Employee Stock Ownership Plan ESOP Plan Purchase Discount

No definition available.

Name:	clc_EmployeeStockOwnershipPlanEsopPlanPurchaseDiscount
Namespace Prefix:	clc_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Incentive Plan End Date

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	clc_IncentivePlanEndDate
Namespace Prefix:	clc_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of years which shares can be granted under the Plan

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	clc_NumberOfYearsWhichSharesCanBeGrantedUnderPlan
Namespace Prefix:	clc_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of restricted stock unit awards (an equity-based payment instrument, excluding stock (or unit) options), which have vested and have been deferred by the employee as of the reporting period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	clc_RestrictedStockUnitAwardsSharesVestedAndDeferred
Namespace Prefix:	clc_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

As of the balance sheet date, the aggregate unrecognized cost of equity-based awards made to employees under equity-based compensation awards that have yet to vest.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation is expected to be recognized for equity-based compensation plans, using a decimal to express in number of years.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Description of the plan, including the basis for determining contributions, the employee groups covered, and the nature and effect of significant matters affecting comparability of information for all periods presented. For leveraged ESOPs and pension reversion ESOPs, the description generally includes the basis for releasing shares and how dividends on allocated and unallocated shares are used.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Statement of Position (SOP)

-Number 93-6

-Paragraph 53

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 40

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6418621&loc=d3e17540-113929

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EmployeeStockOwnershipPlanESOPPlanDescription
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The date when the equity-based award expires as specified in the award agreement, which may be presented in a variety of ways (for example, year, month and year, day, month and year, quarter of a year).

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardExpirationDating
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	us-types:dateStringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Description of the period of time over which an employee's right to exercise an award is no longer contingent on satisfaction of either a service condition, market condition or a performance condition, which may be expressed in a variety of ways (for example, in years, month and year).

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	us-types:durationStringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Description of award terms as to how many shares or portion of an award are no longer contingent on satisfaction of either a service condition, market condition or a performance condition, thereby giving the employee the legal right to convert the award to shares, to sell the shares, and be entitled to the cash proceeds of such sale. For example, vesting may be expressed as being 25 percent of the shares under option on each anniversary of the grant date.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRights
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

General descriptive information regarding an arrangement under which employees and directors receive: (a) awards of equity shares, equity share options, or other equity instruments; or (b) the entity incurs liabilities to them: (1) in amounts based, at least in part, on the price of the entity's shares or other equity instruments; or (2) that require or may require settlement by issuance of the entity's shares. Such an arrangement is usually provided to employees and directors to compensate them, provide performance incentives to them, and to attract or retain their services. May also include pertinent information particular to a plan that is not elsewhere specified in the taxonomy.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph 64, 65

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDescription
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of grants made during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan).

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards issued during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph b(2)(c)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph c(1)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (c)(2)(iii)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The maximum number of shares (or other type of equity) originally approved (usually by shareholders and board of directors), net of any subsequent amendments and adjustments, for awards under the equity-based compensation plan. As stock or unit options and equity instruments other than options are awarded to participants, the shares or units remain authorized and become reserved for issuance under outstanding awards (not necessarily vested).

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Gross number of share options (or share units) granted during the period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The weighted average price as of the balance sheet date at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance on stock options awarded under the plan during the reporting period.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The policy, if any, for issuing shares (or other type of equity) upon exercise or conversion of equity-based awards into shares of stock or units, including the source of those shares or units (that is, new share, new unit, treasury shares or treasury units).

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPolicyForIssuingSharesUponExercise
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Description of pertinent provisions of equity-based compensation awards that have actual or potential impact upon the company's financial statements.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTermsOfAward
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Incentive Plans and Stock-Based Compensation (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended					3 Months Ended
	Dec. 03, 2011 Stock Options [Member] years	Nov. 27, 2010 Stock Options [Member]	Nov. 28, 2009 Stock Options [Member]	Mar. 23, 2009 Stock Options [Member]	Dec. 03, 2011 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] years	Nov. 27, 2010 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	Nov. 28, 2009 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	Dec. 03, 2011 Directors' Restricted Stock [Member]	Dec. 03, 2011 Employee Stock [Member]	Feb. 25, 2012 Issuance of Stock Based Awards [Member] Stock Options [Member]	Feb. 25, 2012 Issuance of Stock Based Awards [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized				3,800,000
Number of years which shares can be granted under the Plan	10
Incentive Plan End Date	December 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Policy for Issuing Shares upon Exercise	Upon share option exercise or restricted stock unit award conversion, the Company issues new shares unless treasury shares are available
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Description	Nonqualified stock options are granted at exercise prices equal to the market price of CLARCOR common stock at the date of grant, which is the date the Company’s Board of Directors approves the grant and the participants receive it. The Company’s Board of Directors determines the vesting requirements for stock options at the time of grant and may accelerate vesting
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights	vest 25% per year beginning at the end of the first year; therefore, they become fully exercisable at the end of four years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	4				4
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Terms of Award	Vesting may be accelerated in the event of retirement, disability or death of a participant or change in control of the Company. Options granted to non-employee directors vest immediately				The restricted stock unit awards require no payment from the employee. Compensation cost is recorded based on the market price of the stock on the grant date and is recorded equally over the vesting period of four years. During the vesting period, officers and key employees receive compensation equal to the amount of dividends declared on common shares they would have been entitled to receive had the shares been issued. Upon vesting, employees may elect to defer receipt of their shares			The incentive plans provide for grants of shares of common stock to all non-employee directors equal to a one-year annual retainer in lieu of cash at the directors’ option. The directors’ rights to the shares vest immediately on the date of grant; however, the shares cannot be sold for a six-month period from the date of grant
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Date	10
Unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based awards which the Company expects to recognize	$ 4,068				$ 786
Weighted-average period in years, over which the Company expects to recognize compensation cost related to share-based arrangements	2.44				2.4
Granted	494,750	482,510	466,025							453,350
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Granted	$ 43.00	$ 32.69	$ 31.94							$ 49.91
Restricted Stock Unit Awards - Shares Vested And Deferred					103,390	108,800
Granted					29,467	34,128	36,368				29,839
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Granted					$ 42.86	$ 32.30	$ 32.78				$ 49.91
Employee Stock Purchase Plan Discount									5.00%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan Description									Effective January 1, 2006, the plan was amended to be in compliance with safe harbor rules so that the plan is not compensatory, and no expense is recognized related to the plan