Goodwill and purchased intangible assets Activity related to goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands |
3 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Jan. 31, 2017
USD ($)
| |
| Goodwill [Line Items] | |
| Balance at October 31, 2015 | $ 1,110,493 |
| Other adjustments | (596) |
| Currency translation adjustments | 1,847 |
| Balance at October 31, 2016 | 1,111,744 |
| Verifone Systems [Member] | |
| Goodwill [Line Items] | |
| Balance at October 31, 2015 | 497,126 |
| Other adjustments | 0 |
| Currency translation adjustments | 247 |
| Balance at October 31, 2016 | 497,373 |
| Verifone Services [Member] | |
| Goodwill [Line Items] | |
| Balance at October 31, 2015 | 613,367 |
| Other adjustments | (596) |
| Currency translation adjustments | 1,600 |
| Balance at October 31, 2016 | $ 614,371 |