Note 17 - Subsequent Event (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	Jun. 06, 2016 USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Member] \| Engineering Adhesives [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Business Combination, Purchase Agreement Amount	$ 42,350

Amount of consideration that has been agreed upon, but not yet transferred by the acquirer. Consisting of acquisition date fair value of assets transferred, liabilities incurred, and equity interests.

No definition available.

Name:	ful_BusinessCombinationPurchaseAgreementAmount
Namespace Prefix:	ful_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration