Earnings Per Share and Stock Repurchase Activity (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 02, 2013	Mar. 03, 2012
EPS Reconciliation Disclosure Items [Line Items]
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Basic	49,834,701	50,411,196
Dilutive effect of stock-based arrangements	574,763	683,189
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Diluted	50,409,464	51,094,385
Net earnings attributable to CLARCOR Inc.	$ 23,462	$ 23,479
Net earnings per share attributable to CLARCOR Inc. - Basic	$ 0.47	$ 0.47
Net earnings per share attributable to CLARCOR Inc. - Diluted	$ 0.47	$ 0.46
CLARCOR Inc. [Member]
EPS Reconciliation Disclosure Items [Line Items]
Net earnings attributable to CLARCOR Inc.	$ 23,462	$ 23,479