Earnings Per Share and Treasury Stock Transactions (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Jun. 01, 2013	Mar. 02, 2013	Dec. 01, 2012	Sep. 01, 2012	Jun. 02, 2012	Mar. 03, 2012	Nov. 30, 2013	Dec. 01, 2012	Dec. 03, 2011
Earnings Per Share and Stock Repurchase Activity [Abstract]
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Basic (in shares)									49,988,577	50,285,480	50,501,842
Dilutive effect of stock-based arrangements (in shares)									550,370	596,711	689,593
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Diluted (in shares)									50,538,947	50,882,191	51,191,435
Net earnings attributable to CLARCOR Inc.	$ 32,856	$ 28,707	$ 33,051	$ 23,462	$ 36,310	$ 30,270	$ 32,927	$ 23,479	$ 118,076	$ 122,986	$ 124,003
Net earnings per common share attributable to CLARCOR Inc. - Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.65	$ 0.57	$ 0.66	$ 0.47	$ 0.73	$ 0.60	$ 0.65	$ 0.47	$ 2.36	$ 2.45	$ 2.46
Net earnings per common share attributable to CLARCOR Inc. - Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.65	$ 0.57	$ 0.66	$ 0.47	$ 0.72	$ 0.60	$ 0.65	$ 0.46	$ 2.34	$ 2.42	$ 2.42