Document And Entity Information Abstract. Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Public Float Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Assets [Abstract] Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and equivalents, end of year Cash and equivalents, beginning of year Cash and Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Cash and equivalents Short-Term Investments Short-term Investments, Total Short-term investments Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments Cash and short-term investments balance Total cash and short-term investments Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts Receivable, Net, Current, Total Accounts receivable (less allowances of $6,683 in 2011 and $4,980 in 2010) Other Assets, Current Other current assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Ending Balance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Beginning Balance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Total Deferred tax assets Assets, Current Total current assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Long-lived assets Property and equipment, net Property and equipment, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Intangible Assets, Net Book Value Intangible Assets, Net Book Value Intangible assets, net Goodwill, Carrying Value Goodwill, Ending Balance Goodwill, Beginning Balance Goodwill, Total Goodwill Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent, Total Deferred tax assets Long-Term Investments Investments in auction rate securities Long-term Investments, Total Fair value of non-current ARS investments Other Assets, Noncurrent Other Assets, Noncurrent, Total Other assets Assets Long-lived assets Total assets Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and shareholders' equity Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term debt, less current portion Current portion of long-term debt Accounts Payable, Current Accounts Payable, Current, Total Accounts payable Employee-related Liabilities, Current Employee-related Liabilities, Current, Total Accrued compensation and related taxes Accrued Income Taxes, Current Income taxes payable Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Other accrued liabilities Deferred Revenue, Current Deferred Revenue, Current, Total Short-term deferred revenue Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities, Total Long-term debt, less current portion Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent, Total Long-term deferred revenue Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred tax liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total Other noncurrent liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and contingencies (Note 13) Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Shareholders' equity: Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Total Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized, 1,000,000 shares; issued, none Common Stock, Including Additional Paid in Capital Common Stock, Including Additional Paid in Capital, Ending Balance Common Stock, Including Additional Paid in Capital, Beginning Balance Common Stock, Including Additional Paid in Capital, Total Common stock, $.01 par value, and additional paid-in capital; authorized, 200,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 61,788,629 in 2011 and 66,528,411 in 2010 Retained earnings, including accumulated other comprehensive losses. Retained Earnings Including Accumulated Other Comprehensive Losses Retained earnings, including accumulated other comprehensive loss of $13,056 in 2011 and $9,138 in 2010 Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Balance, end of year Balance, beginning of year Total shareholders' equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Ending balance Beginning balance Allowances on accounts receivable Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued, Total Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Ending balance Beginning balance Common stock, shares outstanding Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total accumulated comprehensive loss, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Total accumulated comprehensive loss, net of tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss Consolidated Statements Of Income [Abstract] Sales Revenue, Net [Abstract] Revenue: Licenses Revenue Software licenses Software licenses Sales Revenue, Services, Net Professional services Sales Revenue, Services, Net, Total Maintenance and services Sales Revenue, Net Revenue from external customers from different geographical areas Total revenue Revenue Cost of Goods and Services Sold [Abstract] Costs of revenue: License Costs Cost of software licenses Cost of Services Cost of Services, Total Cost of maintenance and services Amortization of acquired intangibles for purchased technology. Amortization Of Acquired Intangibles For Purchased Technology Amortization of acquired intangibles Cost of Goods and Services Sold Total costs of revenue Gross Profit Gross profit Gross profit Operating Expenses [Abstract] Operating expenses: Selling and Marketing Expense Selling and Marketing Expense, Total Sales and marketing Research and Development Expense, Software (Excluding Acquired in Process Cost) Product development General and Administrative Expense General and Administrative Expense, Total General and administrative Amortization of Acquired Intangible Assets Amortization of acquired intangibles Amortization of acquired intangibles Restructuring Charge Restructuring Charges, Total Restructuring expenses Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Acquisition-related expenses Operating Expenses Total operating expenses Operating Income (Loss) (Loss) income from operations Income from operations Income from operations Income (loss) from operations Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other (expense) income: Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total Interest income and other Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax, Total Foreign currency (loss) gain Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other (expense) income, net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles, Noncontrolling Interest Income before provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total Provision for income taxes Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net (loss) income Net income, as reported Net income Net income Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic earnings per share Earnings Per Share, Basic, Total Basic Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted earnings per share Diluted Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted average shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic, Total Weighted average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted Diluted weighted average shares outstanding Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders' Equity [Abstract] Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Exercise of employee stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Issuance of stock under the employee stock purchase plan Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Repurchase and retirement of common stock Repurchase and retirement of common stock Common stock purchased and retired, value Present value of payments for repricing of stock options Present Value Of Payments For Repricing Of Stock Options Present value of payments for re-pricing of stock options Present value of payments for re-pricing of stock options Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition, Total Withholding Tax Payment Relating To Net Issuance Of Restricted Stock Units Withholding tax payments related to net issuance of restricted stock units Withholding tax payments related to net issuance of restricted stock units Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Tax benefit (deficiency) from stock plans Other comprehensive income: Other Comprehensive Income, Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized gains (losses) on investments Unrealized (losses) gains on investments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Total Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation Depreciation, Total Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of acquired intangibles and other Amortization of Intangible Assets, Total Amortization of acquired intangibles Stock-based compensation Total stock-based compensation expense Restructuring noncash stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation, Total Restructuring charge in noncash stock-based compensation Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment Loss on disposal of property and equipment Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment, Total Tax Benefit from Stock Options Exercised Tax benefit (deficiency) from stock plans Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Excess tax benefit from stock plans Excess tax benefit from stock plans Provision for Doubtful Accounts Allowances for accounts receivable Allowances for accounts receivable Charge (benefit) to costs and expenses Charge (benefit) to costs and expenses Allowances for accounts receivable Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total deferred Deferred income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets, Total Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Total Accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Income Taxes Payable Income taxes payable and uncertain tax positions Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from investing activities: Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Purchases of investments Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities, Total Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities, Total Sales and maturities of investments Redemptions Of Auction Rate Securities Available For Sale. Redemptions Of Auction Rate Securities Available For Sale Redemptions at par by issuers of auction rate securities - available-for-sale Redemptions and sales of auction rate securities trading. Redemptions And Sales Of Auction Rate Securities Trading Redemptions and sales at par of auction rate securities - trading Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Net cash paid Net cash paid Cash payment, net of cash acquired Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities (Increase) decrease in other noncurrent assets Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options, Total Issuance of common stock Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Withholding tax payments related to net issuance of restricted stock units Withholding tax payments related to net issuance of restricted stock units Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Repurchase of common stock Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Excess tax benefit from stock plans Repayments of Long-term Debt Payment of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt, Total Payments of Financing Costs Payment of issuance costs for line of credit Payments of Financing Costs, Total Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash flows from financing activities Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Total Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net (decrease) increase in cash and equivalents Nature Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Nature Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Business Combinations [Abstract] Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combinations Cash And Investments [Abstract] Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments [Text Block] Cash And Investments Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Derivative Instruments [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments Property And Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property And Equipment Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Abstract] Goodwill [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Intangible Assets And Goodwill Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Shareholders' Equity [Abstract] Shareholders' Equity and Share-based Payments [Text Block] Shareholders' Equity Retirement Plan [Abstract] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Retirement Plan Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Debt Arrangements [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Arrangements Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments And Contingencies Contingencies Business Segments And International Operations [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Business Segments And International Operations Segment Information Restructuring Charges [Abstract] Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring Charges Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract] Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Selected Quarterly Financial Data Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use Of Estimates Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis Of Consolidation Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Translation Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Standard Product Warranty, Policy [Policy Text Block] Warranty Costs Receivables, Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Cash Equivalents And Investments Policy Text Block. Cash Equivalents And Investments Policy Text Block Cash Equivalents And Investments Supplemental cash flow information [Policy Text Block]. Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Policy Text Block] Supplemental Cash Flow Information Concentration of credit risk [Policy Text Block] Concentration Of Credit Risk [Policy Text Block] Concentration Of Credit Risk Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Amendments To Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement And Disclosure Requirements Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Instruments Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property And Equipment Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Product Development Costs Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Advertising Costs Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Indefinite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets And Long-Lived Assets Restructuring charges policy text block Restructuring Charges [Policy Text Block] Restructuring Charges Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Comprehensive income (loss) [Policy Text Block]. Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Policy Text Block] Comprehensive Loss Schedule Of Allowances Against Accounts Receivable [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Allowances Against Accounts Receivable [Table Text Block] Allowances Against Accounts Receivable Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss