Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments (Fair Value of Debt Securities by Contractual Maturity) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014
Investments and Cash [Abstract]
Due in one year or less	$ 10,994	$ 11,140
Due after one year	13,135	9,046
Total	$ 24,129prgs_FairValueOfDebtSecurities	$ 20,186prgs_FairValueOfDebtSecurities

Fair value of debt securities maturities within one year.

No definition available.

Name:	prgs_FairValueOfDebtSecuritiesMaturitiesWithinOneYear
Namespace Prefix:	prgs_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant