Note 1 - Basis of Presentation (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
Sep. 02, 2017 USD ($)
Cumulative Transalation Adjustment Due to Change in Functional Currency	$ (11,317)

The amount of cumulative translation adjustment due to a change in functional currency.

No definition available.

Name:	ful_CumulativeTransalationAdjustmentDueToChangeInFunctionalCurrency
Namespace Prefix:	ful_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration