Note 4 - Supplemental Financial Statement Information - Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 03, 2016	Nov. 28, 2015	Nov. 29, 2014
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller		$ 124,128	$ 86,680	$ 49,773
Net income including non-controlling interests, non-controlling interests net		254	417	378
Foreign currency translation adjustment¹, pretax	[1]	(33,827)	(62,759)	(38,673)
Foreign currency translation adjustment¹, net	[1]	(33,827)	(62,759)	(38,673)
Foreign currency translation adjustment¹, non-controlling interests net	[1]	(28)	(17)	(14)
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment², pretax	[2]	576	(24,279)	(56,268)
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment², tax	[2]	(2,277)	8,408	19,394
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment², net	[2]	(1,701)	(15,871)	(36,874)
Interest rate swap³, pretax	[3]	63	56	56
Interest rate swap³, tax	[3]	(22)	(16)	(15)
Interest rate swap³, net	[3]	41	40	41
Cash-flow hedges³, pretax	[3]	68	(2,168)	158
Cash-flow hedges³, tax	[3]	(26)	826	(42)
Cash-flow hedges³, net	[3]	42	(1,342)	116
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax		(33,120)	(89,150)	(94,727)
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax		(2,325)	9,218	19,337
Other comprehensive income (loss), net		(35,445)	(79,932)	(75,390)
Other comprehensive income (loss), non-controlling interests net		(28)	(17)	(14)
Comprehensive income (loss), net		88,683	6,748	(25,617)
Comprehensive income (loss), non-controlling interests net		$ 226	$ 400	$ 364

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

[2] Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 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 accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings is reported in other income (expense), net.