Consolidated Statements of Total Equity (USD $) In Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance at, at Dec. 03, 2011	$ 705,577	$ 49,450	$ 23,770	$ 720,989	$ (89,005)	$ 373
Net income including non-controlling interests	125,855			125,622		233
Foreign currency translation	(2,957)				(2,985)	28
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of tax	(47,283)				(47,283)
Interest rate swap, net of tax	41				41
Cash-flow hedges, net of taxes	(394)				(394)
Comprehensive income	75,262
Dividends	(16,580)			(16,580)
Stock option exercises	7,401	426	6,975
Share-based compensation plans other, net	10,317	181	10,136
Tax benefit on share-based compensation plans	1,263		1,263
Repurchase of common stock	(4,333)	(154)	(4,179)
Redeemable non-controlling interest	(209)					(209)
Balance at, at Dec. 01, 2012	778,698	49,903	37,965	830,031	(139,626)	425
Net income including non-controlling interests	20,774			20,677		97
Foreign currency translation	(3,462)				(3,469)	7
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of tax	1,976				1,976
Interest rate swap, net of tax	10				10
Cash-flow hedges, net of taxes	210				210
Comprehensive income	19,508
Dividends	(4,306)			(4,306)
Stock option exercises	3,774	207	3,567
Share-based compensation plans other, net	3,457	264	3,193
Tax benefit on share-based compensation plans	1,804		1,804
Repurchase of common stock	(2,256)	(60)	(2,196)
Redeemable non-controlling interest	(105)					(105)
Balance at, at Mar. 02, 2013	$ 800,574	$ 50,314	$ 44,333	$ 846,402	$ (140,899)	$ 424