Note 4 - Supplemental Financial Statement Information - Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Nov. 30, 2024	Dec. 02, 2023	Dec. 03, 2022
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller		$ 130,256	$ 144,906	$ 180,313
Net income including non-controlling interests, non-controlling interests net		139	82	94
Foreign currency translation adjustment, pretax	[1]	(75,106)	17,320	(131,745)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net	[1]	(75,106)	17,320	(131,745)
Foreign currency translation adjustment1	[1]	342	2	(61)
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, pretax	[2]	50,875	1,554	(18,881)
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, tax	[2]	(12,437)	(762)	3,818
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net	[2]	38,438	792	(15,063)
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax		(16,004)	6,251	(195,054)
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax		(14,511)	2,226	13,944
Other comprehensive income (loss), net		(30,515)	8,477	(181,110)
Other comprehensive income (loss), non-controlling interests net		342	2	(61)
Comprehensive income (loss), net		99,741	153,383	(797)
Comprehensive income (loss), non-controlling interests net		481	84	33
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax	[3]	(14,831)	5,932	13,148
Derivative, tax	[3]	3,615	(1,460)	(3,224)
Derivative, net	[3]	(11,216)	4,472	9,924
Net Investment Hedges [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax	[3]	23,058	(18,555)	(54,040)
Derivative, tax	[3]	(5,689)	4,448	13,297
Derivative, net	[3]	17,369	(14,107)	(40,743)
Other Contract [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax	[3]			(3,536)
Derivative, tax	[3]			53
Derivative, net		$ 0	$ 0	$ (3,483)	[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.