Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Earnings (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 28,773	$ 30,411	$ 85,454	$ 86,982
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Pension and other postretirement benefits liability adjustments	4,432	1,726	7,074	5,180
Pension and other postretirement benefits liability adjustments tax amounts	(1,580)	(654)	(2,522)	(1,943)
Pension and other postretirement benefits liability adjustments, net of tax	2,852	1,072	4,552	3,237
Translation adjustments	(614)	5,086	(4,549)	(5,550)
Translation adjustments tax amounts	0	0	0	0
Translation adjustments, net of tax	(614)	5,086	(4,549)	(5,550)
Total comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax	31,011	36,569	85,457	84,669
Comprehensive earnings attributable to CLARCOR Inc.	30,956	36,343	85,229	84,442
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Comprehensive earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(27)	(134)	(168)	(77)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Comprehensive earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	$ (28)	$ (92)	$ (60)	$ (150)