Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (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
Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Net income attributable to TIBCO Software Inc.	$ 26,086	$ 23,529	$ 73,219	$ 60,528
Weighted-average shares of common stock used to compute basic net income per share	159,308	161,876	160,402	161,430
Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents:
Stock options	6,600	9,276	7,016	9,909
Stock awards	3,257	1,769	2,412	2,352
ESPP		36	6	12
Weighted-average shares of common stock used to compute diluted net income per share	169,165	172,957	169,836	173,703
Net income per share attributable to TIBCO Software Inc.:
Basic	$ 0.16	$ 0.15	$ 0.46	$ 0.37
Diluted	$ 0.15	$ 0.14	$ 0.43	$ 0.35