Balance sheet details - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Balance Sheet Components [Line Items]
Deferred Cost of Revenue	$ 1.0	$ 2.1
Financing Receivables		0.3
Financing Receivables	$ 0.8

An amount representing an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the Entity (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date more than one year from the balance sheet date, net of any write-downs taken for collection uncertainty on the part of the holder. Such amount may include accrued interest receivable in accordance with the terms of the debt. The debt also may contain provisions and related items including a discount or premium, payable on demand, secured, or unsecured, interest bearing or non interest bearing, among a myriad of other features and characteristics. This amount does not include amounts related to receivables held-for-sale. This amount also includes remaining payments as of the balance sheet date that lessees are obligated to make or can be required to make under sales-type leases, including any guarantee of residual value and executory costs. The amount also includes any guaranteed rental payments by an unrelated third-party provided that are financially capable of making such payments.

No definition available.

Name:	efii_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetNoncurrentCapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
Namespace Prefix:	efii_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant