Note 4 - Supplemental Financial Statement Information (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Dec. 02, 2017 USD ($)
Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member]
Payments on Make Whole Bond Premiums	$ 25,535

The amount of cash paid on make whole bond premiums.

No definition available.

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