Unaudited Pro Forma Adjusted Summary (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2011	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2011
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Line Items]
Pro forma adjusted total revenue	$ 250,334	$ 230,028	$ 485,870	$ 428,975
Pro forma adjusted net income attributable to TIBCO Software Inc.	$ 24,939	$ 18,604	$ 42,035	$ 32,116
Pro forma adjusted net income per share attributable to TIBCO Software Inc.:
Basic	$ 0.16	$ 0.11	$ 0.26	$ 0.20
Diluted	$ 0.15	$ 0.11	$ 0.25	$ 0.18