Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2012	Mar. 14, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
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-Q
Document Period End Date	Jan. 31, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		2,862,587
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 39,903