Note 4 - Supplemental Financial Statement Information - Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 27, 2021		Nov. 28, 2020	Nov. 30, 2019
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller	$ 161,393		$ 123,719	$ 130,817
Net income including non-controlling interests, non-controlling interests net	82		69	27
Foreign currency translation adjustment1	(26,262)	[1]	41,712	(20,409)	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustment1	(26,262)	[1]	41,712	(20,409)	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustment1	(32)	[1]	30	14	[1]
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment2	64,912	[2]	5,823	(28,635)	[2]
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment2	(16,731)	[2]	(1,235)	6,807	[2]
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment2	48,181	[2]	4,588	(21,828)	[2]
Interest rate swap3	(4,554)	[3]	6,307	14,429	[3]
Interest rate swap3	68	[3]	(101)	(609)	[3]
Interest rate swap3	(4,486)	[3]	6,206	13,820	[3]
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	54,205		38,224	(80,869)
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax	(21,593)		2,517	17,421
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	32,612		40,741	(63,448)
Other comprehensive income (loss), non-controlling interests net	(32)		30	14
Comprehensive income (loss), net	194,005		164,460	67,369
Comprehensive income (loss), non-controlling interests net	50		99	41
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Interest rate swap3	20,109	[3]	(15,618)	(46,254)	[3]
Interest rate swap3	(4,930)	[3]	3,853	11,223	[3]
Interest rate swap3	$ 15,179	[3]	$ (11,765)	$ (35,031)	[3]

[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 and SG&A expenses.

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