Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Nov. 29, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Principles of consolidation	Principles of Consolidation CLARCOR Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “CLARCOR”) is a global provider of filtration products, filtration systems and services, and consumer and industrial packaging products. As discussed further in Note O, the Company has three reportable segments: Engine/Mobile Filtration, Industrial/Environmental Filtration and Packaging. The Consolidated Financial Statements include all domestic and foreign subsidiaries that were more than 50% owned and controlled as of each respective reporting period presented. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Accounting period	Accounting Period The Company's fiscal year-end is the Saturday closest to November 30, typically resulting in a fifty-two week year, but occasionally giving rise to an additional week, resulting in a fifty-three week year. The fiscal years ended November 29, 2014, November 30, 2013 and December 1, 2012 were comprised of fifty-two weeks. For clarity of presentation in the Consolidated Financial Statements, all fiscal years are shown to begin as of December 1 and end as of November 30.
Use of management's estimates	Use of Management's Estimates The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results will differ from those estimates.
Foreign currency translation and transactions	Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions Financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. Dollars at current rates, except that revenues, costs, expenses and cash flows are translated at average rates during each reporting period and equity accounts are translated at historical rates. Net exchange gains or losses resulting from the translation of foreign financial statements are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings. Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the results of operations as incurred.
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased and that are readily saleable are considered to be cash and cash equivalents. Restricted cash represents funds held in escrow and cash balances held by banks as collateral for certain guarantees of overseas subsidiaries. Restricted cash classified as current corresponds to funds held in escrow that will be used within one year or guarantees that expire within one year. The Company also has $1,294 and $1,896 of noncurrent restricted cash recorded in Other noncurrent assets as of November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, corresponding to guarantees and escrow agreements that expire longer than one year from the dates of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash represent financial instruments with potential credit risk. The Company mitigates the risk by investing the assets with institutions it believes to be financially sound.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities The Company is exposed to various market risks that arise from transactions entered into in the normal course of business, including market risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates and changes in interest rates. The Company may make use of derivative instruments to manage certain such risks, including derivatives designated as accounting hedges and/or those utilized as economic hedges which are not designated as accounting hedges. The Company does not hold or issue derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. All derivatives are recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Each derivative is designated as either a fair value hedge or remains undesignated. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and effective as fair value hedges are recognized currently in net income. These changes are offset in net income to the extent the hedge was effective by fair value changes related to the risk being hedged on the hedged item. Changes in fair value of undesignated hedges are recognized currently in net income. All ineffective changes in derivative fair values are recognized currently in net income. The Company formally documents all relationships between designated hedging instruments and hedged items as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking hedge transactions. Both at inception and on an ongoing basis the hedging instrument is assessed as to its effectiveness. If and when a derivative is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge, or the underlying hedge transaction is no longer likely to occur, the hedge designation is removed, or the derivative is terminated, the hedge accounting discussed above is discontinued. Further information related to derivatives and hedging activities is included in Note F of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Accounts receivable and allowance for losses	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Losses Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Trade accounts receivable represent financial instruments with potential credit risk. The allowance for losses is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in its existing accounts receivable. The Company determines the allowance based on economic conditions in the industries to which the Company sells and on historical experience by evaluating specific customer accounts for risk of loss, fluctuations in amounts owed and current payment trends. The allowances provided are estimates that may be impacted by economic and market conditions which could have an effect on future allowance requirements and results of operations. The Company reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts monthly. Past due balances over ninety days and over a specified amount are reviewed individually for collectability. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when it is probable the receivable will not be recovered.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market primarily determined on the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method of inventory costing, which approximates current cost. The Company periodically assesses its inventories for potential excess, slow movement and obsolescence and adjusts inventory values accordingly.
Property, plant and equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment Depreciation is determined by the straight-line method for financial statement purposes and by the accelerated method for tax purposes. The provision for depreciation is based on the estimated useful lives of the assets (15 to 40 years for buildings and improvements, the shorter of the asset life or the life of the lease for leasehold improvements and leased equipment and 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment). It is the Company’s policy to capitalize the cost of renewals and betterments and to charge to expense the cost of current maintenance and repairs. When property or equipment is retired or otherwise disposed of, the net book value of the asset is removed from the Company’s books and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in operating profit. Plant assets classified as Assets held for sale are initially measured at the lesser of the assets’ carrying amount or the fair value less costs to sell. Gains or losses are recognized for any subsequent changes in the fair value less cost to sell; however, gains are only recognized to the extent of cumulative losses previously recognized. Plant assets classified as Assets held for sale are not depreciated.
Goodwill and acquired intangible assets	Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets The Company recognizes the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the net amount assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed as goodwill. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis during the fourth quarter and any time events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill and acquired intangible assets might not be recoverable. Impairment losses would be recognized whenever the implied fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value. The Company recognizes an acquired intangible asset apart from goodwill whenever the asset arises from contractual or other legal rights, or whenever it is capable of being separated or divided from the acquired entity and sold, transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged, either individually or in combination with a related contract, asset or liability. An intangible asset other than goodwill is amortized over its estimated useful life unless that life is determined to be indefinite. Most of the Company’s trade names and trademarks have indefinite useful lives and are subject to impairment testing. All other acquired intangible assets, including patents which have an average 14 year life, and other identifiable intangible assets with original lives ranging from 1 to 30 years, are being amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated periods to be benefited. The Company reviews the lives of its definite-lived intangible assets at least annually during the fourth quarter, and if necessary, impairment losses are recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible subject to amortization is not recoverable from expected future cash flows and its carrying amount exceeds its fair value.
Impairment of long-lived assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company determines any impairment losses based on underlying cash flows related to specific groups of acquired long-lived assets, including plant assets, associated identifiable intangible assets and goodwill, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
Income taxes	Income Taxes The Company provides for income taxes and recognizes deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. The Company does not provide deferred taxes on unremitted foreign earnings from certain foreign affiliates that are intended to be indefinitely reinvested to finance operations and expansion outside the United States.
Income taxes, uncertainties	The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). This guidance applies broadly to all tax positions taken by a company, including decisions to not report income in a tax return or to classify a transaction as tax exempt. The approach is a two-step benefit recognition model. The amount of benefit to recognize is measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being ultimately realized upon settlement. The tax position is derecognized when it is no longer more likely than not of being sustained. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized benefits in income tax expense.
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, consists of foreign currency translation adjustments and pension related gains and losses, prior service costs and credits and any remaining transition amounts that have not yet been recognized through net periodic benefit costs.
Stock-based compensation	Stock-based Compensation Stock-based employee compensation cost is recognized using the fair-value based method for all awards granted on or after the beginning of fiscal year 2006. The Company issues stock option awards and restricted stock unit awards to employees and issues shares of common stock to non-employee directors under its stock-based incentive plans. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Compensation cost related to restricted stock units is recorded based on the market price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. The Company recognizes compensation expense from the date of grant on a straight-line basis over a four year period or to the date retirement eligibility is achieved, whichever is shorter. For those who are already retirement eligible on the date of grant, compensation expense is recognized immediately.
Revenue recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when product ownership and risk of loss have transferred to the customer or performance of services is complete and the Company has no remaining obligations regarding the transaction. Estimated discounts, rebates and sales returns are recorded as a reduction of sales in the same period revenue is recognized. Shipping and handling costs are recorded as revenue when billed to customers. The related shipping and handling expenses are included in Cost of sales. The Company uses the percentage of completion accounting revenue recognition method for qualifying contracts under which products are manufactured to customer specifications. Approximately $35,537, $42,002 and $34,466 of the Company’s total revenue for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, was recognized under the percentage of completion accounting method. Revenue is recognized on contracts utilizing the percentage of completion method based on costs incurred as a percentage of estimated total costs. Revenue recognized on uncompleted contracts in excess of amounts billed to customers is reflected as a current asset. Amounts billed to customers in excess of revenue recognized on uncompleted contracts are reflected as a current liability. When it is estimated that a contract will result in a loss, the entire amount of the estimated loss is accrued. The effect of revisions in costs and profit estimated for contracts is reflected in the accounting period in which the facts requiring the revisions become known.
Product warranties	Product Warranties The Company provides for estimated warranty costs when the related products are recorded as sales or for specific items at the time existence of the claims is known and the amounts are reasonably determinable.
Research and development	Research and Development The Company charges research and development costs, relating to the development of new products or the improvement or redesign of its existing products, to expense when incurred.
Insurance	Insurance Insurance coverage is obtained for certain property and casualty exposures, workers’ compensation and general liability, as well as risks that require insurance by law or contract. The Company self-insures for certain other insurable risks, primarily employee medical coverage, which the Company carries insurance for certain losses above specified amounts. Liabilities are determined using estimates, including actuarial where applicable, of the aggregate liability for claims incurred and an estimate of incurred but not reported claims, on an undiscounted basis.
Guarantees	Guarantees At November 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company had letters of credit totaling $33,359 and $28,541, respectively, issued to various government agencies, primarily related to industrial revenue bonds, and to insurance companies and other entities in support of its obligations. The Company believes that no payments will be required resulting from these obligations. In the ordinary course of business, the Company also provides routine indemnifications and other guarantees whose terms range in duration and often are not explicitly defined. The Company does not believe these will have a material impact on the results of operations or financial condition of the Company.
New pronouncements	New Pronouncements In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"). The amendments do not change the current requirement for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements; however, the amendments require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of AOCI by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2012, although early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance on December 1, 2013 did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. For additional information, refer to "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss" above. In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-08, "Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant and Equipment; Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity." ASU 2014-08 modifies the requirements for reporting discontinued operations. Under the amendments in ASU 2014-08, the definition of discontinued operation has been modified to only include those disposals of an entity that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. ASU 2014-08 also expands the disclosure requirements for disposals that meet the definition of a discontinued operation and requires entities to disclose information about disposals of individually significant components that do not meet the definition of discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014 (fiscal year 2016 for the Company). The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." ASU 2014-09 is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within that period, beginning after December 15, 2016 (fiscal year 2018 for the Company) and early adoption is not permitted. Companies may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt ASU 2014-09. The Company has not yet determined the potential effects of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Nov. 29, 2014

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

CLARCOR Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “CLARCOR”) is a global provider of filtration products, filtration systems and services, and consumer and industrial packaging products. As discussed further in Note O, the Company has three reportable segments: Engine/Mobile Filtration, Industrial/Environmental Filtration and Packaging. The Consolidated Financial Statements include all domestic and foreign subsidiaries that were more than 50% owned and controlled as of each respective reporting period presented. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Accounting period

Accounting Period

The Company's fiscal year-end is the Saturday closest to November 30, typically resulting in a fifty-two week year, but occasionally giving rise to an additional week, resulting in a fifty-three week year. The fiscal years ended November 29, 2014, November 30, 2013 and December 1, 2012 were comprised of fifty-two weeks. For clarity of presentation in the Consolidated Financial Statements, all fiscal years are shown to begin as of December 1 and end as of November 30.

Use of management's estimates

Use of Management's Estimates

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results will differ from those estimates.

Foreign currency translation and transactions

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions

Financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. Dollars at current rates, except that revenues, costs, expenses and cash flows are translated at average rates during each reporting period and equity accounts are translated at historical rates. Net exchange gains or losses resulting from the translation of foreign financial statements are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings. Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the results of operations as incurred.

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased and that are readily saleable are considered to be cash and cash equivalents. Restricted cash represents funds held in escrow and cash balances held by banks as collateral for certain guarantees of overseas subsidiaries. Restricted cash classified as current corresponds to funds held in escrow that will be used within one year or guarantees that expire within one year. The Company also has $1,294 and $1,896 of noncurrent restricted cash recorded in Other noncurrent assets as of November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, corresponding to guarantees and escrow agreements that expire longer than one year from the dates of the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash represent financial instruments with potential credit risk. The Company mitigates the risk by investing the assets with institutions it believes to be financially sound.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company is exposed to various market risks that arise from transactions entered into in the normal course of business, including market risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates and changes in interest rates. The Company may make use of derivative instruments to manage certain such risks, including derivatives designated as accounting hedges and/or those utilized as economic hedges which are not designated as accounting hedges. The Company does not hold or issue derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.

All derivatives are recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Each derivative is designated as either a fair value hedge or remains undesignated. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and effective as fair value hedges are recognized currently in net income. These changes are offset in net income to the extent the hedge was effective by fair value changes related to the risk being hedged on the hedged item. Changes in fair value of undesignated hedges are recognized currently in net income. All ineffective changes in derivative fair values are recognized currently in net income.

The Company formally documents all relationships between designated hedging instruments and hedged items as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking hedge transactions. Both at inception and on an ongoing basis the hedging instrument is assessed as to its effectiveness. If and when a derivative is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge, or the underlying hedge transaction is no longer likely to occur, the hedge designation is removed, or the derivative is terminated, the hedge accounting discussed above is discontinued. Further information related to derivatives and hedging activities is included in Note F of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounts receivable and allowance for losses

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Losses

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Trade accounts receivable represent financial instruments with potential credit risk. The allowance for losses is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in its existing accounts receivable. The Company determines the allowance based on economic conditions in the industries to which the Company sells and on historical experience by evaluating specific customer accounts for risk of loss, fluctuations in amounts owed and current payment trends. The allowances provided are estimates that may be impacted by economic and market conditions which could have an effect on future allowance requirements and results of operations. The Company reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts monthly. Past due balances over ninety days and over a specified amount are reviewed individually for collectability. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when it is probable the receivable will not be recovered.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market primarily determined on the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method of inventory costing, which approximates current cost. The Company periodically assesses its inventories for potential excess, slow movement and obsolescence and adjusts inventory values accordingly.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment

Depreciation is determined by the straight-line method for financial statement purposes and by the accelerated method for tax purposes. The provision for depreciation is based on the estimated useful lives of the assets (15 to 40 years for buildings and improvements, the shorter of the asset life or the life of the lease for leasehold improvements and leased equipment and 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment). It is the Company’s policy to capitalize the cost of renewals and betterments and to charge to expense the cost of current maintenance and repairs. When property or equipment is retired or otherwise disposed of, the net book value of the asset is removed from the Company’s books and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in operating profit.

Plant assets classified as Assets held for sale are initially measured at the lesser of the assets’ carrying amount or the fair value less costs to sell. Gains or losses are recognized for any subsequent changes in the fair value less cost to sell; however, gains are only recognized to the extent of cumulative losses previously recognized. Plant assets classified as Assets held for sale are not depreciated.

Goodwill and acquired intangible assets

Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets

The Company recognizes the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the net amount assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed as goodwill. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis during the fourth quarter and any time events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill and acquired intangible assets might not be recoverable. Impairment losses would be recognized whenever the implied fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value.

The Company recognizes an acquired intangible asset apart from goodwill whenever the asset arises from contractual or other legal rights, or whenever it is capable of being separated or divided from the acquired entity and sold, transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged, either individually or in combination with a related contract, asset or liability. An intangible asset other than goodwill is amortized over its estimated useful life unless that life is determined to be indefinite. Most of the Company’s trade names and trademarks have indefinite useful lives and are subject to impairment testing. All other acquired intangible assets, including patents which have an average 14 year life, and other identifiable intangible assets with original lives ranging from 1 to 30 years, are being amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated periods to be benefited. The Company reviews the lives of its definite-lived intangible assets at least annually during the fourth quarter, and if necessary, impairment losses are recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible subject to amortization is not recoverable from expected future cash flows and its carrying amount exceeds its fair value.

Impairment of long-lived assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company determines any impairment losses based on underlying cash flows related to specific groups of acquired long-lived assets, including plant assets, associated identifiable intangible assets and goodwill, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.

Income taxes

Income Taxes

The Company provides for income taxes and recognizes deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. The Company does not provide deferred taxes on unremitted foreign earnings from certain foreign affiliates that are intended to be indefinitely reinvested to finance operations and expansion outside the United States.

Income taxes, uncertainties

The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). This guidance applies broadly to all tax positions taken by a company, including decisions to not report income in a tax return or to classify a transaction as tax exempt. The approach is a two-step benefit recognition model. The amount of benefit to recognize is measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being ultimately realized upon settlement. The tax position is derecognized when it is no longer more likely than not of being sustained. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized benefits in income tax expense.

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, consists of foreign currency translation adjustments and pension related gains and losses, prior service costs and credits and any remaining transition amounts that have not yet been recognized through net periodic benefit costs.

Stock-based compensation

Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based employee compensation cost is recognized using the fair-value based method for all awards granted on or after the beginning of fiscal year 2006. The Company issues stock option awards and restricted stock unit awards to employees and issues shares of common stock to non-employee directors under its stock-based incentive plans. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Compensation cost related to restricted stock units is recorded based on the market price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. The Company recognizes compensation expense from the date of grant on a straight-line basis over a four year period or to the date retirement eligibility is achieved, whichever is shorter. For those who are already retirement eligible on the date of grant, compensation expense is recognized immediately.

Revenue recognition

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when product ownership and risk of loss have transferred to the customer or performance of services is complete and the Company has no remaining obligations regarding the transaction. Estimated discounts, rebates and sales returns are recorded as a reduction of sales in the same period revenue is recognized. Shipping and handling costs are recorded as revenue when billed to customers. The related shipping and handling expenses are included in Cost of sales.

The Company uses the percentage of completion accounting revenue recognition method for qualifying contracts under which products are manufactured to customer specifications. Approximately $35,537, $42,002 and $34,466 of the Company’s total revenue for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, was recognized under the percentage of completion accounting method. Revenue is recognized on contracts utilizing the percentage of completion method based on costs incurred as a percentage of estimated total costs. Revenue recognized on uncompleted contracts in excess of amounts billed to customers is reflected as a current asset. Amounts billed to customers in excess of revenue recognized on uncompleted contracts are reflected as a current liability. When it is estimated that a contract will result in a loss, the entire amount of the estimated loss is accrued. The effect of revisions in costs and profit estimated for contracts is reflected in the accounting period in which the facts requiring the revisions become known.

Product warranties

Product Warranties

The Company provides for estimated warranty costs when the related products are recorded as sales or for specific items at the time existence of the claims is known and the amounts are reasonably determinable.

Research and development

Research and Development

The Company charges research and development costs, relating to the development of new products or the improvement or redesign of its existing products, to expense when incurred.

Insurance

Insurance coverage is obtained for certain property and casualty exposures, workers’ compensation and general liability, as well as risks that require insurance by law or contract. The Company self-insures for certain other insurable risks, primarily employee medical coverage, which the Company carries insurance for certain losses above specified amounts. Liabilities are determined using estimates, including actuarial where applicable, of the aggregate liability for claims incurred and an estimate of incurred but not reported claims, on an undiscounted basis.

Guarantees

At November 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company had letters of credit totaling $33,359 and $28,541, respectively, issued to various government agencies, primarily related to industrial revenue bonds, and to insurance companies and other entities in support of its obligations. The Company believes that no payments will be required resulting from these obligations.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company also provides routine indemnifications and other guarantees whose terms range in duration and often are not explicitly defined. The Company does not believe these will have a material impact on the results of operations or financial condition of the Company.

New pronouncements

New Pronouncements

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"). The amendments do not change the current requirement for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements; however, the amendments require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of AOCI by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2012, although early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance on December 1, 2013 did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. For additional information, refer to "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss" above.

In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-08, "Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant and Equipment; Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity." ASU 2014-08 modifies the requirements for reporting discontinued operations. Under the amendments in ASU 2014-08, the definition of discontinued operation has been modified to only include those disposals of an entity that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. ASU 2014-08 also expands the disclosure requirements for disposals that meet the definition of a discontinued operation and requires entities to disclose information about disposals of individually significant components that do not meet the definition of discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014 (fiscal year 2016 for the Company). The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." ASU 2014-09 is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within that period, beginning after December 15, 2016 (fiscal year 2018 for the Company) and early adoption is not permitted. Companies may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt ASU 2014-09. The Company has not yet determined the potential effects of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its Consolidated Financial Statements.