Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments (Fair Value of Debt Securities by Contractual Maturity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Investments and Cash [Abstract]
Due in one year or less	$ 24,094	$ 15,945
Due after one year	23,693	12,955
Total	$ 47,787	$ 28,900

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