Unaudited Pro Forma Adjusted Summary (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Pro forma adjusted total revenue	$ 255,021	$ 242,580	$ 740,891	$ 671,555
Pro forma adjusted net income attributable to TIBCO Software Inc.	$ 26,086	$ 21,087	$ 68,121	$ 53,203
Pro forma adjusted net income per share attributable to TIBCO Software Inc.:
Basic	$ 0.16	$ 0.13	$ 0.42	$ 0.33
Diluted	$ 0.15	$ 0.12	$ 0.40	$ 0.31