| Principles of Consolidation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Oct. 31, 2017 |
| Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
| Basis of Presentation | Basis of Presentation The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of VeriFone Systems, Inc. and our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries, including a variable interest entity where we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary. Amounts pertaining to the noncontrolling ownership interests held by third parties in the operating results and financial position of our majority-owned subsidiaries are reported as noncontrolling interests . All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Consolidated Financial Statements also include the results of companies acquired by us from the date of each acquisition. Investments in businesses that we do not control, but in which we have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial matters, are accounted for using the equity method. We have two operating segments: Verifone Systems and Verifone Services. Verifone Systems delivers point of sale electronic payment devices that run our unique operating systems, security and encryption software and certified payment software for both payments and commerce. Verifone Services delivers device related services and maintenance, payment transaction routing and reporting, and commerce based services. Our reportable segments and reporting units are the same as our operating segments. We determine our operating segments considering our overall management structure, how forecasts are approved, how executive compensation is determined, our organizational chart, as well as how our Chief Executive Officer, who is our chief operating decision maker, regularly reviews our operating results, assesses performance, allocates resources, and makes decisions regarding Verifone's operations. |
| Use of Estimates | Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis when updated information related to such estimates becomes available. We base our estimates on historical experience and information available to us at the time these estimates are made. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates . |
| Foreign Currency | Foreign Currency We determine the functional currency for Verifone and our subsidiaries by reviewing the currencies in which their respective operating activities occur. For our subsidiaries whose functional currencies are not the U.S. Dollar, we generally translate assets and liabilities using exchange rates in effect as of the applicable balance sheet dates. Revenue and expenses for these subsidiaries are translated using average rates which approximate those in effect during the period. Foreign currency translation gains and losses are included in stockholders' equity as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of that subsidiary are remeasured to the functional currency using exchange rates in effect as of the applicable balance sheet dates. Gains and losses from these remeasurements are recorded as Other income (expense), net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. |
| Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition System solutions net revenues include net revenues from the sale of products and associated perpetual software licenses and accessories. Services net revenues include net revenues from payment-related services, installation, customer support, repair services related to our System solutions, transaction processing, custom software development, and extended warranties, as well as from advertising in and on taxis, and leases of our products. We recognize revenues net of sales taxes and value-added taxes when title and risk of loss have passed to the customer and all of the following criteria are met: (i) there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists; (ii) delivery of the products or services has occurred; (iii) the selling price is fixed or determinable; and (iv) collection is reasonably assured and not contingent upon future performance. Net revenues from sales to end-users, resellers, value-added resellers, and distributors are generally recognized upon shipment of the product. End-users, resellers, value-added resellers, and distributors generally have no rights of return, stock rotation rights, or price protection. We recognize revenue from operating lease arrangements over the term of the applicable lease arrangements. Net revenues from operating lease arrangements represent less than 5% of our total net revenues and are classified as Services net revenues. Net revenues from services obligations to be provided over a period of time are initially deferred and then recognized on a straight-line basis over the period during which the services are provided. Net revenues from services billed on a per incident basis are recognized as the services are rendered. Net revenues from fees for payment services are recognized when the payment services are complete. Advertising revenues are recognized as the related services are performed. We periodically enter into software development contracts with our customers that we recognize as net revenues on a completed contract basis . During the period of performance of such contracts, billings and costs are accumulated on the balance sheet, but no profit is recorded before completion or substantial completion of the project or milestone. We generally use customers' acceptance as the specific criteria to determine when such contracts are substantially completed. Provisions for losses on software development contracts are recorded in the period they become evident. Net revenues from software development contracts comprise less than 1% of our total net revenues. Revenue Recognition for Multiple-Element Arrangements When an arrangement includes multiple deliverables, we allocate the arrangement consideration to each deliverable qualifying as a separate unit of accounting based on its relative selling price at the inception of the arrangement. We determine the relative selling price based on the estimated selling price (ESP) using vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE), if it exists, and otherwise third-party evidence (TPE). If neither VSOE nor TPE exists for a unit of accounting, we use best estimated selling price (BESP). VSOE is limited to the price charged when the same or similar product or service is sold separately. We define VSOE as substantial standalone transactions that are priced within a narrow range, as defined by us. In addition, we consider the geographies in which the products or services are sold, as well as the class of customers to which the products or services are sold. If a product or service is seldom sold separately, it is unlikely that we can determine VSOE for the product or service. TPE is determined based on the prices charged by our competitors for a similar deliverable when sold separately to similarly situated customers. As our products and services contain a significant level of differentiation compared to our competitors' products, comparable prices are generally not available. When we are unable to establish selling price using VSOE or TPE, we use BESP when allocating the arrangement consideration. BESP is the price at which management estimates that we would enter into a transaction with the customer if the product or service was to be sold by us regularly on a standalone basis. Our determination of BESP involves a weighting of several factors based on the specific facts and circumstances of the arrangement. The factors we consider include the geographies in which the products or services are sold, the anticipated gross margin on that deliverable, the cost to produce the deliverable, economic conditions and market trends, the selling price and gross margin for similar deliverables, and our ongoing pricing strategy and policies. We analyze ESP at least annually or on a more frequent basis if a significant change in our business necessitates a more timely analysis or if we experience significant variances in our selling prices. In multiple element arrangements that include software, we first evaluate if a tangible product includes software. If a tangible product includes software and if both the tangible product and software components function together to deliver the tangible product's essential functionality, then we will treat the entire product as a non-software element. If the arrangement is deemed to have a software element, we first allocate the total arrangement consideration between the software group of elements as a whole and the non-software elements as a whole based on their relative selling prices, and then to the elements within those groups based on the applicable guidance. |
| Shipping and Handling Costs | Shipping and Handling Costs Shipping and handling costs incurred for delivery to customers are expensed as incurred, and are included in Cost of net revenues in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. In those instances where we bill shipping and handling costs to customers, the amounts billed are classified as Net revenues in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. |
| Warranty Costs | Warranty Costs We accrue for estimated warranty obligations when revenue is recognized based on an estimate of future warranty costs for delivered products. Such estimates are based on historical experience and expectations of future costs. At least annually or whenever circumstances warrant, we evaluate and adjust the accrued warranty costs to the extent actual warranty costs vary from the original estimates. Our warranty period typically extends from one to three years from the date of shipment. Actual warranty costs may differ materially from management's estimates. Costs associated with maintenance contracts, including extended warranty contracts, are expensed when they are incurred. |
| Stock-Based Compensation | Stock-Based Compensation We measure stock-based compensation cost at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award and the estimated number of shares we ultimately expect will vest. Stock-based compensation cost is recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Cash flows resulting from the tax benefits due to tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those awards are classified as financing cash flows. |
| Advertising Costs | Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred, and were immaterial for all periods presented in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. |
| Research and Software Development Costs | Research and Software Development Costs Research and development costs are generally expensed when incurred. Software development costs incurred to develop software products for resale, including the costs of software components of our products, are subject to capitalization beginning when a product's technological feasibility has been established and ending when a software or product is available for general release to customers. In most instances, our products are released soon after technological feasibility has been established; therefore, software development costs incurred subsequent to achievement of technological feasibility are usually not significant, and generally most software development costs have been expensed as incurred. Capitalized costs of software for resale are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated life of the software or associated product, generally three to five years, commencing when the respective software or product is available to customers. Software development costs for internal use software are subject to capitalization during the application development stage, beginning when a project, that will result in additional functionality, is approved and ending when the software is put into productive use. Capitalized internal use software costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated life of the software, generally three to six years, commencing when the respective software is put into productive use. Amortization related to capitalized software development costs totaled $7.1 million , $5.1 million , and $5.5 million , for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. Unamortized capitalized software development costs totaled $50.7 million and $55.1 million as of October 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and are recorded as a component of Other long-term assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. |
| Restructuring | Restructuring The determination of when we accrue for employee involuntary termination benefits depends on whether the termination benefits are provided under a one-time benefit arrangement or under an on-going benefit arrangement. We record charges for one-time benefit arrangements in accordance with ASC 420 Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations and charges for on-going benefit arrangements in accordance with ASC 712 Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits . We recognize a liability for costs associated with the closure of facilities when the liability is incurred. We measure these liabilities at fair value. Costs to terminate a contract before the end of its term are recognized when we terminate the contract in accordance with the contract terms. Costs that will continue to be incurred under a contract for its remaining term without economic benefit, net of estimated sublease income, are recognized at the facility cease-use date. |
| Income Taxes | Income Taxes Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities, and their reported amounts using enacted tax rates in effect for the year the differences are expected to reverse. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets management considers all available positive and negative evidence including the past operating results, the existence of cumulative losses in past fiscal years, and the forecasted future taxable income in the jurisdictions in which we have operations. We have established valuation allowances on U.S. deferred tax assets and certain non-U.S. deferred tax assets because realization of these tax benefits through future taxable income is not more likely than not as of October 31, 2017 and 2016 . We intend to maintain the valuation allowances until sufficient positive evidence exists to support the reversal of the valuation allowances. We make estimates and judgments about our future taxable income that are based on assumptions that are consistent with our plans and estimates. Should the actual amounts differ from the estimates, the amount of the valuation allowance could be materially impacted. An increase in the valuation allowance would result in additional tax expense in such period. We must make certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial statement purposes. These estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of tax credits and deductions, and in the calculation of certain tax assets and liabilities, which arise from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes, as well as the interest and penalties relating to these uncertain tax positions. Significant changes to these estimates may result in an increase or decrease to our tax provision in a subsequent period. The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. Our estimate for the potential outcome of any uncertain tax issue is based on detailed facts and circumstances of each issue. Resolution of these uncertainties in a manner inconsistent with our expectations could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. We recognize liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step requires us to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as this requires us to determine the probability of various possible outcomes. We reevaluate these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively settled issues under audit, and new audit activity. Such a change in recognition or measurement would result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision in the period. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash, money market funds, and time deposits with maturities of three months or less when purchased. |
| Allowance for doubtful accounts | Allowance for doubtful accounts An allowance for doubtful accounts is established with respect to those amounts that we determine to be doubtful of collection using specific identification of doubtful accounts and an aging of receivables analysis based on invoice due dates. Actual collection losses may differ materially from management's estimates. Uncollectible receivables are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts when all efforts to collect them have been exhausted. Accounts receivable payment terms are generally between net 30 to 60 days, unless special payment terms are arranged. |
| Inventories | Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of standard cost and net realizable value. We compute inventory cost using standard costs, primarily on a FIFO method. Standard costs approximate actual costs, including materials, manufacturing costs, in-bound freight costs, and inbound-related supply chain costs. We regularly monitor inventory quantities on hand and committed orders with contract manufacturers, and record write-downs for excess and obsolete inventories based primarily on the shipment history and our estimated forecast of product demand. Such write-downs establish a new cost basis of accounting for the related inventory. Consigned inventories from our contract manufacturers where title has not been transferred to us are excluded from our inventories. In certain circumstances, we are obligated to prepay deposits to our contract manufacturers based on a percentage of the value of the inventories consigned to us, and after a certain period of time has elapsed, we may be required to prepay the full amount if we have not taken title to the inventory. Prepayments for consigned inventory are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Generally, we take title to consigned inventories when we ship to our customers, and record the full cost of the inventories as Cost of net revenues at that time. We must purchase the consigned inventories from our contract manufacturers after a certain agreed-upon period of time, ranging from 30 days to one year. Consigned inventories are included in our calculation of minimum order commitments from our contract manufacturers. |
| Fair Value Measurements | Fair Value Measurements We measure and record certain of our financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. We also apply the provisions of fair value measurement to various non-recurring measurements for our financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. We define fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When estimating fair value, we consider the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact, and we consider assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, credit risk, and risk of non-performance. In measuring fair value, we follow a three-level hierarchy based on the inputs used: Level 1 — Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 — Other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace, such as similar instruments in an active market, or computations using, among other inputs, forward pricing curves, credit default spreads, or the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model. Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity. |
| Equity Investments, VIE | We evaluate our equity investments to determine whether an investee is a variable interest entity. If we conclude that an investee is a variable interest entity, we evaluate our power to direct the activities of the investee, our obligation to absorb the expected losses of the investee and our right to receive the expected residual returns of the investee to determine whether we are the primary beneficiary of the investee. If we are the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity, we consolidate such entity and reflect the noncontrolling interest of other beneficiaries of that entity. If we conclude that an investee is not a variable interest entity, we do not consolidate the investee and account for the investment under either the equity method or cost method. We periodically reassess whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE. The reassessment process considers whether we have acquired the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE through changes in governing documents or other circumstances. We also reconsider whether entities previously determined not to be VIEs have become VIEs, and vice versa, based on changes in facts and circumstances including changes in contractual arrangements and capital structure. |
| Equity Investments, Equity Method | Equity investments are accounted for under the equity method if we are able to exert significant influence over the investee but do not have a controlling financial interest. If we do not have significant influence over the investee, we account for it under the cost method. The carrying value of equity investments are included in Other long-term assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Equity method investments are initially recorded at fair value and are adjusted for our proportionate share of the earnings and losses of the equity method investee. Earnings and losses of equity method investments are based on the most recently available financial statements of the investee and are included in Other income (expense), net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Basis differences between the cost of an equity method investment and the underlying equity in the long-lived assets are amortized over the estimated economic useful life of the underlying long-lived asset and the amortization expense is included in Other income (expense), net in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. We periodically review our cost and equity method investments for impairment and record a reduction in the carrying value, if and when necessary. |
| Derivative Financial Instruments | Derivative Financial Instruments We use derivative financial instruments to manage certain exposures to foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate risks. Our primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes, nor do we hold or issue leveraged derivative financial instruments. Our derivative financial instruments do not include a right of offset, and we do not offset derivative financial assets against derivative financial liabilities. Our derivative financial instruments consist primarily of foreign exchange forward contracts, which we use to hedge certain existing and anticipated foreign currency denominated transactions, and interest rate swaps, which we use to hedge a portion of the variability in cash flows related to our interest payments. We recognize the estimated fair value of our outstanding derivative financial instruments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at the end of each reporting period as either assets or liabilities. Foreign exchange forward contracts generally mature within 90 days of inception. The interest rate swaps will mature on June 30, 2019 . Gains and losses arising from derivative financial instruments that are designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, and are subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period or periods during which the underlying transactions affect earnings. When we enter into hedges we formally assess hedge effectiveness and monitor the effectiveness qualitatively on an ongoing basis. When an anticipated transaction is no longer likely to occur, the corresponding derivative instrument is ineffective as a hedge, and changes in fair value of the instrument are recognized in Other income (expense), net. Derivative financial instruments that are not designated as hedging instruments predominantly consist of foreign exchange forward contracts used to hedge foreign currency-denominated inter-company receivables and payables exposures arising from product sales and loans from one of our entities to another. Gains and losses arising from changes in the fair values of derivative financial instruments that are not designated as hedging instruments are recognized in Other income (expense), net. |
| Long-Lived Assets | Long-Lived Assets Fixed assets are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Fixed assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally ranging from three to ten years , except buildings which are depreciated from 40 to 50 years . Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset. Revenue generating assets are comprised of tangible assets that we have placed at third party locations for the purpose of generating revenues under rental or service based arrangements. Revenue generating assets are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, and are generally depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally five years. Payments to acquire revenue generating assets are included in Capital expenditures within cash flows from investing activities on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Equipment under capital leases is recorded at the lesser of the present value of the minimum lease payments at the beginning of the lease term or the fair value of such equipment. Leased equipment is amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of such equipment. Purchased intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated period of benefit, generally ranging from one to 20 years . If the estimated period of benefit for any of our long-lived assets is determined to have changed, we amortize the remaining net book values over the revised period of benefit. We periodically evaluate whether changes have occurred that would render our long-lived assets not recoverable. If such circumstances arise, we use an estimate of the undiscounted value of expected future operating cash flows to determine whether the long-lived assets are impaired. If the aggregate undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the assets, the resulting impairment charge to be recorded is calculated based on the excess of the carrying amount of the assets over the fair value of such assets, with the fair value generally determined based on an estimate of discounted future cash flows. For assets held for sale, to the extent the carrying value is greater than the asset's fair value less costs to sell, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference. |
| Goodwill | Goodwill Goodwill is measured as the excess of consideration transferred and the net of the acquisition date fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized for accounting purposes. We review the goodwill allocated to each of our reporting units for possible impairment annually on August 1 and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate its carrying amount may not be recoverable. When assessing goodwill for impairment, we have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, we determine it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then we perform a quantitative impairment test. If, we conclude otherwise, then no further action is taken. In a quantitative impairment test, we measure the recoverability of goodwill by comparing a reporting unit's carrying amount, including goodwill, to the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, and record an impairment charge for any excess. In assessing the qualitative factors, we assess relevant events and circumstances that may impact the fair value and the carrying amount of the reporting unit. The identification of relevant events and circumstances, and how these may impact a reporting unit's fair value or carrying amount involve significant judgments and assumptions. The judgment and assumptions include the identification of macroeconomic conditions, industry, and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, Verifone-specific events, and share price trends, and making the assessment as to whether each relevant factor will impact the impairment test positively or negatively and the magnitude of any such impact. The carrying amount of each reporting unit is determined based upon the assignment of our assets and liabilities, including existing goodwill and other intangible assets, to the identified reporting units. Where an acquisition benefits only one reporting unit, we allocate, as of the acquisition date, all goodwill for that acquisition to the reporting unit that will benefit. Where we have had an acquisition that benefited more than one reporting unit, we have assigned the goodwill to our reporting units as of the acquisition date such that the goodwill assigned to a reporting unit is the excess of the fair value of the acquired business, or portion thereof, to be included in that reporting unit over the fair value of the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed that are assigned to the reporting unit. The estimated fair value of the reporting units is determined using the income approach. The income approach focuses on the income-producing capability of an asset, measuring the current value of the asset by calculating the present value of its future economic benefits such as cash earnings, cost savings, tax deductions, and proceeds from disposition. Value indications are developed by discounting expected cash flows to their present value at a rate of return that incorporates the risk-free rate for the use of funds, the expected rate of inflation, and risks associated with the particular investment. Cash flow projections are based on management's estimates of revenue growth rates and operating margins, taking into consideration industry and market conditions. The discount rate used is based on the weighted-average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with business-specific characteristics and the uncertainty related to the business's ability to execute on the projected cash flows. In order to assess the reasonableness of the calculated fair values of its reporting units, we compare the sum of the reporting units' fair values to our market capitalization and calculate an implied control premium (the excess of the sum of the reporting units' fair values over the market capitalization). We evaluate the reasonableness of the premium over market capitalization by first quantifying certain controlling market participants' synergies included in the income approach. We then supplement this step by comparing the implied premiums for each reporting unit to the premiums implied by recent comparable transactions. If the implied control premium is not reasonable in light of these recent transactions, we will reevaluate our fair value estimates of the reporting units by adjusting the discount rates or other assumptions. In the event that we realign our reporting units, we allocate our goodwill to the new reporting units using the relative fair value approach. We perform an assessment of any potential goodwill impairment immediately prior to and after the reallocation of goodwill to the new reporting units. |
| Debt Issuance Costs and Original Issue Discounts | Debt Issuance Costs and Original Issue Discounts Costs incurred in connection with the issuance of new debt are generally capitalized and amounts paid in connection with the modification of existing debt are generally expensed as incurred. Capitalizable debt issuance costs paid to third parties and original issue discounts paid to creditors, net of amortization, are offset against the associated Short-term and Long-term debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amortization expense on capitalized debt issuance costs and original issue discounts related to loans with fixed payment terms is calculated using the effective interest method over the term of the associated loans. Amortization expense on capitalized debt issuance costs and original issue discounts related to revolving loans are calculated using the straight-line method over the term of the revolving loan commitment. Amortization expense is recorded in Interest expense, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. When debt is extinguished prior to the maturity date, any remaining associated debt issuance costs or original issue discounts are expensed to Interest expense, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. |
| Business Combinations | Business Combinations In a business combination, we recognize separately from goodwill the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. While we use our best estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, our estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to adjustment. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, we record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill in the period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. For a given acquisition, we generally identify certain pre-acquisition contingencies as of the acquisition date, and may extend our review and evaluation of these pre-acquisition contingencies throughout the measurement period in order to obtain sufficient information to assess whether we include these contingencies as a part of the purchase price allocation and, if so, to determine the estimated amounts. If we determine that a pre-acquisition non-income tax related contingency is probable in nature and estimable as of the acquisition date, we record our best estimate for such contingency as a part of the preliminary purchase price allocation. We often continue to gather related information and evaluate our pre-acquisition contingencies throughout the measurement period and if we make changes to the amounts recorded or if we identify additional pre-acquisition contingencies during the measurement period, such amounts are recorded in the period in which they are identified. Subsequent to our final determination of the contingency's estimated value within the measurement period, changes to these contingencies could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position. In addition, uncertain tax positions and tax-related valuation allowances assumed in connection with a business combination are initially estimated as of the acquisition date. We reevaluate these items quarterly with any adjustments to our preliminary estimates being recorded to goodwill provided that we are within the measurement period, and we continue to collect information in order to determine their estimated values. Subsequent to the measurement period or our final determination of the tax allowance’s estimated value, changes to these uncertain tax positions and tax-related valuation allowances will affect our Income tax provision (benefit) in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. |
| Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiary | Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiary The redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiary is recognized at the greater of the initial carrying amount increased or decreased for the noncontrolling interest's share of net income or loss, or its redemption value. |
| Concentrations of Credit Risk | Concentrations of Credit Risk Cash is placed on deposit in major financial institutions around the world. Some of these deposits may be in excess of insured limits. We believe that the financial institutions that hold our cash are financially sound and, accordingly, minimal credit risk exists with respect to these balances. We invest cash not required for use in operations in high credit quality securities based on our investment policy. The investment policy has limits based on credit quality, investment concentration, investment type, and maturity that we believe reduce the risk of loss. Investments are of a short-term nature and include investments in money market funds and time deposits. Our derivative financial instruments expose us to credit risk to the extent that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreement when we have an unrealized gain on the instrument. We believe the counterparties for our outstanding contracts are large, financially sound institutions, and thus we do not anticipate nonperformance by these counterparties. However, given the high debt levels of many countries and institutions worldwide, the failure of the counterparties is possible. We have not experienced any investment losses due to institutional failure or bankruptcy. Our accounts receivable are derived from sales to a large number of direct customers, resellers, and distributors globally. We perform ongoing evaluations of our customers' financial condition and limit the amount of credit extended when deemed necessary, but generally require no collateral. As of October 31, 2017 and 2016 no single customer accounted for more than 10% of our total Accounts receivable, net. For fiscal years 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 no single customer accounted for more than 10% of our total Net revenues. We utilize a limited number of third parties to manufacture our products, and rely upon these contract manufacturers to produce and deliver products on a timely basis and at an acceptable cost. Furthermore, a majority of our manufacturing activities are concentrated in China and Brazil. As a result, disruptions to the business or operations of the contract manufacturers or to their ability to produce the required products in a timely manner, and particularly disruptions to the manufacturing facilities located in China and Brazil, could significantly impact our business and operations. In addition, a number of components that are necessary to manufacture and assemble our systems are specifically customized for use in our products and are obtained from sole source suppliers on a purchase order basis. Because of the customized nature of these components and the limited number of available suppliers, if we were to experience a supply disruption, it would be difficult and costly to find alternative sources in a timely manner. |
| Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted | Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements During August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. Because the presentation and classification under this new standard is consistent with our historical presentation and classification, we elected to early adopt ASU 2016-15 retrospectively, effective November 1, 2016. Adoption had no impact on our consolidated statements of cash flows in any period presented. During November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows - Restricted Cash, which requires entities to show the changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We have elected to early adopt ASU 2016-18 retrospectively, effective November 1, 2016. Accordingly, restricted cash is included as a component of Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for all periods presented. During January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment , which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The standard is effective for annual or any interim impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. Because this new standard simplifies the goodwill impairment test, we elected to early adopt ASU 2017-04 prospectively, effective February 1, 2017, when we performed an interim impairment test on our former Taxi Solutions reporting unit. The adoption of this standard did not have any impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations. During May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation - Scope of Modification Accounting , which provides guidance that clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. The standard is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period, for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The amendments in this standard should be applied prospectively to awards modified on or after the adoption date. Because this new standard simplifies the assessment of any share-based payment award modifications, we have elected to early adopt ASU 2017-09 prospectively, effective August 1, 2017. The impact of the adoption of this standard will depend upon the nature of future modifications to share-based payment awards. During August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging - Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, which expands and refines hedge accounting for both non-financial and financial risk components and aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted in any interim period after issuance, provided that the effect of adoption should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Because this new standard simplifies our hedge accounting, we have elected to early adopt ASU 2017-12 using a modified retrospective approach effective as of November 1, 2016. Adoption of this standard did not have any impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted During May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as amended by ASU 2015-14, 2016-08, 2016-10, 2016-12, 2017-05, and 2017-13 which outlines a comprehensive revenue recognition model and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. The new guidance requires a company to recognize revenue as control of goods or services transfers to a customer at an amount that reflects the expected consideration to be received in exchange for those goods or services. It defines a five step approach for recognizing revenue, which may require a company to use more judgment and make more estimates than under the current guidance. The standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted as of reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Two methods of adoption are permitted: (a) full retrospective adoption, meaning this standard is applied to all periods presented or (b) modified retrospective adoption, meaning the cumulative effect of applying the new guidance as of the date of adoption is recognized as an adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance. We expect to adopt ASU 2014-09 effective in the first interim period of our fiscal year ending October 31, 2019 and currently expect to select the modified retrospective adoption method. As this new revenue standard will supersede substantially all existing revenue guidance under US GAAP, once adopted it could impact revenue and cost recognition on sales across all our businesses, in addition to our business processes, compensation, information technology systems and other financial reporting and operational elements. We expect that this standard may impact, in some cases, the timing and amount of revenue recognized, such as term based software licenses, which are not material, but that are currently recognized over the license term and will be recognized at the time the license is delivered to the customer under the new guidance. Additionally, the direct costs to obtain and fulfill customer contracts, in some cases, may be deferred and amortized under the new standard. We are continuing to assess the potentially impacted revenue streams and costs, quantifying the materiality of these impacts and considering additional disclosure requirements. During February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases , which increases transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. In connection with this new guidance, the FASB created Topic 842, Leases, which supersedes Topic 840, Leases. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted. The new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition, and provides for certain practical expedients. Transition will require application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. We are continuing to evaluate our adoption timing and the impact of this new pronouncement on our consolidated financial position and results of operations. We expect that this new standard will have a material impact on our balance sheets and are in the process of evaluating whether adoption may impact the timing of revenue recognition on certain leases of equipment to customers. During March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation , to simplify various aspects related to how share-based payments are accounted for and presented in the financial statements, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for any interim or annual period, however, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption and all of the guidance must be adopted in the same period. The new standard must be adopted either prospectively, retrospectively, or using a modified retrospective transition method, depending on the area covered in this ASU. We intend to adopt this standard, as required, effective November 1, 2017 and do not expect adoption to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, and results of operations. During June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses , which introduces new guidance for the accounting for credit losses on financial instruments and provides for a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration since their origination. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The new standard must generally be adopted using a modified retrospective transition method, through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first effective reporting period. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of this new pronouncement on our consolidated financial position and results of operations and our adoption timing. During January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations - Clarifying the Definition of a Business , which provides new guidance to assist entities with evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities is a business. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. This update should be applied prospectively on or after the effective date. Early application is permitted in certain circumstances. We are currently assessing when to adopt this new standard. The impact of adopting this standard will depend upon the nature of our future acquisitions, if any. |
| Earnings Per Share | Basic net income (loss) per share of common stock is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to VeriFone Systems, Inc. stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share of common stock is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus the effect of common stock equivalents, unless the common stock equivalents are anti-dilutive. The potential dilutive shares of our common stock resulting from assumed exercises of equity related instruments are determined using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, an increase in the fair market value of our common stock will result in a greater number of dilutive securities. |
