Business Segments and International Operations (Revenue from External Customers by Revenue Type) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	May 31, 2012	Feb. 29, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2011	May 31, 2011	Feb. 28, 2011	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Nov. 30, 2010
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Software licenses									$ 113,270	$ 125,966	$ 125,680
Maintenance									208,846	217,372	209,073
Professional services									13,089	17,366	16,857
Total revenue	$ 91,271	$ 78,317	$ 78,404	$ 87,213	$ 93,544	$ 88,681	$ 90,955	$ 87,524	$ 335,205	$ 360,704	$ 351,610

Revenue earned during the period relating to consideration received from another party for the right to use, but not own, certain of the entity's intangible assets. Licensing arrangements include, but are not limited to, rights to use a patent, copyright, technology, manufacturing process, software or trademark. Licensing fees are generally, but not always, fixed as to amount and not dependent upon the revenue generated by the licensing party. An entity may receive licensing fees for licenses that also generate royalty payments to the entity.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1(e))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Revenue derived from maintenance services provided under contracts or arrangements with clients. For example, it may include the maintenance of software, plant and equipment, and facilities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1(d))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_MaintenanceRevenue
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 5

-Section 03

-Paragraph 1

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
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Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract
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Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Revenue from providing technology services. The services may include training, installation, engineering or consulting. Consulting services often include implementation support, software design or development, or the customization or modification of the licensed software.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Statement of Position (SOP)

-Number 97-2

-Paragraph 63

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1(d))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 985

-SubTopic 605

-Section 25

-Paragraph 76

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6753075&loc=d3e132428-111767

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Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration