COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 02, 2012	May 28, 2011	Jun. 02, 2012	May 28, 2011
Equity Components and Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Net earnings attributable to CLARCOR Inc.	$ 32,927	$ 32,808	$ 56,406	$ 54,689
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	152	73	165	113
Net earnings	33,079	32,881	56,571	54,802
Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax, foreign currency and other adjustments	(12,646)	4,487	(10,636)	9,310
Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax, pension liability adjustments	1,084	678	2,165	2,206
Total comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax	21,517	38,046	48,100	66,318
CLARCOR Inc. [Member]
Equity Components and Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Net earnings attributable to CLARCOR Inc.	32,927	32,808	56,406	54,689
Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax, foreign currency and other adjustments, portion attributable to CLARCOR Inc.	(12,451)	4,605	(10,472)	9,428
Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax, pension liability adjustments, portion attributable to CLARCOR Inc.	1,084	678	2,165	2,206
Total comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax, attributable to CLARCOR Inc.	21,560	38,091	48,099	66,323
Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests [Member]
Equity Components and Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	29	54	(5)	106
Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax, foreign currency and other adjustments, portion attributable to noncontrolling interests	(102)	1	(52)	1
Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax, pension liability adjustments, portion attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Total comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests	(73)	55	(57)	107
Redeemable noncontrolling interests [Member]
Equity Components and Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	123	19	170	7
Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax, foreign currency and other adjustments, portion attributable to noncontrolling interests	(93)	(119)	(112)	(119)
Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax, pension liability adjustments, portion attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Total comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests	$ 30	$ (100)	$ 58	$ (112)