Note 4 - Supplemental Financial Statement Information - Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 02, 2023	Dec. 03, 2022		Nov. 27, 2021
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller		$ 144,906	$ 180,313		$ 161,393
Net income including non-controlling interests, non-controlling interests net		82	94		82
Foreign currency translation adjustment, pretax	[1]	17,320	(131,745)		(26,262)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net	[1]	17,320	(131,745)		(26,262)
Foreign currency translation adjustment1	[1]	2	(61)		(32)
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, pretax	[2]	1,554	(18,881)		64,912
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, tax	[2]	(762)	3,818		(16,731)
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net	[2]	792	(15,063)		48,181
Derivative, net		(14,107)	(40,743)		0
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax		6,251	(195,054)		54,205
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax		2,226	13,944		(21,593)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net		8,477	(181,110)		32,612
Other comprehensive income (loss), non-controlling interests net		2	(61)		(32)
Comprehensive income (loss), net		153,383	(797)		194,005
Comprehensive income (loss), non-controlling interests net		84	33		50
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment2	[2]	(762)	3,818		(16,731)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax	[3]	5,932	13,148		20,109
Derivative, tax	[3]	(1,460)	(3,224)		(4,930)
Derivative, net	[3]	4,472	9,924		15,179
Net Investment Hedges [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax	[3]	(18,555)	(54,040)
Derivative, tax	[3]	4,448	13,297
Derivative, net	[3]	(14,107)	(40,743)
Other Contract [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax	[3]		(3,536)		(4,554)
Derivative, tax	[3]		53		68
Derivative, net		$ 0	$ (3,483)	[3]	$ (4,486)	[3]

[1] Income taxes are not provided for foreign currency translation relating to indefinite investments in international subsidiaries.

[2] Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings as part of net periodic cost related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans is reported in cost of sales and SG&A expenses.

[3] Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings is reported in other income, net.