Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities and Guarantees (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 01, 2013	Dec. 01, 2012
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]
Accounts payable	$ 67,415	$ 69,206
Accrued salaries, wages and commissions	11,004	16,884
Pension and postretirement healthcare benefits liabilities	7,876	21,442
Compensated absences	8,636	9,010
Accrued insurance liabilities	7,203	7,733
Customer deposits	14,419	14,207
Other accrued liabilities	25,139	33,780
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	141,692	172,262
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 29,890	$ 23,307