Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments (Fair Value of Debt Securities by Contractual Maturity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2018	Nov. 30, 2017
Investments and Cash [Abstract]
Due in one year or less	$ 26,209	$ 22,333
Due after one year	12,975	27,812
Total	$ 39,184	$ 50,145

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