Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI) 10-Q 4 Oct 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2013	Oct. 01, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	LEVI STRAUSS & CO
Entity Central Index Key	94845
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	25-Aug-13
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-13
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		37,474,100

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Aug. 25, 2013	Nov. 25, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$382,328	$406,134
Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $20,471 and $20,738	419,788	500,672
Inventories:
Raw materials	4,689	5,312
Work-in-process	6,583	9,558
Finished goods	613,359	503,990
Total inventories	624,631	518,860
Deferred tax assets, net	126,398	116,224
Other current assets	128,821	136,483
Total current assets	1,681,966	1,678,373
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $771,344 and $782,766	436,394	458,807
Goodwill	240,658	239,971
Other intangible assets, net	51,329	59,909
Non-current deferred tax assets, net	618,747	612,916
Other non-current assets	116,113	120,101
Total assets	3,145,207	3,170,077
Current Liabilities:
Short-term debt	38,153	59,759
Current maturities of capital leases	843	1,760
Accounts payable	249,643	225,726
Other accrued liabilities	186,700	263,575
Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits	186,883	223,850
Accrued interest payable	32,886	5,471
Accrued income taxes	72,700	16,739
Total current liabilities	767,808	796,880
Long-term debt	1,501,912	1,669,452
Long-term capital leases	10,274	262
Postretirement medical benefits	134,825	140,958
Pension liability	465,737	492,396
Long-term employee related benefits	67,804	62,529
Long-term income tax liabilities	34,252	40,356
Other long-term liabilities	58,390	60,869
Total liabilities	3,041,002	3,263,702
Commitments and contingencies
Temporary equity	29,429	7,883
Levi Strauss & Co. stockholders’ equity (deficit)
Common stock — $.01 par value; 270,000,000 shares authorized; 37,467,935 shares and 37,392,343 shares issued and outstanding	375	374
Additional paid-in capital	17,566	33,365
Retained earnings	460,765	273,975
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-407,699	-414,635
Total Levi Strauss & Co. stockholders’ equity (deficit)	71,007	-106,921
Noncontrolling interest	3,769	5,413
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)	74,776	-101,508
Total liabilities, temporary equity and stockholders’ equity (deficit)	$3,145,207	$3,170,077

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Aug. 25, 2013	Nov. 25, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Net of accumulated depreciation	$771,344	$782,766
Current Assets:
Net of allowance for doubtful accounts	$20,471	$20,738
Levi Strauss & Co. stockholders’ equity (deficit)
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	270,000,000	270,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	37,467,935	37,392,343
Common stock, shares outstanding	37,467,935	37,392,343

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 25, 2013	Aug. 26, 2012	Aug. 25, 2013	Aug. 26, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net revenues	$1,141,284	$1,100,856	$3,386,860	$3,312,974
Cost of goods sold	568,448	580,108	1,673,435	1,762,746
Gross profit	572,836	520,748	1,713,425	1,550,228
Selling, general and administrative expenses	454,750	433,961	1,314,247	1,307,600
Operating income	118,086	86,787	399,178	242,628
Interest expense	-30,903	-32,160	-95,943	-103,144
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	0	-689	-8,206
Other income (expense), net	-10,661	-5,747	-5,425	6,122
Income before income taxes	76,522	48,880	297,121	137,400
Income tax expense	20,077	23,802	85,592	49,782
Net income	56,445	25,078	211,529	87,618
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	630	3,273	715	3,184
Net income attributable to Levi Strauss & Co.	$57,075	$28,351	$212,244	$90,802

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 25, 2013	Aug. 26, 2012	Aug. 25, 2013	Aug. 26, 2012
Net income	$56,445	$25,078	$211,529	$87,618
Pension and postretirement benefits	3,718	474	10,826	1,091
Net investment hedge (losses) gains	-8,329	-1,006	-5,928	14,839
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)	9,823	4,040	1,650	-13,604
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities	-171	677	-541	1,496
Total other comprehensive income	5,041	4,185	6,007	3,822
Comprehensive income	61,486	29,263	217,536	91,440
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-451	-3,152	-1,644	-3,353
Comprehensive income attributable to Levi Strauss & Co.	$61,937	$32,415	$219,180	$94,793

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 25, 2013	Aug. 26, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$211,529	$87,618
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	86,600	91,577
Asset impairments	1,917	19,413
Gain on disposal of assets	2,120	303
Unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains)	323	-14,666
Realized loss (gain) on settlement of forward foreign exchange contracts not designated for hedge accounting	2,547	-3,559
Employee benefit plans’ amortization from accumulated other comprehensive loss	17,478	1,175
Employee benefit plans’ curtailment gain, net	-815	-1,730
Noncash loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt	689	-3,643
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs	3,232	3,268
Stock-based compensation	6,303	4,815
Allowance for doubtful accounts	2,394	5,243
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables	95,373	187,520
Inventories	-87,434	16,919
Other current assets	6,989	28,056
Other non-current assets	873	-3,554
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	-42,640	83,469
Income tax liabilities	37,660	11,287
Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits and long-term employee related benefits	-75,322	-102,991
Other long-term liabilities	8,845	5,437
Other, net	-605	423
Net cash provided by operating activities	273,816	415,774
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-63,002	-54,308
Proceeds from sale of assets	2,168	519
(Payments) proceeds on settlement of forward foreign exchange contracts not designated for hedge accounting	-2,547	3,559
Net cash used for investing activities	-63,381	-50,230
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	140,000	385,000
Repayments of long-term debt and capital leases	-326,198	-407,651
Proceeds from senior revolving credit facility	0	50,000
Repayments of senior revolving credit facility	0	-250,000
Short-term borrowings, net	-13,815	1,633
Debt issuance costs	-2,557	-7,368
Restricted cash	123	671
Repurchase of common stock	-365	-479
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	165	0
Dividend to stockholders	-25,076	-20,036
Net cash used for financing activities	-227,723	-248,230
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-6,518	-7,088
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-23,806	110,226
Beginning cash and cash equivalents	406,134	204,542
Ending cash and cash equivalents	382,328	314,768
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Interest	61,209	74,153
Income Taxes Paid, Net	$26,441	$28,814

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Nature of Operations
	Levi Strauss & Co. (the “Company”) is one of the world’s leading branded apparel companies. The Company designs, markets and sells – directly or through third parties and licensees – products that include jeans, casual and dress pants, tops, shorts, skirts, jackets, footwear and related accessories for men, women and children under the Levi’s®, Dockers®, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™ and Denizen® brands. The Company operates its business through three geographic regions: Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific.
	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
	The unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company and its wholly-owned and majority-owned foreign and domestic subsidiaries are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the financial position and the results of operations for the periods presented have been included. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended November 25, 2012, included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 7, 2013.
	The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Management believes the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented herein not misleading. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended August 25, 2013, may not be indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or the year ending November 24, 2013.
	The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday of November in each year, although the fiscal years of certain foreign subsidiaries end on November 30. Each quarter of both fiscal years 2013 and 2012 consists of 13 weeks. All references to years relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years.
	Subsequent events have been evaluated through the issuance date of these financial statements.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements. Estimates are based upon historical factors, current circumstances and the experience and judgment of the Company’s management. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis and may employ outside experts to assist in its evaluations. Changes in such estimates, based on more accurate future information, or different assumptions or conditions, may affect amounts reported in future periods.
	Temporary Equity
	Equity-classified stock-based compensation awards that may be settled in cash, at the option of the holder, are presented on the balance sheet outside permanent equity. Accordingly, “Temporary equity” on the face of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets includes the portion of the intrinsic value of these awards relating to the elapsed service period since the grant date as well as the fair value of common stock issued pursuant to the Company's 2006 Equity Incentive Plan ("EIP"). The increase in temporary equity from the year ended November 25, 2012, to August 25, 2013, was due to an increase in the fair value of the Company's common stock.
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	There have been no developments to recently issued accounting standards, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, from those disclosed in the Company’s 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K, except for the following, which will become effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2015:
	•	In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or Tax Credit Carryforward Exists," ("ASU 2013-11"). ASU 2013-11 requires entities to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, as a reduction to 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 tax law. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	The following table presents the Company’s financial instruments that are carried at fair value:
		August 25, 2013						November 25, 2012
				Fair Value Estimated						Fair Value Estimated
				Using						Using
		Fair Value		Level 1 Inputs(1)		Level 2 Inputs(2)		Fair Value		Level 1 Inputs(1)		Level 2 Inputs(2)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Financial assets carried at fair value
	Rabbi trust assets	$	22,458	$	22,458	$	—	$	20,322	$	20,322	$	—
	Forward foreign exchange contracts, net(3)	13,641		—		13,641		5,792		—		5,792
	Total	$	36,099	$	22,458	$	13,641	$	26,114	$	20,322	$	5,792
	Financial liabilities carried at fair value
	Forward foreign exchange contracts, net(3)	$	2,360	$	—	$	2,360	$	3,018	$	—	$	3,018
	_____________
	-1	Fair values estimated using Level 1 inputs are inputs which consist of quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Rabbi trust assets consist of a diversified portfolio of equity, fixed income and other securities.
	-2	Fair values estimated using Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly and include among other things, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active or inactive as well as inputs other than quoted prices that are observable. For forward foreign exchange contracts, inputs include foreign currency exchange and interest rates and, where applicable, credit default swap prices.
	-3	The Company’s over-the-counter forward foreign exchange contracts are subject to International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. master agreements. These agreements permit the net-settlement of these contracts on a per-institution basis.
	The following table presents the carrying value – including related accrued interest – and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments that are carried at adjusted historical cost:
		August 25, 2013				November 25, 2012
		Carrying		Estimated Fair Value(1)		Carrying		Estimated Fair Value(1)
		Value				Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Financial liabilities carried at adjusted historical cost
	Senior term loan due 2014	$	—	$	—	$	324,890	$	324,484
	4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds due 2016	41,335		40,112		48,656		47,201
	7.75% Euro senior notes due 2018	409,256		437,303		387,433		416,422
	7.625% senior notes due 2020	536,231		573,637		526,223		572,161
	6.875% senior notes due 2022	546,975		581,110		386,838		404,163
	Short-term borrowings	38,399		38,399		59,861		59,861
	Total	$	1,572,196	$	1,670,561	$	1,733,901	$	1,824,292
	_____________
	-1	Fair value estimate incorporates mid-market price quotes.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
	As of August 25, 2013, the Company had forward foreign exchange contracts to buy $637.2 million and to sell $412.9 million against various foreign currencies. These contracts are at various exchange rates and expire at various dates through January 2015.
	The table below provides data about the carrying values of derivative instruments and non-derivative instruments:
		August 25, 2013									November 25, 2012
		Assets			(Liabilities)			Derivative Net Carrying Value			Assets			(Liabilities)			Derivative Net Carrying Value
		Carrying			Carrying						Carrying			Carrying
		Value			Value						Value			Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Forward foreign exchange contracts(1)	$	19,319		$	(5,678	)	$	13,641		$	7,131		$	(1,339	)	$	5,792
	Forward foreign exchange contracts(2)	889			(3,249		)	(2,360		)	5,183			(8,201		)	(3,018		)
	Total	$	20,208		$	(8,927	)				$	12,314		$	(9,540	)
	Non-derivatives designated as hedging instruments
	4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds due 2016	$	—		$	(23,656	)				$	—		$	(28,135	)
	7.75% Euro senior notes due 2018	—			(400,680		)				—			(386,520		)
	Total	$	—		$	(424,336	)				$	—		$	(414,655	)
	_____________
	-1	Included in “Other current assets” or “Other non-current assets” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
	-2	Included in “Other accrued liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
	The table below provides data about the amount of gains and losses related to derivative instruments and non-derivative instruments designated as net investment hedges included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (“AOCI”) on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, and in “Other income (expense), net” in the Company’s consolidated statements of income:
		Gain or (Loss)						Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other
		Recognized in AOCI						Income (Expense), net (Ineffective
		(Effective Portion)						Portion and Amount Excluded from
								Effectiveness Testing)
		As of			As of			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		August 25,			November 25,			August 25,			August 26,			August 25,			August 26,
		2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Forward foreign exchange contracts	$	4,637		$	4,637
	4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds due 2016	(21,806		)	(26,285		)	$	(661	)	$	(79	)	$	3,243		$	2,444
	7.75% Euro senior notes due 2018	(23,611		)	(9,451		)	—			—			—			—
	Cumulative income taxes	15,999			12,246
	Total	$	(24,781	)	$	(18,853	)
	The table below provides data about the amount of gains and losses related to derivatives not designated as hedging instruments included in “Other income (expense), net” in the Company’s consolidated statements of income:
		Gain or (Loss)
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		August 25,			August 26,			August 25,			August 26,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Forward foreign exchange contracts:
	Realized	$	3,650		$	1,029		$	(2,547	)	$	3,559
	Unrealized	2,664			(16,413		)	8,833			(12,862		)
	Total	$	6,314		$	(15,384	)	$	6,286		$	(9,303	)

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
DEBT	DEBT
			August 25,		November 25,
			2013		2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
		Long-term debt
		Unsecured:
		Senior term loan due 2014	$	—	$	324,424
		4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds due 2016	40,786		48,508
		7.75% Euro senior notes due 2018	400,680		386,520
		7.625% senior notes due 2020	525,000		525,000
		6.875% senior notes due 2022	535,446		385,000
		Total unsecured	1,501,912		1,669,452
		Total long-term debt	$	1,501,912	$	1,669,452
		Short-term debt
		Short-term borrowings	$	38,153	$	59,759
		Total short-term debt	$	38,153	$	59,759
		Total long-term and short-term debt	$	1,540,065	$	1,729,211
	Senior Term Loan due 2014
	During the nine months ended August 25, 2013, the Company repaid in full the remaining balance of its Senior Term Loan due 2014 with the proceeds of the notes issued on March 14, 2013, and cash on hand. See “Additional Issuance of Senior Notes due 2022” below.
	Additional Issuance of Senior Notes due 2022
	Additional Senior Notes due 2022. On March 14, 2013, the Company issued an additional $140.0 million in 6.875% senior notes due 2022 (the “Additional Senior Notes due 2022”) to qualified institutional buyers in compliance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Additional Senior Notes due 2022 have the same terms and are part of the same series as the $385.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% senior notes due 2022 the Company issued in May 2012 (the “Existing Senior Notes due 2022”). The Additional Senior Notes due 2022 were offered at a premium of $11.2 million, which will be amortized as a reduction to interest expense over the term of the notes. Costs of approximately $2.6 million associated with the issuance of the notes, representing underwriting fees and other expenses, will also be amortized to interest expense over the term of the notes.
	Exchange offer. In accordance with a registration rights agreement, the Company conducted an exchange offer to allow holders of the Additional Senior Notes due 2022 to exchange the Additional Senior Notes due 2022 for new notes in the same principal amount with substantially identical terms ("Exchange Notes"), except that the Exchange Notes were registered under the Securities Act. All of the Additional Senior Notes due 2022 were exchanged in the exchange offer.
	Covenants. The Exchange Notes and the Existing Senior Notes due 2022 will be treated as a single class for all purposes under the indenture governing the Company's Existing Senior Notes due 2022, including without limitation, the covenants, events of default, asset sale, change of control, covenant suspension and other terms.
	Use of Proceeds. The Company used the net proceeds from the offering, together with cash on hand, to prepay in full its Senior Term Loan due 2014. The Company recorded a $0.7 million loss on the early extinguishment of debt, which was comprised of the write-off of the remaining unamortized discount and unamortized debt issuance costs.
	Senior Revolving Credit Facility
	The Company’s unused availability under its senior secured revolving credit facility was $521.6 million at August 25, 2013, as the Company’s total availability of $587.8 million was reduced by $66.2 million of letters of credit and other credit usage allocated under the facility.
	Interest Rates on Borrowings
	The Company’s weighted-average interest rate on average borrowings outstanding during the three and nine months ended August 25, 2013, was 7.75% and 7.44%, respectively, as compared to 6.95% and 7.05%, respectively, in each of the same periods of 2012.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost (income) and the changes recognized in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans and postretirement benefit plans:
		Pension Benefits						Postretirement Benefits
		Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
		August 25,			August 26,			August 25,			August 26,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net periodic benefit cost (income):
	Service cost	$	2,052		$	2,215		$	94		$	99
	Interest cost	12,918			14,364			1,239			1,658
	Expected return on plan assets	(14,105		)	(12,901		)	—			—
	Amortization of prior service benefit	(24		)	(20		)	(122		)	(4,089		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	3,810			3,154			1,691			1,290
	Curtailment gain	(305		)	(735		)	—			—
	Net settlement loss	415			—			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost (income)	4,761			6,077			2,902			(1,042		)
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
	Actuarial gain	—			(451		)	—			—
	Amortization of prior service benefit	24			20			122			4,089
	Amortization of actuarial loss	(3,810		)	(3,154		)	(1,691		)	(1,290		)
	Curtailment (loss) gain	(12		)	192			—			—
	Net settlement (loss) gain	(406		)	18			—			—
	Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(4,204		)	(3,375		)	(1,569		)	2,799
	Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (income) and accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	557		$	2,702		$	1,333		$	1,757
		Pension Benefits						Postretirement Benefits
		Nine Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		August 25,			August 26,			August 25,			August 26,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net periodic benefit cost (income):
	Service cost	$	6,548		$	6,709		$	282		$	298
	Interest cost	38,978			43,212			3,718			4,975
	Expected return on plan assets	(42,065		)	(39,018		)	—			—
	Amortization of prior service benefit	(61		)	(61		)	(366		)	(12,267		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	12,241			9,457			5,074			3,868
	Curtailment gain	(815		)	(1,730		)	—			—
	Net settlement loss	1,044			417			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost (income)	15,870			18,986			8,708			(3,126		)
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
	Actuarial gain	—			(381		)	—			—
	Amortization of prior service benefit	61			61			366			12,267
	Amortization of actuarial loss	(12,241		)	(9,457		)	(5,074		)	(3,868		)
	Curtailment gain	497			191			—			—
	Net settlement loss	(590		)	(178		)	—			—
	Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(12,273		)	(9,764		)	(4,708		)	8,399
	Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (income) and accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	3,597		$	9,222		$	4,000		$	5,273

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts
	The Company uses over-the-counter derivative instruments to manage its exposure to foreign currencies. The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to the forward foreign exchange contracts. However, the Company believes that its exposures are appropriately diversified across counterparties and that these counterparties are creditworthy financial institutions. Please see Note 3 for additional information.
	Other Contingencies
	Litigation.    There have been no material developments with respect to the information previously reported in the Company’s 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K related to legal proceedings.
	In the ordinary course of business, the Company has various pending cases involving contractual matters, facility- and employee-related matters, distribution matters, product liability claims, trademark infringement and other matters. The Company does not believe any of these pending legal proceedings will have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Dividend_Payment

Dividend Payment	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2013
Dividend Payment [Abstract]
DIVIDEND PAYMENT	DIVIDEND PAYMENT
	The Company paid a cash dividend of $25.1 million in the first quarter of 2013. The Company does not have an established annual dividend policy. The Company will continue to review its ability to pay cash dividends at least annually, and dividends may be declared at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors depending upon, among other factors, the income tax impact to the dividend recipients, the Company's financial condition and compliance with the terms of the Company's debt agreements.

Comprehensive_Income_Loss

Comprehensive Income (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
	The following is a summary of the components of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss,” net of related income taxes:
			August 25,			November 25,
			2013			2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
		Pension and postretirement benefits	$	(320,135	)	$	(330,961	)
		Net investment hedge losses	(24,781		)	(18,853		)
		Foreign currency translation losses	(53,773		)	(55,423		)
		Unrealized gain on marketable securities	473			1,014
		Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(398,216		)	(404,223		)
		Accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	9,483			10,412
		Accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to Levi Strauss & Co.	$	(407,699	)	$	(414,635	)
	No amounts were reclassified out of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" into net income other than those that pertain to the Company's pension and postretirement benefit plans. Please see Note 5 for additional information. These amounts are included in "Selling, general and administrative expenses" in the consolidated statements of income.

Other_Income_Expense_Net

Other Income (Expense), Net	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET	OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
	The following table summarizes significant components of “Other income (expense), net”:
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			August 25,			August 26,			August 25,			August 26,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
		Foreign exchange management gains (losses)(1)	$	6,314		$	(15,384	)	$	6,286		$	(9,303	)
		Foreign currency transaction (losses) gains(2)	(18,210		)	8,518			(18,728		)	11,722
		Interest income	357			345			1,138			1,153
		Investment income	214			99			3,019			326
		Other	664			675			2,860			2,224
		Total other income (expense), net	$	(10,661	)	$	(5,747	)	$	(5,425	)	$	6,122
	_____________
	-1	Gains and losses on forward foreign exchange contracts primarily resulted from currency fluctuations relative to negotiated contract rates. Losses on forward foreign exchange contracts in 2012 primarily resulted from unfavorable currency fluctuations relative to negotiated contract rates on positions to sell the Swedish Krona, Mexican Peso, and Australian Dollar.
	-2	Foreign currency transaction gains and losses reflect the impact of foreign currency fluctuation on the Company's foreign currency denominated balances. Losses in 2013 were primarily due to the weakening of various currencies against the U.S. Dollar.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES
	The effective income tax rate was 28.8% for the nine months ended August 25, 2013, compared to 36.2% for the same period ended August 26, 2012. The decrease in the effective tax rate in 2013 was due to two factors. The rate declined due to a reduction, as a percentage of pre-tax profits, in the proportion of losses in jurisdictions where the Company cannot record a tax benefit. The 2013 effective tax rate also benefited from the July 2013 finalization of the U.S. federal tax audit of tax years 2003 – 2008, which enabled the Company to record previously unrecognized tax benefits of $23.4 million during the three months ended August 25, 2013, of which $14.2 million reduced income tax expense.

Related_Parties

Related Parties	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
RELATED PARTIES	RELATED PARTIES
	Robert D. Haas, a director and Chairman Emeritus of the Company, is the President of the Levi Strauss Foundation, which is not a consolidated entity of the Company. During the three- and nine-month periods ended August 25, 2013, the Company donated $0.4 million and $3.9 million, respectively, to the Levi Strauss Foundation as compared to $0.5 million and $2.4 million, respectively, for the same prior-year periods.

Business_Segment_Information

Business Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION	BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The Company manages its business according to three regional segments, the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. The Company considers its chief executive officer to be the Company’s chief operating decision maker. The Company’s management, including the chief operating decision maker, manages business operations, evaluates performance and allocates resources based on the regional segments’ net revenues and operating income.
	Business segment information for the Company is as follows:
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			August 25,			August 26,			August 25,			August 26,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
		Net revenues:
		Americas	$	710,212		$	679,098		$	2,023,253		$	1,931,561
		Europe	275,211			265,922			824,915			809,271
		Asia Pacific	155,861			155,836			538,692			572,142
		Total net revenues	$	1,141,284		$	1,100,856		$	3,386,860		$	3,312,974
		Operating income:
		Americas	$	125,228		$	136,509		$	376,598		$	287,470
		Europe	45,914			48,152			145,549			129,781
		Asia Pacific	22,666			(4,719		)	104,233			55,193
		Regional operating income	193,808			179,942			626,380			472,444
		Corporate expenses(1)	75,722			93,155			227,202			229,816
		Total operating income	118,086			86,787			399,178			242,628
		Interest expense	(30,903		)	(32,160		)	(95,943		)	(103,144		)
		Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			—			(689		)	(8,206		)
		Other income (expense), net	(10,661		)	(5,747		)	(5,425		)	6,122
		Income before income taxes	$	76,522		$	48,880		$	297,121		$	137,400
	_____________
	-1	Included in corporate expenses for the three- and nine-month periods ended August 26, 2012, is an $18.8 million impairment charge related to the Company's decision in the third quarter of 2012 to outsource distribution in Japan to a third-party and close its owned distribution center in that country.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of accounting	The unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company and its wholly-owned and majority-owned foreign and domestic subsidiaries are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information.
Consolidated entities policy	The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
Fiscal period	The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday of November in each year, although the fiscal years of certain foreign subsidiaries end on November 30. Each quarter of both fiscal years 2013 and 2012 consists of 13 weeks. All references to years relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years.
Subsequent events	Subsequent events have been evaluated through the issuance date of these financial statements.
Use of estimates	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements. Estimates are based upon historical factors, current circumstances and the experience and judgment of the Company’s management. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis and may employ outside experts to assist in its evaluations. Changes in such estimates, based on more accurate future information, or different assumptions or conditions, may affect amounts reported in future periods.
New accounting pronouncements	There have been no developments to recently issued accounting standards, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, from those disclosed in the Company’s 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K, except for the following, which will become effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2015:
	•	In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or Tax Credit Carryforward Exists," ("ASU 2013-11"). ASU 2013-11 requires entities to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, as a reduction to 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 tax law. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value	The following table presents the Company’s financial instruments that are carried at fair value:
		August 25, 2013						November 25, 2012
				Fair Value Estimated						Fair Value Estimated
				Using						Using
		Fair Value		Level 1 Inputs(1)		Level 2 Inputs(2)		Fair Value		Level 1 Inputs(1)		Level 2 Inputs(2)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Financial assets carried at fair value
	Rabbi trust assets	$	22,458	$	22,458	$	—	$	20,322	$	20,322	$	—
	Forward foreign exchange contracts, net(3)	13,641		—		13,641		5,792		—		5,792
	Total	$	36,099	$	22,458	$	13,641	$	26,114	$	20,322	$	5,792
	Financial liabilities carried at fair value
	Forward foreign exchange contracts, net(3)	$	2,360	$	—	$	2,360	$	3,018	$	—	$	3,018
	_____________
	-1	Fair values estimated using Level 1 inputs are inputs which consist of quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Rabbi trust assets consist of a diversified portfolio of equity, fixed income and other securities.
	-2	Fair values estimated using Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly and include among other things, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active or inactive as well as inputs other than quoted prices that are observable. For forward foreign exchange contracts, inputs include foreign currency exchange and interest rates and, where applicable, credit default swap prices.
	-3	The Company’s over-the-counter forward foreign exchange contracts are subject to International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. master agreements. These agreements permit the net-settlement of these contracts on a per-institution basis.
Financial liabilities carried at adjusted historical cost	The following table presents the carrying value – including related accrued interest – and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments that are carried at adjusted historical cost:
		August 25, 2013				November 25, 2012
		Carrying		Estimated Fair Value(1)		Carrying		Estimated Fair Value(1)
		Value				Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Financial liabilities carried at adjusted historical cost
	Senior term loan due 2014	$	—	$	—	$	324,890	$	324,484
	4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds due 2016	41,335		40,112		48,656		47,201
	7.75% Euro senior notes due 2018	409,256		437,303		387,433		416,422
	7.625% senior notes due 2020	536,231		573,637		526,223		572,161
	6.875% senior notes due 2022	546,975		581,110		386,838		404,163
	Short-term borrowings	38,399		38,399		59,861		59,861
	Total	$	1,572,196	$	1,670,561	$	1,733,901	$	1,824,292
	_____________
	-1	Fair value estimate incorporates mid-market price quotes.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Carrying values of derivative instruments and non-derivative instruments	The table below provides data about the carrying values of derivative instruments and non-derivative instruments:
		August 25, 2013									November 25, 2012
		Assets			(Liabilities)			Derivative Net Carrying Value			Assets			(Liabilities)			Derivative Net Carrying Value
		Carrying			Carrying						Carrying			Carrying
		Value			Value						Value			Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Forward foreign exchange contracts(1)	$	19,319		$	(5,678	)	$	13,641		$	7,131		$	(1,339	)	$	5,792
	Forward foreign exchange contracts(2)	889			(3,249		)	(2,360		)	5,183			(8,201		)	(3,018		)
	Total	$	20,208		$	(8,927	)				$	12,314		$	(9,540	)
	Non-derivatives designated as hedging instruments
	4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds due 2016	$	—		$	(23,656	)				$	—		$	(28,135	)
	7.75% Euro senior notes due 2018	—			(400,680		)				—			(386,520		)
	Total	$	—		$	(424,336	)				$	—		$	(414,655	)
	_____________
	-1	Included in “Other current assets” or “Other non-current assets” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
	-2	Included in “Other accrued liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Gains and losses included in AOCI	The table below provides data about the amount of gains and losses related to derivative instruments and non-derivative instruments designated as net investment hedges included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (“AOCI”) on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, and in “Other income (expense), net” in the Company’s consolidated statements of income:
		Gain or (Loss)						Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other
		Recognized in AOCI						Income (Expense), net (Ineffective
		(Effective Portion)						Portion and Amount Excluded from
								Effectiveness Testing)
		As of			As of			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		August 25,			November 25,			August 25,			August 26,			August 25,			August 26,
		2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Forward foreign exchange contracts	$	4,637		$	4,637
	4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds due 2016	(21,806		)	(26,285		)	$	(661	)	$	(79	)	$	3,243		$	2,444
	7.75% Euro senior notes due 2018	(23,611		)	(9,451		)	—			—			—			—
	Cumulative income taxes	15,999			12,246
	Total	$	(24,781	)	$	(18,853	)
Gains and losses included in statements of income	The table below provides data about the amount of gains and losses related to derivatives not designated as hedging instruments included in “Other income (expense), net” in the Company’s consolidated statements of income:
		Gain or (Loss)
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		August 25,			August 26,			August 25,			August 26,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Forward foreign exchange contracts:
	Realized	$	3,650		$	1,029		$	(2,547	)	$	3,559
	Unrealized	2,664			(16,413		)	8,833			(12,862		)
	Total	$	6,314		$	(15,384	)	$	6,286		$	(9,303	)

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of long-term and short-term debt instruments
			August 25,		November 25,
			2013		2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
		Long-term debt
		Unsecured:
		Senior term loan due 2014	$	—	$	324,424
		4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds due 2016	40,786		48,508
		7.75% Euro senior notes due 2018	400,680		386,520
		7.625% senior notes due 2020	525,000		525,000
		6.875% senior notes due 2022	535,446		385,000
		Total unsecured	1,501,912		1,669,452
		Total long-term debt	$	1,501,912	$	1,669,452
		Short-term debt
		Short-term borrowings	$	38,153	$	59,759
		Total short-term debt	$	38,153	$	59,759
		Total long-term and short-term debt	$	1,540,065	$	1,729,211

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of defined benefit plans disclosures	The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost (income) and the changes recognized in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans and postretirement benefit plans:
		Pension Benefits						Postretirement Benefits
		Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
		August 25,			August 26,			August 25,			August 26,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net periodic benefit cost (income):
	Service cost	$	2,052		$	2,215		$	94		$	99
	Interest cost	12,918			14,364			1,239			1,658
	Expected return on plan assets	(14,105		)	(12,901		)	—			—
	Amortization of prior service benefit	(24		)	(20		)	(122		)	(4,089		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	3,810			3,154			1,691			1,290
	Curtailment gain	(305		)	(735		)	—			—
	Net settlement loss	415			—			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost (income)	4,761			6,077			2,902			(1,042		)
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
	Actuarial gain	—			(451		)	—			—
	Amortization of prior service benefit	24			20			122			4,089
	Amortization of actuarial loss	(3,810		)	(3,154		)	(1,691		)	(1,290		)
	Curtailment (loss) gain	(12		)	192			—			—
	Net settlement (loss) gain	(406		)	18			—			—
	Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(4,204		)	(3,375		)	(1,569		)	2,799
	Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (income) and accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	557		$	2,702		$	1,333		$	1,757
		Pension Benefits						Postretirement Benefits
		Nine Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		August 25,			August 26,			August 25,			August 26,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net periodic benefit cost (income):
	Service cost	$	6,548		$	6,709		$	282		$	298
	Interest cost	38,978			43,212			3,718			4,975
	Expected return on plan assets	(42,065		)	(39,018		)	—			—
	Amortization of prior service benefit	(61		)	(61		)	(366		)	(12,267		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	12,241			9,457			5,074			3,868
	Curtailment gain	(815		)	(1,730		)	—			—
	Net settlement loss	1,044			417			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost (income)	15,870			18,986			8,708			(3,126		)
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
	Actuarial gain	—			(381		)	—			—
	Amortization of prior service benefit	61			61			366			12,267
	Amortization of actuarial loss	(12,241		)	(9,457		)	(5,074		)	(3,868		)
	Curtailment gain	497			191			—			—
	Net settlement loss	(590		)	(178		)	—			—
	Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(12,273		)	(9,764		)	(4,708		)	8,399
	Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (income) and accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	3,597		$	9,222		$	4,000		$	5,273

Comprehensive_Income_Loss_Tabl

Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (Loss)	The following is a summary of the components of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss,” net of related income taxes:
			August 25,			November 25,
			2013			2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
		Pension and postretirement benefits	$	(320,135	)	$	(330,961	)
		Net investment hedge losses	(24,781		)	(18,853		)
		Foreign currency translation losses	(53,773		)	(55,423		)
		Unrealized gain on marketable securities	473			1,014
		Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(398,216		)	(404,223		)
		Accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	9,483			10,412
		Accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to Levi Strauss & Co.	$	(407,699	)	$	(414,635	)

Other_Income_Expense_Net_Table

Other Income (Expense), Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule of other nonoperating income (expense)	The following table summarizes significant components of “Other income (expense), net”:
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			August 25,			August 26,			August 25,			August 26,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
		Foreign exchange management gains (losses)(1)	$	6,314		$	(15,384	)	$	6,286		$	(9,303	)
		Foreign currency transaction (losses) gains(2)	(18,210		)	8,518			(18,728		)	11,722
		Interest income	357			345			1,138			1,153
		Investment income	214			99			3,019			326
		Other	664			675			2,860			2,224
		Total other income (expense), net	$	(10,661	)	$	(5,747	)	$	(5,425	)	$	6,122
	_____________
	-1	Gains and losses on forward foreign exchange contracts primarily resulted from currency fluctuations relative to negotiated contract rates. Losses on forward foreign exchange contracts in 2012 primarily resulted from unfavorable currency fluctuations relative to negotiated contract rates on positions to sell the Swedish Krona, Mexican Peso, and Australian Dollar.
	-2	Foreign currency transaction gains and losses reflect the impact of foreign currency fluctuation on the Company's foreign currency denominated balances. Losses in 2013 were primarily due to the weakening of various currencies against the U.S. Dollar.

Business_Segment_Information_T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Business segment information for the Company is as follows:
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			August 25,			August 26,			August 25,			August 26,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
		Net revenues:
		Americas	$	710,212		$	679,098		$	2,023,253		$	1,931,561
		Europe	275,211			265,922			824,915			809,271
		Asia Pacific	155,861			155,836			538,692			572,142
		Total net revenues	$	1,141,284		$	1,100,856		$	3,386,860		$	3,312,974
		Operating income:
		Americas	$	125,228		$	136,509		$	376,598		$	287,470
		Europe	45,914			48,152			145,549			129,781
		Asia Pacific	22,666			(4,719		)	104,233			55,193
		Regional operating income	193,808			179,942			626,380			472,444
		Corporate expenses(1)	75,722			93,155			227,202			229,816
		Total operating income	118,086			86,787			399,178			242,628
		Interest expense	(30,903		)	(32,160		)	(95,943		)	(103,144		)
		Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			—			(689		)	(8,206		)
		Other income (expense), net	(10,661		)	(5,747		)	(5,425		)	6,122
		Income before income taxes	$	76,522		$	48,880		$	297,121		$	137,400
	_____________
	-1	Included in corporate expenses for the three- and nine-month periods ended August 26, 2012, is an $18.8 million impairment charge related to the Company's decision in the third quarter of 2012 to outsource distribution in Japan to a third-party and close its owned distribution center in that country.

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2013	Aug. 26, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of weeks in a quarter	13	13

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments-fair value (Details) (Recurring [Member], USD $)	Aug. 25, 2013		Nov. 25, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Level 1 Inputs [Member]
Financial assets carried at fair value
Rabbi trust assets	$22,458	[1]	$20,322	[1]
Forward foreign exchange contracts, net	0	[1],[2]	0	[1],[2]
Total	22,458	[1]	20,322	[1]
Financial liabilities carried at fair value
Forward foreign exchange contracts, net	0	[1],[2]	0	[1],[2]
Level 2 Inputs [Member]
Financial assets carried at fair value
Rabbi trust assets	0	[3]	0	[3]
Forward foreign exchange contracts, net	13,641	[2],[3]	5,792	[2],[3]
Total	13,641	[3]	5,792	[3]
Financial liabilities carried at fair value
Forward foreign exchange contracts, net	2,360	[2],[3]	3,018	[2],[3]
Fair Value [Member]
Financial assets carried at fair value
Rabbi trust assets	22,458		20,322
Forward foreign exchange contracts, net	13,641	[2]	5,792
Total	36,099		26,114
Financial liabilities carried at fair value
Forward foreign exchange contracts, net	$2,360	[2]	$3,018
[1]	Fair values estimated using Level 1 inputs are inputs which consist of quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Rabbi trust assets consist of a diversified portfolio of equity, fixed income and other securities.
[2]	The Company’s over-the-counter forward foreign exchange contracts are subject to International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. master agreements. These agreements permit the net-settlement of these contracts on a per-institution basis.
[3]	Fair values estimated using Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly and include among other things, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active or inactive as well as inputs other than quoted prices that are observable. For forward foreign exchange contracts, inputs include foreign currency exchange and interest rates and, where applicable, credit default swap prices.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments-adjusted historical cost (Details) (USD $)

Aug. 25, 2013

Aug. 25, 2013

Aug. 25, 2013

Mar. 14, 2013

8-May-12

Aug. 25, 2013

Aug. 25, 2013

Nov. 25, 2012

Aug. 25, 2013

Nov. 25, 2012

Aug. 25, 2013

Nov. 25, 2012

Aug. 25, 2013

Nov. 25, 2012

Aug. 25, 2013

Nov. 25, 2012

Aug. 25, 2013

Nov. 25, 2012

Aug. 25, 2013

Nov. 25, 2012

Aug. 25, 2013

Nov. 25, 2012

Aug. 25, 2013

Nov. 25, 2012

Aug. 25, 2013

Nov. 25, 2012

Aug. 25, 2013

Nov. 25, 2012

Aug. 25, 2013

Nov. 25, 2012

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Senior notes [Member]

Senior notes [Member]

Senior notes [Member]

Senior notes [Member]

Senior notes [Member]

Bonds [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

Recurring [Member]

7.75% Euro senior notes due 2018 [Member]

7.625% senior notes due 2020 [Member]

6.875% senior notes due 2022 [Member]

6.875% senior notes due 2022 [Member]

6.875% senior notes due 2022 [Member]

4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds, due 2016 [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Senior term loan due 2014 [Member]

Senior term loan due 2014 [Member]

Senior notes [Member]

Senior notes [Member]

Senior notes [Member]

Senior notes [Member]

Senior notes [Member]

Senior notes [Member]

Bonds [Member]

Bonds [Member]

Senior term loan due 2014 [Member]

Senior term loan due 2014 [Member]

Senior notes [Member]

Senior notes [Member]

Senior notes [Member]

Senior notes [Member]

Senior notes [Member]

Senior notes [Member]

Bonds [Member]

Bonds [Member]

7.75% Euro senior notes due 2018 [Member]

7.75% Euro senior notes due 2018 [Member]

7.625% senior notes due 2020 [Member]

7.625% senior notes due 2020 [Member]

6.875% senior notes due 2022 [Member]

6.875% senior notes due 2022 [Member]

4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds, due 2016 [Member]

4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds, due 2016 [Member]

7.75% Euro senior notes due 2018 [Member]

7.75% Euro senior notes due 2018 [Member]

7.625% senior notes due 2020 [Member]

7.625% senior notes due 2020 [Member]

6.875% senior notes due 2022 [Member]

6.875% senior notes due 2022 [Member]

4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds, due 2016 [Member]

4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds, due 2016 [Member]

Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

Long-term Debt, Fair Value

$0

$324,890

$409,256

$387,433

$536,231

$526,223

$546,975

$386,838

$41,335

$48,656

$0

[1]

$324,484

[1]

$437,303

[1]

$416,422

[1]

$573,637

[1]

$572,161

[1]

$581,110

[1]

$404,163

[1]

$40,112

[1]

$47,201

[1]

Stated interest rate

7.75%

7.63%

6.88%

6.88%

6.88%

4.25%

Short-term debt carried at adjusted historical cost

38,399

59,861

38,399

[1]

59,861

[1]

Total financial liabilities carried at adjusted historical cost

$1,572,196

$1,733,901

$1,670,561

[1]

$1,824,292

[1]

[1]

Fair value estimate incorporates mid-market price quotes.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities-Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 25, 2013		Nov. 25, 2012
Carrying Value, Balance Sheet Location By Contract Type, By Hedging Designation [Line Items]
Forward foreign exchange contracts to buy	$637,200,000
Forward foreign exchange contracts to sell	412,900,000
Carrying Value [Member]
Carrying Value, Balance Sheet Location By Contract Type, By Hedging Designation [Line Items]
Hedging assets	0		0
Hedging liabilities	-424,336,000		-414,655,000
Carrying Value [Member] | Forward foreign exchange contracts [Member]
Carrying Value, Balance Sheet Location By Contract Type, By Hedging Designation [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, net	20,208,000		12,314,000
Derivative Liability, net	-8,927,000		-9,540,000
Carrying Value [Member] | Other assets [Member] | Forward foreign exchange contracts [Member]
Carrying Value, Balance Sheet Location By Contract Type, By Hedging Designation [Line Items]
Derivative asset, gross asset	19,319,000	[1]	7,131,000	[1]
Derivative liability, gross asset	-5,678,000	[1]	-1,339,000	[1]
Derivative Asset, Net Carrying Value	13,641,000	[1]	5,792,000	[1]
Carrying Value [Member] | Other accrued liabilities [Member] | Forward foreign exchange contracts [Member]
Carrying Value, Balance Sheet Location By Contract Type, By Hedging Designation [Line Items]
Derivative asset, gross liability	889,000	[2]	5,183,000	[2]
Derivative Liability, gross liability	-3,249,000	[2]	-8,201,000	[2]
Derivative Liability, Net Carrying Value	-2,360,000	[2]	-3,018,000	[2]
Bonds [Member] | 4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds, due 2016 [Member]
Carrying Value, Balance Sheet Location By Contract Type, By Hedging Designation [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.25%
Bonds [Member] | 4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds, due 2016 [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]
Carrying Value, Balance Sheet Location By Contract Type, By Hedging Designation [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.25%
Hedging assets	0		0
Hedging liabilities	-23,656,000		-28,135,000
Senior notes [Member] | 7.75% Euro senior notes due 2018 [Member]
Carrying Value, Balance Sheet Location By Contract Type, By Hedging Designation [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	7.75%
Senior notes [Member] | 7.75% Euro senior notes due 2018 [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]
Carrying Value, Balance Sheet Location By Contract Type, By Hedging Designation [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	7.75%
Hedging assets	0		0
Hedging liabilities	($400,680,000)		($386,520,000)
[1]	Included in “Other current assets” or “Other non-current assets” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
[2]	Included in “Other accrued liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed3

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities-Income Statement (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 25, 2013	Aug. 26, 2012	Aug. 25, 2013	Aug. 26, 2012	Nov. 25, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Cumulative income taxes, gain or (loss) recognized in AOCI	$15,999		$15,999		$12,246
Total, gain or (loss) recognized in AOCI	-24,781		-24,781		-18,853
Forward foreign exchange contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Forward foreign exchange contracts, gain of (loss) recognized in AOCI	4,637		4,637		4,637
4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds, due 2016 [Member] | Bonds [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Non-derivative hedging instruments-gain or (loss) recognized in AOCI	-21,806		-21,806		-26,285
Non-derivative hedging instruments-gain or (loss) recognized in other income	-661	-79	3,243	2,444
7.75% Euro senior notes due 2018 [Member] | Senior notes [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Non-derivative hedging instruments-gain or (loss) recognized in AOCI	-23,611		-23,611		-9,451
Non-derivative hedging instruments-gain or (loss) recognized in other income	$0	$0	$0	$0

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed4

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities-Realized & Unrealized (Details) (Forward foreign exchange contracts [Member], Other Income [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 25, 2013	Aug. 26, 2012	Aug. 25, 2013	Aug. 26, 2012
Forward foreign exchange contracts [Member] | Other Income [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Realized	$3,650	$1,029	($2,547)	$3,559
Unrealized	2,664	-16,413	8,833	-12,862
Total	$6,314	($15,384)	$6,286	($9,303)

Debt_Table_Details

Debt Table (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 25, 2013	Mar. 14, 2013	Nov. 25, 2012	8-May-12
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$1,501,912		$1,669,452
Short-term debt	38,153		59,759
Long-term and short-term debt	1,540,065		1,729,211
Unsecured: [Member]
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Long-term debt	1,501,912		1,669,452
Senior term loan due 2014 [Member]
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Long-term debt	0		324,424
4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds, due 2016 [Member] | Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Long-term debt	40,786		48,508
Stated interest rate	4.25%
7.75% Euro senior notes due 2018 [Member] | Senior notes [Member]
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Long-term debt	400,680		386,520
Stated interest rate	7.75%
7.625% senior notes due 2020 [Member] | Senior notes [Member]
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Long-term debt	525,000		525,000
Stated interest rate	7.63%
6.875% senior notes due 2022 [Member] | Senior notes [Member]
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Long-term debt	535,446		385,000
Stated interest rate	6.88%	6.88%		6.88%
Short-term borrowings [Member]
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Short-term debt	$38,153		$59,759

Debt_Textuals_Details

Debt Textuals (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2013	Aug. 26, 2012	Aug. 25, 2013	Aug. 26, 2012	Nov. 25, 2012	Aug. 25, 2013	Aug. 25, 2013	Nov. 25, 2012	Aug. 25, 2013	Mar. 14, 2013	Nov. 25, 2012	8-May-12
						Senior revolving credit facility [Member]	Unsecured debt [Member]	Unsecured debt [Member]	Senior notes [Member]	Senior notes [Member]	Senior notes [Member]	Senior notes [Member]
									6.875% senior notes due 2022 [Member]	6.875% senior notes due 2022 [Member]	6.875% senior notes due 2022 [Member]	6.875% senior notes due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Short-term debt	$38,153,000		$38,153,000		$59,759,000
Debt instrument, face amount										140,000,000
Stated interest rate									6.88%	6.88%		6.88%
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium										11,200,000
Long-term debt	1,501,912,000		1,501,912,000		1,669,452,000		1,501,912,000	1,669,452,000	535,446,000		385,000,000
Debt issuance costs									2,600,000
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	0	-689,000	-8,206,000
Unused availability						521,600,000
Total availability						587,800,000
Letters of credit and other credit usage						($66,200,000)
Weighted-average interest rate	7.75%	6.95%	7.44%	7.05%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 25, 2013	Aug. 26, 2012	Aug. 25, 2013	Aug. 26, 2012
Net periodic benefit cost (income):
Curtailment gain			($815)	($1,730)
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	-3,718	-474	-10,826	-1,091
Pension Benefits [Member]
Net periodic benefit cost (income):
Service cost	2,052	2,215	6,548	6,709
Interest cost	12,918	14,364	38,978	43,212
Expected return on plan assets	-14,105	-12,901	-42,065	-39,018
Amortization of prior service benefit	-24	-20	-61	-61
Amortization of actuarial loss	3,810	3,154	12,241	9,457
Curtailment gain	-305	-735	-815	-1,730
Net settlement loss	415	0	1,044	417
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	4,761	6,077	15,870	18,986
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Actuarial gain	0	-451	0	-381
Amortization of prior service benefit	24	20	61	61
Amortization of actuarial loss	-3,810	-3,154	-12,241	-9,457
Curtailment (loss) gain	-12	192	497	191
Net settlement (loss) gain	-406	18	-590	-178
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	-4,204	-3,375	-12,273	-9,764
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (income) and accumulated other comprehensive loss	557	2,702	3,597	9,222
Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Net periodic benefit cost (income):
Service cost	94	99	282	298
Interest cost	1,239	1,658	3,718	4,975
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service benefit	-122	-4,089	-366	-12,267
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,691	1,290	5,074	3,868
Curtailment gain	0	0	0	0
Net settlement loss	0	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	2,902	-1,042	8,708	-3,126
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Actuarial gain	0	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service benefit	122	4,089	366	12,267
Amortization of actuarial loss	-1,691	-1,290	-5,074	-3,868
Curtailment (loss) gain	0	0	0	0
Net settlement (loss) gain	0	0	0	0
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	-1,569	2,799	-4,708	8,399
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (income) and accumulated other comprehensive loss	$1,333	$1,757	$4,000	$5,273

Dividend_Payment_Details

Dividend Payment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 24, 2013	Aug. 25, 2013	Aug. 26, 2012
Dividend Payment [Abstract]
Cash dividend paid	$25,076	$25,076	$20,036

Comprehensive_IncomeAOCI_Detai

Comprehensive Income-AOCI (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 25, 2013	Nov. 25, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Equity [Abstract]
Pension and postretirement benefits	($320,135)	($330,961)
Net investment hedge losses	-24,781	-18,853
Foreign currency translation losses	-53,773	-55,423
Unrealized gain on marketable securities	473	1,014
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-398,216	-404,223
Accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	9,483	10,412
Accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to Levi Strauss & Co.	($407,699)	($414,635)

Other_Income_Expense_Net_Detai

Other Income (Expense), Net (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 25, 2013		Aug. 26, 2012		Aug. 25, 2013		Aug. 26, 2012
Component of Other Expense, Nonoperating [Line Items]
Other income (expense), net	($10,661)		($5,747)		($5,425)		$6,122
Foreign exchange management gains (losses)(1)
Component of Other Expense, Nonoperating [Line Items]
Other income (expense), net	6,314	[1]	-15,384	[1]	6,286	[1]	-9,303	[1]
Foreign currency transaction (losses) gains(2)
Component of Other Expense, Nonoperating [Line Items]
Other income (expense), net	-18,210	[2]	8,518	[2]	-18,728	[2]	11,722	[2]
Interest income
Component of Other Expense, Nonoperating [Line Items]
Other income (expense), net	357		345		1,138		1,153
Investment income
Component of Other Expense, Nonoperating [Line Items]
Other income (expense), net	214		99		3,019		326
Other
Component of Other Expense, Nonoperating [Line Items]
Other income (expense), net	$664		$675		$2,860		$2,224
[1]	Gains and losses on forward foreign exchange contracts primarily resulted from currency fluctuations relative to negotiated contract rates. Losses on forward foreign exchange contracts in 2012 primarily resulted from unfavorable currency fluctuations relative to negotiated contract rates on positions to sell the Swedish Krona, Mexican Peso, and Australian Dollar.
[2]	Foreign currency transaction gains and losses reflect the impact of foreign currency fluctuation on the Company's foreign currency denominated balances. Losses in 2013 were primarily due to the weakening of various currencies against the U.S. Dollar.

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2013	Aug. 26, 2012	Aug. 25, 2013	Aug. 26, 2012
Income Tax [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$20,077,000	$23,802,000	$85,592,000	$49,782,000
Effective rate			28.80%	36.20%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	23,400,000
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($14,200,000)

Related_Parties_Related_Partie

Related Parties Related Parties (Details) (Levi Strauss Foundation [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 25, 2013	Aug. 26, 2012	Aug. 25, 2013	Aug. 26, 2012
Levi Strauss Foundation [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Donations	$0.40	$0.50	$3.90	$2.40

Business_Segment_Information_D

Business Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 25, 2013		Aug. 26, 2012		Aug. 25, 2013		Aug. 26, 2012
	Regional_Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments	3
Net revenues	$1,141,284		$1,100,856		$3,386,860		$3,312,974
Operating income	118,086		86,787		399,178		242,628
Interest expense	-30,903		-32,160		-95,943		-103,144
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0		0		-689		-8,206
Other income (expense), net	-10,661		-5,747		-5,425		6,122
Income before income taxes	76,522		48,880		297,121		137,400
Asset Impairment Charges					1,917		19,413
Regional operating income [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	193,808		179,942		626,380		472,444
Americas [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	710,212		679,098		2,023,253		1,931,561
Operating income	125,228		136,509		376,598		287,470
Europe [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	275,211		265,922		824,915		809,271
Operating income	45,914		48,152		145,549		129,781
Asia Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	155,861		155,836		538,692		572,142
Operating income	22,666		-4,719		104,233		55,193
Corporate expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	75,722	[1]	93,155	[1]	227,202	[1]	229,816	[1]
Asset Impairment Charges			$18,800	[1]			$18,800	[1]
[1]	Included in corporate expenses for the three- and nine-month periods ended August 26, 2012, is an $18.8 million impairment charge related to the Company's decision in the third quarter of 2012 to outsource distribution in Japan to a third-party and close its owned distribution center in that country.