Discontinued Operations (Schedule of Results of Operations Included in Discontinued Operations) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Total income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 14,800	$ 47,392	$ (14,823)	$ (5,245)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, Attributable to Comverse Technology, Inc.	14,644	46,773	(15,989)	(7,270)
Comverse and Starhome Dispositions
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Total revenue	196,426	253,714	529,309	618,287
(Loss) income before income tax provision	(7,406)	30,062	(23,315)	11,234
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax	22,601	0	22,601	0
Income tax (provision) benefit	(395)	17,330	(14,109)	(16,479)
Total income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	14,800	47,392	(14,823)	(5,245)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, Attributable to Comverse Technology, Inc.	14,644	46,773	(15,989)	(7,270)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, Attributable to noncontrolling interest	$ 156	$ 619	$ 1,166	$ 2,025