Earnings Per Share and Treasury Stock Transactions (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 01, 2012	Sep. 01, 2012	Jun. 02, 2012	Mar. 03, 2012	Dec. 03, 2011	Aug. 27, 2011	May 28, 2011	Feb. 26, 2011	Dec. 01, 2012	Dec. 03, 2011	Nov. 27, 2010
Earnings Per Share and Stock Repurchase Activity [Abstract]
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Basic									50,285,480	50,501,842	50,678,617
Dilutive effect of stock-based arrangements									596,711	689,593	477,612
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Diluted									50,882,191	51,191,435	51,156,229
Net earnings attributable to CLARCOR Inc.	$ 36,310	$ 30,270	$ 32,927	$ 23,479	$ 37,244	$ 32,070	$ 32,808	$ 21,881	$ 122,986	$ 124,003	$ 96,081
Net earnings per common share attributable to CLARCOR Inc. - Basic	$ 0.73	$ 0.60	$ 0.65	$ 0.47	$ 0.74	$ 0.63	$ 0.65	$ 0.43	$ 2.45	$ 2.46	$ 1.90
Net earnings per common share attributable to CLARCOR Inc. - Diluted	$ 0.72	$ 0.60	$ 0.65	$ 0.46	$ 0.73	$ 0.63	$ 0.64	$ 0.43	$ 2.42	$ 2.42	$ 1.88