519 |
| Balance at end of period | $ 647,616 |