Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Dec. 01, 2012	Dec. 03, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 118,350	$ 123,340	$ 124,361
Pension and other postretirement benefits --
Pension and other postretirement benefits liability adjustments	33,315	(10,240)	(12,268)
Pension and other postretirement benefits liability adjustments tax amounts	(12,286)	4,006	4,654
Pension and other postretirement benefits liability adjustments, net of tax	21,029	(6,234)	(7,614)
Foreign currency translation --
Translation adjustments	918	(1,085)	(2,010)
Translation adjustments tax amounts	0	0	0
Translation adjustments, net of tax	918	(1,085)	(2,010)
Comprehensive earnings	140,297	116,021	114,737
Comprehensive earnings attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	(245)	(155)	(95)
Comprehensive earnings attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(82)	(197)	11
Comprehensive earnings attributable to CLARCOR Inc.	$ 139,970	$ 115,669	$ 114,653