Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Operating activities      
Net income $ 7,076 $ 1,427 $ 3,379
Adjustment to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities      
Depreciation and amortization expense 6,850 3,847 2,096
Provision for doubtful accounts 487 172 114
Stock-based compensation expense 14,457 4,796 1,448
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation (5,725) (1,541) (9)
Deferred taxes (3,052) 301 290
Donation of common stock to Tableau Foundation 0 1,851 0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities      
Accounts receivable (30,488) (17,567) (9,420)
Prepaid expenses, deposits and other assets (4,758) (1,585) (973)
Income taxes receivable (961) (1,072) 0
Deferred revenue 34,740 15,421 10,514
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 19,037 8,240 5,264
Income taxes payable 62 (51) 180
Net cash provided by operating activities 37,725 14,239 12,883
Investing activities      
Purchase of property and equipment (17,607) (7,036) (4,930)
Net cash used in investing activities (17,607) (7,036) (4,930)
Financing activities      
Proceeds from public offering, net of underwriters' discount and offering costs 176,974 0 0
Payment on capital lease obligations 0 0 (127)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options 10,522 606 85
Payments to repurchase common stock 0 0 (308)
Deferred initial public offering costs 0 (271) 0
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation 5,725 1,541 9
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 193,221 1,876 (341)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 33 0 0
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 213,372 9,079 7,612
Cash and cash equivalents      
Beginning of year 39,302 30,223 22,611
End of year 252,674 39,302 30,223
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]      
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock 20,031 0 0
Accrued purchases of property and equipment 2,469 2,302 709
Cash paid for income taxes 367 3,111 60
Deferred initial public offering cost accruals $ 0 $ 66 $ 0