Name:	pega_FixedPriceServicesRevenueGeneralRatableRecognitionPeriod
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The general period over which maintenance revenue is typically deferred and recognized ratably, representing the term of the support period

No definition available.

Name:	pega_MaintenancePeriod
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Period Type:	duration

The percentage likelihood above which it is considered more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority.

No definition available.

Name:	pega_MoreLikelyThanNotLikelihoodPercentage
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Data Type:	num:percentItemType
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Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

No definition available.

Name:	pega_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems
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Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
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Term of license agreements, years.

No definition available.

Name:	pega_TermOfLicenseAgreements
Namespace Prefix:	pega_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
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Period Type:	duration

Amount charged to advertising expense for the period, which are expenses incurred with the objective of increasing revenue for a specified brand, product or product line.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 720
-SubTopic 35
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6420018&loc=d3e36677-107848

Name:	us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
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Amount of write-down of assets recognized in the income statement. Includes, but is not limited to, losses from tangible assets, intangible assets and goodwill.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 360
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51824106&loc=d3e2420-110228

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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This element represents acquisition-related costs incurred to effect a business combination which costs have been expensed during the period. Such costs include finder's fees; advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees; general administrative costs, including the costs of maintaining an internal acquisitions department; and may include costs of registering and issuing debt and equity securities.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type:	duration

Additions made to capitalized computer software costs during the period.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26713463&loc=d3e16265-109275

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type:	duration

Period the derivative contract is outstanding, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeTermOfContract
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Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Useful life of long lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Examples include, but not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_EquipmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
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Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=pega_CapitalizedComputerSoftwareMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=pega_ForeignExchangeForwardsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis=pega_ProfessionalServicesRevenuesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis=pega_SoftwareLicensesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
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Period Type: