Note 5 - Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Feb. 27, 2016	Feb. 28, 2015
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller		$ 18,918	$ 9,710
Net income including non-controlling interests		49	85
Foreign currency translation adjustment¹	[1]	$ (945)	$ (33,279)
Foreign currency translation adjustment¹	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustment¹	[1]	$ (945)	$ (33,279)
Foreign currency translation adjustment¹	[1]	(5)	10
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment²	[2]	3,997	2,325
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment²	[2]	(1,332)	(798)
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment²	[2]	2,665	1,527
Interest rate swap³	[3]	13	16
Interest rate swap³	[3]	(3)	(6)
Interest rate swap³	[3]	10	10
Cash-flow hedges³	[3]	403	(31)
Cash-flow hedges³	[3]	(154)	6
Cash-flow hedges³	[3]	249	(25)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		3,468	(30,969)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(1,489)	(798)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		1,979	(31,767)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(5)	10
Comprehensive income (loss)		20,897	(22,057)
Comprehensive income (loss)		$ 44	$ 95

[1] Income taxes are not provided for foreign currency translation relating to permanent investments in international subsidiaries.

[2] Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings as part of net periodic cost related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans is reported in cost of sales, SG&A and special charges.

[3] Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in other income (expense), net.