Earnings Per Share and Stock Repurchase Activity (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 01, 2012
EPS Reconciliation Disclosure Items [Line Items]
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Basic	50,092,548	50,283,340	49,917,939	50,357,567
Dilutive effect of stock-based arrangements	512,261	580,554	563,110	621,975
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Diluted	50,604,809	50,863,894	50,481,049	50,979,542
Net earnings attributable to CLARCOR Inc.	$ 28,707	$ 30,270	$ 85,220	$ 86,676
Net earnings per share attributable to CLARCOR Inc. - Basic	$ 0.57	$ 0.60	$ 1.71	$ 1.72
Net earnings per share attributable to CLARCOR Inc. - Diluted	$ 0.57	$ 0.60	$ 1.69	$ 1.70