Lease Term

No definition available.

Name:	mkc_LeaseTerm
Namespace Prefix:	mkc_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Other Debt Costs

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mkc_OtherDebtCosts
Namespace Prefix:	mkc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Quarterly Installment Payments, Percentage

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mkc_QuarterlyInstallmentPaymentsPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	mkc_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount recognized for assets, including goodwill, in excess of (less than) the aggregate liabilities assumed.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=73530397&loc=d3e4845-128472

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of short-term borrowings using unsecured obligations issued by banks, corporations and other borrowers to investors. The maturities of these money market securities generally do not exceed 270 days.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(19)(a)(3))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(13)(2))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CommercialPaper
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Period of time between issuance and maturity of debt instrument, in PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCredit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of current borrowing capacity under the credit facility considering any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed (for example, borrowings may be limited by the amount of current assets), but without considering any amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, after unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs, of long-term debt. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of notes payable (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayable
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Rental expense for the reporting period incurred under operating leases, including minimum and any contingent rent expense, net of related sublease income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 840
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6453985&loc=d3e41499-112717

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OperatingLeasesRentExpenseNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash inflow during the period from additional borrowings in aggregate debt. Includes proceeds from short-term and long-term debt.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash inflow from a borrowing with the highest claim on the assets of the entity in case of bankruptcy or liquidation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Financing Activities
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66902209&loc=d3e3255-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSeniorLongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_BridgeLoanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mkc_TwentySeventeenTermLoanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mkc_TwentySeventeenTermLoanOneMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mkc_TwentySeventeenTermLoanTwoMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mkc_TermLoanDueTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mkc_TermLoanDueTwoThousandTwentyFourMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mkc_TermLoanDueTwoThousandTwentySevenMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mkc_TermLoanDueTwoThousandFortySevenMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mkc_FivePointSevenFiveNotesDueOnTwoThousandSeventeenMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mkc_CreditFacilityExpiringAugust2022Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mkc_CreditFacilityExpiringJune2020Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mkc_CreditFacilityExpiringMarch2018Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=mkc_ReckittBenckisersFoodDivisionMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_BuildingMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Financing Arrangements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Financing Arrangements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 17, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other debt costs		$ 15,400,000	$ 0	$ 15,400,000	$ 0
Commercial paper		314,000,000	528,100,000	314,000,000	528,100,000	$ 356,900,000
Long-term debt		5,027,800,000	1,057,300,000	5,027,800,000	1,057,300,000	1,056,900,000
Net proceeds from issuance of notes				1,498,300,000
Lease term (years)	15 years
Proceeds from issuance of senior long-term debt				$ 2,479,300,000
Bridge Loan \| 2017 Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt							$ 1,500,000,000
Bridge Loan \| 2017 Term Loan One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, term				3 years
Basis spread on variable rate (percent)				1.125%
Long-term debt							750,000,000
Bridge Loan \| 2017 Term Loan Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, term				5 years
Basis spread on variable rate (percent)				1.25%
Long-term debt							750,000,000
Quarterly installment payments, percentage				2.50%
Bridge Loan \| Term Loan Due Two Thousand Twenty Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 750,000,000		$ 750,000,000
Stated Note interest rate		2.70%		2.70%
Bridge Loan \| Term Loan Due Two Thousand Twenty Four
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 700,000,000		$ 700,000,000
Stated Note interest rate		3.15%		3.15%
Bridge Loan \| Term Loan Due Two Thousand Twenty Seven
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 750,000,000		$ 750,000,000
Stated Note interest rate		3.40%		3.40%
Bridge Loan \| Term Loan Due Two Thousand Forty Seven
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 300,000,000		$ 300,000,000
Stated Note interest rate		4.20%		4.20%
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes outstanding		$ 2,500,000,000		$ 2,500,000,000
Notes Payable, Other Payables
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (percent)				1.22%
Stated Note interest rate		3.40%		3.40%
Notes Payable, Other Payables \| 5.75% Notes Due 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes outstanding		$ 250,000,000	$ 250,000,000	$ 250,000,000	250,000,000	250,000,000
Stated Note interest rate		5.75%		5.75%
Revolving Credit Facility \| Credit Facility Expiring August 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, term				5 years
Credit facility		$ 1,000,000,000.0		$ 1,000,000,000.0
Basis spread on variable rate (percent)				1.25%
Commercial paper		314,000,000		$ 314,000,000
Current borrowing capacity		686,000,000		$ 686,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility \| Credit Facility Expiring June 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, term				5 years
Credit facility		750,000,000		$ 750,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility \| Credit Facility Expiring March 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility		$ 250,000,000		$ 250,000,000
Basis spread on variable rate (percent)				0.75%
RB Foods
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net Assets acquired							$ 4,205,700,000
Other debt costs					$ 15,400,000
Maximum \| Bridge Loan \| 2017 Term Loan One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (percent)				1.625%
Maximum \| Bridge Loan \| 2017 Term Loan Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (percent)				1.75%
Maximum \| Notes Payable, Other Payables
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated Note interest rate		8.12%		8.12%
Maximum \| Revolving Credit Facility \| Credit Facility Expiring August 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (percent)				1.75%
Building
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Rental expense under operating leases						$ 900,000