Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI) 10-Q 14 Apr 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015	Apr. 09, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	LEVI STRAUSS & CO
Entity Central Index Key	94845
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	1-Mar-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-18
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	No
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		37,419,788

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 01, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$202,730	$298,255
Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $11,533 and $12,704	368,808	481,981
Inventories:
Raw materials	4,053	4,501
Work-in-process	4,076	5,056
Finished goods	585,481	591,359
Total inventories	593,610	600,916
Deferred tax assets, net	166,645	178,015
Other current assets	119,294	99,347
Total current assets	1,451,087	1,658,514
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $792,643 and $784,493	372,452	392,062
Goodwill	236,090	238,921
Other intangible assets, net	45,053	45,898
Non-current deferred tax assets, net	486,560	488,398
Other non-current assets	99,860	100,280
Total assets	2,691,102	2,924,073
Current Liabilities:
Short-term debt	33,847	131,524
Accounts payable	197,290	234,892
Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits	139,149	178,470
Restructuring liabilities	42,596	57,817
Accrued interest payable	25,028	5,679
Accrued income taxes	10,051	9,432
Other accrued liabilities	260,619	263,182
Total current liabilities	708,580	880,996
Long-term debt	1,091,622	1,092,478
Long-term capital leases	11,423	11,619
Postretirement medical benefits	116,377	122,213
Pension liability	386,446	406,398
Long-term employee related benefits	69,434	80,066
Long-term income tax liabilities	34,473	35,821
Other long-term liabilities	55,890	62,363
Total liabilities	2,474,245	2,691,954
Commitments and contingencies
Temporary equity	79,921	77,664
Levi Strauss & Co. stockholders’ equity
Common stock — $.01 par value; 270,000,000 shares authorized; 37,437,470 shares and 37,430,283 shares issued and outstanding	374	374
Additional paid-in capital	0	0
Retained earnings	518,020	528,209
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-382,537	-375,340
Total Levi Strauss & Co. stockholders’ equity	135,857	153,243
Noncontrolling interest	1,079	1,212
Total stockholders’ equity	136,936	154,455
Total liabilities, temporary equity and stockholders’ equity	$2,691,102	$2,924,073

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 01, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Net of accumulated depreciation	$792,643	$784,493
Current Assets:
Net of allowance for doubtful accounts	$11,533	$12,704
Levi Strauss & Co. stockholders’ equity
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	270,000,000	270,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	37,437,470	37,430,283
Common stock, shares outstanding	37,437,470	37,430,283

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 01, 2015	Feb. 23, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net revenues	$1,055,075	$1,129,990
Cost of goods sold	518,010	553,637
Gross profit	537,065	576,353
Selling, general and administrative expenses	425,282	424,762
Restructuring, net	4,338	57,935
Operating income	107,445	93,656
Interest expense	-23,312	-31,829
Other income (expense), net	-26,028	4,183
Income before income taxes	58,105	66,010
Income tax expense	19,822	16,387
Net income	38,283	49,623
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	109	348
Net income attributable to Levi Strauss & Co.	$38,392	$49,971

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 01, 2015	Feb. 23, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$38,283	$49,623
Pension and postretirement benefits	4,099	2,302
Net investment hedge gains (losses)	87	-4,228
Foreign currency translation losses	-11,476	-4,114
Unrealized gain on marketable securities	70	39
Total other comprehensive loss	-7,220	-6,001
Comprehensive income	31,063	43,622
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	132	389
Comprehensive income attributable to Levi Strauss & Co.	$31,195	$44,011

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 01, 2015		Feb. 23, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$38,283		$49,623
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	26,475		26,945
Asset impairments	184		234
Loss on disposal of assets	-26		-3
Unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains)	7,489		-3,785
Realized loss (gain) on settlement of forward foreign exchange contracts not designated for hedge accounting	3,960		-5,915
Employee benefit plans’ amortization from accumulated other comprehensive loss	4,272		3,692
Noncash restructuring charges	335	[1]	957	[1]
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs	926		1,099
Stock-based compensation	3,600		2,314
Allowance for doubtful accounts	519		703
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables	129,587		63,555
Inventories	30,939		-55,739
Other current assets	-12,647		-8,749
Other non-current assets	-2,048		168
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	-106,432		-45,417
Restructuring Liabilities	-16,009		56,978
Income tax liabilities	3,203		3,020
Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits and long-term employee related benefits	-74,484		-53,302
Other long-term liabilities	-201		-326
Other, net	-348		-384
Net cash provided by operating activities	37,629		35,674
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-21,152		-20,434
Proceeds from sale of assets	11		47
(Payments) proceeds on settlement of forward foreign exchange contracts not designated for hedge accounting	-3,960		5,915
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0		-75
Net cash used for investing activities	-25,101		-14,547
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Repayments of long-term debt and capital leases	-741		-1,029
Proceeds from senior revolving credit facility	35,000		0
Repayments of senior revolving credit facility	135,000		0
Proceeds from short-term credit facilities	7,753		3,088
Repayments of short-term credit facilities	-5,045		-2,423
Short-term borrowings, net	689		-7,179
Restricted cash	736		560
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	75		29
Net cash used for financing activities	-96,533		-6,954
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-11,520		-601
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-95,525		13,572
Beginning cash and cash equivalents	298,255		489,258
Ending cash and cash equivalents	202,730		502,830
Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract]
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	9,993		5,209
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest during the period	2,020		2,490
Cash paid for income taxes during the period, net of refunds	$18,049		$13,441
[1]	Noncash pension and postretirement curtailment gains or losses resulting from the global productivity initiative are included in restructuring charges, with the associated liabilities included in "Pension liability" and "Postretirement medical benefits" in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Nature of Operations
	Levi Strauss & Co. (the “Company”) is one of the world’s largest brand-name 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 around the world 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.
	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 30, 2014, included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 12, 2015.
	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 months ended March 1, 2015, may not be indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or the year ending November 29, 2015.
	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 2015 and 2014 consists of 13 weeks, with the exception of the fourth quarter of 2014, which consisted of 14 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.
	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 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, except for the following, which will become effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2017:
	•	In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs," ("ASU 2015-03"). ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and footnotes disclosures.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015
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:
		March 1, 2015						November 30, 2014
				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	$	26,444	$	26,444	$	—	$	25,891	$	25,891	$	—
	Forward foreign exchange contracts, net(3)	22,886		—		22,886		10,511		—		10,511
	Total	$	49,330	$	26,444	$	22,886	$	36,402	$	25,891	$	10,511
	Financial liabilities carried at fair value
	Forward foreign exchange contracts, net(3)	$	9,671	$	—	$	9,671	$	10,353	$	—	$	10,353
	_____________
	-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:
		March 1, 2015				November 30, 2014
		Carrying		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying		Estimated Fair Value
		Value				Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Financial liabilities carried at adjusted historical cost
	Senior revolving credit facility	$	—	$	—	$	100,098	$	100,098
	4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds due 2016(1)	33,983		35,198		34,108		35,383
	7.625% senior notes due 2020(1)	536,898		565,117		526,779		556,967
	6.875% senior notes due 2022(1)	545,256		600,567		536,501		583,848
	Short-term borrowings	33,923		33,923		31,742		31,742
	Total	$	1,150,060	$	1,234,805	$	1,229,228	$	1,308,038
	_____________
	-1	Fair values are estimated using Level 1 inputs and incorporate mid-market price quotes. 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.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
	As of March 1, 2015, the Company had forward foreign exchange contracts to buy $544.4 million and to sell $292.5 million against various foreign currencies. These contracts are at various exchange rates and expire at various dates through August 2016.
	The table below provides data about the carrying values of derivative instruments and non-derivative instruments:
		March 1, 2015									November 30, 2014
		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)	$	25,338		$	(2,452	)	$	22,886		$	15,587		$	(5,076	)	$	10,511
	Forward foreign exchange contracts(2)	2,125			(11,796		)	(9,671		)	1,833			(12,186		)	(10,353		)
	Total	$	27,463		$	(14,248	)				$	17,420		$	(17,262	)
	Non-derivatives designated as hedging instruments
	Yen-denominated Eurobonds	$	—		$	(9,714	)				$	—		$	(10,195	)
	_____________
	-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 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 table below presents, by type of financial instrument, the gross amounts of the Company's derivative instruments, amounts offset due to master netting arrangements with the Company's various counterparties, and the net amounts recognized on the Company's consolidated balance sheets:
		March 1, 2015									November 30, 2014
		Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets / (Liabilities)			Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position			Net Amounts of Assets / (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position			Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets / (Liabilities)			Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position			Net Amounts of Assets / (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Over-the-counter forward foreign exchange contracts
	Financial assets	$	26,417		$	(4,577	)	$	21,840		$	15,555		$	(6,908	)	$	8,647
	Financial liabilities	(6,038		)	4,577			(1,461		)	(9,587		)	6,908			(2,679		)
	Total							$	20,379								$	5,968
	Embedded derivative contracts
	Financial assets	$	1,046		$	—		$	1,046		$	1,865		$	—		$	1,865
	Financial liabilities	(8,210		)	—			(8,210		)	(7,675		)	—			(7,675		)
	Total							$	(7,164	)							$	(5,810	)
	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 Income (Expense), net (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
		Recognized in AOCI
		(Effective Portion)
		As of			As of			Three Months Ended
		March 1,			November 30,			March 1,			February 23,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Forward foreign exchange contracts	$	4,637		$	4,637
	Yen-denominated Eurobonds	(19,226		)	(19,367		)	$	346		$	217
	Euro senior notes	(15,751		)	(15,751		)	—			—
	Cumulative income taxes	8,706			8,760
	Total	$	(21,634	)	$	(21,721	)
	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
		March 1,			February 23,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Forward foreign exchange contracts:
	Realized	$	(3,960	)	$	5,915
	Unrealized	11,868			(1,479		)
	Total	$	7,908		$	4,436

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
DEBT	DEBT
		March 1,		November 30,
		2015		2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Long-term debt
	Unsecured:
	4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds due 2016	$	33,498	$	33,985
	7.625% senior notes due 2020	525,000		525,000
	6.875% senior notes due 2022	533,124		533,493
	Total unsecured	1,091,622		1,092,478
	Total long-term debt	$	1,091,622	$	1,092,478
	Short-term debt
	Secured:
	Senior revolving credit facility	$	—	$	100,000
	Unsecured:
	Short-term borrowings	33,847		31,524
	Total short-term debt	$	33,847	$	131,524
	Total long-term and short-term debt	$	1,125,469	$	1,224,002
	Senior Revolving Credit Facility
	The Company’s unused availability under its senior secured revolving credit facility was $717.0 million at March 1, 2015, as the Company’s total availability of $776.2 million was reduced by $59.2 million of letters of credit and other credit usage allocated under the credit facility.
	Subsequent to the end of the first quarter, the Company borrowed approximately $50 million under its senior secured revolving credit facility.
	Interest Rates on Borrowings
	The Company’s weighted-average interest rate on average borrowings outstanding during the three months ended March 1, 2015, was 7.55% as compared to 7.91% in the same period of 2014.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost 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
		March 1,			February 23,			March 1,			February 23,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	2,128		$	2,159		$	63		$	68
	Interest cost	11,840			13,761			1,147			1,338
	Expected return on plan assets	(12,717		)	(13,843		)	—			—
	Amortization of prior service benefit	(16		)	(17		)	—			(1		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	3,160			2,696			1,128			989
	Curtailment loss	335			232			—			700
	Net settlement loss	—			60			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	4,730			5,048			2,338			3,094
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
	Amortization of prior service benefit	16			17			—			1
	Amortization of actuarial loss	(3,160		)	(2,696		)	(1,128		)	(989		)
	Curtailment loss	(335		)	—			—			—
	Net settlement loss	—			(25		)	—			—
	Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,479		)	(2,704		)	(1,128		)	(988		)
	Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	1,251		$	2,344		$	1,210		$	2,106

Restructuring

Restructuring	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015
Restructuring Liabilities Disclosures [Abstract]
Restructuring	RESTRUCTURING
	In 2014, the Company announced and began to implement a global productivity initiative designed to streamline operations and fuel long-term profitable growth. The global productivity initiative will continue to be implemented through the end of 2015, with a focus on redesigning business processes and identifying opportunities to reduce costs, increase efficiencies and further streamline processes in supporting functions, supply chain and planning.
	For the three months ended March 1, 2015, and February 23, 2014, the Company recognized restructuring charges, net, of $4.3 million and $57.9 million, respectively, which were recorded in "Restructuring, net" in the Company's consolidated statements of income. Related charges of $8.0 million and $6.4 million for the three months ended March 1, 2015, and February 23, 2014, respectively, consist primarily of consulting fees for the Company's centrally-led cost-savings and productivity projects, as well as transition costs associated with the Company's decision to outsource certain global business service activities. These related charges represent costs incurred associated with ongoing operations which will benefit future periods and thus were recorded in "Selling, general and administrative expenses" in the Company's consolidated statements of income. Cash payments for charges are expected to continue through the first half of 2016.
	The table below summarizes the components of charges included in “Restructuring, net” in the Company’s consolidated statements of income:
		Three Months Ended
		March 1,			February 23,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Restructuring, net:
	Severance and employee-related benefits(1)	$	5,320		$	51,321
	Adjustments to severance and employee-related benefits	(1,249		)	—
	Lease and other contract termination costs	—			—
	Other(2)	414			5,657
	Adjustments to other	(482		)	—
	Noncash pension and postretirement curtailment losses, net(3)	335			957
	Total	$	4,338		$	57,935
	_____________
	-1	Severance and employee-related benefits relate to items such as severance, based on separation benefits provided by Company policy or statutory benefit plans, out-placement services and career counseling for employees affected by the global productivity initiative.
	-2	Other restructuring costs are expensed as incurred and primarily relate to consulting fees and legal expenses associated with the execution of the restructuring initiative.
	-3	Noncash pension and postretirement curtailment gains or losses resulting from the global productivity initiative are included in restructuring charges, with the associated liabilities included in "Pension liability" and "Postretirement medical benefits" in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
	The Company is unable at this time to make a good faith determination of cost estimates, or ranges of cost estimates, for additional actions associated with the global productivity initiative. Final estimates for headcount, timing and charges in certain areas of the international business are subject to completion of applicable local works council and other consultative processes.
	The following table summarizes the activities associated with restructuring liabilities for the three months ended March 1, 2015. In the table below, "Charges" represents the initial charge related to the restructuring activity. "Adjustments" includes revisions of estimates related to severance, employee-related benefits, lease and other contract termination costs, and other restructuring costs. "Payments" consists of cash payments for severance, employee-related benefits, lease and other contract termination costs, and other restructuring costs.
		Three Months Ended March 1, 2015
		Liabilities					Adjustments						Foreign Currency Fluctuation			Liabilities
		November 30, 2014			Charges					Payments						March 1, 2015
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Severance and employee-related benefits	$	56,963		$	5,320	$	(1,249	)	$	(13,681	)	$	(3,738	)	$	43,615
	Lease and other contract termination costs	—			—		—			—			—			—
	Other	6,400			414		(482		)	(6,331		)	—			1
	Total	$	63,363		$	5,734	$	(1,731	)	$	(20,012	)	$	(3,738	)	$	43,616
	Current portion	$	57,817													$	42,596
	Long-term portion	5,546														1,020
	Total	$	63,363													$	43,616
		Three Months Ended February 23, 2014
		Liabilities					Adjustments						Foreign Currency Fluctuation			Liabilities
		November 24, 2013			Charges					Payments						February 23, 2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Severance and employee-related benefits	$	—		$	51,321	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	51,321
	Lease and other contract termination costs	—			—		—			—			—			—
	Other	—			5,657		—			—			—			5,657
	Total	$	—		$	56,978	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	56,978
	Current portion	$	—													$	56,978
	Long-term portion	—														—
	Total	$	—													$	56,978

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015
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 2014 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

Dividend	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015
Dividends [Abstract]
DIVIDEND	DIVIDEND
	The Company's Board of Directors (the “Board”) declared a cash dividend of $50.0 million in the first quarter of 2015, payable in the second quarter of 2015 to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 19, 2015. Dividend payable is included in "Other accrued liabilities" on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Subsequent to the Company's quarter-end, on April 2, 2015, the Company paid the cash dividend.
	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 Board depending upon, among other factors, the Company's financial condition and compliance with the terms of the Company's debt agreements.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
	The following is a summary of the components of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss,” net of related income taxes:
		March 1,			November 30,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Pension and postretirement benefits	$	(257,355	)	$	(261,454	)
	Net investment hedge losses	(21,634		)	(21,721		)
	Foreign currency translation losses	(96,838		)	(85,362		)
	Unrealized gain on marketable securities	2,304			2,234
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(373,523		)	(366,303		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	9,014			9,037
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to Levi Strauss & Co.	$	(382,537	)	$	(375,340	)
	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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015
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
		March 1,			February 23,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Foreign exchange management gains(1)	$	7,908		$	4,436
	Foreign currency transaction losses(2)	(35,959		)	(2,238		)
	Interest income	460			627
	Investment income	439			307
	Other	1,124			1,051
	Total other income (expense), net	$	(26,028	)	$	4,183
	_____________
	-1	Gains and losses on forward foreign exchange contracts primarily result from currency fluctuations relative to negotiated contract rates. Gains in 2015 were primarily due to favorable currency fluctuations relative to negotiated contracts rates on positions to sell the Mexican Peso.
	-2	Foreign currency transaction gains and losses reflect the impact of foreign currency fluctuation on the Company's foreign currency denominated balances. Losses in 2015 were primarily due to the weakening of various foreign currencies, particularly the Euro, against the U.S. Dollar.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES
	The effective income tax rate was 34.1% for the three months ended March 1, 2015, compared to 24.8% for the same period ended February 23, 2014.
	The effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2014 included a tax benefit that the Company recorded as a result of reversing a deferred tax liability associated with the change in assertion during the quarter to indefinitely reinvest certain undistributed foreign earnings. The effective tax rate in 2015 reflected an increase in state income taxes due to higher projected domestic income in 2015.

Related_Parties

Related Parties	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
RELATED PARTIES	RELATED PARTIES
	Robert D. Haas, Chairman Emeritus of the Company, Charles V. Bergh, President and Chief Executive Officer, Peter E. Haas Jr., a director of the Company, and Kelly McGinnis, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Chief Communications Officer, are board members of the Levi Strauss Foundation, which is not a consolidated entity of the Company. Seth R. Jaffe, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, is Vice President of the Levi Strauss Foundation. During the three-month period ended March 1, 2015, the Company donated $5.9 million to the Levi Strauss Foundation as compared to $5.2 million for the same prior-year period.

Business_Segment_Information

Business Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION	BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The Company manages its business according to three regional segments: the Americas, Europe and Asia. The Company considers its chief executive officer to be the Company’s chief operating decision maker. The Company’s chief operating decision maker manages business operations, evaluates performance and allocates resources based on the regional segments’ net revenues and operating income.
	Effective as of the beginning of 2015, the Company's regional licensing revenue, previously recorded centrally in the Company's Americas region, was revised to be recorded in the Company's respective regions. Regional licensing revenues are not significant to any of the Company's regional segments individually in any of the periods presented herein, and accordingly, business segment information for the prior-year period has not been revised.
	Business segment information for the Company is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 1,			February 23,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net revenues:
	Americas	$	574,087		$	626,836
	Europe	277,488			300,426
	Asia	203,500			202,728
	Total net revenues	$	1,055,075		$	1,129,990
	Operating income:
	Americas	$	102,292		$	111,052
	Europe	58,189			71,406
	Asia	47,340			46,902
	Regional operating income	207,821			229,360
	Corporate:
	Restructuring, net	4,338			57,935
	Restructuring-related charges	8,007			6,441
	Other corporate staff costs and expenses	88,031			71,328
	Corporate expenses	100,376			135,704
	Total operating income	107,445			93,656
	Interest expense	(23,312		)	(31,829		)
	Other income (expense), net	(26,028		)	4,183
	Income before income taxes	$	58,105		$	66,010

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015
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 2015 and 2014 consists of 13 weeks, with the exception of the fourth quarter of 2014, which consisted of 14 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 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, except for the following, which will become effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2017:
	•	In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs," ("ASU 2015-03"). ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and footnotes disclosures.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015
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:
		March 1, 2015						November 30, 2014
				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	$	26,444	$	26,444	$	—	$	25,891	$	25,891	$	—
	Forward foreign exchange contracts, net(3)	22,886		—		22,886		10,511		—		10,511
	Total	$	49,330	$	26,444	$	22,886	$	36,402	$	25,891	$	10,511
	Financial liabilities carried at fair value
	Forward foreign exchange contracts, net(3)	$	9,671	$	—	$	9,671	$	10,353	$	—	$	10,353
	_____________
	-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:
		March 1, 2015				November 30, 2014
		Carrying		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying		Estimated Fair Value
		Value				Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Financial liabilities carried at adjusted historical cost
	Senior revolving credit facility	$	—	$	—	$	100,098	$	100,098
	4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds due 2016(1)	33,983		35,198		34,108		35,383
	7.625% senior notes due 2020(1)	536,898		565,117		526,779		556,967
	6.875% senior notes due 2022(1)	545,256		600,567		536,501		583,848
	Short-term borrowings	33,923		33,923		31,742		31,742
	Total	$	1,150,060	$	1,234,805	$	1,229,228	$	1,308,038
	_____________
	-1	Fair values are estimated using Level 1 inputs and incorporate mid-market price quotes. 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.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015
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:
		March 1, 2015									November 30, 2014
		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)	$	25,338		$	(2,452	)	$	22,886		$	15,587		$	(5,076	)	$	10,511
	Forward foreign exchange contracts(2)	2,125			(11,796		)	(9,671		)	1,833			(12,186		)	(10,353		)
	Total	$	27,463		$	(14,248	)				$	17,420		$	(17,262	)
	Non-derivatives designated as hedging instruments
	Yen-denominated Eurobonds	$	—		$	(9,714	)				$	—		$	(10,195	)
	_____________
	-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.
Offsetting assets and liabilities	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 table below presents, by type of financial instrument, the gross amounts of the Company's derivative instruments, amounts offset due to master netting arrangements with the Company's various counterparties, and the net amounts recognized on the Company's consolidated balance sheets:
		March 1, 2015									November 30, 2014
		Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets / (Liabilities)			Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position			Net Amounts of Assets / (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position			Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets / (Liabilities)			Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position			Net Amounts of Assets / (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Over-the-counter forward foreign exchange contracts
	Financial assets	$	26,417		$	(4,577	)	$	21,840		$	15,555		$	(6,908	)	$	8,647
	Financial liabilities	(6,038		)	4,577			(1,461		)	(9,587		)	6,908			(2,679		)
	Total							$	20,379								$	5,968
	Embedded derivative contracts
	Financial assets	$	1,046		$	—		$	1,046		$	1,865		$	—		$	1,865
	Financial liabilities	(8,210		)	—			(8,210		)	(7,675		)	—			(7,675		)
	Total							$	(7,164	)							$	(5,810	)
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 Income (Expense), net (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
		Recognized in AOCI
		(Effective Portion)
		As of			As of			Three Months Ended
		March 1,			November 30,			March 1,			February 23,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Forward foreign exchange contracts	$	4,637		$	4,637
	Yen-denominated Eurobonds	(19,226		)	(19,367		)	$	346		$	217
	Euro senior notes	(15,751		)	(15,751		)	—			—
	Cumulative income taxes	8,706			8,760
	Total	$	(21,634	)	$	(21,721	)
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
		March 1,			February 23,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Forward foreign exchange contracts:
	Realized	$	(3,960	)	$	5,915
	Unrealized	11,868			(1,479		)
	Total	$	7,908		$	4,436

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of long-term and short-term debt instruments
		March 1,		November 30,
		2015		2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Long-term debt
	Unsecured:
	4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds due 2016	$	33,498	$	33,985
	7.625% senior notes due 2020	525,000		525,000
	6.875% senior notes due 2022	533,124		533,493
	Total unsecured	1,091,622		1,092,478
	Total long-term debt	$	1,091,622	$	1,092,478
	Short-term debt
	Secured:
	Senior revolving credit facility	$	—	$	100,000
	Unsecured:
	Short-term borrowings	33,847		31,524
	Total short-term debt	$	33,847	$	131,524
	Total long-term and short-term debt	$	1,125,469	$	1,224,002

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of defined benefit plans disclosures	The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost 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
		March 1,			February 23,			March 1,			February 23,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	2,128		$	2,159		$	63		$	68
	Interest cost	11,840			13,761			1,147			1,338
	Expected return on plan assets	(12,717		)	(13,843		)	—			—
	Amortization of prior service benefit	(16		)	(17		)	—			(1		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	3,160			2,696			1,128			989
	Curtailment loss	335			232			—			700
	Net settlement loss	—			60			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	4,730			5,048			2,338			3,094
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
	Amortization of prior service benefit	16			17			—			1
	Amortization of actuarial loss	(3,160		)	(2,696		)	(1,128		)	(989		)
	Curtailment loss	(335		)	—			—			—
	Net settlement loss	—			(25		)	—			—
	Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,479		)	(2,704		)	(1,128		)	(988		)
	Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	1,251		$	2,344		$	1,210		$	2,106

Restructuring_Charges_Tables

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015
Restructuring Liabilities Disclosures [Abstract]
Composition of Restructuring Charges	The table below summarizes the components of charges included in “Restructuring, net” in the Company’s consolidated statements of income:
		Three Months Ended
		March 1,			February 23,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Restructuring, net:
	Severance and employee-related benefits(1)	$	5,320		$	51,321
	Adjustments to severance and employee-related benefits	(1,249		)	—
	Lease and other contract termination costs	—			—
	Other(2)	414			5,657
	Adjustments to other	(482		)	—
	Noncash pension and postretirement curtailment losses, net(3)	335			957
	Total	$	4,338		$	57,935
	_____________
	-1	Severance and employee-related benefits relate to items such as severance, based on separation benefits provided by Company policy or statutory benefit plans, out-placement services and career counseling for employees affected by the global productivity initiative.
	-2	Other restructuring costs are expensed as incurred and primarily relate to consulting fees and legal expenses associated with the execution of the restructuring initiative.
	-3	Noncash pension and postretirement curtailment gains or losses resulting from the global productivity initiative are included in restructuring charges, with the associated liabilities included in "Pension liability" and "Postretirement medical benefits" in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
Restructuring Liability Rollforward	The following table summarizes the activities associated with restructuring liabilities for the three months ended March 1, 2015. In the table below, "Charges" represents the initial charge related to the restructuring activity. "Adjustments" includes revisions of estimates related to severance, employee-related benefits, lease and other contract termination costs, and other restructuring costs. "Payments" consists of cash payments for severance, employee-related benefits, lease and other contract termination costs, and other restructuring costs.
		Three Months Ended March 1, 2015
		Liabilities					Adjustments						Foreign Currency Fluctuation			Liabilities
		November 30, 2014			Charges					Payments						March 1, 2015
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Severance and employee-related benefits	$	56,963		$	5,320	$	(1,249	)	$	(13,681	)	$	(3,738	)	$	43,615
	Lease and other contract termination costs	—			—		—			—			—			—
	Other	6,400			414		(482		)	(6,331		)	—			1
	Total	$	63,363		$	5,734	$	(1,731	)	$	(20,012	)	$	(3,738	)	$	43,616
	Current portion	$	57,817													$	42,596
	Long-term portion	5,546														1,020
	Total	$	63,363													$	43,616
		Three Months Ended February 23, 2014
		Liabilities					Adjustments						Foreign Currency Fluctuation			Liabilities
		November 24, 2013			Charges					Payments						February 23, 2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Severance and employee-related benefits	$	—		$	51,321	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	51,321
	Lease and other contract termination costs	—			—		—			—			—			—
	Other	—			5,657		—			—			—			5,657
	Total	$	—		$	56,978	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	56,978
	Current portion	$	—													$	56,978
	Long-term portion	—														—
	Total	$	—													$	56,978

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015
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:
		March 1,			November 30,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Pension and postretirement benefits	$	(257,355	)	$	(261,454	)
	Net investment hedge losses	(21,634		)	(21,721		)
	Foreign currency translation losses	(96,838		)	(85,362		)
	Unrealized gain on marketable securities	2,304			2,234
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(373,523		)	(366,303		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	9,014			9,037
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to Levi Strauss & Co.	$	(382,537	)	$	(375,340	)

Other_Income_Expense_Net_Table

Other Income (Expense), Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015
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
		March 1,			February 23,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Foreign exchange management gains(1)	$	7,908		$	4,436
	Foreign currency transaction losses(2)	(35,959		)	(2,238		)
	Interest income	460			627
	Investment income	439			307
	Other	1,124			1,051
	Total other income (expense), net	$	(26,028	)	$	4,183
	_____________
	-1	Gains and losses on forward foreign exchange contracts primarily result from currency fluctuations relative to negotiated contract rates. Gains in 2015 were primarily due to favorable currency fluctuations relative to negotiated contracts rates on positions to sell the Mexican Peso.
	-2	Foreign currency transaction gains and losses reflect the impact of foreign currency fluctuation on the Company's foreign currency denominated balances. Losses in 2015 were primarily due to the weakening of various foreign currencies, particularly the Euro, against the U.S. Dollar.

Business_Segment_Information_T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	Business segment information for the Company is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 1,			February 23,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net revenues:
	Americas	$	574,087		$	626,836
	Europe	277,488			300,426
	Asia	203,500			202,728
	Total net revenues	$	1,055,075		$	1,129,990
	Operating income:
	Americas	$	102,292		$	111,052
	Europe	58,189			71,406
	Asia	47,340			46,902
	Regional operating income	207,821			229,360
	Corporate:
	Restructuring, net	4,338			57,935
	Restructuring-related charges	8,007			6,441
	Other corporate staff costs and expenses	88,031			71,328
	Corporate expenses	100,376			135,704
	Total operating income	107,445			93,656
	Interest expense	(23,312		)	(31,829		)
	Other income (expense), net	(26,028		)	4,183
	Income before income taxes	$	58,105		$	66,010

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Feb. 23, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of weeks in a quarter	P13W	P14W	P13W

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments-fair value (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Mar. 01, 2015		Nov. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial assets carried at fair value
Rabbi trust assets	$26,444		$25,891
Forward foreign exchange contracts, net	22,886	[1]	10,511	[1]
Total	49,330		36,402
Financial liabilities carried at fair value
Forward foreign exchange contracts, net	9,671	[1]	10,353	[1]
Level 1 Inputs [Member]
Financial assets carried at fair value
Rabbi trust assets	26,444	[2]	25,891	[2]
Forward foreign exchange contracts, net	0	[1],[2]	0	[1],[2]
Total	26,444	[2]	25,891	[2]
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	22,886	[1],[3]	10,511	[1],[3]
Total	22,886	[3]	10,511	[3]
Financial liabilities carried at fair value
Forward foreign exchange contracts, net	$9,671	[1],[3]	$10,353	[1],[3]
[1]	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.
[2]	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.
[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 $)	Mar. 01, 2015		Nov. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Senior notes [Member] | 7.625% senior notes due 2020 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	7.63%
Senior notes [Member] | 6.875% senior notes due 2022 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	6.88%
Bonds [Member] | 4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds, due 2016 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.25%
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term debt carried at adjusted historical cost	$33,923		$31,742
Total financial liabilities carried at adjusted historical cost	1,150,060		1,229,228
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | Senior notes [Member] | 7.625% senior notes due 2020 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	536,898		526,779
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | Senior notes [Member] | 6.875% senior notes due 2022 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	545,256		536,501
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | Bonds [Member] | 4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds, due 2016 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	33,983		34,108
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term debt carried at adjusted historical cost	33,923		31,742
Total financial liabilities carried at adjusted historical cost	1,234,805		1,308,038
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Senior notes [Member] | 7.625% senior notes due 2020 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	565,117	[1]	556,967	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Senior notes [Member] | 6.875% senior notes due 2022 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	600,567	[1]	583,848	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Bonds [Member] | 4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds, due 2016 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	35,198	[1]	35,383	[1]
Senior revolving credit facility [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term debt carried at adjusted historical cost	0		100,098
Senior revolving credit facility [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term debt carried at adjusted historical cost	$0		$100,098
[1]	Fair values are estimated using Level 1 inputs and incorporate mid-market price quotes. 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.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities-Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 01, 2015		Nov. 30, 2014
Forward foreign exchange contracts [Member]
Carrying Value, Balance Sheet Location By Contract Type, By Hedging Designation [Line Items]
Derivative asset, gross asset	$26,417,000		$15,555,000
Derivative asset, gross liability	4,577,000		6,908,000
Derivative asset, net	21,840,000		8,647,000
Derivative liability, gross asset	-4,577,000		-6,908,000
Derivative Liability, gross liability	-6,038,000		-9,587,000
Derivative Liability, net	-1,461,000		-2,679,000
Derivative, Fair Value, Net	20,379,000		5,968,000
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Carrying Value, Balance Sheet Location By Contract Type, By Hedging Designation [Line Items]
Derivative asset, gross asset	1,046,000		1,865,000
Derivative asset, gross liability	0		0
Derivative asset, net	1,046,000		1,865,000
Derivative liability, gross asset	0		0
Derivative Liability, gross liability	-8,210,000		-7,675,000
Derivative Liability, net	-8,210,000		-7,675,000
Derivative, Fair Value, Net	-7,164,000		-5,810,000
Carrying Value [Member] | Forward foreign exchange contracts [Member]
Carrying Value, Balance Sheet Location By Contract Type, By Hedging Designation [Line Items]
Derivative asset, net	27,463,000		17,420,000
Derivative Liability, net	-14,248,000		-17,262,000
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	25,338,000	[1]	15,587,000	[1]
Derivative liability, gross asset	-2,452,000	[1]	-5,076,000	[1]
Derivative asset, Net Carrying Value	22,886,000	[1]	10,511,000	[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	2,125,000	[2]	1,833,000	[2]
Derivative Liability, gross liability	-11,796,000	[2]	-12,186,000	[2]
Derivative liability, Net Carrying Value	-9,671,000	[2]	-10,353,000	[2]
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]
Hedging assets	0		0
Hedging liabilities	-9,714,000		-10,195,000
Long [Member]
Carrying Value, Balance Sheet Location By Contract Type, By Hedging Designation [Line Items]
Forward foreign exchange contracts	544,400,000
Short [Member]
Carrying Value, Balance Sheet Location By Contract Type, By Hedging Designation [Line Items]
Forward foreign exchange contracts	$292,500,000
[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
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 01, 2015	Feb. 23, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Cumulative income taxes, gain or (loss) recognized in AOCI	$8,706		$8,760
Total, gain or (loss) recognized in AOCI	-21,634		-21,721
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
4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds, due 2016 [Member] | Bonds [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Non-derivative hedging instruments-gain or (loss) recognized in AOCI	-19,226		-19,367
Non-derivative hedging instruments-gain or (loss) recognized in other income	346	217
Euro Senior Notes [Member] | Senior notes [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Non-derivative hedging instruments-gain or (loss) recognized in AOCI	-15,751		-15,751
Non-derivative hedging instruments-gain or (loss) recognized in other income	$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
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 01, 2015	Feb. 23, 2014
Forward foreign exchange contracts [Member] | Other Income [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Realized	($3,960)	$5,915
Unrealized	11,868	-1,479
Total	$7,908	$4,436

Debt_Table_Details

Debt Table (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 01, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$1,091,622	$1,092,478
Short-term debt	33,847	131,524
Long-term and short-term debt	1,125,469	1,224,002
Unsecured: [Member]
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Long-term debt	1,091,622	1,092,478
4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds, due 2016 [Member] | Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Long-term debt	33,498	33,985
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.25%
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
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	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	533,124	533,493
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.88%
Senior revolving credit facility [Member]
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Short-term debt	0	100,000
Short-term borrowings [Member]
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Short-term debt	$33,847	$31,524

Debt_Textuals_Details

Debt Textuals (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 01, 2015	Feb. 23, 2014
Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate	7.55%	7.91%
Senior revolving credit facility [Member]
Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Unused availability	717
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	776.2
Letters of credit and other credit usage	-59.2
Senior notes [Member] | 6.875% senior notes due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.88%
Senior revolving credit facility [Member]
Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Short-term Debt	50

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 01, 2015	Feb. 23, 2014
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	($4,099)	($2,302)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Net periodic benefit cost (income):
Service cost	2,128	2,159
Interest cost	11,840	13,761
Expected return on plan assets	-12,717	-13,843
Amortization of prior service benefit	-16	-17
Amortization of actuarial loss	3,160	2,696
Curtailment loss	335	232
Net settlement loss	0	60
Net periodic benefit cost	4,730	5,048
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Amortization of prior service benefit	16	17
Amortization of actuarial loss	-3,160	-2,696
Curtailment gain (loss)	-335	0
Net settlement loss	0	-25
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	-3,479	-2,704
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,251	2,344
Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Net periodic benefit cost (income):
Service cost	63	68
Interest cost	1,147	1,338
Expected return on plan assets	0	0
Amortization of prior service benefit	0	-1
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,128	989
Curtailment loss	0	700
Net settlement loss	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	2,338	3,094
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Amortization of prior service benefit	0	1
Amortization of actuarial loss	-1,128	-989
Curtailment gain (loss)	0	0
Net settlement loss	0	0
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	-1,128	-988
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and accumulated other comprehensive loss	$1,210	$2,106

Restructuring_Liabilities_Text

Restructuring Liabilities Textuals (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 01, 2015	Feb. 23, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	$4,338	$57,935
Corporate and Other [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other General and Administrative Expense	$8,007	$6,441

Restructuring_Charges_Table_De

Restructuring Charges Table (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 01, 2015		Feb. 23, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Initial Restructuring Charge	$5,734		$56,978
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	-1,731		0
Noncash restructuring charges	335	[1]	957	[1]
Restructuring Charges	4,338		57,935
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Initial Restructuring Charge	5,320	[2]	51,321	[2]
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	-1,249		0
Contract Termination [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Initial Restructuring Charge	0		0
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	0		0
Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Initial Restructuring Charge	414	[3]	5,657	[3]
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	($482)		$0
[1]	Noncash pension and postretirement curtailment gains or losses resulting from the global productivity initiative are included in restructuring charges, with the associated liabilities included in "Pension liability" and "Postretirement medical benefits" in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
[2]	Severance and employee-related benefits relate to items such as severance, based on separation benefits provided by Company policy or statutory benefit plans, out-placement services and career counseling for employees affected by the global productivity initiative.
[3]	Other restructuring costs are expensed as incurred and primarily relate to consulting fees and legal expenses associated with the execution of the restructuring initiative.

Restructuring_Liabilities_Tabl

Restructuring Liabilities Table (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 01, 2015		Feb. 23, 2014		Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve, Current	$42,596		$56,978		$57,817	$0
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	63,363		0
Initial Restructuring Charge	5,734		56,978
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	-1,731		0
Payments for Restructuring	-20,012		0
Restructuring Reserve, Translation Adjustment	-3,738		0
Restructuring Reserve	43,616		56,978
Restructuring Reserve, Noncurrent	1,020		0		5,546	0
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	56,963		0
Initial Restructuring Charge	5,320	[1]	51,321	[1]
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	-1,249		0
Payments for Restructuring	-13,681		0
Restructuring Reserve, Translation Adjustment	-3,738		0
Restructuring Reserve	43,615		51,321
Contract Termination [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	0		0
Initial Restructuring Charge	0		0
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	0		0
Payments for Restructuring	0		0
Restructuring Reserve, Translation Adjustment	0		0
Restructuring Reserve	0		0
Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	6,400		0
Initial Restructuring Charge	414	[2]	5,657	[2]
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	-482		0
Payments for Restructuring	-6,331		0
Restructuring Reserve, Translation Adjustment	0		0
Restructuring Reserve	$1		$5,657
[1]	Severance and employee-related benefits relate to items such as severance, based on separation benefits provided by Company policy or statutory benefit plans, out-placement services and career counseling for employees affected by the global productivity initiative.
[2]	Other restructuring costs are expensed as incurred and primarily relate to consulting fees and legal expenses associated with the execution of the restructuring initiative.

Dividend_Details

Dividend (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 01, 2015
Dividends [Abstract]
Cash dividend declared	$50

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 01, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Equity [Abstract]
Pension and postretirement benefits	($257,355)	($261,454)
Net investment hedge losses	-21,634	-21,721
Foreign currency translation losses	-96,838	-85,362
Unrealized gain on marketable securities	2,304	2,234
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-373,523	-366,303
Accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	9,014	9,037
Accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to Levi Strauss & Co.	($382,537)	($375,340)

Other_Income_Expense_Net_Detai

Other Income (Expense), Net (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 01, 2015		Feb. 23, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Foreign exchange management gains(1)	$7,908	[1]	$4,436	[1]
Foreign currency transaction losses(2)	-35,959	[2]	-2,238	[2]
Interest income	460		627
Investment income	439		307
Other	1,124		1,051
Total other income (expense), net	($26,028)		$4,183
[1]	Gains and losses on forward foreign exchange contracts primarily result from currency fluctuations relative to negotiated contract rates. Gains in 2015 were primarily due to favorable currency fluctuations relative to negotiated contracts rates on positions to sell the Mexican Peso.
[2]	Foreign currency transaction gains and losses reflect the impact of foreign currency fluctuation on the Company's foreign currency denominated balances. Losses in 2015 were primarily due to the weakening of various foreign currencies, particularly the Euro, against the U.S. Dollar.

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2015	Feb. 23, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective rate	34.10%	24.80%

Related_Parties_Details

Related Parties (Details) (Levi Strauss Foundation [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 01, 2015	Feb. 23, 2014
Levi Strauss Foundation [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Donations	$5.90	$5.20

Business_Segment_Information_D

Business Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 01, 2015	Feb. 23, 2014
	Regional_Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments	3
Net revenues	$1,055,075	$1,129,990
Operating income	107,445	93,656
Restructuring Charges	4,338	57,935
Interest expense	-23,312	-31,829
Other income (expense), net	-26,028	4,183
Income before income taxes	58,105	66,010
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Other General and Administrative Expense	8,007	6,441
Other Selling, General and Administrative Expense	88,031	71,328
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	100,376	135,704
Regional operating income [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	207,821	229,360
AMEA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	203,500	202,728
Operating income	47,340	46,902
Europe [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	277,488	300,426
Operating income	58,189	71,406
Americas [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	574,087	626,836
Operating income	$102,292	$111,052