Document and Entity Information (USD $)
 6 Months Ended
May 31, 2011
Jun. 30, 2011
May 31, 2010
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]      
Entity Registrant Name PROGRESS SOFTWARE CORP /MA    
Entity Central Index Key 0000876167    
Document Type 10-Q    
Document Period End Date May 31, 2011
Amendment Flag false    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --11-30    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 1,378,000,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   66,856,000 Â