Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Jan. 25, 2012
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Versant Corporation
Entity Central Index Key	0000865917
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-31
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Oct. 31, 2011
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q4
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		2,925,400
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float	$ 39,903