Note 4 - Supplemental Financial Statement Information - Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 02, 2017	Dec. 03, 2016	Nov. 28, 2015
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller		$ 58,242	$ 124,128	$ 86,680
Net income including non-controlling interests, non-controlling interests net		48	254	417
Foreign currency translation adjustment¹, pretax	[1]	29,297	(33,827)	(62,759)
Foreign currency translation adjustment¹, net	[1]	29,297	(33,827)	(62,759)
Foreign currency translation adjustment¹, non-controlling interests net	[1]	(9)	(28)	(17)
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment², pretax	[2]	51,282	576	(24,279)
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment², tax	[2]	(16,352)	(2,277)	8,408
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment², net	[2]	34,930	(1,701)	(15,871)
Interest rate swap³, pretax	[3]	3,060	63	56
Interest rate swap³, tax	[3]	(1,166)	(22)	(16)
Interest rate swap³, net	[3]	1,894	41	40
Other cash-flow hedges, pretax	[3]	(6,538)	68	(2,168)
Other cash-flow hedges, tax	[3]	2,491	(26)	826
Other cash-flow hedges, net	[3]	(4,047)	42	(1,342)
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax		77,101	(33,120)	(89,150)
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax		(15,027)	(2,325)	9,218
Other comprehensive income (loss), net		62,074	(35,445)	(79,932)
Other comprehensive income (loss), non-controlling interests net		(9)	(28)	(17)
Comprehensive income (loss), net		120,316	88,683	6,748
Comprehensive income (loss), non-controlling interests net		$ 39	$ 226	$ 400

[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.