NET INCOME PER SHARE - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to TIBCO Software Inc.	$ 21,251	$ 26,086	$ 39,471	$ 73,219
Weighted-average shares of common stock used to compute basic net income per share (in shares)	160,638	159,308	161,012	160,402
Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents:
Stock options (in shares)	4,392	6,600	4,738	7,016
Stock awards (in shares)	1,961	3,257	2,122	2,412
Employee stock purchase program (in shares)	8	0	7	6
Weighted-average shares of common stock used to compute diluted net income per share (in shares)	166,999	169,165	167,879	169,836
Net income per share attributable to TIBCO Software Inc.:
Basic (usd per share)	$ 0.13	$ 0.16	$ 0.25	$ 0.46
Diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.13	$ 0.15	$ 0.24	$ 0.43