Note 4 - Supplemental Financial Statement Information - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 02, 2017	Dec. 03, 2016	Nov. 28, 2015
Tax on interest rate swap	$ (1,183)	$ (17)	$ 5
Tax on other cash-flow hedges	3,276	785	811
Taxes on defined benefit pension plans adjustment	74,382	90,734	93,012
Tax on other cash-flow hedges	$ 3,276	$ 785	$ 811

Total tax effect of the change in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges. The change includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase or decrease in deferred hedging gains or losses.

No definition available.

Name:	ful_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxOnCashFlowHedgesEffect
Namespace Prefix:	ful_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant