Income Taxes (Details 6) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 01, 2012	Dec. 03, 2011
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred compensation	$ 9,925	$ 8,260
Loss carryforward and tax credit items	2,603	3,265
Accounts receivable	5,911	5,840
Inventories	5,062	5,069
Pensions	26,222	26,643
Accrued liabilities and other	1,403	9,591
Valuation allowance	(1,911)	(1,959)
Total deferred tax assets, net	49,215	56,709
Deferred tax liabilities:
Percentage of completion	(366)	(468)
Plant assets	(25,708)	(27,616)
Goodwill and acquired intangible assets	(39,431)	(37,483)
Other deferred tax liabilities	(402)	(613)
Total deferred tax liabilities	65,907	66,180
Deferred tax liability, net	$ (16,692)	$ (9,471)