Comprehensive Earnings and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 02, 2013	Mar. 03, 2012
Equity Components and Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Net earnings attributable to CLARCOR Inc.	$ 23,462	$ 23,479
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	66	13
Net earnings	23,528	23,492
Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax, foreign currency and other adjustments	(2,225)	2,010
Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax, pension liability adjustments	811	1,081
Total comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax, attributable to CLARCOR Inc.	22,031	26,539
Total comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax	22,114	26,583
CLARCOR Inc. [Member]
Equity Components and Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Net earnings attributable to CLARCOR Inc.	23,462	23,479
Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax, foreign currency and other adjustments, portion attributable to CLARCOR Inc.	(2,242)	1,979
Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax, pension liability adjustments, portion attributable to CLARCOR Inc.	811	1,081
Total comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax, attributable to CLARCOR Inc.	22,031	26,539
Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests [Member]
Equity Components and Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	51	(34)
Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax, foreign currency and other adjustments, portion attributable to noncontrolling interests	11	50
Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax, pension liability adjustments, portion attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests	62	16
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Equity Components and Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	15	47
Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax, foreign currency and other adjustments, portion attributable to noncontrolling interests	6	(19)
Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax, pension liability adjustments, portion attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests	$ 21	$ 28