H.B. Fuller (FUL) 10-Q 27 Mar 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2014	Sep. 18, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document type	10-Q
Document period end date	28-Feb-15
Amendment flag	FALSE
Entity registrant name	FULLER H B CO
Entity central index key	39368
Entity current reporting status	Yes
Entity voluntary filers	No
Current fiscal year end date	-17
Entity filer category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity well known seasoned issuer	Yes
Entity common stock shares outstanding		50,418,586
Document fiscal year focus	2015
Document fiscal period focus	Q1

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Income
Net revenue	$470,661,000	$485,981,000
Cost of sales	-354,455,000	-352,936,000
Gross profit	116,206,000	133,045,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-94,833,000	-96,799,000
Special charges, net	-2,361,000	-11,734,000
Other income (expense), net	363,000	-1,050,000
Interest expense	-6,102,000	-4,126,000
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and income from equity method investments	13,273,000	19,336,000
Income taxes	-4,769,000	-6,541,000
Income from equity method investments	1,291,000	1,854,000
Income from continuing operations	9,795,000	14,649,000
Net income including non-controlling interests	$9,795,000	$14,649,000
Earnings per share attributable to H.B. Fuller common stockholders:
Basic earnings per share	$0.19	$0.29
Diluted earnings per share	$0.19	$0.28
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic	50,188.23	49,910,000
Diluted	51,378.74	51,254.51
Dividends declared per common share	$0.12	$0.10

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income including non-controlling interests	$9,795,000	$14,649,000
Other comprehensive income
Foreign currency translation	-33,269,000	547,000
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of tax	1,527,000	1,018,000
Interest rate swap, net of tax	10,000	10,000
Cash-flow hedges, net of taxes	-25,000	3,000
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-31,757,000	1,578,000
Comprehensive income (loss)	-21,962,000	16,227,000
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	95,000	67,000
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to H.F. Fuller	($22,057,000)	$16,160,000

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 29, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$71,574,000	$77,569,000
Trade receivables, net of allowances	335,536,000	341,307,000
Inventories	275,038,000	251,290,000
Other current assets	95,747,000	93,105,000
Current assets of discontinued operations	1,865,000	1,865,000
Total current assets	779,760,000	765,136,000
Property, plant and equipment	1,133,847,000	1,106,506,000
Accumulated depreciation	-595,038,000	-603,872,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	538,809,000	502,634,000
Goodwill	396,849,000	255,972,000
Other intangibles, net	225,748,000	195,938,000
Other assets	156,306,000	149,326,000
Long-term assets of discontinued operations	0	0
Total assets	2,097,472,000	1,869,006,000
Current liabilities:
Notes payable	29,213,000	27,149,000
Current maturities of long-term debt	16,875,000	0
Trade payables	195,000,000	174,494,000
Accrued compensation	34,830,000	45,746,000
Income taxes payable	13,312,000	13,761,000
Other accrued expenses	56,080,000	51,049,000
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	5,000,000	5,000,000
Total current liabilities	350,310,000	317,199,000
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities	717,482,000	547,735,000
Accrued pension liabilities	59,431,000	67,193,000
Other liabilities	98,571,000	41,775,000
Long-term liabilities of discontinued operations	0	0
Total liabilities	1,225,794,000	973,902,000
Redeemable non-controlling interest	4,261,000	4,654,000
H.B. Fuller stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock (no shares outstanding) Shares authorized 10,045,900		0
Common stock	50,408,000	50,311,000
Additional paid-in capital	57,535,000	53,269,000
Retained earnings	937,438,000	933,819,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-179,119,000	-147,352,000
Total H.B. Fuller stockholders' equity	866,262,000	890,047,000
Non-controlling interests	1,155,000	403,000
Total equity	867,417,000	890,450,000
Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interest and total equity	$2,097,472,000	$1,869,006,000

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 29, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position Parentheticals [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$9,434	$10,246
Preferred Stock Shares Authorized	10,045,900
Common Stock Par Value	$1
Common Stock Authorized	160,000,000
Common Stock Outstanding	50,408,384	50,310,803

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]
Balance at, at Nov. 30, 2013	$930,461	$50,229	$44,490	$907,308	($71,962)	$396
Comprehensive income (loss)				49,773,000	-75,390,000	364,000
Dividends	-23,262,000			-23,262,000
Stock option exercises	6,852,000	330,000	6,522,000
Tax benefit on share-based compensation plans	3,357,000		3,357,000
Repurchase of common stock	-15,510,000	-318,000	-15,192,000
Repurchase of non-controlling interest	-357,000					-357,000
Balance at, at Nov. 29, 2014	890,450,000	50,311	53,269	933,819	-147,352	403
Comprehensive income (loss)	-21,962,000			9,710,000	-31,767,000	95,000
Dividends	-6,091,000			-6,091,000
Stock option exercises	1,684,000	69,000	1,615,000
Tax benefit on share-based compensation plans	397,000		397,000
Repurchase of common stock	-2,203,000	-54,000	-2,149,000
Non-controlling interest assumed	11,369,000					11,369,000
Recognition of non-controlling interest redemption liability	-10,630,000					-10,630,000
Redeemable non-controlling interest	82,000					82,000
Balance at, at Feb. 28, 2015	$867,417,000	$50,408	$57,535	$937,438	($179,119)	$1,155

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations:
Net income including non-controlling interests	$9,795,000	$14,649,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income including non-controlling interests to net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations:
Depreciation	11,676,000	10,353,000
Amortization	6,148,000	5,775,000
Deferred income taxes	-212,000	14,000
(Income) from equity method investments, net of dividends received	-1,291,000	-1,854,000
Share-based compensation	4,261,000	3,985,000
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	-397,000	-1,613,000
Non cash charge for the sale of inventories revalued at the date of acquisition	2,701,000	0
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and discontinued operations:
Trade receivables, net	25,114,000	3,749,000
Inventories	-22,399,000	-38,735,000
Other assets	-14,395,000	-11,978,000
Trade payables	32,885,000	17,265,000
Accrued compensation	-10,986,000	-22,837,000
Other accrued expenses	7,482,000	3,452,000
Income taxes payable	-3,126,000	1,754,000
Accrued / prepaid pensions	-4,542,000	-2,291,000
Other liabilities	603,000	1,359,000
Other	22,896,000	-155,000
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from continuing operations	66,213,000	-17,108,000
Cash flows from investing activities from continuing operations:
Purchased property, plant and equipment	-28,381,000	-50,879,000
Purchased business	-217,638,000	0
Purchased technology	0	0
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	1,303,000	610,000
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities from continuing operations	-244,716,000	-50,269,000
Cash flows from financing activities from continuing operations:
Proceeds from long-term debt	317,000,000	40,000,000
Repayment of long-term debt	-130,000,000	0
Net proceeds (repayments) from notes payable	-4,748,000	1,283,000
Dividends paid	-6,044,000	-5,004,000
Distribution to redeemable non-controlling interest	0	0
Proceeds from stock options exercised	1,684,000	2,005,000
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	397,000	1,613,000
Repurchases of common stock	-2,203,000	-15,347,000
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from continuing operations	176,086,000	24,550,000
Effect of exchange rate changes	-3,578,000	753,000
Net change in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations	-5,995,000	-42,074,000
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities of discontinued operations	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	77,569,000	155,121,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	71,574,000	113,047,000
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Dividends paid with company stock	47,000	37,000
Cash paid for interest	5,561,000	3,898,000
Cash paid for income taxes	$3,616,000	$2,756,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parentheticals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014
Statement of Cash Flows Parentheticals [Abstract]
Capitalized interest	$10	$983

Accounting_Policies

Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting Policies Disclosure	H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
	(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
	(Unaudited)
	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 29, 2014 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
	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	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Acquisitions and Divestitures Abstract
Acquisitions and Divestitures Disclosure	Note 2: Acquisitions and Divestitures
	Acquisitions
	Continental Products Limited: On February 3, 2015 we acquired the equity of Continental Products Limited, a provider of industrial adhesives, based in Nairobi, Kenya. The acquisition supports our growth strategy for emerging markets and delivers specialty adhesive products to key customers in East and Central Africa. The purchase price of €1,517 or approximately $1,713, net of cash acquired of €329 or $371, was funded through existing cash and was recorded in our EIMEA (Europe, India, Middle East and Africa) operating segment. We incurred acquisition related costs of approximately $16, which were recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
	The fair value measurement was preliminary at February 28, 2015. The following table summarizes the preliminary fair value measurement of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition:
		Preliminary Valuation February 28, 2015
	Current assets	$	1,439
	Property, plant and equipment		183
	Goodwill		418
	Other intangibles
	Customer relationships		416
	Noncompetition agreements		30
	Other assets		7
	Current liabilities		-591
	Other liabilities		-189
	Total purchase price	$	1,713
	The expected lives of the acquired intangible assets are 13 years for customer relationships and 3 years for noncompetition agreements.
	Tonsan Adhesive, Inc. On February 2, 2015 we acquired 95 percent of the equity of Tonsan Adhesive, Inc., an independent engineering adhesives provider based in Beijing, China. The acquisition strengthens our customer relationships in the high-value, fast growing engineering adhesives markets. The purchase price was 1.4 billion Chinese renminbi or approximately $215,925, net of cash acquired of $7,754, which was financed with the proceeds from our January 28, 2015 term loan and was recorded in our Asia Pacific operating segment. We incurred acquisition related costs of approximately $373, which were recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Concurrent with the acquisition, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire the remaining 5 percent of Tonsan’s equity beginning February 1, 2019 for 74 million Chinese renminbi or approximately $11,773. In addition, the agreement requires the Company to pay up to 426 million Chinese renminbi or approximately $68,113 in contingent consideration based upon a formula related to the Tonsan’s gross profit in fiscal 2018. The fair values of the agreement to purchase the remaining equity and the contingent consideration based upon a discounted cash flow model were $10,630 and 38,772, respectively.
	The acquisition fair value measurement was preliminary as of February 28, 2015, subject to the completion of the valuation of Tonsan Adhesive Inc. and further management reviews and assessment of the preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. We expect the fair value measurement process to be completed in the third quarter of 2015.
	The following table summarizes the preliminary fair value measurement of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition:
		Preliminary Valuation February 28, 2015
	Current assets	$	50,922
	Property, plant and equipment		58,549
	Goodwill		155,232
	Other intangibles
	Developed technology		18,500
	Customer relationships		12,400
	Trademarks/trade names		10,900
	Other assets		139
	Current liabilities		-30,590
	Other liabilities		-49,497
	Redeemable non-controlling interests		-10,630
	Total purchase price	$	215,925
	The expected lives of the acquired intangible assets are 7 years for developed technology, 6 years for customer relationships and 14 years for trademarks/trade names.
	Based on fair value measurement of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, we allocated $155,232 to goodwill for the expected synergies from combining Tonsan with our existing business. The goodwill was assigned to our Asia Pacific operating segment.
	ProSpec® Construction Products: On September 3, 2014 we acquired the ProSpec construction products business, a provider of tile and stone installation products. The acquisition was an asset purchase and strengthens our customer profile in the southeastern and western regions of the United States. The purchase price of $26,183 was funded through existing cash and was recorded in our Construction Products operating segment.
	The following table summarizes the final fair value measurement of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition:
			Final Valuation
	Current assets		$	6,502
	Property, plant and equipment			7,976
	Goodwill			7,443
	Other intangibles
	Customer relationships			4,300
	Technology			1,500
	Trademarks/trade names			200
	Current liabilities			-1,738
	Total purchase price		$	26,183
	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 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 in the amount of $5,000 was included in current liabilities of discontinued operations in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at February 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014. There is a possibility that resolution of these pending purchase agreement contingencies could exceed our estimate by up to $15,000 pre-tax. Based on the currently available information, we have concluded that resolution of these pending contingencies in an amount greater than our current estimate is remote.

Accounting_for_Sharebased_Comp

Accounting for Sharebased Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 29, 2014.
	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 ended February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014 were calculated using the following weighted average assumptions:
			13 Weeks Ended
			28-Feb-15		1-Mar-14
	Expected life (in years)		4.61		4.75
	Weighted-average expected volatility		30.91%		34.20%
	Expected volatility		25.50% - 31.67%		34.17% - 37.06%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.26%		1.51%
	Expected dividend yield		1.17%		0.82%
	Weighted-average fair value of grants		$10.21		$14.23
	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 $4,261 and $3,985 was included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, respectively. All share-based compensation expense was recorded as selling, general and administrative expense. For the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014 there was $397 and $1,613 of excess tax benefit recognized, respectively.
	As of February 28, 2015, there was $12,202 of unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested stock option awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years. Unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested restricted stock shares was $2,613 which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.2 years. Unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested restricted stock units was $8,942 which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years.
	Share-based Activity
	A summary of option activity as of February 28, 2015 and changes during the 13 weeks then ended is presented below:
							Weighted-
							Average
				Options			Exercise Price
		Outstanding at November 29, 2014		2,534,473		$	30.39
		Granted		703,271			41.17
		Exercised		-68,974			24.42
		Forfeited or cancelled		-23,285			41.05
		Outstanding at February 28, 2015		3,145,485		$	32.85
	The total fair values of options granted during the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2015 were $7,180. Total intrinsic values of options exercised during the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014 were $1,326 and $2,673, 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. Proceeds received from option exercises during the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014 were $1,684 and $2,005, respectively.
	A summary of nonvested restricted stock as of February 28, 2015 and changes during the 13 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 29, 2014		188,661	188,622	377,283	$	40.7	1
	Granted		142,028	-	142,028		41	1.9
	Vested		-79,485	-67,294	-146,779		40.88	-
	Forfeited		-4,057	-3,494	-7,551		41.27	1.1
	Nonvested at February 28, 2015		247,147	117,834	364,981	$	42.11	1.5
	Total fair values of restricted stock vested during the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014 were $6,000 and $8,290, respectively. The total fair value of nonvested restricted stock at February 28, 2015 was $15,369.
	We repurchased 53,917 and 64,063 restricted stock shares during the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, 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 February 28, 2015, and changes during the 13 weeks then ended is presented below:
		Non-employee
		Directors	Employees	Total
	Units outstanding November 29, 2014	342,547	52,303	394,850
	Participant contributions	4,493	1,240	5,733
	Company match contributions	449	124	573
	Payouts	-	-6,008	-6,008
	Units outstanding February 28, 2015	347,489	47,659	395,148
	Deferred compensation units are fully vested at the date of contribution.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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
		February 28,	March 1,
	(Shares in thousands)	2015	2014
	Weighted-average common shares - basic	50,188	49,910
	Equivalent shares from share-based compensations plans	1,191	1,345
	Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares - diluted	51,379	51,255
	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 447,433 and 407,145 shares of common stock at a weighted-average exercise price of $48.59 and $48.93 for the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, respectively, were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculations because they were antidilutive.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015																					Aug. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 5: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)																					Note 5: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The following table provides details of total comprehensive income (loss):																					The following table provides details of total comprehensive income (loss):
		13 Weeks Ended February 28, 2015											13 Weeks Ended March 1, 2014										13 Weeks Ended February 28, 2015								13 Weeks Ended March 1, 2014
		H.B. Fuller Stockholders									Non-controlling Interests		H.B. Fuller Stockholders							Non-controlling Interests			H.B. Fuller Stockholders						Non-controlling Interests		H.B. Fuller Stockholders							Non-controlling Interests
		Pretax			Tax			Net				Net		Pretax		Tax		Net			Net		Pretax		Tax		Net			Net		Pretax		Tax		Net			Net
	Net income including non- controlling interests							$	9,710		$	85						$	14,571	$	78	Net income including non- controlling interests					$	9,710	$	85						$	14,571	$	78
	Other comprehensive income (loss)																					Other comprehensive income (loss)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment¹	$	-33,279			-			-33,279			10		$	558		-		558		-11	Foreign currency translation adjustment¹	$	-33,279		-		-33,279		10		$	558		-		558		-11
	Reclassification to earnings:																					Reclassification to earnings:
	Defined benefit pension plans adjustment²		2,325			-798			1,527						1,656		-638		1,018			Defined benefit pension plans adjustment²		2,325		-798		1,527					1,656		-638		1,018
	Interest rate swap³		16			-6			10						14		-4		10			Interest rate swap³		16		-6		10					14		-4		10
	Cash-flow hedges³		-31			6			-25						6		-3		3			Cash-flow hedges³		-31		6		-25					6		-3		3
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	-30,969		$	-798			-31,767			10		$	2,234	$	-645		1,589		-11	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	-30,969	$	-798		-31,767		10		$	2,234	$	-645		1,589		-11
	Comprehensive income							$	-22,057		$	95						$	16,160	$	67	Comprehensive income					$	-22,057	$	95						$	16,160	$	67
	¹ Income taxes are not provided for foreign translation relating to permanent investments in international subsidiaries.																					¹ Income taxes are not provided for foreign 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.																					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.																					³ Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in other income (expense), net.
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) follow:
			28-Feb-15
				Total			H.B. FullerStockholders			Non-controllingInterests
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		$	-22,105		$	-22,074		$	-31
	Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of taxes of $83,805			-157,002			-157,002			-
	Interest rate swap, net of taxes of $15			-43			-43			-
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		$	-179,150		$	-179,119		$	-31
			29-Nov-14
				Total			H.B. FullerStockholders			Non-controllingInterests
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		$	11,184		$	11,205		$	-21
	Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of taxes of $84,604			-158,529			-158,529			-
	Interest rate swap, net of taxes of $21			-53			-53			-
	Cash-flow hedges, net of taxes of $15			25			25			-
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		$	-147,373		$	-147,352		$	-21

Special_Charges_net

Special Charges, net	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 involved a significant amount of restructuring and capital investment to optimize the new combined entity. In addition, we have taken a series of actions in our existing EIMEA operating segment to improve the profitability and future growth prospects of this operating segment. We combined these two initiatives into a single project which we refer to as the “Business Integration Project”. During the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014, we incurred special charges, net of $2,361 and $11,734, respectively for costs related to the Business Integration Project.
	The following table provides detail of special charges, net:
			13 Weeks Ended
			28-Feb-15		1-Mar-14
	Acquisition and transformation related costs		$	472	$	1,708
	Workforce reduction costs			56		2,059
	Facility exit costs			1,529		5,126
	Other related costs			304		2,841
		Special charges, net	$	2,361	$	11,734
	Acquisition and transformation related costs of $472 for the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2015 and $1,708 for the 13 weeks ended March 1, 2014 include costs related to organization consulting, financial advisory and legal services necessary to integrate the Forbo industrial adhesives business into our existing operating segments. During the 13 weeks ended February 28, 2015, we recorded workforce reduction costs of $56, cash facility exit costs of $1,395 and a non-cash facility exit costs of $134 and other incremental transformation related costs of $304 including the cost of personnel directly working on the integration. During the 13 weeks ended March 1, 2014, we incurred workforce reduction costs of $2,059, cash facility exit costs of $3,574, non-cash facility exit costs of $1,552 and other incremental transformation related costs of $2,841 including the cost of personnel directly working on the integration.

Components_of_Net_Periodic_Cos

Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014
											Other
			Pension Benefits								Postretirement
			U.S. Plans				Non-U.S. Plans				Benefits
	Net periodic cost (benefit):		2015		2014		2015		2014		2015		2014
	Service cost	$	27	$	23	$	507	$	430	$	112	$	108
	Interest cost		4,081		4,022		1,516		1,893		510		536
	Expected return on assets		-6,420		-5,966		-2,667		-2,690		-1,377		-1,186
	Amortization:
	Prior service cost		7		7		-1		-1		-626		-943
	Actuarial (gain)/ loss		1,407		1,144		831		772		608		677
	Net periodic cost (benefit)	$	-898	$	-770	$	186	$	404	$	-773	$	-808

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Inventories Abstract
Inventories Disclosure	Note 8: Inventories
	The composition of inventories follows:
		February 28,		November 30,
		2015		2014
	Raw materials	$	140,295	$	133,476
	Finished goods		155,368		140,014
	LIFO reserve		-20,625		-22,200
	Total inventories	$	275,038	$	251,290

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 the second quarter of 2015. As of February 28, 2015, the fair value of the swap was an asset of $14,770 and was included in other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The swap was designated as a cash-flow hedge 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 February 28, 2015 resulted in a pretax loss of $11 as the change in fair value of the cross-currency swap was less than the change in the fair value of the hypothetical swap. There was no amount in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to the cross-currency swap at February 28, 2015. At February 28, 2015, 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 February 28, 2015:
		Fiscal Year of Expiration	Interest Rate	Notional Value	Fair Value
	Pay EURReceive USD	2015	4.30%4.45%	$98,738	$14,770
	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 February 28, 2015, we had forward foreign currency contracts maturing between March 3, 2015 and January 28, 2016. The mark-to-market effect associated with these contracts, on a net basis, was a gain of $3,142 at February 28, 2015. These gains 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 $4,296 at February 28, 2015 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 $4,346 at February 28, 2015 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 February 28, 2015 resulted in a pretax gain of $59 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 February 28, 2015, there were no significant concentrations of credit risk.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 were brought into the action to address issues related to the scope of their coverage. In 2013, we 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:
		13 Weeks Ended				3 Years Ended
	($ in thousands)	28-Feb-15		1-Mar-14		29-Nov-14
	Lawsuits and claims settled		1		2		24
	Settlement amounts	$	50	$	115	$	1,754
	Insurance payments received or expected to be received	$	37	$	94	$	1,357
	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.

Operating_Segments

Operating Segments	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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.
	The tables below provide certain information regarding net revenue and segment operating income of each of our operating segments:
		13 Weeks Ended
		28-Feb-15						1-Mar-14
					Inter-		Segment				Inter-		Segment
			Trade	Segment			Operating		Trade	Segment			Operating
			Revenue	Revenue			Income		Revenue	Revenue			Income
	Americas Adhesives	$	203,943	$	5,383	$	20,788	$	209,666	$	5,680	$	25,206
	EIMEA		147,562		4,551		-722		171,559		4,106		8,440
	Asia Pacific		69,993		3,466		-486		65,047		3,471		1,788
	Construction Products		49,163		176		1,793		39,709		272		812
	Total	$	470,661			$	21,373	$	485,981			$	36,246
	Reconciliation of segment operating income to income from continuing operations before income taxes and income from equity method investments:
			13 Weeks Ended
			February 28,			March 1,
			2015			2014
	Segment operating income	$	21,373		$	36,246
	Special charges, net		-2,361			-11,734
	Other income (expense), net		363			-1,050
	Interest expense		-6,102			-4,126
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes and income from equity method investments	$	13,273		$	19,336

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Income Taxes Abstract
Income Taxes Disclosure	Note 12: Income Taxes
	As of February 28, 2015, we had a $5,104 liability recorded under FASB ASC 740, “Income Taxes” for gross unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest). As of February 28, 2015, we had accrued $480 of gross interest relating to unrecognized tax benefits. During the first quarter of 2015 our recorded liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits increased by $317.

Goodwill

Goodwill	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Goodwill Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill Disclosure	Note 13: Goodwill
	A summary of goodwill activity for the first three months of 2015 is presented below:
	Balance at November 29, 2014		$	255,972
		Tonsan Adhesive, Inc. acquisition		155,232
		Continental Products Limited acquisition		418
		Currency impact		-14,773
	Balance at February 28, 2015		$	396,849

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 February 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014, 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.
			February 28,	Fair Value Measurements Using:
	Description		2015		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Marketable securities	$	2,095	$	2,095	$	-	$	-
	Derivative assets		5,320		-		5,320		-
	Cash-flow hedges		14,770		-		14,770		-
	Interest rate swaps		4,346		-		4,346		-
	Liabilities:
	Derivative liabilities	$	2,178	$	-	$	2,178	$	-
	Contingent consideration liability, continuing operations		39,055		-		-		39,055
	Contingent consideration liability, discontinued operations		5,000		-		-		5,000
			November 29,	Fair Value Measurements Using:
	Description		2014		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Marketable securities	$	748	$	748	$	-	$	-
	Derivative assets		1,007		-		1,007		-
	Interest rate swaps		4,726		-		4,726		-
	Cash-flow hedges		5,408		-		5,408		-
	Liabilities:
	Derivative liabilities	$	433	$	-	$	433	$	-
	Contingent consideration liability, continuing operations		196		-		-		196
	Contingent consideration liability, discontinued operations		5,000		-		-		5,000

Share_Repurchase_Program

Share Repurchase Program	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 first quarter of 2015. During the first quarter 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.

Redeemable_NonControlling_Inte

Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Temporary Equity Disclosure [Abstract]
Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest Disclosure	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.
	The results of operations for the HBF Kimya non-controlling interest is 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.
	The acquisition of the 95 percent of the equity of Tonsan Adhesive, Inc. and concurrent agreement to acquire the remaining 5 percent in the future, resulted in the assumption of a non-controlling interest for the remaining equity. Based on requirements to redeem this non-controlling interest beginning February 1, 2019, the non-controlling interest was immediately recognized as a liability and reclassified to other liabilities. The fair value of the non-controlling interest as of the date of acquisition was $10,630.
	As of February 28, 2015 the redeemable non-controlling interests were:
		Total
	Balance at November 29, 2014	$	4,654
	Non-controlling interest assumed		10,630
	Recognition of non-controlling interest redemption liability		-10,630
	Net income (loss) attributed to redeemable non-controlling interest		82
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		-475
	Balance at February 28, 2015	$	4,261

Aquisitions_and_Divestitures_T

Aquisitions and Divestitures (Table)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation (Table)		Preliminary Valuation February 28, 2015
	Current assets	$	1,439
	Property, plant and equipment		183
	Goodwill		418
	Other intangibles
	Customer relationships		416
	Noncompetition agreements		30
	Other assets		7
	Current liabilities		-591
	Other liabilities		-189
	Total purchase price	$	1,713
		Preliminary Valuation February 28, 2015
	Current assets	$	58,676
	Property, plant and equipment		58,549
	Goodwill		155,376
	Other intangibles
	Developed technology		18,500
	Customer relationships		12,400
	Trademarks/trade names		10,900
	Other assets		139
	Current liabilities		-30,734
	Other liabilities		-9,897
	Contingent consideration liabilities		-50,230
	Total purchase price	$	223,679
			Final Valuation
	Current assets		$	6,502
	Property, plant and equipment			7,976
	Goodwill			7,443
	Other intangibles
	Customer relationships			4,300
	Technology			1,500
	Trademarks/trade names			200
	Current liabilities			-1,738
	Total purchase price		$	26,183

Accounting_for_Sharebased_Comp1

Accounting for Sharebased Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Fair value of options granted [TableText Block]			13 Weeks Ended
			28-Feb-15		1-Mar-14
	Expected life (in years)		4.61		4.75
	Weighted-average expected volatility		30.91%		34.20%
	Expected volatility		25.50% - 31.67%		34.17% - 37.06%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.26%		1.51%
	Expected dividend yield		1.17%		0.82%
	Weighted-average fair value of grants		$10.21		$14.23
Schedule of Share-based compensation stock options activity [TableText Block]							Weighted-
							Average
				Options			Exercise Price
		Outstanding at November 29, 2014		2,534,473		$	30.39
		Granted		703,271			41.17
		Exercised		-68,974			24.42
		Forfeited or cancelled		-23,285			41.05
		Outstanding at February 28, 2015		3,145,485		$	32.85
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 29, 2014		188,661	188,622	377,283	$	40.7	1
	Granted		142,028	-	142,028		41	1.9
	Vested		-79,485	-67,294	-146,779		40.88	-
	Forfeited		-4,057	-3,494	-7,551		41.27	1.1
	Nonvested at February 28, 2015		247,147	117,834	364,981	$	42.11	1.5
Summary of deferred compensation units [Table Text Block]		Non-employee
		Directors	Employees	Total
	Units outstanding November 29, 2014	342,547	52,303	394,850
	Participant contributions	4,493	1,240	5,733
	Company match contributions	449	124	573
	Payouts	-	-6,008	-6,008
	Units outstanding February 28, 2015	347,489	47,659	395,148

Earnings_Per_Share_Table

Earnings Per Share (Table)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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
		February 28,	March 1,
	(Shares in thousands)	2015	2014
	Weighted-average common shares - basic	50,188	49,910
	Equivalent shares from share-based compensations plans	1,191	1,345
	Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares - diluted	51,379	51,255

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015																					Aug. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Tables [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Note 5: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)																					Note 5: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The following table provides details of total comprehensive income (loss):																					The following table provides details of total comprehensive income (loss):
		13 Weeks Ended February 28, 2015											13 Weeks Ended March 1, 2014										13 Weeks Ended February 28, 2015								13 Weeks Ended March 1, 2014
		H.B. Fuller Stockholders									Non-controlling Interests		H.B. Fuller Stockholders							Non-controlling Interests			H.B. Fuller Stockholders						Non-controlling Interests		H.B. Fuller Stockholders							Non-controlling Interests
		Pretax			Tax			Net				Net		Pretax		Tax		Net			Net		Pretax		Tax		Net			Net		Pretax		Tax		Net			Net
	Net income including non- controlling interests							$	9,710		$	85						$	14,571	$	78	Net income including non- controlling interests					$	9,710	$	85						$	14,571	$	78
	Other comprehensive income (loss)																					Other comprehensive income (loss)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment¹	$	-33,279			-			-33,279			10		$	558		-		558		-11	Foreign currency translation adjustment¹	$	-33,279		-		-33,279		10		$	558		-		558		-11
	Reclassification to earnings:																					Reclassification to earnings:
	Defined benefit pension plans adjustment²		2,325			-798			1,527						1,656		-638		1,018			Defined benefit pension plans adjustment²		2,325		-798		1,527					1,656		-638		1,018
	Interest rate swap³		16			-6			10						14		-4		10			Interest rate swap³		16		-6		10					14		-4		10
	Cash-flow hedges³		-31			6			-25						6		-3		3			Cash-flow hedges³		-31		6		-25					6		-3		3
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	-30,969		$	-798			-31,767			10		$	2,234	$	-645		1,589		-11	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	-30,969	$	-798		-31,767		10		$	2,234	$	-645		1,589		-11
	Comprehensive income							$	-22,057		$	95						$	16,160	$	67	Comprehensive income					$	-22,057	$	95						$	16,160	$	67
	¹ Income taxes are not provided for foreign translation relating to permanent investments in international subsidiaries.																					¹ Income taxes are not provided for foreign 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.																					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.																					³ Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in other income (expense), net.
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) follow:
			28-Feb-15
				Total			H.B. FullerStockholders			Non-controllingInterests
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		$	-22,105		$	-22,074		$	-31
	Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of taxes of $83,805			-157,002			-157,002			-
	Interest rate swap, net of taxes of $15			-43			-43			-
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		$	-179,150		$	-179,119		$	-31
			29-Nov-14
				Total			H.B. FullerStockholders			Non-controllingInterests
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		$	11,184		$	11,205		$	-21
	Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of taxes of $84,604			-158,529			-158,529			-
	Interest rate swap, net of taxes of $21			-53			-53			-
	Cash-flow hedges, net of taxes of $15			25			25			-
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		$	-147,373		$	-147,352		$	-21

Special_Charges_Tables

Special Charges (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Special Charges Table [Abstract]
Special Charges [Table Text Block]			13 Weeks Ended
			28-Feb-15		1-Mar-14
	Acquisition and transformation related costs		$	472	$	1,708
	Workforce reduction costs			56		2,059
	Facility exit costs			1,529		5,126
	Other related costs			304		2,841
		Special charges, net	$	2,361	$	11,734

Components_of_Net_Periodic_Cos1

Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 February 28, 2015 and March 1, 2014
											Other
			Pension Benefits								Postretirement
			U.S. Plans				Non-U.S. Plans				Benefits
	Net periodic cost (benefit):		2015		2014		2015		2014		2015		2014
	Service cost	$	27	$	23	$	507	$	430	$	112	$	108
	Interest cost		4,081		4,022		1,516		1,893		510		536
	Expected return on assets		-6,420		-5,966		-2,667		-2,690		-1,377		-1,186
	Amortization:
	Prior service cost		7		7		-1		-1		-626		-943
	Actuarial (gain)/ loss		1,407		1,144		831		772		608		677
	Net periodic cost (benefit)	$	-898	$	-770	$	186	$	404	$	-773	$	-808

Inventories_Table

Inventories (Table)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Inventories Table [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	Note 8: Inventories
	The composition of inventories follows:
		February 28,		November 30,
		2015		2014
	Raw materials	$	140,295	$	133,476
	Finished goods		155,368		140,014
	LIFO reserve		-20,625		-22,200
	Total inventories	$	275,038	$	251,290

Financial_Instruments_Table

Financial Instruments (Table)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Cross Currency Swaps [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedges [Table Text Block]		Fiscal Year of Expiration	Interest Rate	Notional Value	Fair Value
	Pay EURReceive USD	2015	4.30%4.45%	$98,738	$14,770

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Product Liability Contingencies [Table Text Block]		13 Weeks Ended				3 Years Ended
	($ in thousands)	28-Feb-15		1-Mar-14		29-Nov-14
	Lawsuits and claims settled		1		2		24
	Settlement amounts	$	50	$	115	$	1,754
	Insurance payments received or expected to be received	$	37	$	94	$	1,357

Operating_Segments_Tables

Operating Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Operating Segments Abstract
Segment Reporting		13 Weeks Ended
		28-Feb-15						1-Mar-14
					Inter-		Segment				Inter-		Segment
			Trade	Segment			Operating		Trade	Segment			Operating
			Revenue	Revenue			Income		Revenue	Revenue			Income
	Americas Adhesives	$	203,943	$	5,383	$	20,788	$	209,666	$	5,680	$	25,206
	EIMEA		147,562		4,551		-722		171,559		4,106		8,440
	Asia Pacific		69,993		3,466		-486		65,047		3,471		1,788
	Construction Products		49,163		176		1,793		39,709		272		812
	Total	$	470,661			$	21,373	$	485,981			$	36,246
Reconciliation of operating income to income before income taxes and income from equity method investments			13 Weeks Ended
			February 28,			March 1,
			2015			2014
	Segment operating income	$	21,373		$	36,246
	Special charges, net		-2,361			-11,734
	Other income (expense), net		363			-1,050
	Interest expense		-6,102			-4,126
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes and income from equity method investments	$	13,273		$	19,336

Goodwill_Table

Goodwill (Table)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Goodwill Table [Abstract]
Purchased Goodwill by Segment (Table)	Balance at November 29, 2014		$	255,972
		Tonsan Adhesive, Inc. acquisition		155,376
		Continental Products Limited acquisition		418
		Currency impact		-14,917
	Balance at February 28, 2015		$	396,849

Fair_Value_Measurements_Table

Fair Value Measurements (Table)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value Measurements [Table Text Block]
			February 28,	Fair Value Measurements Using:
	Description		2015		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Marketable securities	$	2,095	$	2,095	$	-	$	-
	Derivative assets		5,320		-		5,320		-
	Cash-flow hedges		14,770		-		14,770		-
	Interest rate swaps		4,346		-		4,346		-
	Liabilities:
	Derivative liabilities	$	2,178	$	-	$	2,178	$	-
	Contingent consideration liability, continuing operations		39,055		-		-		39,055
	Contingent consideration liability, discontinued operations		5,000		-		-		5,000
			November 29,	Fair Value Measurements Using:
	Description		2014		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Marketable securities	$	748	$	748	$	-	$	-
	Derivative assets		1,007		-		1,007		-
	Interest rate swaps		4,726		-		4,726		-
	Cash-flow hedges		5,408		-		5,408		-
	Liabilities:
	Derivative liabilities	$	433	$	-	$	433	$	-
	Contingent consideration liability, continuing operations		196		-		-		196
	Contingent consideration liability, discontinued operations		5,000		-		-		5,000

Redeemable_NonControlling_Inte1

Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest (Table)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Table [Abstract]
Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest [Table Text Block]		Total
	Balance at November 29, 2014	$	4,654
	Non-controlling interest assumed		10,631
	Recognition of non-controlling interest redemption liability		-10,631
	Net income (loss) attributed to redeemable non-controlling interest		82
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		-475
	Balance at February 28, 2015	$	4,261

Acquistions_and_Divestitures_D

Acquistions and Divestitures (Details)

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2015

Mar. 01, 2014

Nov. 29, 2014

Feb. 28, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Tonsan Adhesive Inc [Member]

Tonsan Adhesive Inc [Member]

Tonsan Adhesive Inc [Member]

Tonsan Adhesive Inc [Member]

Tonsan Adhesive Inc [Member]

Tonsan Adhesive Inc [Member]

Tonsan Adhesive Inc [Member]

Continental Products Limited [Member]

Continental Products Limited [Member]

Continental Products Limited [Member]

Continental Products Limited [Member]

ProSpec Construction Products [Member]

ProSpec Construction Products [Member]

ProSpec Construction Products [Member]

ProSpec Construction Products [Member]

USD ($)

CNY

Goodwill Asia Pacific [Member]

Customer relationships [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Other intangibles [Member]

Other intangibles [Member]

Goodwill EIMEA [Member]

Customer relationships [Member]

Non-competition agreements [Member]

Other intangibles [Member]

USD ($)

Customer relationships [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Other intangibles [Member]

USD ($)

Goodwill Asia Pacific [Member]

Goodwill Asia Pacific [Member]

Goodwill Asia Pacific [Member]

Remaining Earn Out Period [Member]

USD ($)

Goodwill EIMEA [Member]

Goodwill EIMEA [Member]

Remaining Earn Out Period [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Minimum [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

Minimum [Member]

Goodwill Asia Pacific [Member]

Goodwill EIMEA [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Total acquisition cost

$1,713

$26,183,000

Total purchase price net of cash acquired

217,638,000

0

Cash acquired from acquisition

371

Acquisition related costs

373,000

16

Remaining Equity Fair Value

10,630,000

Maximum additional consideration

11,773,000

74,000,000

Contingent Consideration Liability Fair Value Disclosure

38,772,000

Purchase price allocation [Abstract]

Current assets

50,922,000

58,676

1,439

6,502,000

Property, plant and equipment

58,549,000

58,549

183

7,976,000

Goodwill

396,849,000

255,972,000

155,232,000

155,376

418

7,443,000

Other intangibles, net

12,400

10,900,000

18,500

416

30

6,000,000

4,300,000

200,000

1,500,000

Other assets acquired

139,000

139

7

Current liabilities

30,590,000

30,734

591

-1,738,000

Other liabilities

49,497,000

9,897

Contingent consideration liabilities

-68,113,000

-426,000,000

50,230

Total purchase price

1,713

26,183,000

Discontinued operations balance sheet items

Current assets of discontinued operations

1,865,000

1,865,000

Long-term assets of discontinued operations

0

0

Current liabilities of discontinued operations

5,000,000

5,000,000

Long-term liabilities of discontinued operations

$0

$0

Accounting_for_Sharebased_Comp2

Accounting for Sharebased Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014
Assumptions to calculate fair value options [Abstract]
Expected life	4 years 7 months 10 days	4 years 9 months
Weighted-average expected volatility	30.91%	34.20%
Expected volatility (Low)	25.50%	34.17%
Expected volatility (High)	31.67%	37.06%
Risk-free interest rate	1.26%	1.51%
Expected dividend yield	1.17%	0.82%
Weighted-average fair value of grants	$10.21	$14.23
Nonvested Restricted Activity [Line Items]
Nonvested beginning balance	377,283
Granted	142,028
Vested	-146,779
Forfeited	-7,551
Nonvested ending balance	364,981
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value	$6,000,000	$8,290,000
Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Nonemployee Director Stock Award Plan Activity Units [Line Items]
Units outstanding beginning	394,850
Participant contributions	5,733
Company match contributions	573
Payouts	-6,008
Units outstanding ending	395,148
Other Share Based Activity [Abstract]
Fair values of options granted	7,180,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	1,326,000	2,673,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options	1,684,000	2,005,000
Repurchased restricted stock shares	53,917	64,063
Share-based compensation expense recognition [Abstract]
Share-based compensation expense	4,261,000	3,985,000
Excess tax benefit recognized	397,000	1,613,000
Unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested stock option awards	12,202,000
Unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested restricted stock awards	2,613,000
Restricted Unit Unrecognized Costs	$8,942,000
Summary of option activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding beginning balance	2,534,473
Granted	703,271
Exercised	-68,974
Forfeited or Cancelled	-23,285
Weighted-average exercise price activity [Abstract]
Outstanding beginning balance	$30.39
Granted	$41.17
Exercised	$24.42
Forfeited or Cancelled	$41.05
Outstanding ending balance	$32.85
Non Employee Directors [Member]
Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Nonemployee Director Stock Award Plan Activity Units [Line Items]
Units outstanding beginning	342,547
Participant contributions	4,493
Company match contributions	449
Payouts	0
Units outstanding ending	347,489
Employees [Member]
Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Nonemployee Director Stock Award Plan Activity Units [Line Items]
Units outstanding beginning	52,303
Participant contributions	1,240
Company match contributions	124
Payouts	-6,008
Units outstanding ending	47,659
Nonvested restricted stock units [Member]
Nonvested Restricted Activity [Line Items]
Nonvested beginning balance	188,661
Granted	142,028
Vested	-79,485
Forfeited	-4,057
Nonvested ending balance	247,147
Nonvested restricted stock shares [Member]
Nonvested Restricted Activity [Line Items]
Nonvested beginning balance	188,622
Granted	0
Vested	-67,294
Forfeited	-3,494
Nonvested ending balance	117,834
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value [Member]
Nonvested Restricted Activity [Line Items]
Nonvested beginning balance	40.7
Nonvested ending balance	42.11
Granted weighted average grant date fair value	$41
Vested weighted average grant date fair value	$40.88
Forfeited weighted average grant date fair value	$41.27
Nonvested restricted stock weighted-average remaining contractual life (in years) [Member]
Nonvested Restricted Activity [Line Items]
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Beginning	1 year 2 months 12 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Granted	1 year 4 months 24 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Forfeited	1 year 2 months 12 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Vested	0 years
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Ending	1 year 2 months 12 days

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014
Earnings Per Share Antidilutive Shares [Line Items]
Antidilutive shares not used in calculating diluted earnings per share calculations	447,433	407,145
Antidilutive Weighted Average Share Price Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount	$48.59	$48.93
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Line Items]
Equivalent Shares From Share Based Compensations Plans	1,191,000	1,345,000
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares - diluted	51,379,000	51,255,000

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014	Nov. 29, 2014
Reclassification To Earnings Net [Abstract]
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment	$1,527,000	$1,018,000
Cross currency amount in AOCI	-25,000	3,000
Comprehensive income (loss)	-21,962,000	16,227,000
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-22,105,000		11,184,000
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of taxes	-157,002,000		-158,529,000
Interest rate swap, net of taxes	-43,000		-53,000
Cash-flow hedges, net of taxes			25,000
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-179,150,000		-147,373,000
Tax on defined benefit pension plans adjustment	83,805,000		84,604,000
Tax on interest rate swap	15,000		21,000
Tax on cash-flow hedges			15,000
H.B Fuller Stockholders [Member]
Other compreshensive income (loss) before tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-33,279,000	558,000
Reclassification To Earnings Before Tax [Abstract]
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment	2,325,000	1,656,000
Interest rate swap	16,000	14,000
Cash-flow hedges	-31,000	6,000
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-30,969,000	2,234,000
Other compreshensive income (loss) tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment	0	0
Reclassification To Earnings Tax [Abstract]
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment	-798,000	-638,000
Interest rate swap	6,000	-4,000
Cash-flow hedges	-6,000	-3,000
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-798,000	-645,000
Other compreshensive income (loss) net [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-33,279,000	558,000
Reclassification To Earnings Net [Abstract]
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment	1,527,000	1,018,000
Interest rate swap	10,000	10,000
Cross currency amount in AOCI	-25,000	3,000
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-31,767,000	1,589,000
Comprehensive income (loss)	-22,057,000	16,160,000
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-22,074,000		11,205,000
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of taxes	-157,002,000		-158,529,000
Interest rate swap, net of taxes	-43,000		-53,000
Cash-flow hedges, net of taxes	0		25,000
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-179,119,000		-147,352,000
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Other compreshensive income (loss) net [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment	10,000	-11,000
Reclassification To Earnings Net [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss)	10,000	-11,000
Comprehensive income (loss)	95,000	67,000
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-31,000		-21,000
Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of taxes	0		0
Interest rate swap, net of taxes	0		0
Cash-flow hedges, net of taxes	0		0
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	($31,000)		($21,000)

Special_Charges_Details

Special Charges (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014
Special Charges Details [Abstract]
Professional Services	$472,000	$1,708,000
Other related costs	304,000	2,841,000
Workforce reduction costs	56,000	2,059,000
Facility exit costs	1,529,000	5,126,000
Special charges, net	2,361,000	11,734,000
Cash [Member]
Restructuring costs [Line Items]
Facility shut down costs	1,395,000	3,574,000
Noncash [Member]
Restructuring costs [Line Items]
Facility shut down costs	$134,000	$1,552,000

Components_of_Net_Periodic_Cos2

Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014
Pension Benefits US Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$27,000	$23,000
Interest cost	4,081,000	4,022,000
Expected return on assets	-6,420,000	-5,966,000
Amorization of Prior service cost	7,000	7,000
Amortization of Actuarial (gain)/loss	1,407,000	1,144,000
Net periodic cost (benefit)	-898,000	-770,000
Pension Benefits Foreign Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	507,000	430,000
Interest cost	1,516,000	1,893,000
Expected return on assets	-2,667,000	-2,690,000
Amorization of Prior service cost	-1,000	-1,000
Amortization of Actuarial (gain)/loss	831,000	772,000
Net periodic cost (benefit)	186,000	404,000
Other Postretirement [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	112,000	108,000
Interest cost	510,000	536,000
Expected return on assets	-1,377,000	-1,186,000
Amorization of Prior service cost	-626,000	-943,000
Amortization of Actuarial (gain)/loss	608,000	677,000
Net periodic cost (benefit)	($773,000)	($808,000)

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 29, 2014
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Raw materials	$140,295,000	$133,476,000
Fiinished goods	155,368,000	140,014,000
LIFO reserve	-20,625,000	-22,200,000
Total Inventory	$275,038,000	$251,290,000

Financial_Instruments_Details

Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 29, 2014
Cross Currency Swaps [Abstract]
Fair value of cross currency swaps	$14,770,000	$5,408,000
Cross currency hedge ineffectiveness	-11,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Cumulative Changes In Net Gain Loss From Cross Currency Swap		25,000
Foreign currency	3,142,000
Change in Fair Value of Senior Notes	4,296,000
The fair values of the swaps (assets) in total	4,346,000
Notional amount	98,738,000
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	-4,296,000
Second Cross Currency Swap [Member]
Cross Currency Swaps [Abstract]
Fair value of cash-flow hedges	14,770
Interest rate minimum	4.30%
Interest rate maximum	4.45%
Notional amount	$98,738,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		36 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014	Nov. 29, 2014
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]
Lawsuits and claims settled	1	2	24
Settlement amounts	$50,000	$115,000	$1,754,000
Insurance Payments Received Or Expected To Be Received	$37,000	$94,000	$1,357,000

Operating_Segments_Details

Operating Segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Net revenue	$470,661,000	$485,981,000
Segment operating income	21,373,000	36,246,000
Americas Adhesives [Member]
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Net revenue	203,943,000	209,666,000
Inter-Segment Revenue	5,383,000	5,680,000
Segment operating income	20,788,000	25,206,000
Construction Products [Member]
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Net revenue	49,163,000	39,709,000
Inter-Segment Revenue	176,000	272,000
Segment operating income	1,793,000	812,000
EIMEA [Member]
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Net revenue	147,562,000	171,559,000
Inter-Segment Revenue	4,551,000	4,106,000
Segment operating income	-722,000	8,440,000
Asia Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Net revenue	69,993,000	65,047,000
Inter-Segment Revenue	3,466,000	3,471,000
Segment operating income	($486,000)	$1,788,000

Operating_Segments_Details_2

Operating Segments (Details) 2 (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014
Operating Segments Abstract
Segment operating income	$21,373,000	$36,246,000
Special charges, net	-2,361,000	-11,734,000
Other Operating Income (Expense), Net	363,000	-1,050,000
Interest expense	-6,102,000	-4,126,000
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and income from equity method investments	$13,273,000	$19,336,000

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Gross unrecognized tax benefits liability	$5,104,000
Net interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits	480,000
Recorded liability for unrecognized tax benefits, net, increased	$317,000

Goodwill_Details

Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance at	$255,972,000
Currency Impact	-14,917,000
Balance at	396,849,000
Continental Acquisition [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill Acquired During Period	418,000
Tonsan Acquisition [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill Acquired During Period	$155,376,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 29, 2014
Assets
Marketable securities	$2,095,000	$748,000
Derivative assets	5,320,000	1,007,000
Interest rate swaps	4,346,000	4,726,000
Cash-flow hedges	14,770,000	5,408,000
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	2,178,000	433,000
Contingent Consideration Liability Continuing Operations Fair Value Disclosure	39,055,000	196,000
Contingent consideration liability, discontinued operations	5,000,000	5,000,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Marketable securities	2,095,000	748,000
Derivative assets	0	0
Interest rate swaps	0	0
Cash-flow hedges	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Contingent Consideration Liability Continuing Operations Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Contingent consideration liability, discontinued operations	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Marketable securities	0	0
Derivative assets	5,320,000	1,007,000
Interest rate swaps	4,346,000	4,726,000
Cash-flow hedges	14,770,000	5,408,000
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	2,178,000	433,000
Contingent Consideration Liability Continuing Operations Fair Value Disclosure	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
Cash-flow hedges	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Contingent Consideration Liability Continuing Operations Fair Value Disclosure	39,055,000	196,000
Contingent consideration liability, discontinued operations	$5,000,000	$5,000,000

Share_Repurchase_Program_Detai

Share Repurchase Program (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014	Nov. 27, 2010
Share Repurchase Program [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount			$100,000,000
Total Value Of Repurchased Shares	0	12,254
Decreased Value Of Common Stock Shares Repurchased	0	250
Decreased Value Of Additional Paid In Capital For Shares Repurchased	$0	$12,004

Redeemable_NonControlling_Inte2

Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 29, 2014
	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	82
Increase in non-controlling shareholder ownership	-10,630,000
Distributions to non-controlling shareholder	10,630,000
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-475
Balance of redeemable non-controlling interest	$4,261,000		$4,654,000

Out_Of_Period_Adjustments_Deta

Out Of Period Adjustments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2014	31-May-14
Out Of Period Adjustments [Line Items]
Out Of Period Adjustments Cost Of Goods Sold	($1,646)	$1,646
Out Of Period Adjustments Income Tax Expense Benefit	629	-629
Out Of Period Adjustments Tax Benefits	($1,010)	$1,010