Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 03, 2012	Dec. 03, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$ 55,659	$ 53,759
Interest rate swap, net of taxes	(166)	(176)
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of taxes	(141,438)	(142,568)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(85,945)	(88,985)
Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation adjustment	55,633	53,739
Interest rate swap, net of taxes	(166)	(176)
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of taxes	(141,438)	(142,568)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(85,971)	(89,005)
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation adjustment	26	20
Interest rate swap, net of taxes	0	0
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of taxes	0	0
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 26	$ 20