Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 01, 2012	Dec. 03, 2011	Nov. 27, 2010
Common Stock [Abstract]
Common Stock Authorized	160,000,000
Common Stock Par Value	$ 1.00
Common stock outstanding	49,903,266	49,449,579	49,194,251
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.330	$ 0.295	$ 0.278
Share repurchase plan			$ 100,000
Repurchases of common stock	4,333	8,510	377
Total Value Repurchased Shares	2,999	7,491
Beginning balance	49,449,579	49,194,251	48,657,618
Stock options exercised	430,000	538,709	358,421
Shares Swapped For Stock Option Exercises	(3,619)	(11,017)	0
Deferred compensation paid	19,389	17,233	37,862
Restricted units vested	53,927	49,640	13,370
Restricted shares granted	216,963	227,530
Shares withheld for taxes	(54,289)	(48,675)	(17,804)
Restricted shares forfeited	41,829	103,077
Shares repurchased under repurchase plan	(100,000)	(345,446)	0
Ending balance	49,903,266	49,449,579	49,194,251
Features of Convertible Preferred Stock [Abstract]
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share	$ 95
Preferred Stock [Abstract]
Preferred Stock Shares Authorized	10,045,900
Repurchase Of Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller	125,622	89,105	70,877
Repurchase of non-controlling interest	0	(8,600)	0
Change from net income attributable to H.B. Fuller and transfers to non-controlling interest	125,622	82,495	70,877
Additional Paid In Capital [Member]
Repurchase Of Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Repurchase of non-controlling interest		$ (6,610)