Note 2 - Selected Balance Sheet Data (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013
Change in Accounting Estimate Effect of Change on Net Income	$ 0.3	$ 0.6
Change in Accounting Estimate Effect of Change on Earnings Per Share (in Dollars per share)		$ 0.01

Amount of the effect of a change in accounting estimate on basic earnings per share

No definition available.

Name:	shfl_ChangeInAccountingEstimateEffectOfChangeOnEarningsPerShare
Namespace Prefix:	shfl_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration