Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 220,006		$ 192,165
Short-term investments	43,194	[1]	36,774	[1]
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $4,385 and $6,369 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	137,100		201,636
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	55,389		45,846
Deferred income taxes, net	21,388		21,647
Total current assets	477,077		498,068
Property and equipment, net	97,537		94,602
Long-term investments	19,166	[1]	24,832	[1]
Intangible assets, net	139,267		150,386
Goodwill	862,103		858,444
Deferred income taxes, net	20,891		17,559
Other assets	57,242		55,627
Total assets	1,673,283		1,699,518
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	11,666		11,723
Accrued compensation	50,020		56,148
Other accrued expenses	41,379		42,845
Income taxes payable	14,654		14,482
Loans payable	71,614		91,597
Deferred revenue	368,884		388,788
Total current liabilities	558,217		605,583
Long-term liabilities:
Deferred revenue	110,341		111,050
Income taxes payable	51,276		51,276
Loans payable	32,528		32,133
Other long-term liabilities	7,666		9,942
Total long-term liabilities	201,811		204,401
Total liabilities	760,028		809,984
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	22,000		22,000
Quest Software, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 10,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 200,000 shares authorized; 84,066 and 83,148 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	84		83
Additional paid-in-capital	541,811		521,653
Retained earnings	335,725		333,057
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	753		(208)
Total Quest Software Inc. stockholders' equity	878,373		854,585
Noncontrolling interest	12,882		12,949
Total equity	891,255		867,534
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,673,283		$ 1,699,518

[1] See Note 16 - Fair Value Measurements for details regarding fair value measurements.