Note 4 - Supplemental Financial Statement Information - Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 03, 2022		Nov. 27, 2021	Nov. 28, 2020
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller		$ 180,313		$ 161,393	$ 123,719
Net income including non-controlling interests, non-controlling interests net		94		82	69
Foreign currency translation adjustment, pretax	[1]	(131,745)		(26,262)	41,712
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net	[1]	(131,745)		(26,262)	41,712
Foreign currency translation adjustment1	[1]	(61)		(32)	30
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, pretax	[2]	(18,881)		64,912	5,823
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, tax	[2]	3,818		(16,731)	(1,235)
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net	[2]	(15,063)		48,181	4,588
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax		(195,054)		54,205	38,224
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax		13,944		(21,593)	2,517
Other comprehensive income (loss), net		(181,110)		32,612	40,741
Other comprehensive income (loss), non-controlling interests net		(61)		(32)	30
Comprehensive income (loss), net		(797)		194,005	164,460
Comprehensive income (loss), non-controlling interests net		33		50	99
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment2	[2]	3,818		(16,731)	(1,235)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax	[3]	13,148		20,109	(15,618)
Derivative, tax	[3]	(3,224)		(4,930)	3,853
Derivative, net	[3]	9,924		15,179	(11,765)
Other Contract [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax	[3]	(3,536)		(4,554)	6,307
Derivative, tax	[3]	53		68	(101)
Derivative, net	[3]	(3,483)		(4,486)	6,206
Net Investment Hedges [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax	[3]	(54,040)
Derivative, tax	[3]	13,297
Derivative, net		$ (40,743)	[3]	$ 0	$ 0

[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.