CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 03, 2012	Dec. 03, 2011
Current assets: [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 142,063	$ 155,999
Restricted cash	1,007	1,105
Accounts receivable, less allowance for losses of $10,489 and $9,795, respectively	201,758	206,664
Inventories	208,578	200,274
Deferred income taxes	25,580	25,974
Income taxes receivable	704	3,373
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7,596	7,510
Total current assets	587,286	600,899
Plant assets, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $299,454 and $293,111, respectively	188,134	184,992
Assets held for sale	2,000	2,000
Goodwill	235,941	235,530
Acquired intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	97,636	98,674
Deferred income taxes	621	749
Other noncurrent assets	14,120	12,089
Total assets	1,125,738	1,134,933
Current liabilities: [Abstract]
Current portion of long-term debt	1,176	1,289
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	133,342	155,585
Income taxes	2,846	3,176
Total current liabilities	137,364	160,050
Long-term debt, less current portion	16,026	15,981
Long-term pension and postretirement healthcare benefits liabilities	61,317	74,524
Deferred income taxes	40,264	36,194
Other long-term liabilities	10,340	11,069
Total liabilities	265,311	297,818
Contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	1,585	1,557
Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Capital stock	50,262	50,145
Capital in excess of par value	21,981	19,453
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(41,331)	(44,391)
Retained earnings	827,083	809,520
Total CLARCOR Inc. equity	857,995	834,727
Noncontrolling interests	847	831
Total shareholders' equity	858,842	835,558
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 1,125,738	$ 1,134,933