H.B. Fuller (FUL) 10-Q 27 Jun 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	31-May-14	Jun. 19, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document type	'10-Q	'
Document period end date	31-May-14	'
Amendment flag	'false	'
Entity registrant name	'FULLER H B CO	'
Entity central index key	'0000039368	'
Entity current reporting status	'Yes	'
Entity voluntary filers	'No	'
Current fiscal year end date	'--11-29	'
Entity filer category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity well known seasoned issuer	'Yes	'
Entity common stock shares outstanding	'	50,215,987
Document fiscal year focus	'2014	'
Document fiscal period focus	'Q2	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Income	'	'	'	'
Net revenue	$544,034	$519,016	$1,030,015	$998,858
Cost of sales	-401,379	-372,400	-754,315	-718,866
Gross profit	142,655	146,616	275,700	279,992
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-96,372	-93,806	-193,171	-191,446
Special charges, net	-13,538	-10,843	-25,272	-16,176
Other income (expense), net	-204	-1,814	-1,254	-1,436
Interest expense	-4,760	-4,884	-8,886	-10,211
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and income from equity method investments	27,781	35,269	47,117	60,723
Income taxes	-8,838	-10,864	-15,379	-17,984
Income from equity method investments	1,683	1,643	3,537	4,083
Net income including non-controlling interests	20,626	26,048	35,275	46,822
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests	-89	-119	-167	-216
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller	$20,537	$25,929	$35,108	$46,606
Earnings per share attributable to H.B. Fuller common stockholders:	'	'	'	'
Basic earnings per share	$0.41	$0.52	$0.70	$0.93
Diluted earnings per share	$0.40	$0.51	$0.69	$0.91
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	49,956	49,935	49,933	49,876
Diluted	51,175	51,152	51,215	51,090
Dividends declared per common share	$0.12	$0.10	$0.22	$0.19

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income including non-controlling interests	$20,626	$26,048	$35,275	$46,822
Other comprehensive income	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation	-1,377	-5,647	-830	-9,109
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of tax	1,021	1,965	2,039	3,941
Interest rate swap, net of tax	10	10	20	20
Cash-flow hedges, net of taxes	29	-21	32	189
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-317	-3,693	1,261	-4,959
Comprehensive income (loss)	20,309	22,355	36,536	41,863
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	97	73	164	177
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to H.F. Fuller	$20,212	$22,282	$36,372	$41,686

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	31-May-14	Nov. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$95,044	$155,121
Trade receivables, net of allowances	354,436	331,125
Inventories	281,914	221,537
Other current assets	99,272	85,046
Current assets of discontinued operations	1,865	1,865
Total current assets	832,531	794,694
Property, plant and equipment	1,100,261	1,032,792
Accumulated depreciation	-615,213	-598,405
Property, plant and equipment, net	485,048	434,387
Goodwill	264,389	263,103
Other intangibles, net	208,200	219,401
Other assets	170,648	161,443
Total assets	1,960,815	1,873,028
Current liabilities:	'	'
Notes payable	29,466	20,589
Trade payables	222,284	201,575
Accrued compensation	51,431	76,218
Income taxes payable	8,233	10,830
Other accrued expenses	52,330	46,566
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	5,000	5,000
Total current liabilities	368,744	360,778
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities	536,584	472,315
Accrued pension liabilities	45,988	52,922
Other liabilities	49,755	51,835
Total liabilities	1,001,071	937,850
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Redeemable non-controlling interest	4,886	4,717
H.B. Fuller stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock (no shares outstanding) Shares authorized 10,045,900	0	0
Common stock	50,193	50,229
Additional paid-in capital	43,647	44,490
Retained earnings	931,311	907,308
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-70,698	-71,962
Total H.B. Fuller stockholders' equity	954,453	930,065
Non-controlling interests	405	396
Total equity	954,858	930,461
Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interest and total equity	$1,960,815	$1,873,028

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	31-May-14	Nov. 30, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position Parentheticals [Abstract]	'	'
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$8,951	$8,539
Preferred Stock Shares Authorized	10,045,900	'
Common Stock Par Value	$1	'
Common Stock Authorized	160,000,000	'
Common Stock Outstanding	50,193,237	50,228,543

Consolidated_Statements_of_Tot

Consolidated Statements of Total Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Thousands
Balance at, at Dec. 01, 2012	$778,698	$49,903	$37,965	$830,031	($139,626)	$425
Comprehensive income (loss)	164,795	'	'	96,761	67,664	370
Dividends	-19,484	'	'	-19,484	'	'
Stock option exercises	8,891	462	8,429	'	'	'
Share-based compensation plans other, net	12,922	301	12,621	'	'	'
Tax benefit on share-based compensation plans	2,676	'	2,676	'	'	'
Repurchase of common stock	-17,638	-437	-17,201	'	'	'
Redeemable non-controlling interest	-399	'	'	'	'	-399
Balance at, at Nov. 30, 2013	930,461	50,229	44,490	907,308	-71,962	396
Comprehensive income (loss)	36,536	'	'	35,108	1,264	164
Dividends	-11,105	'	'	-11,105	'	'
Stock option exercises	4,651	216	4,435	'	'	'
Share-based compensation plans other, net	7,469	64	7,405	'	'	'
Tax benefit on share-based compensation plans	2,450	'	2,450	'	'	'
Repurchase of common stock	-15,449	-316	-15,133	'	'	'
Redeemable non-controlling interest	-155	'	'	'	'	-155
Balance at, at May. 31, 2014	$954,858	$50,193	$43,647	$931,311	($70,698)	$405

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations:	'	'
Net income including non-controlling interests	$35,275	$46,822
Adjustments to reconcile net income including non-controlling interests to net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations:	'	'
Depreciation	22,073	18,887
Amortization	11,578	11,101
Deferred income taxes	-586	-428
(Income) from equity method investments, net of dividends received	-3,537	4,984
Share-based compensation	7,148	6,215
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	-2,450	-2,029
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and discontinued operations:	'	'
Trade receivables, net	-23,847	1,152
Inventories	-60,635	-16,950
Other assets	-12,569	-8,959
Trade payables	27,122	1,046
Accrued compensation	-24,921	-11,951
Other accrued expenses	5,601	-1,888
Income taxes payable	-3,990	-8,231
Accrued / prepaid pensions	-9,071	-1,499
Other liabilities	-3,211	-4,280
Other	2,180	6,719
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from continuing operations	-33,840	40,711
Cash flows from investing activities from continuing operations:	'	'
Purchased property, plant and equipment	-82,142	-48,039
Purchased business	-151	1,625
Purchased technology	0	-2,387
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	1,797	353
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities from continuing operations	-80,496	-48,448
Cash flows from financing activities from continuing operations:	'	'
Proceeds from long-term debt	175,000	95,000
Repayment of long-term debt	-110,000	-110,000
Net proceeds (repayments) from notes payable	9,039	-5,807
Dividends paid	-11,024	-9,294
Distribution to redeemable non-controlling interest	0	-244
Proceeds from stock options exercised	4,651	4,371
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	2,450	2,029
Repurchases of common stock	-15,449	-7,104
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from continuing operations	54,667	-31,049
Effect of exchange rate changes	-408	-391
Net change in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations	-60,077	-39,177
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities of discontinued operations	0	-74
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-60,077	-39,251
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	155,121	200,436
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	95,044	161,185
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'	'
Dividends paid with company stock	81	73
Cash paid for interest	11,844	11,999
Cash paid for income taxes	$9,493	$20,406

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parentheticals) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013
Statement of Cash Flows Parentheticals [Abstract]	'	'
Capitalized interest	$1,950	$443

Accounting_Policies

Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Accounting Policies Disclosure	'
	Note 1: Accounting Policies
	The accompanying unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations, comprehensive income, financial position, and cash flows in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. In our opinion, the unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature considered necessary for the fair presentation of the results for the periods presented. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the fiscal year as a whole.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosures at the date of the financial statements and during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. These unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents: We review cash and cash equivalent balances on a bank by bank basis to identify book overdrafts. Book overdrafts occur when the amount of outstanding checks exceed the cash deposited at a given bank. Book overdrafts, if any, are included in trade payables in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and in operating activities from continuing operations in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements:
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income: Reporting of Amounts Reclassified out of AOCI” which further amended the disclosure requirements for comprehensive income. The update requires entities to disclose items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and into net income in a single location either in the notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements or parenthetically on the face of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The amendment is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012 and is to be applied prospectively. We adopted the new requirements in the first quarter of our 2014 fiscal year. Since this update impacts disclosure requirements only, the adoption of this update did not have an impact on our condensed consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes: Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists” which requires that an unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward when settlement in this manner is available under the law. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2013 which is our fiscal 2015 and will be applied on a prospective basis to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. We adopted the new requirements in the first quarter of our 2014 fiscal year as early adoption was permitted. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial condition.
	New Accounting Pronouncements:
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 which is our fiscal year beginning on December 3, 2017. Early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2014-09 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures

Acquisitions and Divestitures	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Acquisitions and Divestitures Abstract	'
Acquisitions and Divestitures Disclosure	'
	Note 2: Acquisitions and Divestitures
	Acquisitions
	Plexbond Quimica, S.A.: On June 6, 2013 we acquired Plexbond Quimica, S.A., a provider of chemical urethane adhesives and polyester resins based in Curitiba, Brazil. The acquisition was a stock purchase and encompassed all of Plexbond Quimica, S.A. business operations. The purchase price of $10,390 was funded through existing cash and was recorded in our Americas Adhesives operating segment.
	The following table summarizes the final fair value measurement of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition:
		Preliminary Valuation		Final Purchase		Final Valuation
		30-Nov-13		Price Adjustment		31-May-14
	Current assets	$	5,179	$		$	5,179
	Property, plant and equipment		2,275				2,275
	Goodwill		3,626		151		3,777
	Other intangibles
	Customer relationships		3,529				3,529
	Noncompetition agreements		565				565
	Other assets		608				608
	Current liabilities		-3,684				-3,684
	Other liabilities		-1,859				-1,859
	Total purchase price	$	10,239	$	151	$	10,390
	Divestitures
	Central America Paints: On August 6, 2012 we completed the sale of our Central America Paints business to Compania Global de Pinturas S.A., a company of Inversiones Mundial S.A. The assets and liabilities of this business are presented on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as assets and liabilities of discontinued operations. A portion of the cash proceeds was determined to be contingent consideration, pending resolution of purchase agreement contingencies. The contingent consideration was valued at fair value based on level 3 inputs. The contingent consideration was included in current liabilities of discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at May 31, 2014 and November 30, 2013 as we expect the purchase agreement contingencies to be resolved in 2014.
	The major classes of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations as of May 31, 2014 and November 30, 2013 were as follows:
		31-May-14		30-Nov-13
	Current assets of discontinued operations	$	1,865	$	1,865
	Current liabilities of discontinued operations	$	5,000	$	5,000

Accounting_for_Sharebased_Comp

Accounting for Sharebased Compensation	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Share Based Compensation Note	'
	Note 3: Accounting for Share-Based Compensation
	Overview: We have various share-based compensation programs, which provide for equity awards including stock options, restricted stock shares, restricted stock units and deferred compensation. These equity awards fall under several plans and are described in detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2013. Starting in 2014 we will no longer grant restricted stock shares.
	Grant-Date Fair Value: We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the grant-date fair value of an award. The fair value of options granted during the 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended May 31, 2014 and June 1, 2013 were calculated using the following weighted average assumptions:
			13 Weeks Ended				26 Weeks Ended
			31-May-14		1-Jun-13		31-May-14	1-Jun-13
	Expected life (in years)		4.75		4.75		4.75	4.75
	Weighted-average expected volatility		32.70%		47.65%		34.17%	48.00%
	Expected volatility		32.70%		47.65%		32.70% - 37.06%	47.65% - 48.02%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.64%		0.69%		1.51%	0.73%
	Expected dividend yield		0.84%		1.04%		0.82%	0.87%
	Weighted-average fair value of grants		$13.33		$14.27		$14.21	$15.09
	Expected life – We use historical employee exercise and option expiration data to estimate the expected life assumption for the Black-Scholes grant-date valuation. We believe that this historical data is currently the best estimate of the expected term of a new option. We use a weighted-average expected life for all awards.
	Expected volatility – Volatility is calculated using our historical volatility for the same period of time as the expected life. We have no reason to believe that our future volatility will differ materially from the past.
	Risk-free interest rate – The rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant for the same period of time as the expected life.
	Expected dividend yield – The calculation is based on the total expected annual dividend payout divided by the average stock price.
	Expense Recognition: We use the straight-line attribution method to recognize share-based compensation expense for option awards with graded vesting and restricted stock share and restricted stock units with graded and cliff vesting. The amount of share-based compensation expense recognized during a period is based on the value of the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest.
	Total share-based compensation expense of $3,163 and $2,895 was included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the 13 weeks ended May 31, 2014 and June 1, 2013, respectively. Total share-based compensation expense of $7,148 and $6,215 was included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the 26 weeks ended May 31, 2014 and June 1, 2013, respectively. All share-based compensation expense was recorded as selling, general and administrative expense. For the 13 weeks ended May 31, 2014 and June 1, 2013 there was $837 and $225 of excess tax benefit recognized, respectively. For the 26 weeks ended May 31, 2014 and June 1, 2013 there was $2,450 and $2,029 of excess tax benefit recognized, respectively.
	As of May 31, 2014, there was $9,717 of unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested stock option awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years. Unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested restricted stock shares was $5,164 which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years. Unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested restricted stock units was $6,249 which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years.
	Share-based Activity
	A summary of option activity as of May 31, 2014 and changes during the 26 weeks then ended is presented below:
							Weighted-
							Average
				Options			Exercise Price
		Outstanding at November 30, 2013		2,429,961		$	25.74
		Granted		415,079			48.9
		Exercised		-215,641			21.57
		Forfeited or cancelled		-19,025			33.81
		Outstanding at May 31, 2014		2,610,374		$	29.71
	The total fair values of options granted during the 13 weeks ended May 31, 2014 and June 1, 2013 were $106 and $277, respectively. Total intrinsic values of options exercised during the 13 weeks ended May 31, 2014 and June 1, 2013 were $3,119 and $533, respectively. Intrinsic value is the difference between our closing stock price on the respective trading day and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of options exercised. The total fair values of options granted during the 26 weeks ended May 31, 2014 and June 1, 2013 were $5,899 and $6,823, respectively. Total intrinsic values of options exercised during the 26 weeks ended May 31, 2014 and June 1, 2013 were $5,792 and $4,770, respectively. Proceeds received from option exercises during the 13 weeks ended May 31, 2014 and June 1, 2013 were $2,646 and $597, respectively and $4,651 and $4,371 during the 26 weeks ended May 31, 2014 and June 1, 2013, respectively.
	A summary of nonvested restricted stock as of May 31, 2014 and changes during the 26 weeks then ended is presented below:
								Weighted-
							Weighted-	Average
							Average	Remaining
							Grant	Contractual
							Date Fair	Life
			Units	Shares	Total		Value	(in Years)
	Nonvested at November 30, 2013		135,231	312,445	447,676	$	33.76	1.2
	Granted		124,387	-	124,387		48.89	1.7
	Vested		-65,911	-111,291	-177,202		48.2	-
	Forfeited		-335	-6,161	-6,496		35.43	1.3
	Nonvested at May 31, 2014		193,372	194,993	388,365	$	40.49	1.4
	Total fair values of restricted stock vested during the 13 weeks ended May 31, 2014 and June 1, 2013 were $251 and $278, respectively. Total fair values of restricted stock vested during the 26 weeks ended May 31, 2014 and June 1, 2013 were $8,541 and $6,550, respectively. The total fair value of nonvested restricted stock at May 31, 2014 was $11,413.
	We repurchased 2,249 and 1,972 restricted stock shares during the 13 weeks ended May 31, 2014 and June 1, 2013, respectively and 66,312 and 61,624 during the 26 weeks ended May 31, 2014 and June 1, 2013, respectively The repurchases relate to statutory minimum tax withholding.
	We have a Directors’ Deferred Compensation plan that allows non-employee directors to defer all or a portion of their directors’ compensation in a number of investment choices, including units representing shares of our common stock. We also have a Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan that allows key employees to defer a portion of their eligible compensation in a number of investment choices, including units, representing shares of our common stock. We provide a 10 percent match on deferred compensation invested into units, representing shares of our common stock. A summary of deferred compensation units as of May 31, 2014, and changes during the 26 weeks then ended is presented below:
	Deferred compensation units are fully vested at the date of contribution.
			Non-employee
			Directors	Employees	Total
	Units outstanding November 30, 2013		312,680	61,288	373,968
	Participant contributions		6,556	1,212	7,768
	Company match contributions		656	121	777
	Payouts		-298	-7,257	-7,555
	Units outstanding May 31, 2014		319,594	55,364	374,958

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Earnings per Share Abstract	'
Earnings Per Share Disclosure	'
	Note 4: Earnings Per Share
	A reconciliation of the common share components for the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations follows:
		13 Weeks Ended		26 Weeks Ended
		May 31,	June 1,	May 31,	June 1,
	(Shares in thousands)	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Weighted-average common shares - basic	49,956	49,935	49,933	49,876
	Equivalent shares from share-based compensations plans	1,219	1,217	1,282	1,214
	Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares - diluted	51,175	51,152	51,215	51,090
	Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to H.B. Fuller by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the applicable period. Diluted earnings per share is based upon the weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the applicable period. The difference between basic and diluted earnings per share is attributable to share-based compensation awards. We use the treasury stock method to calculate the effect of outstanding shares, which computes total employee proceeds as the sum of (a) the amount the employee must pay upon exercise of the award, (b) the amount of unearned share-based compensation costs attributed to future services and (c) the amount of tax benefits, if any, that would be credited to additional paid-in capital assuming exercise of the award. Share-based compensation awards for which total employee proceeds exceed the average market price over the applicable period have an antidilutive effect on earnings per share, and accordingly, are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.
	Options to purchase 407,145 shares of common stock at a weighted-average exercise price of $48.93 for the 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended May 31, 2014, were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculations because they were antidilutive. Our 2013 first and second quarter-end stock prices were higher than any of our stock option grant prices at that time, therefore no option shares were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculations for the second quarter and first six months of 2013.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note 5: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The following table provides details of total comprehensive income (loss):
		13 Weeks Ended May 31, 2014											13 Weeks Ended June 1, 2013
		H.B. Fuller Stockholders									Non-controlling Interests		H.B. Fuller Stockholders							Non-controlling Interests
		Pretax			Tax			Net				Net		Pretax		Tax		Net			Net
	Net income including non-							$	20,537		$	89						$	25,929	$	119
	controlling interests
	Other comprehensive income
	(loss)
	Foreign currency	$	-1,385			-			-1,385			8		$	-5,601		-		-5,601		-46
	translation adjustment¹
	Reclassification to earnings:
	Defined benefit pension		1,670			-649			1,021						3,026		-1,061		1,965
	plans adjustment²
	Interest rate swap³		14			-4			10						14		-4		10
	Cash-flow hedges³		47			-18			29						-34		13		-21
	Other comprehensive	$	346		$	-671			-325			8		$	-2,595	$	-1,052		-3,647		-46
	income (loss)
	Comprehensive income							$	20,212		$	97						$	22,282	$	73
		26 Weeks Ended May 31, 2014											26 Weeks Ended June 1, 2013
		H.B. Fuller Stockholders									Non-controlling Interests		H.B. Fuller Stockholders							Non-controlling Interests
		Pretax			Tax			Net				Net		Pretax		Tax		Net			Net
	Net income including non-							$	35,108		$	167						$	46,606	$	216
	controlling interests
	Other comprehensive income
	(loss)
	Foreign currency	$	-827			-			-827			-3		$	-9,070		-		-9,070		-39
	translation adjustment¹
	Reclassification to earnings:
	Defined benefit pension		3,326			-1,287			2,039						6,067		-2,126		3,941
	plans adjustment²
	Interest rate swap³		28			-8			20						28		-8		20
	Cash-flow hedges³		53			-21			32						308		-119		189
	Other comprehensive	$	2,580		$	-1,316			1,264			-3		$	-2,667	$	-2,253		-4,920		-39
	income (loss)
	Comprehensive income							$	36,372		$	164						$	41,686	$	177
	¹ Income taxes are not provided for foreign currency translation relating to permanent investments in international subsidiaries.
	² Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings as part of net periodic cost related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans is reported in cost of sales, SG&A and special charges.
	³ Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in other income (expense), net.
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) follow:
			31-May-14
				Total			H.B. Fuller			Non-controlling
							Stockholders			Interests
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		$	49,041		$	49,051		$	-10
	Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of taxes			-119,616			-119,616			-
	of $63,923
	Interest rate swap, net of taxes of $28			-74			-74			-
	Cash-flow hedges, net of taxes of $36			-59			-59			-
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		$	-70,708		$	-70,698		$	-10
			30-Nov-13
				Total			H.B. Fuller			Non-controlling
							Stockholders			Interests
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		$	49,871		$	49,878		$	-7
	Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of taxes			-121,655			-121,655			-
	of $65,210
	Interest rate swap, net of taxes of $36			-94			-94			-
	Cash-flow hedges, net of taxes of $57			-91			-91			-
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		$	-71,969		$	-71,962		$	-7

Special_Charges_net

Special Charges, net	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Special Charges [Abstract]	'
Special Charges Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note 6: Special Charges, net
	The integration of the Forbo industrial adhesives business we acquired in March 2012 involves a significant amount of restructuring and capital investment to optimize the new combined entity. In addition, we are taking a series of actions in our existing EIMEA operating segment to improve the profitability and future growth prospects of this operating segment. We have combined these two initiatives into a single project which we refer to as the “Business Integration Project”. During the 13 weeks ended May 31, 2014 and June 1, 2013, we incurred special charges, net of $13,538 and $10,843, respectively and $25,272 and $16,176 for the 26 weeks ended May 31, 2014 and June 1, 2013, respectively for costs related to the Business Integration Project.
	The following table provides detail of special charges, net:
			13 Weeks Ended				26 Weeks Ended
			31-May-14		1-Jun-13		31-May-14		1-Jun-13
	Acquisition and transformation related costs		$	2,578	$	1,884	$	4,286	$	4,166
	Workforce reduction costs			899		3,697		2,958		4,181
	Facility exit costs			7,326		3,267		12,452		5,056
	Other related costs			2,735		1,995		5,576		2,773
		Special charges, net	$	13,538	$	10,843	$	25,272	$	16,176
	Acquisition and transformation related costs of $2,578 for the 13 weeks ended May 31, 2014 and $1,884 for the 13 weeks ended June 1, 2013 include costs related to organization consulting, financial advisory and legal services necessary to integrate the Forbo industrial adhesives business into our existing operating segments. For the 26 weeks ended May 31, 2014 and June 1, 2013 we incurred acquisition and transformation related costs of $4,286 and $4,166, respectively. During the 13 weeks ended May 31, 2014, we incurred workforce reduction costs of $899, cash facility exit costs of $5,708 and non-cash facility exit costs of $1,618 and other incremental transformation related costs of $2,735 including the cost of personnel directly working on the integration. During the 26 weeks ended May 31, 2014, we incurred workforce reduction costs of $2,958, cash facility exit costs of $9,282 and non-cash facility exit costs of $3,170 and other incremental transformation related costs of $5,576 including the cost of personnel directly working on the integration. During the 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended June 1, 2013, we incurred workforce reduction costs of $3,697 and 4,181, respectively, cash facility exit costs of $2,316 and $3,714, respectively, non-cash facility exit costs of $951 and $1,342, respectively and other incremental transformation related costs of $1,995 and $2,773, respectively including the cost of personnel directly working on the integration.
	For the 26 weeks ended May 31, 2014, the activity in accrued compensation associated with the Business Integration Project, is as follows:
			Workforce Reduction Costs
	Balance at November 30, 2013		$	18,057
		Workforce reduction costs		2,958
		Cash payments		-13,433
		Foreign currency translation adjustment		-53
	Balance at May 31, 2014		$	7,529
	Of the $7,529 in accrued workforce reduction costs at May 31, 2014, $6,654 was included in accrued compensation and $875 was included in other liabilities on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as this portion was not expected to be paid within the next year. The benefits were accrued based primarily on the formal severance plans in place for the various locations. The special charges are not allocated to our operating segments.

Components_of_Net_Periodic_Cos

Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) Related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Abstract	'
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) Related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosure	'
	Note 7: Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
			13 Weeks Ended May 31, 2014 and June 1, 2013
											Other
			Pension Benefits								Postretirement
			U.S. Plans				Non-U.S. Plans				Benefits
	Net periodic cost (benefit):		2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Service cost	$	24	$	27	$	438	$	416	$	109	$	156
	Interest cost		4,021		3,680		1,924		1,820		536		533
	Expected return on assets		-5,967		-5,680		-2,736		-2,318		-1,185		-931
	Amortization:
	Prior service cost		7		12		-1		-1		-943		-1,034
	Actuarial (gain)/ loss		1,144		1,685		784		935		678		1,429
	Net periodic cost (benefit)	$	-771	$	-276	$	409	$	852	$	-805	$	153
			26 Weeks Ended May 31, 2014 and June 1, 2013
											Other
			Pension Benefits								Postretirement
			U.S. Plans				Non-U.S. Plans				Benefits
	Net periodic cost (benefit):		2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Service cost	$	47	$	54	$	868	$	839	$	217	$	312
	Interest cost		8,043		7,360		3,817		3,689		1,072		1,066
	Expected return on assets		-11,933		-11,360		-5,426		-4,700		-2,371		-1,862
	Amortization:
	Prior service cost		14		24		-2		-2		-1,886		-2,068
	Actuarial (gain)/ loss		2,288		3,370		1,556		1,886		1,355		2,858
	Net periodic cost (benefit)	$	-1,541	$	-552	$	813	$	1,712	$	-1,613	$	306

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Inventories Abstract	'
Inventories Disclosure	'
	Note 8: Inventories
	The composition of inventories follows:
		May 31,		November 30,
		2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	148,625	$	119,536
	Finished goods		153,919		122,584
	LIFO reserve		-20,630		-20,583
	Total inventories	$	281,914	$	221,537

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Financial Instruments Abstract	'
Financial Instruments Disclosure	'
	Note 9: Financial Instruments
	As a result of being a global enterprise, our earnings, cash flows and financial position are exposed to foreign currency risk from foreign currency denominated receivables and payables. These items are denominated in various foreign currencies, including the Euro, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Chinese renminbi, Japanese yen, Australian dollar, Argentine peso, Brazilian real, Colombian peso, Mexican peso, Turkish lira, Egyptian pound, Indian rupee and Malaysian ringgit.
	Our objective is to balance, where possible, local currency denominated assets to local currency denominated liabilities to have a natural hedge and minimize foreign exchange impacts. We take steps to minimize risks from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations through normal operating and financing activities and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative instruments. We do not enter into any speculative positions with regard to derivative instruments.
	We enter into derivative contracts with a group of investment grade multinational commercial banks. We evaluate the credit quality of each of these banks on a periodic basis as warranted.
	Effective March 5, 2012, we entered into a cross-currency swap agreement to convert a notional amount of $98,738 of foreign currency denominated intercompany loans into US dollars. The swap matures in 2015. As of May 31, 2014, the fair value of the swap was a liability of $3,594 and was included in other liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The swap was designated as cash-flow hedges for accounting treatment. The lesser amount between the cumulative change in the fair value of the actual swap and the cumulative change in the fair value of hypothetical swap is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The difference between the cumulative change in the fair value of the actual swap and the cumulative change in the fair value of hypothetical swap is recorded as other income (expense), net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. In a perfectly effective hedge relationship, the two fair value calculations would exactly offset each other. Any difference in the calculation represents hedge ineffectiveness. The ineffectiveness calculations as of May 31, 2014 resulted in additional pre-tax loss of $23 year-to-date as the change in fair value of the cross-currency swap was less than the change in the fair value of the hypothetical swap. The amount in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to cross-currency swap was a loss of $59 at May 31, 2014. The estimated net amount of the existing loss that is reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at May 31, 2014 that is expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next twelve months is $59. At May 31, 2014, we believe the original forecasted transactions will occur, therefore, we do not believe any gains or losses will be reclassified into earnings as a result of the discontinuance of this cash flow hedge.
	The following table summarizes the cross-currency swap outstanding as of May 31, 2014:
		Fiscal Year of Expiration	Interest Rate	Notional Value	Fair Value
	Pay EUR	2015	4.30%	$98,738	($3,594)
	Receive USD		4.45%
	Except for the cross currency swap agreement listed above, foreign currency derivative instruments outstanding are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. The gains and losses related to mark-to-market adjustments are recognized as other income or expense in the income statement during the periods in which the derivative instruments are outstanding. See Note 14 to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for fair value amounts of these derivative instruments.
	As of May 31, 2014, we had forward foreign currency contracts maturing between June 6, 2014 and November 3, 2014. The mark-to-market effect associated with these contracts, on a net basis, was a gain of $2 at May 31, 2014. These losses were largely offset by the underlying transaction gains and losses resulting from the foreign currency exposures for which these contracts relate.
	We have interest rate swap agreements to convert $75,000 of our Senior Notes to variable interest rates. The change in fair value of the Senior Notes, attributable to the change in the risk being hedged, was a liability of $5,334 at May 31, 2014 and was included in long-term debt in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair values of the swaps in total were an asset of $5,293 at May 31, 2014 and were included in other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The swaps were designated for hedge accounting treatment as fair value hedges. The changes in the fair value of the swap and the fair value of the Senior Notes attributable to the change in the risk being hedged are recorded as other income (expense), net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. In a perfectly effective hedge relationship, the two fair value calculations would exactly offset each other. Any difference in the calculation represents hedge ineffectiveness. The calculation as of May 31, 2014 resulted in additional pre-tax gain of $94 year-to-date as the fair value of the interest rate swaps increased by more than the change in the fair value of the Senior Notes attributable to the change in the risk being hedged.
	Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited due to the large number of entities in the customer base and their dispersion across many different industries and countries. As of May 31, 2014, there were no significant concentrations of credit risk.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Commitments and Contingencies Abstract	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure	'
	Note 10: Commitments and Contingencies
	Environmental Matters: From time to time, we become aware of compliance matters relating to, or receive notices from, federal, state or local entities regarding possible or alleged violations of environmental, health or safety laws and regulations. We review the circumstances of each individual site, considering the number of parties involved, the level of potential liability or contribution of us relative to the other parties, the nature and magnitude of the hazardous substances involved, the method and extent of remediation, the estimated legal and consulting expense with respect to each site and the time period over which any costs would likely be incurred. Also, from time to time, we are identified as a "potentially responsible party" (PRP) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and/or similar state laws that impose liability for costs relating to the clean up of contamination resulting from past spills, disposal or other release of hazardous substances. We are also subject to similar laws in some of the countries where current and former facilities are located. Our environmental, health and safety department monitors compliance with applicable laws on a global basis. To the extent we can reasonably estimate the amount of our probable liabilities for environmental matters, we establish a financial provision.
	Currently we are involved in various environmental investigations, clean up activities and administrative proceedings and lawsuits. In particular, we are currently deemed a PRP in conjunction with numerous other parties, in a number of government enforcement actions associated with landfills and/or hazardous waste sites. As a PRP, we may be required to pay a share of the costs of investigation and clean up of these sites. In addition, we are engaged in environmental remediation and monitoring efforts at a number of current and former operating facilities. While uncertainties exist with respect to the amounts and timing of the ultimate environmental liabilities, based on currently available information, we have concluded that these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flow.
	Other Legal Proceedings: From time to time and in the ordinary course of business, we are a party to, or a target of, lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including product liability, personal injury, contract, patent and intellectual property, environmental, health and safety, tax and employment matters. While we are unable to predict the outcome of these matters, we have concluded, based upon currently available information, that the ultimate resolution of any pending matter, individually or in the aggregate, including the asbestos litigation described in the following paragraphs, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flow.
	We have been named as a defendant in lawsuits in which plaintiffs have alleged injury due to products containing asbestos manufactured more than 30 years ago. The plaintiffs generally bring these lawsuits against multiple defendants and seek damages (both actual and punitive) in very large amounts. In many cases, plaintiffs are unable to demonstrate that they have suffered any compensable injuries or that the injuries suffered were the result of exposure to products manufactured by us. We are typically dismissed as a defendant in such cases without payment. If the plaintiff presents evidence indicating that compensable injury occurred as a result of exposure to our products, the case is generally settled for an amount that reflects the seriousness of the injury, the length, intensity and character of exposure to products containing asbestos, the number and solvency of other defendants in the case, and the jurisdiction in which the case has been brought.
	A significant portion of the defense costs and settlements in asbestos-related litigation is paid by third parties, including indemnification pursuant to the provisions of a 1976 agreement under which we acquired a business from a third party. Currently, this third party is defending and paying settlement amounts, under a reservation of rights, in most of the asbestos cases tendered to the third party.
	In addition to the indemnification arrangements with third parties, we have insurance policies that generally provide coverage for asbestos liabilities (including defense costs).  Historically, insurers have paid a significant portion of our defense costs and settlements in asbestos-related litigation. However, certain of our insurers are insolvent.  We have entered into cost-sharing agreements with our insurers that provide for the allocation of defense costs and under certain circumstances, settlements and judgments, in asbestos-related lawsuits.  Under these agreements, we are required under certain circumstances to fund a share of settlements and judgments allocable to years in which the responsible insurer is insolvent. In addition, to delineate our rights under certain insurance policies, in October 2009, we commenced a declaratory judgment action against one of our insurers in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. Additional insurers have been brought into the action to address issues related to the scope of their coverage. We recently entered into a settlement agreement with the defendant insurers in this case that provided for the allocation of defense costs and settlements in the future. The allocation under the settlement agreement depends on the outcome of an appeal of two issues to the United States Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.
	A summary of the number of and settlement amounts for asbestos-related lawsuits and claims is as follows:
	We do not believe that it would be meaningful to disclose the aggregate number of asbestos-related lawsuits filed against us because relatively few of these lawsuits are known to involve exposure to asbestos-containing products that we manufactured. Rather, we believe it is more meaningful to disclose the number of lawsuits that are settled and result in a payment to the plaintiff. To the extent we can reasonably estimate the amount of our probable liabilities for pending asbestos-related claims, we establish a financial provision and a corresponding receivable for insurance recoveries.
	Based on currently available information, we have concluded that the resolution of any pending matter, including asbestos-related litigation, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flow.
		26 Weeks Ended				3 Years Ended
	($ in thousands)	31-May-14		1-Jun-13		30-Nov-13
	Lawsuits and claims settled		4		-		22
	Settlement amounts	$	178	$	-	$	1,448
	Insurance payments received or expected to be received	$	155	$	-	$	1,087

Operating_Segments

Operating Segments	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Operating Segments Abstract	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure	'
	Note 11: Operating Segments
	We are required to report segment information in the same way that we internally organize our business for assessing performance and making decisions regarding allocation of resources. We evaluate the performance of each of our operating segments based on segment operating income, which is defined as gross profit less selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses. Segment operating income excludes special charges, net. Corporate expenses are fully allocated to each operating segment. Inter-segment revenues are recorded at cost plus a markup for administrative costs. Operating results of each segment are regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segments and assess their performance.
	Through the third quarter of 2013, our business was reported in five operating segments: North America Adhesives, EIMEA (Europe, India, Middle East and Africa), Latin America Adhesives, Asia Pacific and Construction Products. Changes in our management reporting structure during the fourth quarter of 2013 required us to conduct an operating segment assessment in accordance with ASC Topic 280 “Segment Reporting”, to determine our reportable segments. As a result of this assessment, we now have four reportable segments: Americas Adhesives, EIMEA, Asia Pacific and Construction Products. Prior periods have been restated to reflect our new operating segments.
	The tables below provide certain information regarding net revenue and segment operating income of each of our operating segments:
		13 Weeks Ended
		31-May-14							1-Jun-13
					Inter-		Segment					Inter-		Segment
			Trade	Segment			Operating			Trade	Segment			Operating
			Revenue	Revenue			Income			Revenue	Revenue			Income
	Americas Adhesives	$	236,985	$	5,774	$	31,889		$	228,773	$	5,198	$	31,825
	EIMEA		189,656		4,427		10,156			185,194		2,793		14,145
	Asia Pacific		67,948		3,107		1,758			62,115		3,788		2,793
	Construction Products		49,445		691		2,480			42,934		134		4,047
	Total	$	544,034			$	46,283		$	519,016			$	52,810
		26 Weeks Ended
		31-May-14							1-Jun-13
					Inter-		Segment					Inter-		Segment
			Trade	Segment			Operating			Trade	Segment			Operating
			Revenue	Revenue			Income			Revenue	Revenue			Income
	Americas Adhesives	$	446,651	$	11,453	$	57,095		$	436,504	$	10,076	$	57,750
	EIMEA		361,215		8,533		18,596			362,695		5,469		20,618
	Asia Pacific		132,995		6,579		3,546			122,694		7,279		4,767
	Construction Products		89,154		963		3,292			76,965		215		5,411
	Total	$	1,030,015			$	82,529		$	998,858			$	88,546
			13 Weeks Ended						26 Weeks Ended
			May 31,			June 1,			May 31,			June 1,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Segment operating income	$	46,283		$	52,810		$	82,529		$	88,546
	Special charges, net		-13,538			-10,843			-25,272			-16,176
	Other income (expense), net		-204			-1,814			-1,254			-1,436
	Interest expense		-4,760			-4,884			-8,886			-10,211
	Income before income taxes and income from equity method investments	$	27,781		$	35,269		$	47,117		$	60,723
	Reconciliation of segment operating income to income before income taxes and income from equity method investments:

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Income Taxes Abstract	'
Income Taxes Disclosure	'
	Note 12: Income Taxes
	As of May 31, 2014, we had a $5,295 liability recorded under FASB ASC 740, “Income Taxes” for gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest. As of May 31, 2014, we had accrued $613 of gross interest relating to unrecognized tax benefits. During the second quarter of 2014 our recorded liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits decreased by $48.

Goodwill

Goodwill	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Goodwill Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill Disclosure	'
	Note 13: Goodwill
	A summary of goodwill activity for the first six months of 2014 is presented below:
	Balance at November 30, 2013		$	263,103
		Plexbond Quimica, S.A. acquisition (Note 2)		151
		Currency impact		1,135
	Balance at May 31, 2014		$	264,389

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements Disclosure	'
	Note 14: Fair Value Measurements
	The following tables present information about our financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of May 31, 2014 and November 30, 2013, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs include data points that are observable such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs (other than quoted prices) such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable data points for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.
			May 31,	Fair Value Measurements Using:
	Description		2014		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Marketable securities	$	1,271	$	1,271	$	-	$	-
	Derivative assets		956		-		956		-
	Interest rate swaps		5,293		-		5,293		-
	Liabilities:
	Derivative liabilities	$	954	$	-	$	954	$	-
	Cash-flow hedges		3,594		-		3,594		-
	Contingent consideration liability,		354		-		-		354
	continuing operations
	Contingent consideration liability,		5,000		-		-		5,000
	discontinued operations
			November 30,	Fair Value Measurements Using:
	Description		2013		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Marketable securities	$	28,786	$	28,786	$	-	$	-
	Derivative assets		533		-		533		-
	Interest rate swaps		5,930		-		5,930		-
	Liabilities:
	Derivative liabilities	$	1,399	$	-	$	1,399	$	-
	Cash-flow hedges		4,801		-		4,801		-
	Contingent consideration liability,		566		-		-		566
	continuing operations
	Contingent consideration liability,		5,000		-		-		5,000
	discontinued operations

Share_Repurchase_Program

Share Repurchase Program	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Share Repurchase Program Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Share Repurchase Program [Text Block]	'
	Note 15: Share Repurchase Program
	On September 30, 2010, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $100,000 of our outstanding common shares. Under the program, we are authorized to repurchase shares for cash on the open market, from time to time, in privately negotiated transactions or block transactions, or through an accelerated repurchase agreement. The timing of such repurchases is dependent on price, market conditions and applicable regulatory requirements. Upon repurchase of the shares, we reduced our common stock for the par value of the shares with the excess being applied against additional paid-in capital.
	We did not repurchase any shares during the second quarter of 2014. During the second quarter of 2013 we repurchased shares under this program, with an aggregate value of $4,775. Of this amount, $125 reduced common stock and $4,650 reduced additional paid-in capital. During the first six months of 2014 we repurchased shares under this program, with an aggregate value of $12,254. Of this amount, $250 reduced common stock and $12,004 reduced additional paid-in capital. There were no shares repurchased under this program during the first quarter of 2013.

Redeemable_NonControlling_Inte

Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Temporary Equity Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest Disclosure	'
	Balance at November 30, 2013	$	4,717
	Net income attributed to redeemable non-controlling interest		155
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		14
	Balance at May 31, 2014	$	4,886
	Note 16: Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest
	We account for the non-controlling interest in H.B. Fuller Kimya San. Tic A.S. (HBF Kimya) as a redeemable non-controlling interest because both the non-controlling shareholder and H.B. Fuller have an option, exercisable beginning August 1, 2018, to require the redemption of the shares owned by the non-controlling shareholder at a price determined by a formula based on 24 months trailing EBITDA. Since the option makes the redemption of the non-controlling ownership shares of HBF Kimya outside of our control, these shares are classified as a redeemable non-controlling interest in temporary equity in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The non-controlling shareholder is entitled to increase his ownership by 1 percent per year for 5 years up to a maximum of 13 percent ownership based on the achievement of profitability targets in each year. The option is subject to a minimum price of €3,500. The redemption value of the option, if it were currently redeemable, is estimated to be €3,500.
	HBF Kimya’s results of operations are consolidated in our financial statements. Both the non-controlling interest and the accretion adjustment to redemption value are included in net income attributable to non-controlling interests in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and in the carrying value of the redeemable non-controlling interest on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of May 31, 2014 the redeemable non-controlling interest was:

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Subsequent Event Abstract	'
Subsequent Event Disclosure	'
	Note 17: Subsequent Event
	On June 25, 2014 we entered into an agreement to purchase 95 percent of the equity of Tonsan Adhesive, Inc., for 1.4 billion Chinese renminbi (approximately $230,000), subject to certain closing conditions. In addition the agreement provides for the purchase of the remaining 5 percent under certain circumstances. Tonsan Adhesive, Inc. develops, manufactures and sells a comprehensive range of engineering adhesive products for key durable assembly markets, such as transportation (automotive, rail and shipbuilding), machinery, photovoltaic, electronics and electrical appliances. Tonsan Adhesive, Inc. is based in Beijing, China.

Aquisitions_and_Divestitures_T

Aquisitions and Divestitures (Table)	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Divestures [Abstract]	'
Discontinued operations income statement and balance sheet items (Table)	'
		31-May-14		30-Nov-13
	Current assets of discontinued operations	$	1,865	$	1,865
	Current liabilities of discontinued operations	$	5,000	$	5,000
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]	'
Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation (Table)	'
		Preliminary Valuation		Final Purchase		Final Valuation
		30-Nov-13		Price Adjustment		31-May-14
	Current assets	$	5,179	$		$	5,179
	Property, plant and equipment		2,275				2,275
	Goodwill		3,626		151		3,777
	Other intangibles
	Customer relationships		3,529				3,529
	Noncompetition agreements		565				565
	Other assets		608				608
	Current liabilities		-3,684				-3,684
	Other liabilities		-1,859				-1,859
	Total purchase price	$	10,239	$	151	$	10,390

Accounting_for_Sharebased_Comp1

Accounting for Sharebased Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Fair value of options granted [TableText Block]	'
			13 Weeks Ended				26 Weeks Ended
			31-May-14		1-Jun-13		31-May-14	1-Jun-13
	Expected life (in years)		4.75		4.75		4.75	4.75
	Weighted-average expected volatility		32.70%		47.65%		34.17%	48.00%
	Expected volatility		32.70%		47.65%		32.70% - 37.06%	47.65% - 48.02%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.64%		0.69%		1.51%	0.73%
	Expected dividend yield		0.84%		1.04%		0.82%	0.87%
	Weighted-average fair value of grants		$13.33		$14.27		$14.21	$15.09
Schedule of Share-based compensation stock options activity [TableText Block]	'
							Weighted-
							Average
				Options			Exercise Price
		Outstanding at November 30, 2013		2,429,961		$	25.74
		Granted		415,079			48.9
		Exercised		-215,641			21.57
		Forfeited or cancelled		-19,025			33.81
		Outstanding at May 31, 2014		2,610,374		$	29.71
Summary of nonvested restricted stock [Table Text Block]	'
								Weighted-
							Weighted-	Average
							Average	Remaining
							Grant	Contractual
							Date Fair	Life
			Units	Shares	Total		Value	(in Years)
	Nonvested at November 30, 2013		135,231	312,445	447,676	$	33.76	1.2
	Granted		124,387	-	124,387		48.89	1.7
	Vested		-65,911	-111,291	-177,202		48.2	-
	Forfeited		-335	-6,161	-6,496		35.43	1.3
	Nonvested at May 31, 2014		193,372	194,993	388,365	$	40.49	1.4
Summary of deferred compensation units [Table Text Block]	'
			Non-employee
			Directors	Employees	Total
	Units outstanding November 30, 2013		312,680	61,288	373,968
	Participant contributions		6,556	1,212	7,768
	Company match contributions		656	121	777
	Payouts		-298	-7,257	-7,555
	Units outstanding May 31, 2014		319,594	55,364	374,958

Earnings_Per_Share_Table

Earnings Per Share (Table)	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Earnings Per Share Table [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	'
	Note 4: Earnings Per Share
	A reconciliation of the common share components for the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations follows:
		13 Weeks Ended		26 Weeks Ended
		May 31,	June 1,	May 31,	June 1,
	(Shares in thousands)	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Weighted-average common shares - basic	49,956	49,935	49,933	49,876
	Equivalent shares from share-based compensations plans	1,219	1,217	1,282	1,214
	Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares - diluted	51,175	51,152	51,215	51,090

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Tables [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	Note 5: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The following table provides details of total comprehensive income (loss):
		13 Weeks Ended May 31, 2014											13 Weeks Ended June 1, 2013
		H.B. Fuller Stockholders									Non-controlling Interests		H.B. Fuller Stockholders							Non-controlling Interests
		Pretax			Tax			Net				Net		Pretax		Tax		Net			Net
	Net income including non-							$	20,537		$	89						$	25,929	$	119
	controlling interests
	Other comprehensive income
	(loss)
	Foreign currency	$	-1,385			-			-1,385			8		$	-5,601		-		-5,601		-46
	translation adjustment¹
	Reclassification to earnings:
	Defined benefit pension		1,670			-649			1,021						3,026		-1,061		1,965
	plans adjustment²
	Interest rate swap³		14			-4			10						14		-4		10
	Cash-flow hedges³		47			-18			29						-34		13		-21
	Other comprehensive	$	346		$	-671			-325			8		$	-2,595	$	-1,052		-3,647		-46
	income (loss)
	Comprehensive income							$	20,212		$	97						$	22,282	$	73
		26 Weeks Ended May 31, 2014											26 Weeks Ended June 1, 2013
		H.B. Fuller Stockholders									Non-controlling Interests		H.B. Fuller Stockholders							Non-controlling Interests
		Pretax			Tax			Net				Net		Pretax		Tax		Net			Net
	Net income including non-							$	35,108		$	167						$	46,606	$	216
	controlling interests
	Other comprehensive income
	(loss)
	Foreign currency	$	-827			-			-827			-3		$	-9,070		-		-9,070		-39
	translation adjustment¹
	Reclassification to earnings:
	Defined benefit pension		3,326			-1,287			2,039						6,067		-2,126		3,941
	plans adjustment²
	Interest rate swap³		28			-8			20						28		-8		20
	Cash-flow hedges³		53			-21			32						308		-119		189
	Other comprehensive	$	2,580		$	-1,316			1,264			-3		$	-2,667	$	-2,253		-4,920		-39
	income (loss)
	Comprehensive income							$	36,372		$	164						$	41,686	$	177
	¹ Income taxes are not provided for foreign currency translation relating to permanent investments in international subsidiaries.
	² Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings as part of net periodic cost related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans is reported in cost of sales, SG&A and special charges.
	³ Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in other income (expense), net.
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) follow:
			31-May-14
				Total			H.B. Fuller			Non-controlling
							Stockholders			Interests
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		$	49,041		$	49,051		$	-10
	Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of taxes			-119,616			-119,616			-
	of $63,923
	Interest rate swap, net of taxes of $28			-74			-74			-
	Cash-flow hedges, net of taxes of $36			-59			-59			-
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		$	-70,708		$	-70,698		$	-10
			30-Nov-13
				Total			H.B. Fuller			Non-controlling
							Stockholders			Interests
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		$	49,871		$	49,878		$	-7
	Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of taxes			-121,655			-121,655			-
	of $65,210
	Interest rate swap, net of taxes of $36			-94			-94			-
	Cash-flow hedges, net of taxes of $57			-91			-91			-
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		$	-71,969		$	-71,962		$	-7

Special_Charges_Tables

Special Charges (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Special Charges Table [Abstract]	'
Special Charges [Table Text Block]	'
			13 Weeks Ended				26 Weeks Ended
			31-May-14		1-Jun-13		31-May-14		1-Jun-13
	Acquisition and transformation related costs		$	2,578	$	1,884	$	4,286	$	4,166
	Workforce reduction costs			899		3,697		2,958		4,181
	Facility exit costs			7,326		3,267		12,452		5,056
	Other related costs			2,735		1,995		5,576		2,773
		Special charges, net	$	13,538	$	10,843	$	25,272	$	16,176
Accrued Compensation Restructuring Charges (Table)	'
			Workforce Reduction Costs
	Balance at November 30, 2013		$	18,057
		Workforce reduction costs		2,958
		Cash payments		-13,433
		Foreign currency translation adjustment		-53
	Balance at May 31, 2014		$	7,529

Components_of_Net_Periodic_Cos1

Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Pension Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosure	'
	Note 7: Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
			13 Weeks Ended May 31, 2014 and June 1, 2013
											Other
			Pension Benefits								Postretirement
			U.S. Plans				Non-U.S. Plans				Benefits
	Net periodic cost (benefit):		2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Service cost	$	24	$	27	$	438	$	416	$	109	$	156
	Interest cost		4,021		3,680		1,924		1,820		536		533
	Expected return on assets		-5,967		-5,680		-2,736		-2,318		-1,185		-931
	Amortization:
	Prior service cost		7		12		-1		-1		-943		-1,034
	Actuarial (gain)/ loss		1,144		1,685		784		935		678		1,429
	Net periodic cost (benefit)	$	-771	$	-276	$	409	$	852	$	-805	$	153
			26 Weeks Ended May 31, 2014 and June 1, 2013
											Other
			Pension Benefits								Postretirement
			U.S. Plans				Non-U.S. Plans				Benefits
	Net periodic cost (benefit):		2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Service cost	$	47	$	54	$	868	$	839	$	217	$	312
	Interest cost		8,043		7,360		3,817		3,689		1,072		1,066
	Expected return on assets		-11,933		-11,360		-5,426		-4,700		-2,371		-1,862
	Amortization:
	Prior service cost		14		24		-2		-2		-1,886		-2,068
	Actuarial (gain)/ loss		2,288		3,370		1,556		1,886		1,355		2,858
	Net periodic cost (benefit)	$	-1,541	$	-552	$	813	$	1,712	$	-1,613	$	306

Inventories_Table

Inventories (Table)	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Inventories Table [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	'
	Note 8: Inventories
	The composition of inventories follows:
		May 31,		November 30,
		2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	148,625	$	119,536
	Finished goods		153,919		122,584
	LIFO reserve		-20,630		-20,583
	Total inventories	$	281,914	$	221,537

Financial_Instruments_Table

Financial Instruments (Table)	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Cross Currency Swaps [Abstract]	'
Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedges [Table Text Block]	'
		Fiscal Year of Expiration	Interest Rate	Notional Value	Fair Value
	Pay EUR	2015	4.30%	$98,738	($3,594)
	Receive USD		4.45%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Product Liability Contingencies [Table Text Block]	'
		26 Weeks Ended				3 Years Ended
	($ in thousands)	31-May-14		1-Jun-13		30-Nov-13
	Lawsuits and claims settled		4		-		22
	Settlement amounts	$	178	$	-	$	1,448
	Insurance payments received or expected to be received	$	155	$	-	$	1,087

Operating_Segments_Tables

Operating Segments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Operating Segments Abstract	'
Segment Reporting	'
		13 Weeks Ended
		31-May-14							1-Jun-13
					Inter-		Segment					Inter-		Segment
			Trade	Segment			Operating			Trade	Segment			Operating
			Revenue	Revenue			Income			Revenue	Revenue			Income
	Americas Adhesives	$	236,985	$	5,774	$	31,889		$	228,773	$	5,198	$	31,825
	EIMEA		189,656		4,427		10,156			185,194		2,793		14,145
	Asia Pacific		67,948		3,107		1,758			62,115		3,788		2,793
	Construction Products		49,445		691		2,480			42,934		134		4,047
	Total	$	544,034			$	46,283		$	519,016			$	52,810
		26 Weeks Ended
		31-May-14							1-Jun-13
					Inter-		Segment					Inter-		Segment
			Trade	Segment			Operating			Trade	Segment			Operating
			Revenue	Revenue			Income			Revenue	Revenue			Income
	Americas Adhesives	$	446,651	$	11,453	$	57,095		$	436,504	$	10,076	$	57,750
	EIMEA		361,215		8,533		18,596			362,695		5,469		20,618
	Asia Pacific		132,995		6,579		3,546			122,694		7,279		4,767
	Construction Products		89,154		963		3,292			76,965		215		5,411
	Total	$	1,030,015			$	82,529		$	998,858			$	88,546
Reconciliation of operating income to income before income taxes and income from equity method investments	'
			13 Weeks Ended						26 Weeks Ended
			May 31,			June 1,			May 31,			June 1,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Segment operating income	$	46,283		$	52,810		$	82,529		$	88,546
	Special charges, net		-13,538			-10,843			-25,272			-16,176
	Other income (expense), net		-204			-1,814			-1,254			-1,436
	Interest expense		-4,760			-4,884			-8,886			-10,211
	Income before income taxes and income from equity method investments	$	27,781		$	35,269		$	47,117		$	60,723

Goodwill_Table

Goodwill (Table)	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Goodwill Table [Abstract]	'
Purchased Goodwill by Segment (Table)	'
	Balance at November 30, 2013		$	263,103
		Plexbond Quimica, S.A. acquisition (Note 2)		151
		Currency impact		1,135
	Balance at May 31, 2014		$	264,389

Fair_Value_Measurements_Table

Fair Value Measurements (Table)	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair Value Measurements [Table Text Block]	'
			May 31,	Fair Value Measurements Using:
	Description		2014		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Marketable securities	$	1,271	$	1,271	$	-	$	-
	Derivative assets		956		-		956		-
	Interest rate swaps		5,293		-		5,293		-
	Liabilities:
	Derivative liabilities	$	954	$	-	$	954	$	-
	Cash-flow hedges		3,594		-		3,594		-
	Contingent consideration liability,		354		-		-		354
	continuing operations
	Contingent consideration liability,		5,000		-		-		5,000
	discontinued operations
			November 30,	Fair Value Measurements Using:
	Description		2013		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Marketable securities	$	28,786	$	28,786	$	-	$	-
	Derivative assets		533		-		533		-
	Interest rate swaps		5,930		-		5,930		-
	Liabilities:
	Derivative liabilities	$	1,399	$	-	$	1,399	$	-
	Cash-flow hedges		4,801		-		4,801		-
	Contingent consideration liability,		566		-		-		566
	continuing operations
	Contingent consideration liability,		5,000		-		-		5,000
	discontinued operations

Redeemable_NonControlling_Inte1

Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest (Table)	6 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Table [Abstract]	'
Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest [Table Text Block]	'
	Balance at November 30, 2013	$	4,717
	Net income attributed to redeemable non-controlling interest		155
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		14
	Balance at May 31, 2014	$	4,886

Acquistions_and_Divestitures_D

Acquistions and Divestitures (Details)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	31-May-14	Nov. 30, 2013	31-May-14	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-14	Nov. 30, 2013	31-May-14	Nov. 30, 2013
	USD ($)	USD ($)	CNY	USD ($)	Plexbond [Member]	Plexbond [Member]	Plexbond [Member]	Plexbond [Member]	Plexbond [Member]	Plexbond [Member]	Plexbond [Member]
					USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	Customer relationships [Member]	Customer relationships [Member]	Non-competition agreements [Member]	Non-competition agreements [Member]
								USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total acquisition cost	$230,000	'	1,400,000	'	$10,390	$10,239	$10,239	'	'	'	'
Total purchase price net of cash acquired	151	-1,625	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	'	'	5,179	5,179	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	'	2,275	2,275	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	264,389	'	'	263,103	3,777	3,626	'	'	'	'	'
Other intangibles, net	'	'	'	'	4,094	4,094	'	3,529	3,529	565	565
Other assets acquired	'	'	'	'	608	608	'	'	'	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'	-3,684	-3,684	'	'	'	'	'
Other liabilities	'	'	'	'	-1,859	-1,859	'	'	'	'	'
Total purchase price	230,000	'	1,400,000	'	10,390	10,239	10,239	'	'	'	'
Goodwill purchase price adjustment	'	'	'	'	151	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total purchase price adjustment	'	'	'	'	151	'	'	'	'	'	'
Discontinued operations balance sheet items	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other current assets	1,865	'	'	1,865	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current assets of discontinued operations	1,865	'	'	1,865	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other accrued expenses	5,000	'	'	5,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	$5,000	'	'	$5,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Accounting_for_Sharebased_Comp2

Accounting for Sharebased Compensation (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

31-May-14

Jun. 01, 2013

31-May-14

Jun. 01, 2013

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

Nov. 30, 2013

Non Employee Directors [Member]

Non Employee Directors [Member]

Employees [Member]

Employees [Member]

Nonvested restricted stock units [Member]

Nonvested restricted stock shares [Member]

Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value [Member]

Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value [Member]

Nonvested restricted stock weighted-average remaining contractual life (in years) [Member]

Nonvested restricted stock weighted-average remaining contractual life (in years) [Member]

Assumptions to calculate fair value options [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected life

'4 years 9 months

'4 years 9 months

'4 years 9 months

'4 years 9 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average expected volatility

32.70%

47.65%

34.17%

48.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected volatility

32.70%

47.65%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected volatility (Low)

'

'

32.70%

47.65%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected volatility (High)

'

'

37.06%

48.02%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Risk-free interest rate

1.64%

0.69%

1.51%

0.73%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected dividend yield

0.84%

1.04%

0.82%

0.87%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average fair value of grants

$13.33

$14.27

$14.21

$15.09

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Nonvested Restricted Activity [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Nonvested beginning balance

'

'

447,676

'

'

'

'

'

135,231

312,445

'

33.76

'

'

Granted

'

'

124,387

'

'

'

'

'

124,387

0

'

'

'

'

Vested

'

'

-177,202

'

'

'

'

'

-65,911

-111,291

'

'

'

'

Forfeited

'

'

-6,496

'

'

'

'

'

-335

-6,161

'

'

'

'

Nonvested ending balance

388,365

'

388,365

'

'

'

'

'

193,372

194,993

'

'

'

'

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Beginning

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year 8 months 12 days

'1 year 2 months 12 days

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year 10 months 24 days

'

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Forfeited

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year 6 months

'

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Vested

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'0 years

'

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Ending

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year 8 months 12 days

'1 year 2 months 12 days

Granted weighted average grant date fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$48.89

$48.89

'

'

Vested weighted average grant date fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$48.20

$48.20

'

'

Forfeited weighted average grant date fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$35.43

$35.43

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value

$251,000

$278,000

$8,541,000

$6,550,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total fair value of nonvested restricted stock

11,413,000

'

11,413,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Nonemployee Director Stock Award Plan Activity Units [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Units outstanding beginning

'

'

373,968

'

'

312,680

'

61,288

'

'

'

'

'

'

Participant contributions

'

'

7,768

'

6,556

6,556

1,212

1,212

'

'

'

'

'

'

Company match contributions

'

'

777

'

656

656

121

121

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payouts

'

'

7,555

'

-298

298

-7,257

7,257

'

'

'

'

'

'

Units outstanding ending

374,958

'

374,958

'

319,594

319,594

55,364

55,364

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other Share Based Activity [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair values of options granted

106,000

277,000

5,899,000

6,823,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value

3,119,000

533,000

5,792,000

4,770,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options

2,646,000

597,000

4,651,000

4,371,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repurchased restricted stock shares

2,249

1,972

66,312

61,624

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based compensation expense recognition [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based compensation expense

3,163,000

2,895,000

7,148,000

6,215,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Excess tax benefit recognized

837,000

225,000

2,450,000

2,029,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested stock option awards

9,717,000

'

9,717,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

The weighted average period over which unrecognized share-based compensation costs are expected to be reported.

'

'

'1 year 3 months 18 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested restricted stock awards

5,164,000

'

5,164,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

The weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested restricted stock awards

'

'

'1 year 6 months 0 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted Unit Unrecognized Costs

$6,249,000

'

$6,249,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Restrict Unit Award Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term

'

'

'1 year 4 months 24 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Summary of option activity [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding beginning balance

'

'

2,429,961

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Granted

'

'

415,079

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercised

'

'

-215,641

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forfeited or Cancelled

'

'

-19,025

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding ending balance

2,610,374

'

2,610,374

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average exercise price activity [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding beginning balance

'

'

$25.74

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Granted

'

'

$48.90

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercised

'

'

$21.57

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forfeited or Cancelled

'

'

$33.81

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding ending balance

$29.71

'

$29.71

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013
Earnings Per Share Antidilutive Shares [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive shares not used in calculating diluted earnings per share calculations	407,145,000	0	407,145,000	0
Antidilutive Weighted Average Share Price Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount	$48.93	$0	$48.93	$0
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average common shares - basic	49,956,000	49,935,000	49,933,000	49,876,000
Equivalent Shares From Share Based Compensations Plans	1,219,000	1,217,000	1,282,000	1,214,000
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares - diluted	51,175,000	51,152,000	51,215,000	51,090,000

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 29, 2014
Total comprehensive income (loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to HB Fuller	$20,537	$25,929	$35,108	$46,606	'	'
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests	89	119	167	216	'	'
Reclassification To Earnings Net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment	1,021	1,965	2,039	3,941	'	'
Cross currency amount in AOCI	29	-21	32	189	'	'
Comprehensive income (loss)	20,309	22,355	36,536	41,863	164,795	'
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	49,041	'	49,041	'	49,871	'
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of taxes	-119,616	'	-119,616	'	-121,655	'
Interest rate swap, net of taxes	-74	'	-74	'	-94	'
Cash-flow hedges, net of taxes	-59	'	-59	'	-91	59
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-70,708	'	-70,708	'	-71,969	'
Tax on defined benefit pension plans adjustment	63,923	'	63,923	'	65,210	'
Tax on interest rate swap	28	'	28	'	36	'
Tax on cash-flow hedges	36	'	36	'	57	'
H.B Fuller Stockholders [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other compreshensive income (loss) before tax [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-1,385	-5,601	-827	-9,070	'	'
Reclassification To Earnings Before Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment	1,670	3,026	3,326	6,067	'	'
Interest rate swap	14	14	28	28	'	'
Cash-flow hedges	47	-34	53	308	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	346	-2,595	2,580	-2,667	'	'
Other compreshensive income (loss) tax [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	0	0	0	0	'	'
Reclassification To Earnings Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment	-649	-1,061	-1,287	-2,126	'	'
Interest rate swap	-4	-4	-8	-8	'	'
Cash-flow hedges	-18	13	-21	-119	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-671	-1,052	-1,316	-2,253	'	'
Other compreshensive income (loss) net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-1,385	-5,601	-827	-9,070	'	'
Reclassification To Earnings Net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment	1,021	1,965	2,039	3,941	'	'
Interest rate swap	10	10	20	20	'	'
Cross currency amount in AOCI	29	-21	32	189	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-325	-3,647	1,264	-4,920	'	'
Comprehensive income (loss)	20,212	22,282	36,372	41,686	'	'
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	49,051	'	49,051	'	49,878	'
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of taxes	-119,616	'	-119,616	'	-121,655	'
Interest rate swap, net of taxes	-74	'	-74	'	-94	'
Cash-flow hedges, net of taxes	-59	'	-59	'	-91	'
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-70,698	'	-70,698	'	-71,962	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other compreshensive income (loss) net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	8	-46	-3	-39	'	'
Reclassification To Earnings Net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	8	-46	-3	-39	'	'
Comprehensive income (loss)	97	73	164	177	'	'
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-10	'	-10	'	-7	'
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of taxes	0	'	0	'	0	'
Interest rate swap, net of taxes	0	'	0	'	0	'
Cash-flow hedges, net of taxes	0	'	0	'	0	'
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	($10)	'	($10)	'	($7)	'

Special_Charges_Details

Special Charges (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013
Special Charges Details [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Professional Services	$2,578	$1,884	$4,286	$4,166
Other related costs	2,735	1,995	5,576	2,773
Workforce reduction costs	899	3,697	2,958	4,181
Facility exit costs	7,326	3,267	12,452	5,056
Special charges, net	13,538	10,843	25,272	16,176
Restructuring costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Expected Total restructuring costs	13,538	10,843	25,272	16,176
Restructuring Charges [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	'	'	18,057	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	2,958	'
Cash payments	'	'	-13,433	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'	'	-53	'
Restructuring Reserve	7,529	'	7,529	'
Restructuring Costs Included In Accrued Compensation	6,654	'	6,654	'
Restructuring Costs Included In Other Liabilities	875	'	875	'
Cash [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Facility shut down costs	5,708	2,316	9,282	3,714
Noncash [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Facility shut down costs	$1,618	$951	$3,170	$1,342

Components_of_Net_Periodic_Cos2

Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013
Pension Benefits US Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$24	$27	$47	$54
Interest cost	4,021	3,680	8,043	7,360
Expected return on assets	-5,967	-5,680	-11,933	-11,360
Amorization of Prior service cost	7	12	14	24
Amortization of Actuarial (gain)/loss	1,144	1,685	2,288	3,370
Net periodic cost (benefit)	-771	-276	-1,541	-552
Pension Benefits Foreign Pension Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	438	416	868	839
Interest cost	1,924	1,820	3,817	3,689
Expected return on assets	-2,736	-2,318	-5,426	-4,700
Amorization of Prior service cost	-1	-1	-2	-2
Amortization of Actuarial (gain)/loss	784	935	1,556	1,886
Net periodic cost (benefit)	409	852	813	1,712
Other Postretirement [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	109	156	217	312
Interest cost	536	533	1,072	1,066
Expected return on assets	-1,185	-931	-2,371	-1,862
Amorization of Prior service cost	-943	-1,034	-1,886	-2,068
Amortization of Actuarial (gain)/loss	678	1,429	1,355	2,858
Net periodic cost (benefit)	($805)	$153	($1,613)	$306

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	31-May-14	Nov. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$148,625	$119,536
Fiinished goods	153,919	122,584
LIFO reserve	-20,630	-20,583
Total Inventory	$281,914	$221,537

Financial_Instruments_Details

Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Nov. 29, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Cross Currency Swaps [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of cash-flow hedges	$3,594	'	$4,801
Cross currency hedge ineffectiveness	-23	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Cumulative Changes In Net Gain Loss From Cross Currency Swap	-59	59	-91
Foreign currency	2	'	'
Notional amount	98,738	'	'
Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'	'
Cross Currency Swaps [Abstract]	'	'	'
Value of hedged item in a fair value hedge	75,000	'	'
Change in Fair Value of Senior Notes	-5,334	'	'
The fair values of the swaps (assets) in total	5,293	'	'
Hedge ineffectiveness	94	'	'
Second Cross Currency Swap [Member]	'	'	'
Cross Currency Swaps [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of cash-flow hedges	3,594	'	'
Fiscal year of expiration	'2015	'	'
Interest rate minimum	4.30%	'	'
Interest rate maximum	4.45%	'	'
Notional amount	$98,738	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		36 Months Ended
	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'
Lawsuits and claims settled	4	0	22
Settlement amounts	$178,000	$0	$1,448,000
Insurance Payments Received Or Expected To Be Received	$155,000	$0	$1,087,000

Operating_Segments_Details

Operating Segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenue	$544,034	$519,016	$1,030,015	$998,858
Segment operating income	46,283	52,810	82,529	88,546
Americas Adhesives [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenue	236,985	228,773	446,651	436,504
Inter-Segment Revenue	5,774	5,198	11,453	10,076
Segment operating income	31,889	31,825	57,095	57,750
Construction Products [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenue	49,445	42,934	89,154	76,965
Inter-Segment Revenue	691	134	963	215
Segment operating income	2,480	4,047	3,292	5,411
EIMEA [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenue	189,656	185,194	361,215	362,695
Inter-Segment Revenue	4,427	2,793	8,533	5,469
Segment operating income	10,156	14,145	18,596	20,618
Asia Pacific [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenue	67,948	62,115	132,995	122,694
Inter-Segment Revenue	3,107	3,788	6,579	7,279
Segment operating income	$1,758	$2,793	$3,546	$4,767

Operating_Segments_Details_2

Operating Segments (Details) 2 (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013
Operating Segments Abstract	'	'	'	'
Segment operating income	$46,283	$52,810	$82,529	$88,546
Special charges, net	-13,538	-10,843	-25,272	-16,176
Other Operating Income (Expense), Net	-204	-1,814	-1,254	-1,436
Interest expense	-4,760	-4,884	-8,886	-10,211
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and income from equity method investments	$27,781	$35,269	$47,117	$60,723

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'
Gross unrecognized tax benefits liability	$5,295
Net interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits	613
Recorded liability for unrecognized tax benefits, net, increased	$48

Goodwill_Details

Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance at	$263,103
Currency Impact	1,135
Balance at	264,389
Plexbond Acquisition [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill Acquired During Period	$151

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	31-May-14	Nov. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Marketable securities	$1,271	$28,786
Derivative assets	956	533
Interest rate swaps	5,293	5,930
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative liabilities	954	1,399
Fair value of cash-flow hedges	3,594	4,801
Contingent consideration liability, continuing operations	354	566
Contingent consideration liability, discontinued operations	5,000	5,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Marketable securities	1,271	28,786
Derivative assets	0	0
Interest rate swaps	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Fair value of cash-flow hedges	0	0
Contingent consideration liability, continuing operations	0	0
Contingent consideration liability, discontinued operations	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Marketable securities	0	0
Derivative assets	956	533
Interest rate swaps	5,293	5,930
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative liabilities	954	1,399
Fair value of cash-flow hedges	3,594	4,801
Contingent consideration liability, continuing operations	0	0
Contingent consideration liability, discontinued operations	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Marketable securities	0	0
Derivative assets	0	0
Interest rate swaps	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Fair value of cash-flow hedges	0	0
Contingent consideration liability, continuing operations	354	566
Contingent consideration liability, discontinued operations	$5,000	$5,000

Share_Repurchase_Program_Detai

Share Repurchase Program (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	Nov. 27, 2010
Share Repurchase Program [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	'	'	'	'	$100,000,000
Total Value Of Repurchased Shares	0	4,775,000	12,254,000	4,775,000	'
Decreased Value Of Common Stock Shares Repurchased	0	125,000	250,000	125,000	'
Decreased Value Of Additional Paid In Capital For Shares Repurchased	$0	$4,650,000	$12,004,000	$4,650,000	'

Redeemable_NonControlling_Inte2

Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest (Details)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-14	Nov. 30, 2013
	USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Item]	'	'	'
Current redemption value of the option	'	€ 3,500	'
Net income (loss) attributed to redeemable non-controlling interest	155	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	14	'	'
Balance of redeemable non-controlling interest	$4,886	'	$4,717

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details)	31-May-14	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)	CNY
Subsequent Event Abstract	'	'
Total acquisition cost	$230,000	1,400,000