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 (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	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	75,183			74,875		308
Foreign currency translation	(12,553)				(12,561)	8
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of tax	5,926				5,926
Interest rate swap, net of tax	31				31
Cash-flow hedges, net of taxes	308				308
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	68,895
Dividends	(14,430)			(14,430)
Stock option exercises	7,021	370	6,651
Share-based compensation plans other, net	9,967	276	9,691
Tax benefit on share-based compensation plans	2,167		2,167
Repurchase of common stock	(12,021)	(312)	(11,709)
Redeemable non-controlling interest	(373)					(373)
Balance at, at Aug. 31, 2013	$ 839,924	$ 50,237	$ 44,765	$ 890,476	$ (145,922)	$ 368