Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 29, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Dec. 01, 2012	Dec. 03, 2011
Common Stock [Abstract]
Common Stock Authorized	160,000,000
Common Stock Par Value	$ 1
Common stock outstanding	50,310,803	50,228,543	49,903,266
Shares repurchased		375,000	100,000
Total Value Repurchased Shares	$ 12,254	$ 15,292	$ 2,999
Stock Repurchase Program Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	61,964
Beginning balance	50,228,543	49,903,266	49,449,579
Exercised	(330,179)	(462,427)	(430,000)
Shares Swapped For Stock Option Exercises	0	0	(3,619)
Deferred compensation paid	9,957	51,521	19,389
Restricted units vested	69,624	67,828	53,927
Restricted shares granted	0	186,352	128,427
Shares withheld for taxes	(67,593)	(62,124)	(54,289)
Forfeited	(9,907)	(5,727)	(20,148)
Shares repurchased under repurchase plan		375,000	100,000
Ending balance	50,310,803	50,228,543	49,903,266
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	49,773	96,761	125,622
Total Stockholders Equity [Member]
Repurchase Of Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller		49,773	96,761	125,622
Decrease in additional paid-in-capital for repurchase of non-controlling interest		$ 0	$ 0