Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities and Guarantees (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Dec. 01, 2012
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]
Accounts payable	$ 67,965	$ 69,206
Accrued salaries, wages and commissions	11,827	16,884
Pension and postretirement healthcare benefits liabilities	240	21,442
Compensated absences	8,804	9,010
Accrued insurance liabilities	7,738	7,733
Customer deposits	12,297	14,207
Other accrued liabilities	26,687	33,780
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	135,558	172,262
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 28,573	$ 23,307