Earnings Per Share and Stock Repurchase Activity (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 01, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011	Sep. 01, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
EPS Reconciliation Disclosure Items [Line Items]
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Basic	50,283,340	50,527,206	50,357,567	50,563,556
Dilutive effect of stock-based arrangements	580,554	673,035	621,975	693,065
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Diluted	50,863,894	51,200,241	50,979,542	51,256,621
Net earnings attributable to CLARCOR Inc.	$ 30,270	$ 32,070	$ 86,676	$ 86,759
Net earnings per share attributable to CLARCOR Inc. - Basic	$ 0.60	$ 0.63	$ 1.72	$ 1.72
Net earnings per share attributable to CLARCOR Inc. - Diluted	$ 0.60	$ 0.63	$ 1.70	$ 1.69
CLARCOR Inc. [Member]
EPS Reconciliation Disclosure Items [Line Items]
Net earnings attributable to CLARCOR Inc.	$ 30,270	$ 32,070	$ 86,676	$ 86,759