Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) 10-K 28 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Trading Symbol	'PKG	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000075677	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	98,206,211	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$4,735,149,656

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Net sales	$3,665,308		$2,843,877		$2,620,111
Cost of sales	-2,806,121		-2,203,286		-2,078,088
Gross profit	859,187		640,591		542,023
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	-326,602		-280,843		-258,551
Alternative energy tax credits	0		95,500		0
Other expense, net	-58,978		-11,789		-10,723
Income from operations	473,607	[1]	443,459		272,749
Interest expense, net	-58,275	[1],[2]	-62,900	[3]	-29,245
Income before taxes	415,332	[1]	380,559		243,504
(Provision) benefit for income taxes	20,951		-216,739		-85,477
Net income	436,283		163,820		158,027
Weighted average common shares outstanding	'		'		'
Basic	96,579		96,384		99,281
Diluted	97,547		97,497		100,376
Net income per common share	'		'		'
Basic	$4.52		$1.70		$1.59
Diluted	$4.47		$1.68		$1.57
Dividends declared per common share	$1.51		$1		$0.80
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'		'		'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-136		0		0
Fair value adjustments to cash flow hedges, net of tax of $0.0 million, $6.5 million, and $15.3 million for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively	0		-10,183		-24,134
Reclassification adjustment to cash flow hedges included in net income, net of tax of $2.2 million, $1.2 million, and $0.7 million for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively	3,481		1,842		-1,125
Amortization of pension and postretirement plans actuarial loss and prior service cost, net of tax of $8.5 million, $4.3 million, and $2.4 million for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively	13,409		6,689		3,806
Changes in unfunded employee benefit obligations, net of tax of $20.4 million, $9.3 million, and $20.3 million for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively	32,264		-14,612		-31,944
Other comprehensive income (loss)	49,018		-16,264		-53,397
Comprehensive income	$485,301		$147,556		$104,630
[1]	On October 25, 2013, we acquired Boise. The 2013 results include Boise for the period of October 25 through December 31, 2013.
[2]	Includes $10.5 million of expenses for financing the acquisition and $1.1 million of expense for the write-off of deferred financing costs.
[3]	Includes $24.8 million of debt refinancing charges, including the $21.3 million redemption premium, the $3.4 million charge to settle the treasury lock prior to its maturity, and $0.1 million of other items.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc1

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair value adjustments to cash flow hedges, tax	$0	($6.50)	($15.30)
Reclassification adjustment for cash flow hedges included in net income, tax	2.2	1.2	-0.7
Amortization of pension and postretirement plans actuarial loss and prior service cost, tax	8.5	4.3	2.4
Changes in unfunded employee benefit obligations, tax	$20.40	($9.30)	($20.30)

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$190,960	$207,393
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts and customer deductions of $10,567 and $5,353 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	643,083	352,142
Inventories	522,523	268,767
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	32,101	20,915
Federal and state income taxes receivable	22,958	65,488
Deferred income taxes	75,579	22,328
Total current assets	1,487,204	937,033
Property, plant and equipment, net	2,805,704	1,366,069
Goodwill	526,789	67,160
Other intangible assets, net	310,539	38,283
Other long-term assets	69,738	45,223
Total assets	5,199,974	2,453,768
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	39,000	15,000
Capital Lease Obligations, Current	1,030	964
Accounts payable	357,432	117,510
Dividends payable	39,297	0
Accrued liabilities	214,058	122,696
Accrued interest	9,722	3,676
Total current liabilities	660,539	259,846
Long-term liabilities:	'	'
Long-term debt	2,508,845	778,630
Capital lease obligations	23,874	24,904
Deferred income taxes	434,835	125,109
Compensation and benefits	193,548	164,538
Alternative energy tax credits reserve	0	102,051
Other long-term liabilities	65,318	29,229
Total long-term liabilities	3,226,420	1,224,461
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 300,000 shares authorized, 98,172 and 98,143 shares issued as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	982	981
Additional paid in capital	401,761	378,794
Retained earnings	975,296	703,728
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-65,024	-114,042
Total stockholders' equity	1,313,015	969,461
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$5,199,974	$2,453,768

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for doubtful accounts and customer deductions	$10,567	$5,353
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000	300,000
Common stock, shares issued	98,172	98,143

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:	'		'		'
Net income	$436,283		$163,820		$158,027
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'		'		'
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization	217,918		175,384		162,839
Share-based compensation expense	14,761		11,687		9,736
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)	-163,550		183,202		27,347
Alternative energy tax credits	76,281		-76,281		0
Loss on disposals of property, plant and equipment	9,377		7,298		7,137
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0		21,296		0
Pension and postretirement benefits expense, net of contributions	18,525		1,687		5,726
Other, net	-1,008		-3,090		-4,761
Increase in assets -	'		'		'
Accounts receivable	-31,191		-24,995		-16,946
Inventories	33,304		-12,212		-8,333
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-1,914		-835		-616
Increase (decrease) in liabilities -	'		'		'
Accounts payable	54,222		-40,448		-694
Accrued liabilities	-54,807		-2,308		6,052
Net cash provided by operating activities	608,201		404,205		345,514
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:	'		'		'
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-234,422	[1],[2]	-128,524	[1]	-280,213	[1]
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	-1,174,506		-35,393		-57,340
Treasury grant proceeds	0		57,399		0
Additions to other long term assets	-3,134		-1,070		-13,055
Other	654		78		443
Net cash used for investing activities	-1,411,408		-107,510		-350,165
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:	'		'		'
Proceeds from long-term debt	1,998,145		397,044		150,000
Repayments of debt	-1,074,774		-437,184		-670
Financing costs paid	-19,419		-876		-2,041
Settlement of treasury lock	0		-65,500		9,910
Common stock dividends paid	-109,145		-117,851		-76,012
Repurchases of common stock	-7,799		-45,162		-125,027
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	2,848		19,898		7,016
Excess tax benefits from share-based awards	7,802		4,016		1,232
Shares withheld to cover employee restricted stock taxes	-10,955		0		0
Other	71		0		0
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	786,774		-245,615		-35,592
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-16,433		51,080		-40,243
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	207,393		156,313		196,556
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$190,960		$207,393		$156,313
[1]	Includes "Expenditures for property and equipment" and excludes cash used for "Acquisition of businesses and facilities, net of cash acquired" as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
[2]	On OctoberB 25, 2013, we acquired Boise. The 2013 results include Boise for the period of October 25 through DecemberB 31, 2013.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Additional Paid in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss)
In Thousands, except Share data
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$1,009,001	$1,023	$0	$362,248	$690,111	($44,381)
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010	'	102,308,000	0	'	'	'
Common stock repurchases and retirements (in shares)	-4,824,021	-4,897,000	-2,000	'	'	'
Common stock repurchases and retirements	-123,077	-49	-59	-29,098	-93,871	0
Common stock dividends declared	-80,307	0	0	0	-80,307	0
Restricted stock grants and cancellations (in shares)	'	570,000	0	'	'	'
Restricted stock grants and cancellations	512	6	0	506	0	0
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	'	344,000	0	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	7,736	3	0	7,733	0	0
Share-based compensation expense	9,736	0	0	9,736	0	0
Other	679	0	0	679	0	0
Comprehensive income	104,630	0	0	0	158,027	-53,397
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	928,910	983	-59	351,804	673,960	-97,778
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	'	98,325,000	-2,000	'	'	'
Common stock repurchases and retirements (in shares)	-1,507,659	-1,510,000	2,000	'	'	'
Common stock repurchases and retirements	-45,162	-15	59	-9,282	-35,924	0
Common stock dividends declared	-98,128	0	0	0	-98,128	0
Restricted stock grants and cancellations (in shares)	'	383,000	0	'	'	'
Restricted stock grants and cancellations	1,615	4	0	1,611	0	0
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	'	945,000	0	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	22,297	9	0	22,288	0	0
Share-based compensation expense	11,687	0	0	11,687	0	0
Other	686	0	0	686	0	0
Comprehensive income	147,556	0	0	0	163,820	-16,264
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	969,461	981	0	378,794	703,728	-114,042
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	98,143,000	0	'	'	'
Common stock repurchases and retirements (in shares)	-171,263	-171,000	0	'	'	'
Common stock repurchases and retirements	-7,799	-1	0	-1,078	-6,720	0
Common stock withheld and retired to cover taxes on vested stock awards	'	-224,000	0	'	'	'
Common stock withheld and retired to cover taxes on vested stock awards	-10,955	-2	0	-1,362	-9,591	0
Common stock dividends declared	-148,404	0	0	0	-148,404	0
Restricted stock grants and cancellations (in shares)	'	297,000	0	'	'	'
Restricted stock grants and cancellations	6,926	3	0	6,923	0	0
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	'	127,000	0	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	3,724	1	0	3,723	0	0
Share-based compensation expense	14,761	0	0	14,761	0	0
Comprehensive income	485,301	0	0	0	436,283	49,018
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$1,313,015	$982	$0	$401,761	$975,296	($65,024)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	98,172,000	0	'	'	'

Nature_of_Operations_and_Basis

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation	'
	Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation
	Packaging Corporation of America ("we", "us", "our", PCA" or the "Company") was incorporated on January 25, 1999. In April 1999, PCA acquired the containerboard and corrugated packaging products business of Pactiv Corporation ("Pactiv"), formerly known as Tenneco Packaging, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Tenneco Inc. On October 25, 2013, PCA acquired Boise Inc. ("Boise"). For more information, see Note 3, Acquisitions. After the acquisition of Boise, we became a large diverse manufacturer of both packaging and paper products. We are headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois, and we operate largely in the United States but also have operations in Europe, Mexico, and Canada. We have approximately 13,600 employees.
	After the acquisition of Boise, we began reporting our business in three reportable segments: Packaging, Paper, and Corporate and Other. Our Packaging segment produces a wide variety of corrugated packaging products. The Paper segment manufactures and sells a range of papers, including communication-based papers, and pressure sensitive papers (collectively, white papers), and market pulp. Corporate and other includes support staff services and related assets and liabilities, transportation assets, and activity related to other ancillary support operations. For more information about our segments, see Note 19, Segment Information.
	In these consolidated financial statements, certain amounts in prior periods' consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 280, "Segment Reporting," we recast 2012 and 2011 segment information to conform with the current year presentation. For more information see Note 19, Segment Information. In addition, we reclassified amounts previously disclosed in "Corporate overhead" in the 2012 and 2011 Consolidated Statements of Income into "Selling, general, and administrative expenses" given that Corporate and Other is now disclosed separately in our segment information as discussed above. None of the reclassifications affected our results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PCA and its majority-owned subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany balances and transactions. Boise's results are included in our results for the period of October 25, 2013, through December 31, 2013.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are based on management's best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in these estimates will be reflected in the consolidated financial statements in future periods.
	Revenue Recognition
	We recognize revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, our price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Shipping and handling billings to a customer are included in net sales. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales. We present taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Planned Major Maintenance Costs
	The Company accounts for its planned major maintenance activities in accordance with ASC 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment,” using the deferral method. All maintenance costs incurred during the year are expensed in the year in which the maintenance activity occurs.
	Share-Based Compensation
	We recognize compensation expense for awards granted under the PCA long-term equity incentive plans based on the fair value on the grant date. We recognize the cost of the equity awards over the period the awards vest. See Note 9, Share-Based Compensation, for more information.
	Research and Development
	Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. The amount charged to expense was $11.5 million, $11.3 million, and $12.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	Foreign Currency
	Local currencies are the functional currencies for our operations outside the United States. Assets and liabilities are remeasured into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates as of the Consolidated Balance Sheet date. Revenue and expense items are remeasured into U.S. dollars using an average exchange rate prevailing during the period. Any resulting translation adjustments are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The foreign exchange gain (loss) resulting from remeasuring transactions into the functional currencies is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include all cash balances and highly liquid investments with a maturity, when acquired, of three months or less. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates market. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $191.0 million and $207.4 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which included cash equivalents of $156.6 million and $203.5 million, respectively. Also included in cash and cash equivalents on December 31, 2013, was $7.1 million of cash at our operations outside the United States.
	Trade Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, and Customer Deductions
	Trade accounts receivable are stated at the amount we expect to collect. The collectability of our accounts receivable is based upon a combination of factors. In circumstances where a specific customer is unable to meet its financial obligations to PCA (e.g., bankruptcy filings, substantial downgrading of credit sources), a specific reserve for bad debts is recorded against amounts due to the Company to reduce the net recorded receivable to the amount the Company reasonably believes will be collected. For all other customers, reserves for bad debts are recognized based on historical collection experience. If collection experience deteriorates (i.e., higher than expected defaults or an unexpected material adverse change in a major customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations to the Company), the estimate of the recoverability of amounts due could be reduced by a material amount. We periodically review our allowance for doubtful accounts and adjustments to the valuation allowance are charged to income. Trade accounts receivable balances that remain outstanding after we have used reasonable collection efforts are written off through a charge to the valuation allowance and a credit to accounts receivable. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the allowance for doubtful accounts was $3.9 million and $1.9 million, respectively.
	The customer deductions reserve represents the estimated amount required for customer returns, allowances and earned discounts. Based on the Company’s experience, customer returns, allowances and earned discounts have averaged approximately 1% of gross selling price. Accordingly, PCA reserves 1% of its open customer accounts receivable balance for these items. The reserve for customer deductions of $6.7 million and $3.4 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are also included as a reduction of the accounts receivable balance.
	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	The Company records its derivatives, if any, in accordance with ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” The guidance requires the Company to recognize derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use and designation of the derivative instrument. For a derivative designated as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is recognized in earnings in the period of change in fair value together with the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item. For a derivative instrument designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the derivative’s gain or loss is initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) and is subsequently recognized in earnings when the hedged exposure affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss is recognized in earnings. We were not party to any derivative-based arrangements at December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	Fair Value Measurements
	PCA measures the fair value of its financial instruments in accordance with ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” The guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. It is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, ASC 820 establishes the following hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation methodologies used to measure fair value:
	Level 1 — Valuations based on quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.
	Level 2 — Valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
	Level 3 — Valuations based on unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
	Financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis include the fair value of our pension and postretirement benefit assets and liabilities. See Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits for more information. Other assets and liabilities measured and recognized at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include assets acquired and liabilities assumed in acquisitions and our asset retirement obligations. Given the nature of these assets and liabilities, evaluating their fair value from the perspective of a market participant is inherently complex. Assumptions and estimates about future values can be affected by a variety of internal and external factors. Changes in these factors may require us to revise our estimates and could require us to retroactively adjust provisional amounts that we recorded for the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with business combinations. These adjustments could have a material effect on our financial condition and results of operations. See Note 3, Acquisitions, and Note 14, Asset Retirement Obligations, for more information.
	Inventory Valuation
	With the exception of inventories at corrugated products and paper plants acquired since 2004, raw materials, work in process and finished goods are valued using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) cost method. Inventories at the acquired locations are valued at the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost methods. Supplies and materials are valued using average cost. All inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and include all costs directly associated with manufacturing products: materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead. Inventories valued using the LIFO method totaled $200.8 million and $194.0 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, compared to total inventory values (before the LIFO inventory reserve) of $594.3 million and $332.3 million for the same respective periods.
	The components of inventories are as follows (dollars in thousands):
		December 31
		2013			2012
	Raw materials	$	212,027		$	125,909
	Work in process	13,898			8,287
	Finished goods	209,972			78,788
	Supplies and materials	158,394			119,284
	Inventories at FIFO or average cost	594,291			332,268
	Excess of FIFO or average cost over LIFO cost	(71,768		)	(63,501		)
	Inventories	$	522,523		$	268,767
	Property, Plant, and Equipment
	Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost. Cost includes expenditures for major improvements and replacements and the amount of interest cost associated with significant capital additions. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. When property and equipment are retired, sold, or otherwise disposed of, the asset's carrying amount and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in "Net income" in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Property, plant, and equipment consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
		December 31
		2013			2012
	Land and land improvements	$	140,592		$	107,250
	Buildings	628,948			390,363
	Machinery and equipment	4,263,505			3,048,932
	Construction in progress	168,808			67,051
	Other	30,847			27,196
	Property, plant and equipment, at cost	5,232,700			3,640,792
	Less accumulated depreciation	(2,426,996		)	(2,274,723		)
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	$	2,805,704		$	1,366,069
	The amount of interest capitalized from construction in progress was $1.7 million, $0.8 million and $7.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	Depreciation is computed on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Assets under capital leases are depreciated on the straight-line method over the term of the lease or the useful life, if shorter. The following lives are used for the various categories of assets:
	Buildings and land improvements	5 to 40  years
	Machinery and equipment	3 to 25 years
	Trucks and automobiles	3 to 10 years
	Furniture and fixtures	3 to 20 years
	Computers and hardware	3 to 10 years
		Period of the lease or
	Leasehold improvements	useful life, if shorter
	The amount of depreciation expense was $191.2 million, $166.0 million and $161.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	Pursuant to the terms of an industrial revenue bond, title to certain property, plant, and equipment was transferred to a municipal development authority in 2009 in order to receive a property tax abatement. The title of these assets will revert back to PCA upon retirement or cancellation of the bond. The assets are included in the consolidated balance sheet under the caption “Property, plant and equipment, net” as all risks and rewards remain with the Company.
	Leases
We assess lease classification as either capital or operating at lease inception or upon modification. We lease some of our locations, as well as other property and equipment, under operating leases. For purposes of determining straight-line rent expense, the lease term is calculated from the date of possession of the facility, including any periods of free rent and any renewal option periods that are reasonably assured of being exercised.
Long-Lived Asset Impairment
Long-lived assets other than goodwill and other intangibles are reviewed for impairment in accordance with provisions of ASC 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment.” In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of any long-lived assets may be impaired, an evaluation of recoverability is performed. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset (or group of assets) is compared to the asset’s (or group of assets’) carrying amount to determine if a write-down to fair value is required.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The Company has capitalized certain intangible assets, primarily goodwill, customer relationships, and trademarks and trade names, based on their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. Amortization is provided for customer relationships on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from six to 40 years, and trademarks and trade names over periods ranging from three to 20 years.
Goodwill, which amounted to $526.8 million and $67.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, is not amortized but is subject to an annual impairment test in accordance with ASC 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other.” We test goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter or sooner if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may exceed fair value. Additionally, we evaluate the remaining useful lives of our finite-lived purchased intangible assets to determine whether any adjustments to the useful lives are necessary. The Company concluded that none of the goodwill or intangible assets were impaired in the 2013, 2012, and 2011 annual impairment tests. See Note 7, Goodwill and Intangible Assets for additional information.
Pension and Postretirement Benefits
Several estimates and assumptions are required to record pension costs and liabilities, including discount rate, return on assets, and longevity and service lives of employees. We review and update these assumptions annually unless a plan curtailment or other event occurs, requiring we update the estimates on an interim basis. While we believe the assumptions used to measure our pension and postretirement benefit obligations are reasonable, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions may materially affect our pension and postretirement benefit obligations and future expense. See Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits, for additional information.
For postretirement health care plan accounting, the Company reviews external data and its own historical trends for health care costs to determine the health care cost trend rate assumption.
Environmental Matters
Environmental expenditures that extend the life of the related property or mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination are capitalized. Liabilities are recorded for environmental contingencies when such costs are probable and reasonably estimable. These liabilities are adjusted as further information develops or circumstances change. Environmental expenditures related to existing conditions resulting from past or current operations from which no current or future benefit is discernible are expensed as incurred.
Asset Retirement Obligations
The Company accounts for its retirement obligations related predominantly to landfill closure, wastewater treatment pond dredging, closed-site monitoring costs, and certain leasehold improvements under ASC 410, “Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations,” which requires recognition of legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets whether these assets are owned or leased. These legal obligations are to be recognized at fair value at the time that the obligations are incurred. When we record the liability, we capitalize the cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset which is amortized to expense over the useful life of the asset. See Note 14, Asset Retirement Obligations, for additional information.
Deferred Financing Costs
PCA has capitalized certain costs related to obtaining its financing. These costs are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest rate method over the terms of the related financing, which range from five to ten years. Unamortized deferred financing costs of $14.1 million and $5.0 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were recorded in "Other long-term assets" on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Cutting Rights and Fiber Farms
We lease the cutting rights to approximately 88,000 acres of timberland and we lease 9,000 acres of land where we operate fiber farms as a source of future fiber supply. For our cutting rights, we capitalize the annual lease payments and reforestation costs associated with these leases. For fiber farms, costs for activities related to the establishment of a new crop of trees, including planting, thinning, fertilization, pest control, herbicide application, irrigation, and land lease costs, are capitalized. Costs are recorded as depletion when the timber or fiber is harvested and used in operations or sold to customers. Capitalized long-term lease costs for our cutting rights recorded in "Other long-term assets" on our Consolidated Balance Sheet were $27.6 million and $27.4 million as of December 31, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Capitalized fiber farm costs recorded in "Other long-term assets" on our Consolidated Balance Sheet were $9.4 million as of December 31, 2013. The amount of depletion expense was $2.5 million, $0.7 million and $0.04 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Deferred Software Costs
PCA capitalizes costs related to the purchase and development of software which is used in its business operations. The costs attributable to these software systems are amortized over their estimated useful lives based on various factors such as the effects of obsolescence, technology and other economic factors. Net capitalized software costs recorded in "Other long-term assets" on our Consolidated Balance Sheets were $5.7 million and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Software amortization expense was $1.1 million, $0.9 million, and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Income Taxes
PCA utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes whereby it recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. Deferred tax assets will be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based upon management’s estimates, it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized in a future period. The estimates utilized in the recognition of deferred tax assets are subject to revision in future periods based on new facts or circumstances. PCA’s practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
Trade Agreements
PCA regularly trades containerboard with other manufacturers primarily to reduce shipping costs. These agreements are entered into with other producers on an annual basis, pursuant to which both parties agree to ship an identical number of tons of containerboard to each other within the agreement period. These agreements lower transportation costs by allowing each party’s containerboard mills to ship containerboard to the other party’s closest corrugated products plant. PCA tracks each shipment to ensure that the other party’s shipments to PCA match PCA’s shipments to the other party during the agreement period. Such transfers are possible because containerboard is a commodity product with no distinguishing product characteristics. These transactions are accounted for at carrying value, and revenue is not recorded as the transactions do not represent the culmination of an earnings process. The transactions are recorded into inventory accounts, and no income is recorded until such inventory is converted to a finished product and sold to an end-use customer.
New and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This ASU requires that liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits offset deferred tax assets for net operating loss carryforwards, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax position is disallowed. In situations in which carryforwards cannot be used or the deferred tax asset is not intended to be used for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be recorded as a liability and should not offset deferred tax assets. We adopted the provisions of this guidance on December 31, 2013, and it did not have a significant effect on our financial position or results of operations. See Note 5, Income Taxes, for additional information.
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This ASU requires entities to disclose additional information about changes in and significant items reclassified out of AOCI. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. We adopted the provisions of this guidance on January 1, 2013, and it had no effect on our financial position and results of operations. See Note 12, Stockholders' Equity, for additional information.
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, “Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation is Fixed at the Reporting Date.” This ASU requires an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, as the sum of (a) the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and (b) any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. This ASU also requires an entity to disclose the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other information about those obligations. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013, and should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented. To the extent the Company has any joint and several liability arrangements, we do not believe this ASU will have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations.
In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. This ASU gives entities testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment the option first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, a quantitative impairment test is required. We adopted the guidance January 1, 2013, and it did not have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations.
There were no other accounting standards recently issued that had or are expected to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquisitions	'
	Acquisitions
	Boise Acquisition
	On October 25, 2013, we acquired 100% of the outstanding stock and voting equity interests of Boise, a large manufacturer of packaging and white paper products for $2.1 billion including the assumption of debt. We paid $12.55 per share to shareholders, or $1.2 billion, net of $121.7 million of cash acquired, and assumed the fair value of Boise's debt, of $829.8 million. The acquisition expands our corrugated products geographic reach and offerings, provides low-cost, lightweight containerboard capacity for continued growth in the packaging business, and provides meaningful opportunities in the white paper business. We incurred $17.2 million of acquisition-related costs recorded in "Other expense, net" and $11.6 million of acquisition-related debt financing costs recorded in "Interest expense". Our consolidated income statement for the year ended December 31, 2013, included Boise net sales revenue of $448.0 million and Boise income from operations of $3.5 million. Boise's income from operations included $21.5 million of expense related to the step-up in inventory value at the acquisition date, $14.6 million of integration-related and other costs, and $0.4 million of acquisition-related costs. Boise's financial results are included in our Packaging, Paper, and Corporate and Other segments from the date of acquisition. For more information, see Note 19, Segment Information.
	The purchase price allocation is preliminary. Our estimates and assumptions are subject to change as more information becomes available. The primary areas of the purchase price allocation that are not yet finalized relate to the valuation of fixed assets, income taxes, and residual goodwill. The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on our current estimates of the fair value at the date of the acquisition (dollars in thousands):
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	121,658
	Accounts receivable	270,364
	Inventories	286,277
	Deferred income taxes	9,144
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	8,624
	Total current assets	696,067
	Property, plant, and equipment (a)	1,401,183
	Intangible assets (b):
	Customer relationships	256,400
	Trademarks and trade names	20,600
	Goodwill (c)	458,579
	Other long-term assets	21,786
	Assets acquired	2,854,615
	Current liabilities	322,230
	Long-term debt	829,750
	Deferred tax liabilities	281,463
	Other long-term liabilities	131,276
	Liabilities assumed	1,564,719
	Net assets acquired	$	1,289,896
	____________
	(a)	Property and equipment acquired are being depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated remaining lives, which range from one to 30 years.
	(b)	We are amortizing the intangible assets on a straight-line basis over the following (in years):
	Customer relationships	15	-	20
	Trademarks and trade names	5	-	20
	(c)	Goodwill is the excess of purchase price over the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill generated from the acquisition is primarily attributable to expected synergies and the assembled workforce. Goodwill recognized in the transaction is not deductible for income tax purposes; however, we assumed $1.9 million of goodwill that Boise had been amortizing in connection with previous acquisitions, which we will continue to amortize and deduct for income tax purposes.
	Pro Forma Financial Information (Unaudited)
	The following pro forma financial information presents the combined results of operations as if Boise had been combined with us on January 1, 2012. The pro forma results are intended for information purposes only and do not purport to represent what the combined companies' results of operations would actually have been had the transactions in fact occurred on January 1, 2012. They also do not reflect any cost savings, operating synergies, or revenue enhancements that we may achieve or the costs necessary to achieve those cost savings, operating synergies, revenue enhancements, or integration efforts (dollars in millions, except per-share amounts).
		Pro Forma (Unaudited)
		Year Ended December 31
		2013			2012
	Sales	$	5,696.20		$	5,355.90
	Net income (a)	$	492.4		$	226
	Net income per share—diluted	$	5.05		$	2.32
	____________
	(a)	The 2013 and 2012 unaudited pro forma financial information presented in the table above has been adjusted to give effect to adjustments that are directly related to the acquisition, factually supportable, and expected to have a continuing impact. These adjustments include, but are not limited to, the application of our accounting policies; elimination of related party transactions; depreciation and amortization related to fair value adjustments to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets; and interest expense on acquisition-related debt.
	The 2013 unaudited pro forma net income was also adjusted to exclude $21.5 million of acquisition inventory step-up expense, $17.2 million of acquisition-related costs, which primarily consist of advisory, legal, accounting, valuation and other professional or consulting fees, and $11.6 million of acquisition-related debt financing costs. Included in 2013 pro forma net income is $166.0 million of income from the reversal of tax reserves related to alternative fuel mixture credits, $17.4 million of integration-related and other costs, which primarily consist of severance and other employee costs and professional services.
	Other Acquisitions
	In November 2013, we acquired Damage Prevention Company for $6.3 million and recorded $1.1 million of goodwill in the Packaging segment. During the first quarter of 2012, PCA acquired a corrugated products manufacturer located in Pennsylvania for $35.4 million. Sales and total assets of both acquisitions were not material to the Company's overall sales and total assets. The operating results of both acquisitions subsequent to the purchase dates are included in the Packaging segment. The Company allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

Earnings_Pe_Share

Earnings Pe Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income per common share for the periods presented (dollars in thousands, except per share data).
		Year Ended December 31
		2013		2012		2011
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	436,283	$	163,820	$	158,027
	Denominator:
	Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	96,579		96,384		99,281
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options, unvested restricted stock, and performance units	968		1,113		1,095
	Diluted common shares outstanding	97,547		97,497		100,376
	Basic income per common share	$	4.52	$	1.7	$	1.59
	Diluted income per common share	$	4.47	$	1.68	$	1.57
	All outstanding options to purchase shares at December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, were included in the computation of diluted common shares outstanding.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The following is an analysis of the components of the consolidated income tax provision (dollars in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Current income tax provision (benefit) -
	U.S. Federal	$	129,633		$	27,100		$	41,452
	State and local	12,649			6,437			16,678
	Foreign	317			—			—
	Total current provision for taxes	142,599			33,537			58,130
	Deferred -
	U.S. Federal	(163,187		)	180,997			29,895
	State and local	(251		)	2,205			(2,548		)
	Foreign	(112		)	—			—
	Total deferred provision for taxes	(163,550		)	183,202			27,347
	Total provision (benefit) for taxes	$	(20,951	)	$	216,739		$	85,477
	The effective tax rate varies from the U.S. Federal statutory tax rate principally due to the following (dollars in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Provision computed at U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35%	$	145,366		$	133,196		$	85,226
	Alternative fuel mixture and cellulosic biofuel producer credits	(166,006		)	81,695			—
	State and local taxes, net of federal benefit	13,237			9,135			7,504
	Domestic manufacturers deduction	(11,712		)	(7,155		)	(7,670		)
	Other	(1,836		)	(132		)	417
	Total	$	(20,951	)	$	216,739		$	85,477
	Tax benefits in 2013 included $166.0 million for the release of ASC 740 uncertain tax positions related to the taxability of the alternative fuel mixture tax credits acquired in the acquisition of Boise and the completion of the IRS audit of PCA's 2008 and 2009 Federal income tax returns including the Filer City mill's cellulosic biofuel tax credits. Tax expense in 2012 included $81.7 million for the reallocation of gallons from the cellulosic biofuel producer credit to the alternative fuel mixture credit claimed in the 2009 amended federal and state income tax returns filed in 2012. For further discussion regarding these credits, see Note 6.
	The following details the scheduled expiration dates of our tax effected net operating loss (NOL) and other tax carryforwards at December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		2014 Through 2023			2024 Through 2033			Indefinite			Total
	U.S. federal and non-U.S. NOLs	$	1,633		$	110,086		$	—		$	111,719
	State taxing jurisdiction NOLs	1,199			13,878			—			15,077
	U.S. federal, non-U.S., and state tax credit carryforwards	203			748			613			1,564
	U.S. federal capital loss carryforwards	1,088			—			—			1,088
	Total	$	4,123		$	124,712		$	613		$	129,448
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts for income tax purposes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31 are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):
		December 31
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued liabilities	$	19,521		$	7,332
	Employee benefits and compensation	27,252			16,002
	Net operating loss carryforwards	126,796			—
	Stock options and restricted stock	8,875			8,389
	Pension and postretirement benefits	75,518			65,520
	Derivatives	18,221			20,381
	Capital loss, general business, foreign, and AMT credit carryforwards	2,652			—
	Gross deferred tax assets	$	278,835		$	117,624
	Valuation allowance (a)	(2,715		)	—
	Net deferred tax assets	$	276,120		$	117,624
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, plant, and equipment	$	(519,718	)	$	(210,486	)
	Goodwill and intangible assets	(111,865		)	(7,267		)
	Inventories	(559		)	(1,533		)
	Investment in joint venture	(1,026		)	(1,119		)
	Other	(2,208		)	—
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	(635,376	)	$	(220,405	)
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) (b)	$	(359,256	)	$	(102,781	)
	___________
	(a)	Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Of the $2.7 million valuation allowance, $1.6 million relates to foreign net operating loss carryforwards and credits and $1.1 million relates to capital losses. We do not expect to generate capital gains before the capital losses expire. If or when recognized, the tax benefits relating to the reversal of any of or all of the valuation allowance would be recognized as a benefit to income tax expense.
	(b)	As of December 31, 2013, we did not recognize U.S. deferred income taxes on our cumulative total of undistributed foreign earnings for our non-U.S. subsidiaries. We indefinitely reinvest our earnings in operations outside the United States. It is not practicable to determine the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability on these undistributed earnings because the actual tax liability, if any, is dependent on circumstances existing when the repatriation occurs.
	Cash payments for federal, state, and foreign income taxes were $90.7 million, $9.7 million and $52.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	The following table summarizes the changes related to PCA’s gross unrecognized tax benefits excluding interest and penalties (dollars in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Balance as of January 1	$	(111,303	)	$	(111,013	)
	Increase related to acquisition of Boise Inc. (a)	(65,158		)	—
	Increases related to prior years’ tax positions	(49		)	(128		)
	Increases related to current year tax positions	(1,538		)	(1,267		)
	Decreases related to prior years' tax positions (b)	64,774			—
Settlements with taxing authorities (c)	106,187			—
Expiration of the statute of limitations (d)	1,667			1,105
Balance at December 31	$	(5,420	)	$	(111,303	)
___________
(a)	PCA acquired $65.2 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits from Boise Inc. that relate primarily to the taxability of the alternative fuel mixture credits.
(b)	Includes a $64.3 million gross decrease related to the taxability of the alternative fuel mixture tax credits claimed in 2009 excise tax returns by Boise Inc. For further discussion regarding these credits, see Note 6, Alternative Energy Tax Credits.
(c)	Includes a $104.7 million gross decrease related to the conclusion of the Internal Revenue Service audit of PCA’s alternative energy tax credits. For further discussion regarding these credits, see Note 6, Alternative Energy Tax Credits.
(d)	In the third and fourth quarters of 2013, various state statutes of limitations expired. As a result, the reserve for unrecognized tax benefits decreased by $1.7 million gross.
At December 31, 2013, PCA had recorded a $5.4 million gross reserve for unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties. Of the total, $4.0 million (net of the federal benefit for state taxes) would impact the effective tax rate if recognized.
PCA recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties as income tax expense. Related to the unrecognized tax benefits noted above, PCA accrued interest of $3.3 million gross and accrued penalties of less than $0.1 million gross during 2013 and in total, as of December 31, 2013, and after the decreases and settlements noted in the table above, has recognized a liability for interest of $0.4 million gross and penalties of less than $0.1 million gross. During 2012, PCA accrued interest of $0.3 million gross and penalties of less than $0.1 million gross and in total, as of December 31, 2012, had recognized a liability for interest of $2.5 million gross and penalties of less than $0.1 million gross. PCA does not expect the unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next 12 months.
PCA is subject to taxation in the United States and various state and foreign jurisdicitions. A federal examination of the tax years 2008 and 2009 was concluded in November 2013. The tax years 2010 - 2013 remain open to federal examination. The tax years 2009 - 2013 remain open to state examinations. Some foreign tax jurisdictions are open to examination for the 2008 tax year forward. Through the Boise acquisition, PCA recorded net operating losses and credit carryforwards from 2008 through 2011 and 2013 that are subject to examinations and adjustments for at least three years following the year in which utilized.

Alternative_Energy_Tax_Credits

Alternative Energy Tax Credits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Alternative Energy Tax Credits	'
	Alternative Energy Tax Credits
	The Company generates black liquor as a by-product of its pulp manufacturing process, which entitled it to certain federal income tax credits. When black liquor is mixed with diesel, it is considered an alternative fuel that was eligible for a $0.50 per gallon refundable alternative fuel mixture credit for gallons produced before December 31, 2009. Black liquor is also eligible for a $1.01 per gallon taxable cellulosic biofuel producer credit for gallons of black liquor produced and used in 2009. The Company first recorded income relating to these credits in its income statement for the year ended December 31, 2009.
	During 2010, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released guidance related to the alternative energy credits which resulted in: (1) the Company releasing a reserve that was established in 2009 for ambiguity in the calculation of the alternative fuel mixture credit; (2) reallocation of gallons of black liquor from the alternative fuel mixture credit to the cellulosic biofuel credit; and (3) the determination that the Company’s proprietary biofuel process at its Filer City, Michigan mill would likely qualify for the cellulosic biofuel producer credit. The Company amended its 2009 federal income tax return in December 2010 to claim the additional Filer City gallons. As a result of these changes, the Company recorded a charge of $(86.3) million in “Alternative fuel mixture credits” and a $135.5 million benefit in the “(Provision) benefit for income taxes.” Additional expenses of $1.6 million related to the alternative energy tax credits were also recorded, resulting in total income of $47.7 million recorded in 2010. In addition, the Company recorded in 2010 a reserve for unrecognized tax benefits under ASC 740, “Income Taxes,” of $102.0 million (net of the federal benefit for state taxes) because the IRS guidelines do not specifically address the unique and proprietary nature of the Filer City mill process and uncertainty exists.
	On February 3, 2012, PCA again amended its 2009 federal tax return to reallocate claimed gallons from cellulosic biofuel producer credits to alternative fuel mixture credits. As a result of this change, the Company recorded a charge of $(118.5) million in “(Provision) benefit for income taxes” and income of $95.5 million in “Alternative fuel mixture credits,” together resulting in a first quarter 2012 non-cash, after-tax charge of $23.0 million. In the fourth quarter of 2012, PCA recorded after-tax income of $3.4 million for the amendment of the 2009 state income tax returns related to the federal amendment filed in February 2012. The net impact of these changes resulted in a non-cash, after-tax charge of $19.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	The IRS completed its audit of PCA’s 2008 and 2009 Federal income tax returns and all claimed alternative energy tax credits were allowed. In November 2013, PCA received a confirmation letter from the Joint Committee on Taxation that their review was also complete. As a result, a $103.9 million ($102.0 million of tax plus $1.9 million of accrued interest) reserve for unrecognized tax benefits for the Filer City mill’s cellulosic biofuel tax credit was fully reversed as a benefit to income taxes in the fourth quarter.
	In November 2013, an IRS Chief Counsel Memorandum was published that provided guidance concerning the taxability of the alternative fuel mixture credits. Based on this new fact, PCA reversed a $62.1 million (net of the federal benefit for state taxes) reserve for unrecognized tax benefits acquired from Boise for the taxability of the 2009 alternative fuel mixture credits that Boise had claimed through excise tax refunds as a benefit to income taxes in the fourth quarter. This resulted in a reduction in “Other long-term liabilities” of $13.1 million and the recording of a deferred tax asset to increase the net operating loss carryforwards recorded in deferred taxes by $49.0 million.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired business over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. At December 31, 2013, we had $472.9 million of goodwill recorded in our Packaging segment and $53.9 million in our Paper segment on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	Changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill are as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Goodwill
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	58,214
	Acquisitions	14,098
	Adjustments related to purchase accounting	(5,152		)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	67,160
	Acquisitions (a)	459,629
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	526,789
	___________
	(a)	In 2013, in addition to acquiring Boise and recording $458.6 million of goodwill, we acquired Damage Prevention Company for $6.3 million and recorded $1.1 million of goodwill in the Packaging segment.
	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets are comprised of customer relationships and trademarks and trade names.
	The weighted average useful life, gross carrying amount, and accumulated amortization of our intangible assets were as follows (dollars in thousands):
		As of December 31, 2013						As of December 31, 2012
		Weighted Average Remaining Useful Life (in Years)		Gross		Accumulated		Weighted Average Remaining Useful Life (in Years)	Gross		Accumulated
				Carrying		Amortization			Carrying		Amortization
				Amount					Amount
	Customer relationships	15.4		$	306,361	$	16,509	16.7	$	48,261	$	10,663
	Trademarks and trade names	14.7		21,370		794		2.6	770		248
	Other	3		220		109		3.7	220		57
	Total intangible assets (excluding goodwill)	15.4		$	327,951	$	17,412	16.5	$	49,251	$	10,968
	Amortization expense was $6.4 million, $3.1 million, and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets over the next five years is expected to approximate $22.1 million (2014), $22.0 million (2015), $21.9 million (2016), $21.9 million (2017) and $21.7 million (2018).
	Impairment Testing
	We test goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter or sooner if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may exceed fair value. Additionally, when we experience changes to our business or operating environment, we evaluate the remaining useful lives of our finite-lived purchased intangible assets to determine whether any adjustments to the useful lives are necessary. We completed our test in fourth quarter, and there is no indication of goodwill or intangible asset impairment.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt	'
	Debt
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, our long-term debt and interest rates on that debt were as follows (dollars in thousands):
		December 31, 2013						31-Dec-12
		Amount			Interest Rate			Amount				Interest Rate
	Revolving Credit Facility, due October 2018	$	—		—	%		$	—			—	%
	Five-Year Term Loan, due October 2018	650,000			1.54			—				—
	Seven-Year Term Loan, due October 2020	650,000			1.79			—				—
	4.50% Senior Notes, net of discount of $1,827 as of December 31, 2013, due November 2023	698,173			4.5			—				—
	6.50% Senior Notes, net of discounts of $26 and $32 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, due March 2018	149,974			6.5			149,968				6.5
	3.90% Senior Notes, net of discounts of $302 and $338 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, due June 2022	399,698			3.9			399,662				3.9
	Receivables Credit Facility, due October 2014	—			—			109,000				1.06
	Senior Credit Facility, Term Loan, due October 2016	—			—			135,000				1.71
	Total	2,547,845			3.08			793,630				3.63
	Less current portion	39,000			1.59			15,000				1.71
	Total long-term debt	$	2,508,845		3.1	%		$	778,630			3.67	%
	In October 2013, we entered into $2.35 billion of new borrowings and credit facility, including a $1.65 billion senior unsecured credit agreement, which includes a $350.0 million undrawn revolver, and $700.0 million of 4.50% ten-year notes, which in connection with cash on hand, was used to finance the acquisition of Boise, repay $953.6 million of indebtedness, which included $829.8 million of acquired Boise debt, and for general corporate purposes. The details of the new borrowings are as follows:
	•	Senior Unsecured Credit Agreement. On October, 18, 2013, we replaced our senior credit facility that was scheduled to terminate in October 2016, with a new $1.65 billion senior unsecured credit facility. Loans bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin that is determined based upon our credit ratings. The financing consisted of:
	◦	Revolving Credit Facility: A $350.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility with variable interest (LIBOR plus a margin) due October 2018. During 2013, we did not borrow under the Revolving Credit Facility. At December 31, 2013, we had $19.0 million of outstanding letters of credit that were considered a draw on the revolving credit facility, resulting in $331.0 million of unused borrowing capacity. The outstanding letters of credit were primarily for workers compensation. We are required to pay commitment fees on the unused portions of the credit facility.
	◦	Five-Year Term Loan: A $650.0 million unsecured term loan with variable interest (LIBOR plus 1.375%), payable quarterly, due October 2018.
	◦	Seven-Year Term Loan: A $650.0 million unsecured term loan with variable interest (LIBOR plus 1.625%), payable quarterly, due October 2020.
	•	4.50% Senior Notes. On October 22, 2013, we issued $700.0 million of 4.50% senior notes due November 1, 2023, through a registered public offering.
	On December 23, 2013, we repaid in full the $109.0 million that was outstanding under, and terminated, the receivables credit facility that was scheduled to terminate on October 11, 2014.
	On June 26, 2012, we issued $400.0 million of 3.90% senior notes due June 15, 2022, through a registered public offering and notified the holders of our $400.0 million of 5.75% senior notes due August 1, 2013, that we would redeem those notes on July 26, 2012. On July 26, 2012, we completed the redemption of the old 5.75% notes for $432.5 million, which included a redemption premium of $21.3 million and $11.2 million of accrued and unpaid interest. We used the proceeds of the offering of the new 3.90% notes and cash on hand to fund the redemption.
	The instruments governing our indebtedness contain financial and other covenants that limit the ability of PCA and its subsidiaries to enter into sale and leaseback transactions, incur liens, incur indebtedness at the subsidiary level, enter into certain transactions with affiliates, merge or consolidate with any other person or sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets. Our credit facility also requires us to comply with certain financial covenants, including maintaining a minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum leverage ratio. A failure to comply with these restrictions could lead to an event of default, which could result in an acceleration of any outstanding indebtedness and/or prohibit us from drawing on the revolving credit facility. Such an acceleration may also constitute an event of default under the senior notes indenture. At December 31, 2013, we were in compliance with these covenants.
	Additional information regarding our variable rate debt is shown below:
		Reference Interest Rate					Applicable Margin
		2013		2012			2013			2012
	Five-Year Term Loan, due October 2018	0.17	%	n/a			1.375	%		n/a
	Seven-Year Term Loan, due October 2020	0.17	%	n/a			1.625	%		n/a
	Receivables Credit Facility	n/a		0.21	%		n/a			0.85	%
	Senior Credit Facility, Term Loan, due October 2016	n/a		0.21	%		n/a			1.5	%
	As of December 31, 2013, annual principal maturities for debt, excluding unamortized debt discount, are: $39.0 million for 2014; $71.5 million for 2015; $71.5 million for 2016; $104.0 million for 2017; $546.5 million for 2018; and $1.7 billion for 2019 and thereafter.
	Interest payments and redemption premium payments paid in connection with the Company’s debt obligations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, were $105.7 million (including a $54.8 million redemption premium related to the acquired Boise Inc. debt), $66.3 million (including a $21.3 million redemption premium), and $35.2 million, respectively.
	Included in interest expense, net, are amortization of financing costs and amortization of treasury lock settlements. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, amortization of treasury lock settlements was a $5.7 million net loss, a $3.0 million net loss, and a $1.8 million net gain, respectively. Amortization of financing costs for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, was $10.3 million (including $8.2 million for acquisition-related financing fees), $1.1 million, and $0.7 million, respectively.
	With the exception of the senior notes, our debt is variable-rate debt. At December 31, 2013, the book value of our fixed-rate debt was $1,247.8 million, and the fair value was estimated to be $1,258.3 million. The difference between the book value and fair value is due to the difference between the period-end market interest rate and the stated rate of our fixed-rate debt. We estimated the fair value of our fixed-rate debt using quoted market prices (Level 1 inputs), discussed further in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company has a long-term equity incentive plan, which allows for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, and performance awards to directors, officers and employees, as well as others who engage in services for PCA. The plan, as amended, terminates May 1, 2023, and authorizes 10.6 million shares of common stock for grant over the life of the plan. As of December 31, 2013, 2.1 million shares remained available for future issuance under the plan. Forfeitures are added back to the pool of shares of common stock available to be granted at a future date.
	Restricted Stock
	Restricted stock awards granted to officers and employees generally vest at the end of a four-year period, and restricted stock awards granted to directors vest immediately. The fair value of restricted stock is determined based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on the grant date. A summary of the Company’s restricted stock activity follows:
		2013							2012					2011
		Shares			Weighted Average Grant- Date Fair Value				Shares			Weighted Average Grant- Date Fair Value		Shares		Weighted Average Grant- Date Fair Value
	Restricted stock at January 1	1,771,664			$	23.44			1,817,745			$	22.37	1,478,000		$	20.7
	Granted	331,053			51.99				394,928			27.46		575,694		27.8
	Vested (a)	(605,458	)		19.54				(429,034	)		22.66		(229,979	)	25.29
	Forfeitures	(33,565	)		24.76				(11,975	)		21.46		(5,970	)	22.45
	Restricted stock at December 31	1,463,694			$	31.48			1,771,664			$	23.44	1,817,745		$	22.37
	___________
	(a)	The total fair value of awards upon vesting for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, was $29.5 million, $12.4 million, and $6.1 million, respectively.
	Performance Units
	The Company granted 70,600 performance award units to certain key employees on June 24, 2013, with a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $47.83 per unit. The number of units that vest at the end of a four-year period are based on the Company’s performance compared to a peer group. The performance units are paid out entirely in shares of the Company’s common stock. The award is valued at the closing price of the Company’s stock on the grant date and is expensed over the requisite service period based on the most probable number of awards expected to vest.
	Compensation Expense
	Our share-based compensation expense is recorded in "Selling, general, and administrative expenses." Compensation expense for share-based awards recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income, net of forfeitures was as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31
		2013				2012				2011
	Restricted stock	$	14,238			$	11,687			$	9,736
	Performance units	523				—				—
	Impact on income before income taxes	14,761				11,687				9,736
	Income tax benefit	(5,728		)		(4,543		)		(3,784		)
	Impact on net income	$	9,033			$	7,144			$	5,952
	The fair value of restricted stock and performance units is determined based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. As PCA’s Board of Directors has the ability to accelerate vesting of share-based awards upon an employee’s retirement, the Company accelerates the recognition of compensation expense for certain employees approaching normal retirement age.
	The unrecognized compensation expense for all share-based awards follows (dollars in thousands):
		As of December 31, 2013
		Unrecognized Compensation Expense				Remaining Weighted Average Recognition Period (in years)
	Restricted stock	$	24,500			2.7
	Performance units	2,941				3.5
	Total unrecognized share-based compensation expense	$	27,441			2.8
	We evaluate share-based compensation expense on a quarterly basis based on our estimate of expected forfeitures, review of recent forfeiture activity, and expected future turnover. We recognize the effect of adjusting the forfeiture rate for all expense amortization in the period that we change the forfeiture estimate. The effect of forfeiture adjustments was insignificant in all periods presented.

Employee_Benefit_Plans_and_Oth

Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Plans	'
	Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits
	Including plans acquired in the acquisition of Boise Inc., PCA has defined pension benefit plans for both salaried and hourly employees. The plans covering salaried employees are closed to new entrants with only certain current active participants still accruing benefits. The plans covering certain hourly employees are closed to new participants. We also have a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) and other nonqualified defined benefit pension plans that provide unfunded supplemental retirement benefits to certain of our executives and former executives. The SERP provides for incremental pension benefits in excess of those offered in our principal pension plans.
	In connection with the acquisition of Boise Inc., we recorded a $67.8 million liability equal to the net underfunded status of the acquired defined benefit plans. The majority of the Boise pension benefit plans acquired are frozen; with only about 300 hourly employees continuing to accrue benefits. When frozen, the pension benefit for salaried employees was based primarily on the employees' years of service and highest five-year average compensation. The benefit for hourly employees is generally based on a fixed amount per year of service.
	Other Postretirement Benefits
	PCA provides postretirement medical benefits for salaried employees and postretirement medical and life insurance benefits for certain hourly employees. For salaried employees, the plan covers employees retiring from PCA on or after attaining age 58 who have had at least 10 years of full-time service with PCA after attaining age 48. For hourly employees, the postretirement medical and life insurance coverage, where applicable, is available according to the eligibility provisions contained in the applicable collective bargaining agreement in effect at the employee’s work location.
	Obligations and Funded Status of Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
	The funded status of PCA's plans change from year to year based on the plan asset investment return, contributions, benefit payments, and the discount rate used to measure the liability. The following table, which includes only company-sponsored defined benefit and other postretirement benefit plans, reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the projected benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets. We recognize the unfunded status of these plans on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and we recognize changes in funded status in the year changes occur through the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (dollars in thousands):
		Pension Plans							Postretirement Plans
		Year Ended December 31							Year Ended December 31
		2013				2012			2013			2012
	Change in Benefit Obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$	378,714			$	314,155		$	31,806		$	25,937
	Service cost	24,460				22,424			2,061			1,856
	Interest cost	21,488				14,800			1,248			1,241
	Plan amendments (a)	13,785				2,271			—			2,266
	Actuarial (gain) loss (b)	(53,451		)		29,338			(7,797		)	1,698
	Acquisitions	553,969				—			226			—
	Participant contributions	—				—			1,239			1,055
	Benefits paid	(9,149		)		(4,274		)	(2,528		)	(2,247		)
	Benefit obligation at plan year end	$	929,816			$	378,714		$	26,255		$	31,806
	Accumulated benefit obligation portion of above	$	884,016			$	341,729
	Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets
	Plan assets at fair value at beginning of period	$	238,359			$	185,122		$	—		$	—
	Acquisitions	486,171				—			—			—
	Actual return on plan assets	26,555				21,527			—			—
	Company contributions	30,146				35,984			1,289			1,192
	Participant contributions	—				—			1,239			1,055
	Benefits paid	(9,149		)		(4,274		)	(2,528		)	(2,247		)
	Fair value of plan assets at plan year end	$	772,082			$	238,359		$	—		$	—
	Underfunded status	$	(157,734	)		$	(140,355	)	$	(26,255	)	$	(31,806	)
	Amounts Recognized in Statement of Financial Position
	Current liabilities	$	(832	)		$	(6,290	)	$	(1,231	)	$	(1,333	)
	Noncurrent liabilities	(156,902		)		(134,065		)	(25,024		)	(30,473		)
	Accrued benefit recognized at December 31	$	(157,734	)		$	(140,355	)	$	(26,255	)	$	(31,806	)
	Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss (Pre-Tax)
	Prior service cost	$	31,577			$	34,921		$	72		$	(353	)
	Actuarial loss	26,742				90,057			1,472			9,759
	Total	$	58,319			$	124,978		$	1,544		$	9,406
	___________
	(a)	In 2013, the United Steel Workers (USW) ratified a master labor agreement with PCA under which certain USW-represented employees will have their pension accruals frozen under PCA's hourly pension plan, resulting in most of the $13.8 million increase in benefit obligations.
	(b)	The actuarial gain in 2013 is due primarily to an increase in the weighted average discount rate, while the discount rate decreased in 2012.
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss
	The components of net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (income) loss (pretax) are as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Pension Plans										Postretirement Plans
		Year Ended December 31										Year Ended December 31
		2013				2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
	Service cost	$	24,460			$	22,424		$	19,808		$	2,061		$	1,856		$	1,599
	Interest cost	21,488				14,800			13,473			1,248			1,241			1,189
	Expected return on plan assets	(21,345		)		(12,108		)	(13,544		)	—			—			—
	Net amortization of unrecognized amounts
	Prior service cost	6,222				5,993			5,782			(426		)	(419		)	(416		)
	Actuarial loss	4,662				4,916			411			490			452			449
	Curtailment loss (a)	10,908				—			—			—			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	46,395			$	36,025		$	25,930		$	3,373		$	3,130		$	2,821
	Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss
	Actuarial net (gain) loss	$	(58,652	)		$	19,919		$	49,675		$	(7,798	)	$	1,698		$	754
	Prior service credit	13,785				2,270			1,827			—			17			—
	Amortization of actuarial loss	(4,662		)		(4,916		)	(411		)	(490		)	(452		)	(449		)
	Amortization of prior service cost	(17,130		)		(5,993		)	(5,782		)	426			419			416
	Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss (b)	(66,659		)		11,280			45,309			(7,862		)	1,682			721
	Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (income) loss	$	(20,264	)		$	47,305		$	71,239		$	(4,489	)	$	4,812		$	3,542
	___________
	(a)	PCA recognized curtailment losses in "Other expense, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Income for recent USW negotiations, resulting in the bifurcation of the active USW population between those grandfathered in the current formula (with continued accruals) and non-grandfathered in the current formula (frozen benefits at the contract date).
(b)	Accumulated losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of assets will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of active employees, which is between seven to ten years, to the extent that losses are not offset by gains in subsequent years. The estimated net loss and prior service cost that will be amortized from "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" into pension expense in 2014 is $7.1 million.
Some of our defined benefit plans have accumulated benefit obligations which are less than the fair value of plan assets. The accumulated benefit obligations for the plans with obligations in excess of plan assets, is $798 million.
Assumptions
The following table presents the assumptions used in the measurement of our benefits obligations:
	Pension Plans						Postretirement Plans
	31-Dec						31-Dec
	2013		2012		2011		2013	2012		2011
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations at December 31
Discount rate	5.00%		4.25%		4.75%		4.85%	4.00%		4.50%
Rate of compensation increase	4.00%		4.00%		4.00%		N/A	N/A		N/A
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost for the Years Ended December 31
Discount rate	4.57%		4.75%		5.50%		4.00%	4.50%		5.25%
Expected return on plan assets	6.53%		6.15%		7.75%		N/A	N/A		N/A
Rate of compensation increase	4.00%		4.00%		4.00%		N/A	N/A		N/A
Discount Rate Assumption. The discount rate reflects the current rate at which the pension obligations could be settled on the measurement date: December 31. The discount rate assumption used to calculate the present value of pension and postretirement benefit obligations reflects the rates available on high-quality, fixed-income debt instruments on December 31. In all periods, the bonds included in the models reflect anticipated investments that would be made to match the expected monthly benefit payments over time. The plans' projected cash flows were duration-matched to these models to develop an appropriate discount rate. The discount rate PCA will use in 2014 to calculate the net periodic pension benefit and postretirement benefit cost is 5.00% and 4.85%, respectively.
Asset Return Assumption. The expected return on plan assets reflects the expected long-term rates of return for the categories of investments currently held in the plan as well as anticipated returns for additional contributions made in the future. The expected long-term rate of return is adjusted when there are fundamental changes in expected returns on the plan investments. The weighted-average expected return on plan assets we will use in our calculation of 2014 net periodic pension benefit cost is 6.69%.
Rate of Compensation Increase. The rate of compensation increase is determined by PCA based upon annual reviews. The compensation increase assumption is not applicable for all plans as many of our pension plans are frozen and not accruing benefits.
Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumptions. PCA assumed health care cost trend rates for its postretirement benefits plans were as follows:
	2013		2012		2011
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	7.75%		8.00%		8.00%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	5.00%		5.00%		5.50%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2020		2020		2016
Postretirement Health Care Plan Assumptions. For postretirement health care plan accounting, PCA reviews external data and its own historical trends for health care costs to determine the health care cost trend rate assumption.
A one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects on the 2013 postretirement benefit obligation and the 2013 net post retirement benefit cost (in thousands):
	1-Percentage				1-Percentage
	Point Increase				Point Decrease
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	$	540			$	(483	)
Effect on net postretirement benefit cost	52				(45		)
Investment Policies and Strategies
PCA has retained the services of professional advisors to oversee pension investments and provide recommendations regarding investment strategy. PCA’s overall strategy and related apportionments between equity and debt securities may change from time to time based on market conditions, external economic factors, and the funded status of the plans. The general investment objective for all of our plan assets is to optimize growth of the pension plan trust assets, while minimizing the risk of significant losses to enable the plans to satisfy their benefit payment obligations over time. The objectives take into account the long-term nature of the benefit obligations, the liquidity needs of the plans, and the expected risk/return trade-offs of the asset classes in which the plans may choose to invest. Pension plans’ assets were invested in the following classes of securities at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
	Percentage
	of Fair Value
	2013			2012
Debt securities	52	%		61	%
International equity securities	25			20
U.S. equity securities	21			16
Real estate securities	1			3
Other	1	%		—	%
At December 31, 2013, the targeted investment allocations differed between the acquired Boise plans and PCA's historical plans based on funded status. At December 31, 2013, PCA's historical plans, which comprised $283.1 million of the fair value of plan assets, targeted 34% invested in equities, 62% invested in bonds, and 4% in other, whereas the Boise plans, which comprised $489.0 million of the total fair value of plan assets, targeted 50% in equities and 50% in bonds. The pension assets we acquired with the acquisition of Boise are invested more heavily in equities than our plans have historically been invested, which increased the percentage of fair value invested in equities in 2013, compared with 2012.
Investment securities, in general, are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, credit, and overall market volatility risk, all of which are subject to change. Due to the level of risk associated with some investment securities, it is reasonably possible that changes in the values of investment securities will occur in the near term, and such changes could materially affect the reported amounts.
Fair Value Measurements of Plan Assets
The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, discussed in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, the pension plan assets, by major asset category, at fair value at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
Asset Category	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical				Significant Other Observable			Significant			Total
	Assets (Level 1)				Inputs (Level 2)			Unobservable
								Inputs (Level 3)
Short-term investments (a)	$	—			$	1,858		$	—		$	1,858
Mutual funds (b):
U.S. large value	19,453				—			—			19,453
U.S. large growth	17,217				—			—			17,217
U.S. mid-cap value	3,135				—			—			3,135
U.S. mid-cap growth	6,781				—			—			6,781
Foreign large blend	45,159				—			—			45,159
Diversified emerging markets	8,005				—			—			8,005
Real estate	7,469				—			—			7,469
Fixed income	54,366				—			—			54,366
Common/collective trust funds (a):
U.S. large-cap equity blend	—				87,862			—			87,862
U.S. small and mid-cap equity blend	—				19,577			—			19,577
Foreign large blend	—				126,653			—			126,653
Diversified emerging markets	—				9,211			—			9,211
Government bonds	—				35,603			—			35,603
Corporate bonds	—				77,256			—			77,256
U.S. small blend	—				6,777			—			6,777
Fixed income	—				234,445			—			234,445
Private equity securities (c)	—				—			9,904			9,904
Total securities at fair value	$	161,585			$	599,242		$	9,904		$	770,731
Receivables and accrued expenses											1,351
Total fair value of plan assets											$	772,082
	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012
Asset Category	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical				Significant Other Observable			Significant			Total
	Assets (Level 1)				Inputs (Level 2)			Unobservable
								Inputs (Level 3)
Short-term investments (a)	$	—			$	394		$	—		$	394
Mutual funds (b):
U.S. large value	15,021				—			—			15,021
U.S. large growth	12,029				—			—			12,029
U.S. mid-cap value	2,481				—			—			2,481
U.S. mid-cap growth	4,734				—			—			4,734
Foreign large blend	39,204				—			—			39,204
Diversified emerging markets	7,722				—			—			7,722
Real estate	6,881				—			—			6,881
Fixed income	48,699				—			—			48,699
Common/collective trust funds (a):
Government bonds	—				29,644			—			29,644
Corporate bonds	—				66,517			—			66,517
U.S. small blend	—				5,033			—			5,033
Total fair value of plan assets	$	136,771			$	101,588		$	—		$	238,359
____________
(a)	Investments in common/collective trust funds valued using NAV provided by the administrator of the funds. We use NAV as a practical expedient to fair value. The NAV is based on the value of the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus its liabilities, and then divided by the number of units outstanding. While the underlying assets are actively traded on an exchange, the funds are not. There are currently no redemption restrictions on these investments. There are certain funds with one-day redeemable notice.
(b)	Investments in mutual funds valued at quoted market values on the last business day of the fiscal year.
(c)	Investments in this category are invested in the Pantheon Global Secondary Fund IV, LP. The fund specializes in investments in the private equity secondary market and occasionally directly in private companies to maximize capital growth. Fund investments are carried at fair value as determined quarterly using the market approach to estimate the fair value of private investments. The market approach utilizes prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions, type of security, size of the position, degree of liquidity, restrictions on the disposition, latest round of financing data, current financial position, and operating results, among other factors. In circumstances where fair values are not provided with respect to any of the company's fund investments, the investment advisor will seek to determine the fair value of such investments based on information provided by the general partners or managers of such funds or from other sources. Audited financial statements are provided by fund management annually. Notwithstanding the above, the variety of valuation bases adopted and quality of management data of the ultimate underlying investee companies means that there are inherent difficulties in determining the value of the investments. Amounts realized on the sale of these investments may differ from the calculated values. Boise had originally committed to a $15.0 million investment, with $6.2 million of the commitment unfunded at December 31, 2013.
The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the pension plans' Level 3 assets for the year ended December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
	2013
Balance, beginning of year	$	—
Acquisitions	8,479
Purchases	975
Sales	—
Unrealized gain	450
Balance, end of year	$	9,904
Funding and Cash Flows
PCA makes pension plan contributions that are sufficient to fund its actuarially determined costs, generally equal to the minimum amounts required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). From time to time, PCA may make discretionary contributions based on the funded status of the plans, tax deductibility, income from operations, and other factors. In 2013, we contributed $30.1 million to our plans, which exceeded our 2013 minimum pension contribution requirements. We expect to contribute at least the required minimum currently estimated to be approximately $5.0 million in 2014.
The following are estimated benefit payments to be paid to current plan participants by year (dollars in thousands). Qualified pension benefit payments are paid from plan assets, while nonqualified pension benefit payments are paid by the Company.
	Pension Plans				Postretirement
					Plans
2014	$	30,551			$	1,231
2015	34,304				1,287
2016	38,027				1,369
2017	42,020				1,523
2018	45,759				1,665
2019 - 2023	281,889				10,150
Defined Contribution Plans
Some of our employees participate in contributory defined contribution savings plans, available to most of our salaried and hourly employees. The defined contribution plans permit participants to make contributions by salary reduction pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Code. PCA made employer-matching contributions of $15.0 million, $10.8 million, and $10.4 million in 2013, 2012, and 2011. The increase in contributions in 2013, compared with the prior periods, relates primarily to the additional participants added in the Boise acquisition. Company matching contributions to full-time salaried employees are made in company stock, through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). All other matching contributions are in cash. We expense employer matching contributions and charge dividends on shares held by the ESOP to retained earnings. Shares of company stock held by the ESOP are included in basic shares for earnings-per-share computations. At both December 31, 2013 and 2012, the ESOP held 2.1 million shares of company stock.
Salaried and certain hourly employees that are not participating in a PCA sponsored defined benefit pension plan receive a service-related company retirement contribution to their defined contribution plan account in addition to any employer matching contribution. This contribution increases with years of service and ranges from 3% to 5% of base pay. We expensed $5.3 million, $4.3 million, and $3.9 million for this retirement contribution during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Deferred Compensation Plans
Key managers can elect to participate in a deferred compensation plan. The deferred compensation plan is unfunded; therefore, benefits are paid from our general assets. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had $12.0 million and $3.4 million, respectively, of liabilities attributable to participation in our deferred compensation plan on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The $8.6 million increase in liabilities relates primarily to the $7.9 million of deferred compensation liabilities assumed in the Boise Acquisition.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	'
	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	Hedging Strategy
	PCA is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing operations. When appropriate, the Company uses derivatives as a risk management tool to mitigate the potential impact of certain market risks. The primary risks managed by using derivative financial instruments are interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate risks. PCA does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
	Interest Rate Risk
	The Company has used treasury lock derivative instruments to manage interest costs and the risk associated with changing interest rates. In connection with contemplated issuances of ten-year debt securities, PCA entered into interest rate protection agreements with counterparties in 2003, 2008, 2010, and 2011 to protect against increases in the ten-year U.S. Treasury Note rate. These treasury rates served as references in determining the interest rates applicable to the debt securities the Company issued in July 2003, March 2008, February 2011, and June 2012. As a result of changes in the interest rates on those treasury securities between the time PCA entered into the derivative agreements and the time PCA priced and issued the debt securities, the Company: (1) received a payment of $22.8 million from the counterparty upon settlement of the 2003 interest rate protection agreement on July 21, 2003; (2) made a payment of $4.4 million to the counterparty upon settlement of the 2008 interest rate protection agreement on March 25, 2008; (3) received a payment of $9.9 million from the counterparties upon settlement of the 2010 interest rate protection agreements on February 4, 2011; and (4) made a payment of $65.5 million to the counterparty upon settlement of the 2011 interest rate protection agreement on June 26, 2012. The Company recorded the effective portion of the settlements in AOCI, and these amounts are being amortized over the terms of the respective notes.
	During the second quarter of 2012, the Company recorded a charge of $3.4 million in interest expense as hedge ineffectiveness due to settling the 2011 interest rate protection agreement prior to its maturity of December 31, 2012. The Company calculated the ineffective portion of the hedge utilizing the hypothetical derivative method. Additionally, during the third quarter of 2012, the Company recorded a $2.2 million settlement gain in interest expense from the 2003 interest rate protection agreement that was written off due to the redemption of the 5.75% notes on July 26, 2012.
	Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
	In connection with the energy optimization projects at its Valdosta, Georgia mill and Counce, Tennessee mill, the Company entered into foreign currency forward contracts in 2009 and 2010 to hedge its exposure to forecasted purchases of machinery and equipment denominated in foreign currencies. The foreign currency forward contracts were properly documented and designated as cash flow hedges at inception. By the end of 2011, all contracts had been settled for a loss of $0.7 million. The loss was recorded in accumulated OCI and is being amortized into cost of sales over the lives of the respective machinery and equipment.
	Derivative Instruments
	The impact of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of income and accumulated OCI is as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Net Gain
		(Loss) Recognized in
		Accumulated OCI
		(Effective Portion)
		December 31
		2013			2012
	Treasury locks, net of tax	$	(28,191	)	$	(31,651	)
	Foreign currency exchange contracts, net of tax	(371		)	(392		)
	Total	$	(28,562	)	$	(32,043	)
		Gain (Loss) Reclassified
		from Accumulated OCI into
		Income
		(Effective Portion)
		Year Ended December 31
	Location	2013			2012			2011
	Amortization of treasury locks (included in interest expense, net)	$	(5,655	)	$	435		$	1,846
	Amortization of foreign currency forward contracts (included in cost of sales)	(34		)	(34		)	(7		)
	The net amount of settlement gains or losses on derivative instruments included in accumulated OCI to be amortized over the next 12 months is a net loss of $5.7 million ($3.5 million after tax).

Stockholders_Equity_Stockholde

Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Stockholders' Equity
	Share Repurchase Program
	In 2013, 2012, and 2011, we repurchased the following shares of common stock. In all years, all of the shares purchased were retired. At December 31, 2013, $98.1 million of the $150.0 million authorization by the Board of Directors, remained available for repurchase of the Company's common stock (in thousands, except share and per share amounts).
		Shares			Weighted Average Price Per Share				Total
	2011	4,824,021			$	25.51			$	123,077
	2012	1,507,659			29.96				45,162
	2013	171,263			45.54				7,799
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Changes in AOCI by component follows (dollars in thousands). Amounts in parentheses indicate losses.
		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments				Unrealized Loss On Treasury Locks, Net				Unrealized Loss on Foreign Exchange Contracts			Unfunded Employee Benefit Obligations			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	—			$	(31,651	)		$	(392	)	$	(81,999	)	$	(114,042	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	(136		)		—				—			32,264			32,128
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	—				3,460				21			13,409			16,890
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	(136		)		3,460				21			45,673			49,018
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(136	)		$	(28,191	)		$	(371	)	$	(36,326	)	$	(65,024	)
	The following table presents information about reclassifications out of AOCI (dollars in thousands). Amounts in parentheses indicate expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Income.
			Amounts Reclassified from AOCI
			Year Ended December 31
	Details about AOCI Components		2013				2012				Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented
	Unrealized loss on treasury locks, net		$	(5,655	)		$	(2,988	)		See (a) below
			2,195				1,167				Tax benefit
			$	(3,460	)		$	(1,821	)		Net of tax
	Unrealized loss on foreign exchange contracts		$	(34	)		$	(34	)		See (b) below
			13				13				Tax benefit
			$	(21	)		$	(21	)		Net of tax
	Unfunded employee benefit obligations
	Amortization of prior service costs		$	(16,704	)		$	(5,575	)		See (c) below
	Amortization of actuarial gains / (losses)		(5,197		)		(5,368		)		See (c) below
			(21,901		)		(10,943		)		Total before tax
			8,492				4,254				Tax benefit
			$	(13,409	)		$	(6,689	)		Net of tax
	____________
	(a)	This AOCI component is included in interest expense, net. See Note 11, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, for additional information.
	(b)     This AOCI component is included as depreciation in cost of sales.
	(c)	These AOCI components are included in the computation of net pension and postretirement benefit costs. See Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits, for additional information.

Concentrations_of_Risk_Concent

Concentrations of Risk Concentrations of Risk	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Concentration of Risk	'
	Concentrations of Risk
	Our Paper segment has had a long-standing commercial and contractual relationship with OfficeMax Incorporated (OfficeMax), and OfficeMax is our largest customer in the paper business. Following a merger in late 2013, OfficeMax is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Office Depot. Although we expect our long-term business and contractual relationship with OfficeMax to continue post-merger, the relationship exposes us to a significant concentration of business and financial risk. For the period of October 25, 2013, through December 31, 2013, our sales to Office Depot (including OfficeMax) represented 2% of our total company sales revenue and 38% of our Paper segment sales revenue. At December 31, 2013, we had $39.2 million of accounts receivable due from Office Depot (including OfficeMax), which represents 6% of our total company receivables.
	We cannot predict how the merger between OfficeMax and Office Depot will affect our business. Significant increases in paper purchases would intensify the concentration of risk. Significant reductions in paper purchases would cause our paper business to expand its customer base and could potentially decrease its profitability if new customer sales required either a decrease in pricing and/or an increase in cost of sales. Any significant deterioration in the financial condition of the post-merger entity affecting the ability to pay or causing a significant change in the willingness to continue to purchase our products could harm our business and results of operations.
	Labor
	At December 31, 2013, we had approximately 13,600 employees and approximately 50% of these employees worked pursuant to collective bargaining agreements. Approximately 75% of our hourly employees are represented by unions. The majority of our unionized employees are represented by the United Steel Workers (USW), the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), the International Association of Machinists (IAM), and the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers (AWPPW). We are currently in negotiations to renew or extend any union contracts that have recently expired or are expiring in the near future, including the agreements at our Jackson, Alabama, paper mill, which expire August 31, 2014. During 2013, we experienced no work stoppages and believe we have satisfactory labor relations with our employees. Approximately 20% of our employees work pursuant to collective bargaining agreements that will expire within the next twelve months.

Asset_Retirement_Obligations

Asset Retirement Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligations	'
	Asset Retirement Obligations
	Our asset retirement obligations relate predominantly to landfill closure, wastewater treatment pond dredging, closed-site monitoring costs, and certain leasehold improvements. In accordance with ASC 410, "Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations," we recognize the fair value of these liabilities as an asset retirement obligation and capitalize that cost as part of the cost basis of the related asset in the period in which they are incurred if sufficient information is available to reasonably estimate the fair value of the obligation. Fair value estimates are determined using Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of our asset retirement obligations is measured using expected future cash outflows discounted using the company's credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate. When we record the liability, we capitalize the cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its settlement value, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. These liabilities are based on the best estimate of costs and are updated periodically to reflect current technology, laws and regulations, inflation, and other economic factors. Occasionally, we become aware of events or circumstances that require us to revise our future estimated cash flows. When revisions become necessary, we recalculate our obligation and adjust our asset and liability accounts utilizing appropriate discount rates. No assets are legally restricted for purposes of settling asset retirement obligations. Upon settlement of the liability, we will recognize a gain or loss for any difference between the settlement amount and the liability recorded.
	The following table describes changes to the asset retirement obligation liability (dollars in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31
		2013			2012
	Asset retirement obligation at beginning of period	$	5,145		$	5,095
	Acquisition	23,841			—
	Liabilities incurred	3,164			—
	Accretion expense	275			50
	Revisions in estimated cash flows	(378		)	—
	Asset retirement obligation at end of period	$	32,047		$	5,145
	We have additional asset retirement obligations with indeterminate settlement dates. The fair value of these asset retirement obligations cannot be estimated due to the lack of sufficient information to estimate the settlement dates of the obligations. These asset retirement obligations include, for example, (i) removal and disposal of potentially hazardous materials related to equipment and/or an operating facility if the equipment and/or facilities were to undergo major maintenance, renovation, or demolition and (ii) storage sites or owned facilities for which removal and/or disposal of chemicals and other related materials are required if the operating facility is closed. We will recognize a liability in the period in which sufficient information becomes available to reasonably estimate the fair value of these obligations.

Transactions_With_Related_Part

Transactions With Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Transactions With Related Parties	'
	Transactions With Related Parties
	Louisiana Timber Procurement Company, L.L.C. (LTP) is a variable-interest entity that is 50% owned by PCA, after the acquisition of Boise, and 50% owned by Boise Cascade Company (Boise Cascade). LTP procures sawtimber, pulpwood, residual chips, and other residual wood fiber to meet the wood and fiber requirements of PCA and Boise Cascade in Louisiana. PCA is the primary beneficiary of LTP, and has the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of LTP. Therefore, we consolidate 100% of LTP in our financial statements in our Corporate and Other segment. The carrying amounts of LTP's assets and liabilities (which relate primarily to noninventory working capital items) on our Consolidated Balance Sheet were both $5.0 million at December 31, 2013. During the period of October 25, 2013, to December 31, 2013, we recorded $10.3 million of LTP sales to Boise Cascade in "Net Sales" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and approximately the same amount of expenses in "Cost of Sales." The sales were at prices designed to approximate market prices.
	During the period of October 25, 2013, to December 31, 2013, fiber purchases from related parties was $3.7 million. Most of these purchases related to chip and log purchases by LTP from Boise Cascade's wood products business. These purchases are recorded in "Cost of Sales" in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accrued Liabilities	'
	Accrued Liabilities
	The components of accrued liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Compensation and benefits	$	130,455	$	71,246
	Medical insurance and workers’ compensation	26,399		18,448
	Customer volume discounts and rebates	11,436		13,365
	Franchise, property, sales and use taxes	20,232		9,337
	Asset retirement obligations	4,002		—
	Severance	8,172		—
	Other	13,362		10,300
	Total	$	214,058	$	122,696

Other_Expense_Net_Other_Expens

Other Expense, Net Other Expense, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Expense, Net	'
	Other Expense, Net
	The components of other (income) expense are as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31
		2013		2012		2011
	Integration-related and other costs	$	17,430	$	—	$	—
	Acquisition-related costs	17,240		—		—
	Pension curtailment charges	10,908		—		—
	Asset disposals and write-offs	13,192		10,821		12,726
	Other	208		968		(2,003		)
	Total	$	58,978	$	11,789	$	10,723

US_Treasury_Grant

U.S. Treasury Grant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
U.S. Treasury Grant	'
	U.S. Treasury Grant
	On April 5, 2012, PCA’s application for a U.S. Treasury Section 1603 Grant for Specified Energy property was approved for the Valdosta energy project. The Company received the grant proceeds of $57.4 million on April 11, 2012 and recorded the proceeds as a reduction to the cost of the related property, plant, and equipment. These proceeds will be amortized ratably over the estimated useful lives of the related equipment, which amounts to $3.2 million each year.

Segment_Information_Segment_In

Segment Information Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	Prior to the acquisition of Boise on October 25, 2013, we manufactured and sold packaging products and reported our results in one reportable segment. In connection with the acquisition, we expanded our packaging business and entered the paper business as the third largest producer of white papers in North America in terms of production capacity. As a result, we began managing our business in three reportable segments: Packaging, Paper, and Corporate and Other. These segments represent distinct businesses that are managed separately because of differing products and services. Each of these businesses requires distinct operating and marketing strategies. The segments follow the accounting principles described in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
	Packaging. We manufacture and sell a wide variety of corrugated packaging products, including conventional shipping containers used to protect and transport manufactured goods, multi-color boxes and displays with strong visual appeal that help to merchandise the packaged product in retail locations. In addition, we are a large producer of packaging for meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, processed food, beverages, and other industrial and consumer products. We are also a low-volume producer of newsprint.
	Paper. We manufacture and sell a range of white papers, including communication papers, and pressure sensitive papers, and market pulp. Our white papers can be manufactured as either commodity papers or specialty papers with specialized or custom features, such as colors, coatings, high brightness, or recycled content. We ship to customers both directly from our mills and through distribution centers. For the period of October 25 through December 31, 2013, our sales to Office Depot (including OfficeMax), our largest paper segment customer, represented 38% of our Paper segment sales revenue.
	Corporate and Other. Our Corporate and Other segment includes corporate support services, related assets and liabilities, and foreign exchange gains and losses. This segment also includes transportation assets, such as rail cars and trucks, which we use to transport our products from our manufacturing sites and assets related to a 50% owned variable interest entity, Louisiana Timber Procurement Company, L.L.C. (LTP), that we acquired in the Boise Acquisition. See Note 15, Transactions With Related Parties, for more information related to LTP. Sales in this segment relate primarily to LTP and our rail and truck business. We provide transportation services not only to our own facilities but also, on a limited basis, to third parties when geographic proximity and logistics are favorable. Rail cars and trucks are generally leased.
	Each segments' profits and losses are measured on operating profits before interest expense and interest income. After the acquisition of Boise, expenses that were historically included in "Corporate overhead" on our Consolidated Statements of Income, were reclassified to "Selling, general, and administrative expenses" to conform with the current year presentation. In addition, after increasing our product offerings to include both packaging and paper products after the Boise Acquisition, we began allocating the amounts associated with running those businesses, previously included in "Corporate overhead", to our segments. For many of these allocated expenses, the related assets and liabilities remain in the Corporate and Other segment.
	Segment sales to external customers by product line are as follows (dollars in millions):
		Year Ended December 31
		2013			2012				2011
	Packaging sales	$	3,431.70		$	2,843.90			$	2,620.10
	Paper sales
	White papers	207			—				—
	Market pulp	9.9			—				—
		216.9			—				—
	Corporate and Other	16.7			—				—
		$	3,665.30		$	2,843.90			$	2,620.10
	Sales to foreign unaffiliated customers, which are primarily recorded in our Packaging segment, during the year ended December 31, 2013, were $162.4 million. At December 31, 2013, the net carrying value of long-lived assets held by foreign operations, all of which were in our Packaging segment, was $14.0 million.
	An analysis of operations by reportable segment is as follows (dollars in millions):
			Sales, net											Operating Income (Loss)				Depreciation,				Capital				Assets
	Year Ended December 31, 2013 (a)		Trade			Inter-				Total								Amortization, and Depletion				Expenditures (k)
						segment
	Packaging		$	3,431.30		$	0.4			$	3,431.70			$	545.9		(b)	$	190.2			$	222.2			$	3,916.70
	Paper		216.9			—				216.9				13.5			(c)	9.1				10				938.4
	Corporate and Other		17.1			28				45.1				(85.8		)	(d)	2.5				2.2				344.9
	Intersegment eliminations		—			(28.4		)		(28.4		)		—				—				—				—
			$	3,665.30		$	—			$	3,665.30			473.6				$	201.8			$	234.4			$	5,200.00
	Interest expense, net													(58.3		)	(e)
	Income before taxes													$	415.3
			Sales, net											Operating Income (Loss)				Depreciation,				Capital				Assets
	Year Ended December 31, 2012		Trade			Inter-				Total								Amortization, and Depletion				Expenditures (k)
						segment
	Packaging		$	2,843.90		$	—			$	2,843.90			$	389.7		(f)	$	169.4			$	127.8			$	2,131.10
	Paper		—			—				—				—				—				—				—
	Corporate and Other		—			—				—				53.7			(g)	1.4				0.7				322.7
	Intersegment eliminations		—			—				—				—				—				—				—
			$	2,843.90		$	—			$	2,843.90			443.4				$	170.8			$	128.5			$	2,453.80
	Interest expense, net													(62.9		)	(h)
	Income before taxes													$	380.6
			Sales, net										Operating Income (Loss)			Depreciation,				Capital				Assets
	Year Ended December 31, 2011		Trade			Inter-			Total							Amortization, and Depletion				Expenditures (k)
						segment
	Packaging		$	2,620.10		—			$	2,620.10			309.9		(i)	$	162.9			$	280.2			$	2,165.70
	Paper		—			—			—				—			—				—				—
	Corporate and Other		—			—			—				(37.2	)	(j)	0.7				—				246.8
	Intersegment eliminations		—			—			—				—			—				—				—
			$	2,620.10		—			$	2,620.10			272.7			$	163.6			$	280.2			$	2,412.50
	Interest expense, net												(29.2	)
	Income before taxes												243.5
	____________
	(a)	On October 25, 2013, we acquired Boise. The 2013 results include Boise for the period of October 25 through December 31, 2013.
	(b)	Includes $18.0 million of expense for the acquisition inventory step-up and $1.4 million of integration-related and other costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of Boise in fourth quarter 2013.
	(c)	Includes $3.5 million of expense for acquisition inventory step-up and $1.9 million of income for integration-related and other costs.
	(d)	Includes $17.2 million of acquisition-related costs and $17.9 million of integration-related and other costs.
	(e)	Includes $10.5 million of expenses for financing the acquisition and $1.1 million of expense for the write-off of deferred financing costs.
	(f)	Includes $2.0 million of plant closure charges.
	(g)	Includes $95.5 million of income related to the increase in gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits on the Company's amended 2009 tax return. See Note 6, Alternative Energy Tax Credits, for more information.
	(h)	Includes $24.8 million of debt refinancing charges, including the $21.3 million redemption premium, the $3.4 million charge to settle the treasury lock prior to its maturity, and $0.1 million of other items.
	(i)	Includes $7.4 million of charges related to energy project disposals.
	(j)	Includes $1.6 million of income from an adjustment to our medical benefits reserve.
	(k)	Includes "Expenditures for property and equipment" and excludes cash used for "Acquisition of businesses and facilities, net of cash acquired" as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Commitments_Guarantees_Indemni

Commitments, Guarantees, Indemnifications, and Legal Proceedings	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments, Guarantees, Indemnifications, and Legal Proceedings	'
	Commitments, Guarantees, Indemnifications, and Legal Proceedings
	We have financial commitments and obligations that arise in the ordinary course of our business. These include long-term debt (discussed in Note 8, Debt), capital commitments, lease obligations, purchase commitments for goods and services, and legal proceedings (discussed below).
	Capital Commitments
	The Company had capital commitments of approximately $151.4 million and $27.0 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, in connection with the expansion and replacement of existing facilities and equipment.
	Lease Obligations
	PCA leases space for certain of its facilities, cutting rights to approximately 88,000 acres of timberland, land for a fiber farm, and equipment, primarily vehicles and rolling stock. Lease terms range from one to 15 years and may contain renewal options or escalation clauses. Substantially all lease agreements have fixed payment terms based on the passage of time. Some lease agreements provide us with the option to purchase the leased property. Additionally, some agreements contain renewal options averaging approximately five years. Some leases may require the Company to pay executory costs, which may include property taxes, maintenance and insurance. The minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases with lease terms in excess of one year are as follows (dollars in thousands):
	2014	$	56,492
	2015	45,818
	2016	34,392
	2017	23,872
	2018	17,034
	Thereafter	73,647
	Total	$	251,255
	Total lease expense, including base rent on all leases and executory costs, such as insurance, taxes, and maintenance, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, was $56.0 million, $49.4 million and $46.1 million, respectively. These costs are included in "Cost of sales" and "Selling, general, and administrative expenses" in our Consolidated Statements of Income. We had an insignificant amount of sublease rental income in the periods presented.
	PCA was obligated under capital leases covering buildings and machinery and equipment in the amount of $24.9 million and $25.9 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Assets held under capital lease obligations are included in property, plant and equipment as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31
		2013			2012
	Buildings	$	250		$	250
	Machinery and equipment	28,526			28,526
	Total	28,776			28,776
	Less accumulated amortization	(8,676		)	(6,845		)
	Total	$	20,100		$	21,931
	Amortization of assets under capital lease obligations is included in depreciation expense.
	The future minimum payments under capitalized leases at December 31, 2013 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
	2014	$	2,654
	2015	2,654
	2016	2,654
	2017	2,654
	2018	2,654
	Thereafter	25,874
	Total minimum capital lease payments	39,144
	Less amounts representing interest	(14,240		)
	Present value of net minimum capital lease payments	24,904
	Less current maturities of capital lease obligations	(1,030		)
	Total long-term capital lease obligations	$	23,874
	Interest expense related to capital lease obligations was $1.7 million during both the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, and $1.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.
	Purchase Commitments
	In the table below, we set forth our enforceable and legally binding purchase obligations as of December 31, 2013. Some of the amounts included in the table are based on management's estimates and assumptions about these obligations, including their duration, the possibility of renewal, anticipated actions by third parties, and other factors. Because these estimates and assumptions are necessarily subjective, our actual payments may vary from those reflected in the table. Purchase orders made in the ordinary course of business are excluded from the table below. Any amounts for which we are liable under purchase orders are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as accounts payable and accrued liabilities. These obligations relate to various purchase agreements for items such as minimum amounts of fiber and energy purchases over periods ranging from one to 15 years. Total purchase commitments are as follows (dollars in thousands):
	2014	$	120,971
	2015	54,757
	2016	14,840
	2017	3,017
	2018	2,545
	Thereafter	11,536
	Total	$	207,666
	The Company purchased a total of $61.7 million, $27.7 million, and $28.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, under these purchase agreements. The increase in purchase commitments in 2014, compared with 2013, relates to the acquisition of Boise in fourth quarter 2013.
	Environmental Liabilities
	The potential costs for various environmental matters are uncertain due to such factors as the unknown magnitude of possible cleanup costs, the complexity and evolving nature of governmental laws and regulations and their interpretations, and the timing, varying costs and effectiveness of alternative cleanup technologies. From 1994 through 2013, remediation costs at the Company’s mills and corrugated plants totaled approximately $3.2 million. At December 31, 2013, the Company had $34.1 million of environmental-related reserves recorded on its Consolidated Balance Sheet. Of the $34.1 million, approximately $26.5 million related to environmental-related asset retirement obligations discussed in Note 14, Asset Retirement Obligations, and $7.6 million related to our estimate of other environmental contingencies. The Company recorded $7.8 million in "Accrued liabilities" and $26.3 million in "Other long-term liabilities" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Liabilities recorded for environmental contingencies are estimates of the probable costs based upon available information and assumptions. Because of these uncertainties, PCA’s estimates may change. As of the date of this filing, the Company believes that it is not reasonably possible that future environmental expenditures for remediation costs and asset retirement obligations above the $34.1 million accrued as of December 31, 2013, will have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
	Guarantees and Indemnifications
	We provide guarantees, indemnifications, and other assurances to third parties in the normal course of our business. These include tort indemnifications, environmental assurances, and representations and warranties in commercial agreements. At December 31, 2013, we are not aware of any material liabilities arising from any guarantee, indemnification, or financial assurance we have provided. If we determined such a liability was probable and subject to reasonable determination, we would accrue for it at that time.
	Legal proceedings
	During 2010, PCA and eight other U.S. and Canadian containerboard producers were named as defendants in five purported class action lawsuits filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleging violations of the Sherman Act. The lawsuits have been consolidated in a single complaint under the caption Kleen Products LLC v Packaging Corp. of America et al. The consolidated complaint alleges that the defendants conspired to limit the supply of containerboard, and that the purpose and effect of the alleged conspiracy was to artificially increase prices of containerboard products during the period of August 2005 to October 2010 (the time of filing of the complaint). The complaint was filed as a class action suit on behalf of all purchasers of containerboard products during such period. The complaint seeks treble damages and costs, including attorney’s fees. The defendants’ motions to dismiss the complaint were denied by the court in April 2011. PCA believes the allegations are without merit and is defending the lawsuit vigorously. Due to discovery not being completed in the case and the final outcome being dependent on many complex variables, the amount of reasonably possible losses, if any, cannot be estimated at this time.
	We are also a party to several other legal actions arising in the ordinary course of our business. These legal actions include commercial liability claims, premises liability claims, and employment-related claims, among others. As of the date of this filing, we believe it is not reasonably possible that any of the legal actions against us will, either individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Quarterly_Results_of_Operation

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)	'
	Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited, dollars in thousands, except per-share and stock price information)
		Fiscal Quarter
	2013:00:00	First		Second (a)		Third (b)		Fourth (c)		Total
	Net sales	$	755,207	$	800,230	$	845,440	$	1,264,431	$	3,665,308
	Gross profit	182,492		192,323		226,777		257,595		859,187
	Income from operations	103,246		107,270		141,960		121,131		473,607
	Net income	60,613		64,465		84,180		227,025		436,283
	Basic earnings per share	0.63		0.67		0.87		2.35		4.52
	Diluted earnings per share	0.62		0.66		0.86		2.33		4.47
	Stock price - high	44.93		50.78		61.32		64.39		64.39
	Stock price - low	37.86		42.36		48.45		55.66		37.86
		Fiscal Quarter
	2012:00:00	First (d)		Second (e)		Third (e)		Fourth (f)		Total
	Net sales	$	671,357	$	712,468	$	723,473	$	736,579	$	2,843,877
	Gross profit	145,135		158,015		163,102		174,339		640,591
	Income from operations	169,110		83,858		92,072		98,419		443,459
	Net income	17,844		45,154		39,791		61,031		163,820
	Basic earnings per share	0.18		0.47		0.41		0.63		1.7
	Diluted earnings per share	0.18		0.46		0.41		0.63		1.68
	Stock price - high	30.62		29.8		36.68		38.67		38.67
	Stock price - low	24.82		25.77		27.59		33.89		24.82
	____________
	Note: The sum of the quarters may not equal the total of the respective year’s earnings per share on either a basic or diluted basis due to changes in the weighted average shares outstanding throughout the year.
	(a)	Includes a $7.8 million non-cash pension curtailment charge ($5.0 million after tax or $0.05 per diluted share).
	(b)	Includes a $3.1 million non-cash pension curtailment charge ($2.0 million after tax or $0.02 per diluted share), $1.5 million of acquisition-related costs ($1.0 million after tax or $0.01 per diluted share), and $2.7 million of acquisition-related financing costs ($1.8 million after tax or $0.02 per diluted share).
	(c)	Includes Boise's results for the period of October 25, 2013, through December 31, 2013. The quarter also includes $166.0 million of income tax benefits from the reversal of the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits from alternative energy tax credits ($1.70 per diluted share), partially offset by $21.5 million of expense for the acquisition inventory step-up ($13.6 million after tax or $0.14 per diluted share), $15.8 million of acquisition-related costs ($10.0 million after tax or $0.10 per diluted share), $8.9 million of acquisition-related financing costs ($5.6 million after tax or $0.06 per diluted share), and $17.4 million of integration-related and other costs ($11.0 million after tax or $0.11 per diluted share).
	(d)	During the first quarter of 2012, PCA amended its 2009 federal income tax return to reduce the gallons claimed as cellulosic biofuel producer credits previously recorded as a tax benefit and to increase those gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits previously recorded as income. The increase in gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits resulted in income of $95.5 million. The decrease in gallons claimed as cellulosic biofuel producer credits resulted in a decrease in tax benefits of $118.5 million, for a total decrease in net income of $23.0 million ($0.24 per diluted share).
	(e)	The second and third quarters of 2012 include debt refinancing charges of $3.7 million ($2.5 million after tax or $0.03 per diluted share) and $21.1 million ($13.5 million after tax or $0.14 per diluted share), respectively.
	(f)	Includes $3.4 million of income from state income tax adjustments ($0.03 per diluted share), partially offset by $2.0 million of plant closure charges ($1.4 million after tax or $0.01 per diluted share).

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'
	Schedule II - Packaging Corporation of America - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (dollars in thousands).
	Description	Balance		Acquired Reserves		Charged		Deductions				Balance
		Beginning of				to						End of
		Year				Expenses						Year
	Year ended December 31, 2013:
	Deducted from assets accounts:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	1,909	$	—	$	2,812	$	(821	)	(a)	$	3,900
	Reserve for customer deductions	3,444		3,369		39,510		(39,656		)	(b)	6,667
	Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	—		2,715		—		—				2,715
	Total	$	5,353	$	6,084	$	42,322	$	(40,477	)		$	13,282
	Year ended December 31, 2012:
	Deducted from assets accounts:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	1,906	$	—	$	1,043	$	(1,040	)	(a)	$	1,909
	Reserve for customer deductions	3,128		—		31,045		(30,729		)	(b)	3,444
	Total	$	5,034	$	—	$	32,088	$	(31,769	)		$	5,353
	Year ended December 31, 2011:
	Deducted from assets accounts:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	2,493	$	—	$	143	$	(730	)	(a)	$	1,906
	Reserve for customer deductions	2,920		—		30,009		(29,801		)	(b)	3,128
	Total	$	5,413	$	—	$	30,152	$	(30,531	)		$	5,034
	________
	(a)	Consists primarily of uncollectable accounts written off, net of recoveries, during the year.
	(b)	Consists primarily of discounts taken by customers during the year.

Nature_of_Operations_and_Basis1

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidation	'
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PCA and its majority-owned subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany balances and transactions. Boise's results are included in our results for the period of October 25, 2013, through December 31, 2013.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are based on management's best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in these estimates will be reflected in the consolidated financial statements in future periods.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	We recognize revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, our price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Shipping and handling billings to a customer are included in net sales. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales. We present taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Planned Major Maintenance Costs	'
	Planned Major Maintenance Costs
	The Company accounts for its planned major maintenance activities in accordance with ASC 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment,” using the deferral method. All maintenance costs incurred during the year are expensed in the year in which the maintenance activity occurs.
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	We recognize compensation expense for awards granted under the PCA long-term equity incentive plans based on the fair value on the grant date. We recognize the cost of the equity awards over the period the awards vest. See Note 9, Share-Based Compensation, for more information.
Research and Development	'
	Research and Development
	Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. The amount charged to expense was $11.5 million, $11.3 million, and $12.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Foreign Currency	'
	Foreign Currency
	Local currencies are the functional currencies for our operations outside the United States. Assets and liabilities are remeasured into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates as of the Consolidated Balance Sheet date. Revenue and expense items are remeasured into U.S. dollars using an average exchange rate prevailing during the period. Any resulting translation adjustments are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The foreign exchange gain (loss) resulting from remeasuring transactions into the functional currencies is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include all cash balances and highly liquid investments with a maturity, when acquired, of three months or less. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates market. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $191.0 million and $207.4 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which included cash equivalents of $156.6 million and $203.5 million, respectively. Also included in cash and cash equivalents on December 31, 2013, was $7.1 million of cash at our operations outside the United States.
Trade Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, and Customer Deductions	'
	Trade Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, and Customer Deductions
	Trade accounts receivable are stated at the amount we expect to collect. The collectability of our accounts receivable is based upon a combination of factors. In circumstances where a specific customer is unable to meet its financial obligations to PCA (e.g., bankruptcy filings, substantial downgrading of credit sources), a specific reserve for bad debts is recorded against amounts due to the Company to reduce the net recorded receivable to the amount the Company reasonably believes will be collected. For all other customers, reserves for bad debts are recognized based on historical collection experience. If collection experience deteriorates (i.e., higher than expected defaults or an unexpected material adverse change in a major customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations to the Company), the estimate of the recoverability of amounts due could be reduced by a material amount. We periodically review our allowance for doubtful accounts and adjustments to the valuation allowance are charged to income. Trade accounts receivable balances that remain outstanding after we have used reasonable collection efforts are written off through a charge to the valuation allowance and a credit to accounts receivable. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the allowance for doubtful accounts was $3.9 million and $1.9 million, respectively.
	The customer deductions reserve represents the estimated amount required for customer returns, allowances and earned discounts. Based on the Company’s experience, customer returns, allowances and earned discounts have averaged approximately 1% of gross selling price. Accordingly, PCA reserves 1% of its open customer accounts receivable balance for these items. The reserve for customer deductions of $6.7 million and $3.4 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are also included as a reduction of the accounts receivable balance.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	'
	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	The Company records its derivatives, if any, in accordance with ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” The guidance requires the Company to recognize derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use and designation of the derivative instrument. For a derivative designated as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is recognized in earnings in the period of change in fair value together with the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item. For a derivative instrument designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the derivative’s gain or loss is initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) and is subsequently recognized in earnings when the hedged exposure affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss is recognized in earnings. We were not party to any derivative-based arrangements at December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	PCA measures the fair value of its financial instruments in accordance with ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” The guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. It is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, ASC 820 establishes the following hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation methodologies used to measure fair value:
	Level 1 — Valuations based on quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.
	Level 2 — Valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
	Level 3 — Valuations based on unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
	Financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis include the fair value of our pension and postretirement benefit assets and liabilities. See Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits for more information. Other assets and liabilities measured and recognized at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include assets acquired and liabilities assumed in acquisitions and our asset retirement obligations. Given the nature of these assets and liabilities, evaluating their fair value from the perspective of a market participant is inherently complex. Assumptions and estimates about future values can be affected by a variety of internal and external factors. Changes in these factors may require us to revise our estimates and could require us to retroactively adjust provisional amounts that we recorded for the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with business combinations. These adjustments could have a material effect on our financial condition and results of operations. See Note 3, Acquisitions, and Note 14, Asset Retirement Obligations, for more information.
Inventory Valuation	'
	Inventory Valuation
	With the exception of inventories at corrugated products and paper plants acquired since 2004, raw materials, work in process and finished goods are valued using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) cost method. Inventories at the acquired locations are valued at the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost methods. Supplies and materials are valued using average cost. All inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and include all costs directly associated with manufacturing products: materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead. Inventories valued using the LIFO method totaled $200.8 million and $194.0 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, compared to total inventory values (before the LIFO inventory reserve) of $594.3 million and $332.3 million for the same respective periods.
	The components of inventories are as follows (dollars in thousands):
		December 31
		2013			2012
	Raw materials	$	212,027		$	125,909
	Work in process	13,898			8,287
	Finished goods	209,972			78,788
	Supplies and materials	158,394			119,284
	Inventories at FIFO or average cost	594,291			332,268
	Excess of FIFO or average cost over LIFO cost	(71,768		)	(63,501		)
	Inventories	$	522,523		$	268,767
Property, Plant, and Equipment	'
	Property, Plant, and Equipment
	Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost. Cost includes expenditures for major improvements and replacements and the amount of interest cost associated with significant capital additions. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. When property and equipment are retired, sold, or otherwise disposed of, the asset's carrying amount and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in "Net income" in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Property, plant, and equipment consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
		December 31
		2013			2012
	Land and land improvements	$	140,592		$	107,250
	Buildings	628,948			390,363
	Machinery and equipment	4,263,505			3,048,932
	Construction in progress	168,808			67,051
	Other	30,847			27,196
	Property, plant and equipment, at cost	5,232,700			3,640,792
	Less accumulated depreciation	(2,426,996		)	(2,274,723		)
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	$	2,805,704		$	1,366,069
	The amount of interest capitalized from construction in progress was $1.7 million, $0.8 million and $7.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Depreciation and Useful Life	'
	Depreciation is computed on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Assets under capital leases are depreciated on the straight-line method over the term of the lease or the useful life, if shorter. The following lives are used for the various categories of assets:
	Buildings and land improvements	5 to 40  years
	Machinery and equipment	3 to 25 years
	Trucks and automobiles	3 to 10 years
	Furniture and fixtures	3 to 20 years
	Computers and hardware	3 to 10 years
		Period of the lease or
	Leasehold improvements	useful life, if shorter
	The amount of depreciation expense was $191.2 million, $166.0 million and $161.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Leases	'
	Leases
	We assess lease classification as either capital or operating at lease inception or upon modification. We lease some of our locations, as well as other property and equipment, under operating leases. For purposes of determining straight-line rent expense, the lease term is calculated from the date of possession of the facility, including any periods of free rent and any renewal option periods that are reasonably assured of being exercised.
Long-Lived Asset Impairment	'
	Long-Lived Asset Impairment
	Long-lived assets other than goodwill and other intangibles are reviewed for impairment in accordance with provisions of ASC 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment.” In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of any long-lived assets may be impaired, an evaluation of recoverability is performed. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset (or group of assets) is compared to the asset’s (or group of assets’) carrying amount to determine if a write-down to fair value is required.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	The Company has capitalized certain intangible assets, primarily goodwill, customer relationships, and trademarks and trade names, based on their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. Amortization is provided for customer relationships on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from six to 40 years, and trademarks and trade names over periods ranging from three to 20 years.
	Goodwill, which amounted to $526.8 million and $67.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, is not amortized but is subject to an annual impairment test in accordance with ASC 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other.” We test goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter or sooner if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may exceed fair value. Additionally, we evaluate the remaining useful lives of our finite-lived purchased intangible assets to determine whether any adjustments to the useful lives are necessary. The Company concluded that none of the goodwill or intangible assets were impaired in the 2013, 2012, and 2011 annual impairment tests. See Note 7, Goodwill and Intangible Assets for additional information.
Pension and Postretirement Benefits	'
	Pension and Postretirement Benefits
	Several estimates and assumptions are required to record pension costs and liabilities, including discount rate, return on assets, and longevity and service lives of employees. We review and update these assumptions annually unless a plan curtailment or other event occurs, requiring we update the estimates on an interim basis. While we believe the assumptions used to measure our pension and postretirement benefit obligations are reasonable, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions may materially affect our pension and postretirement benefit obligations and future expense. See Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits, for additional information.
	For postretirement health care plan accounting, the Company reviews external data and its own historical trends for health care costs to determine the health care cost trend rate assumption.
Environmental Matters	'
	Environmental Matters
	Environmental expenditures that extend the life of the related property or mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination are capitalized. Liabilities are recorded for environmental contingencies when such costs are probable and reasonably estimable. These liabilities are adjusted as further information develops or circumstances change. Environmental expenditures related to existing conditions resulting from past or current operations from which no current or future benefit is discernible are expensed as incurred.
Asset Retirement Obligations	'
	Asset Retirement Obligations
	The Company accounts for its retirement obligations related predominantly to landfill closure, wastewater treatment pond dredging, closed-site monitoring costs, and certain leasehold improvements under ASC 410, “Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations,” which requires recognition of legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets whether these assets are owned or leased. These legal obligations are to be recognized at fair value at the time that the obligations are incurred. When we record the liability, we capitalize the cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset which is amortized to expense over the useful life of the asset. See Note 14, Asset Retirement Obligations, for additional information.
Deferred Financing Costs	'
	Deferred Financing Costs
	PCA has capitalized certain costs related to obtaining its financing. These costs are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest rate method over the terms of the related financing, which range from five to ten years. Unamortized deferred financing costs of $14.1 million and $5.0 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were recorded in "Other long-term assets" on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Cutting Rights and Fiber Farms	'
	Cutting Rights and Fiber Farms
	We lease the cutting rights to approximately 88,000 acres of timberland and we lease 9,000 acres of land where we operate fiber farms as a source of future fiber supply. For our cutting rights, we capitalize the annual lease payments and reforestation costs associated with these leases. For fiber farms, costs for activities related to the establishment of a new crop of trees, including planting, thinning, fertilization, pest control, herbicide application, irrigation, and land lease costs, are capitalized. Costs are recorded as depletion when the timber or fiber is harvested and used in operations or sold to customers. Capitalized long-term lease costs for our cutting rights recorded in "Other long-term assets" on our Consolidated Balance Sheet were $27.6 million and $27.4 million as of December 31, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Capitalized fiber farm costs recorded in "Other long-term assets" on our Consolidated Balance Sheet were $9.4 million as of December 31, 2013. The amount of depletion expense was $2.5 million, $0.7 million and $0.04 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Deferred Software Costs	'
	Deferred Software Costs
	PCA capitalizes costs related to the purchase and development of software which is used in its business operations. The costs attributable to these software systems are amortized over their estimated useful lives based on various factors such as the effects of obsolescence, technology and other economic factors. Net capitalized software costs recorded in "Other long-term assets" on our Consolidated Balance Sheets were $5.7 million and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Software amortization expense was $1.1 million, $0.9 million, and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	PCA utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes whereby it recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. Deferred tax assets will be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based upon management’s estimates, it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized in a future period. The estimates utilized in the recognition of deferred tax assets are subject to revision in future periods based on new facts or circumstances. PCA’s practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
Trade Agreements	'
	Trade Agreements
	PCA regularly trades containerboard with other manufacturers primarily to reduce shipping costs. These agreements are entered into with other producers on an annual basis, pursuant to which both parties agree to ship an identical number of tons of containerboard to each other within the agreement period. These agreements lower transportation costs by allowing each party’s containerboard mills to ship containerboard to the other party’s closest corrugated products plant. PCA tracks each shipment to ensure that the other party’s shipments to PCA match PCA’s shipments to the other party during the agreement period. Such transfers are possible because containerboard is a commodity product with no distinguishing product characteristics. These transactions are accounted for at carrying value, and revenue is not recorded as the transactions do not represent the culmination of an earnings process. The transactions are recorded into inventory accounts, and no income is recorded until such inventory is converted to a finished product and sold to an end-use customer.
New and Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This ASU requires that liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits offset deferred tax assets for net operating loss carryforwards, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax position is disallowed. In situations in which carryforwards cannot be used or the deferred tax asset is not intended to be used for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be recorded as a liability and should not offset deferred tax assets. We adopted the provisions of this guidance on December 31, 2013, and it did not have a significant effect on our financial position or results of operations. See Note 5, Income Taxes, for additional information.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This ASU requires entities to disclose additional information about changes in and significant items reclassified out of AOCI. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. We adopted the provisions of this guidance on January 1, 2013, and it had no effect on our financial position and results of operations. See Note 12, Stockholders' Equity, for additional information.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, “Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation is Fixed at the Reporting Date.” This ASU requires an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, as the sum of (a) the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and (b) any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. This ASU also requires an entity to disclose the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other information about those obligations. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013, and should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented. To the extent the Company has any joint and several liability arrangements, we do not believe this ASU will have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations.
	In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. This ASU gives entities testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment the option first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, a quantitative impairment test is required. We adopted the guidance January 1, 2013, and it did not have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations.
	There were no other accounting standards recently issued that had or are expected to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

Segment_Information_Segment_In1

Segment Information Segment Information (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Information	'
	Each segments' profits and losses are measured on operating profits before interest expense and interest income. After the acquisition of Boise, expenses that were historically included in "Corporate overhead" on our Consolidated Statements of Income, were reclassified to "Selling, general, and administrative expenses" to conform with the current year presentation. In addition, after increasing our product offerings to include both packaging and paper products after the Boise Acquisition, we began allocating the amounts associated with running those businesses, previously included in "Corporate overhead", to our segments. For many of these allocated expenses, the related assets and liabilities remain in the Corporate and Other segment.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Components of Inventories	'
	The components of inventories are as follows (dollars in thousands):
		December 31
		2013			2012
	Raw materials	$	212,027		$	125,909
	Work in process	13,898			8,287
	Finished goods	209,972			78,788
	Supplies and materials	158,394			119,284
	Inventories at FIFO or average cost	594,291			332,268
	Excess of FIFO or average cost over LIFO cost	(71,768		)	(63,501		)
	Inventories	$	522,523		$	268,767
Property, Plant and Equipment (at cost)	'
	Property, plant, and equipment consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
		December 31
		2013			2012
	Land and land improvements	$	140,592		$	107,250
	Buildings	628,948			390,363
	Machinery and equipment	4,263,505			3,048,932
	Construction in progress	168,808			67,051
	Other	30,847			27,196
	Property, plant and equipment, at cost	5,232,700			3,640,792
	Less accumulated depreciation	(2,426,996		)	(2,274,723		)
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	$	2,805,704		$	1,366,069
Property, Plant and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives	'
	Depreciation is computed on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Assets under capital leases are depreciated on the straight-line method over the term of the lease or the useful life, if shorter. The following lives are used for the various categories of assets:
	Buildings and land improvements	5 to 40  years
	Machinery and equipment	3 to 25 years
	Trucks and automobiles	3 to 10 years
	Furniture and fixtures	3 to 20 years
	Computers and hardware	3 to 10 years
		Period of the lease or
	Leasehold improvements	useful life, if shorter

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Purchase Price Allocation	'
	The purchase price allocation is preliminary. Our estimates and assumptions are subject to change as more information becomes available. The primary areas of the purchase price allocation that are not yet finalized relate to the valuation of fixed assets, income taxes, and residual goodwill. The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on our current estimates of the fair value at the date of the acquisition (dollars in thousands):
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	121,658
	Accounts receivable	270,364
	Inventories	286,277
	Deferred income taxes	9,144
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	8,624
	Total current assets	696,067
	Property, plant, and equipment (a)	1,401,183
	Intangible assets (b):
	Customer relationships	256,400
	Trademarks and trade names	20,600
	Goodwill (c)	458,579
	Other long-term assets	21,786
	Assets acquired	2,854,615
	Current liabilities	322,230
	Long-term debt	829,750
	Deferred tax liabilities	281,463
	Other long-term liabilities	131,276
	Liabilities assumed	1,564,719
	Net assets acquired	$	1,289,896
	____________
	(a)	Property and equipment acquired are being depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated remaining lives, which range from one to 30 years.
	(b)	We are amortizing the intangible assets on a straight-line basis over the following (in years):
	Customer relationships	15	-	20
	Trademarks and trade names	5	-	20
	(c)	Goodwill is the excess of purchase price over the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill generated from the acquisition is primarily attributable to expected synergies and the assembled workforce. Goodwill recognized in the transaction is not deductible for income tax purposes; however, we assumed $1.9 million of goodwill that Boise had been amortizing in connection with previous acquisitions, which we will continue to amortize and deduct for income tax purposes.
Pro Forma Financial Information	'
	The following pro forma financial information presents the combined results of operations as if Boise had been combined with us on January 1, 2012. The pro forma results are intended for information purposes only and do not purport to represent what the combined companies' results of operations would actually have been had the transactions in fact occurred on January 1, 2012. They also do not reflect any cost savings, operating synergies, or revenue enhancements that we may achieve or the costs necessary to achieve those cost savings, operating synergies, revenue enhancements, or integration efforts (dollars in millions, except per-share amounts).
		Pro Forma (Unaudited)
		Year Ended December 31
		2013			2012
	Sales	$	5,696.20		$	5,355.90
	Net income (a)	$	492.4		$	226
	Net income per share—diluted	$	5.05		$	2.32
	____________
	(a)	The 2013 and 2012 unaudited pro forma financial information presented in the table above has been adjusted to give effect to adjustments that are directly related to the acquisition, factually supportable, and expected to have a continuing impact. These adjustments include, but are not limited to, the application of our accounting policies; elimination of related party transactions; depreciation and amortization related to fair value adjustments to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets; and interest expense on acquisition-related debt.
	The 2013 unaudited pro forma net income was also adjusted to exclude $21.5 million of acquisition inventory step-up expense, $17.2 million of acquisition-related costs, which primarily consist of advisory, legal, accounting, valuation and other professional or consulting fees, and $11.6 million of acquisition-related debt financing costs. Included in 2013 pro forma net income is $166.0 million of income from the reversal of tax reserves related to alternative fuel mixture credits, $17.4 million of integration-related and other costs, which primarily consist of severance and other employee costs and professional services.

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Computation of Basic and Diluted Income Per Common Share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income per common share for the periods presented (dollars in thousands, except per share data).
		Year Ended December 31
		2013		2012		2011
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	436,283	$	163,820	$	158,027
	Denominator:
	Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	96,579		96,384		99,281
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options, unvested restricted stock, and performance units	968		1,113		1,095
	Diluted common shares outstanding	97,547		97,497		100,376
	Basic income per common share	$	4.52	$	1.7	$	1.59
	Diluted income per common share	$	4.47	$	1.68	$	1.57

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Components of Consolidated Income Tax Provision	'
	The following is an analysis of the components of the consolidated income tax provision (dollars in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Current income tax provision (benefit) -
	U.S. Federal	$	129,633		$	27,100		$	41,452
	State and local	12,649			6,437			16,678
	Foreign	317			—			—
	Total current provision for taxes	142,599			33,537			58,130
	Deferred -
	U.S. Federal	(163,187		)	180,997			29,895
	State and local	(251		)	2,205			(2,548		)
	Foreign	(112		)	—			—
	Total deferred provision for taxes	(163,550		)	183,202			27,347
	Total provision (benefit) for taxes	$	(20,951	)	$	216,739		$	85,477
Summary of Effective Tax Rate	'
	The effective tax rate varies from the U.S. Federal statutory tax rate principally due to the following (dollars in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Provision computed at U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35%	$	145,366		$	133,196		$	85,226
	Alternative fuel mixture and cellulosic biofuel producer credits	(166,006		)	81,695			—
	State and local taxes, net of federal benefit	13,237			9,135			7,504
	Domestic manufacturers deduction	(11,712		)	(7,155		)	(7,670		)
	Other	(1,836		)	(132		)	417
	Total	$	(20,951	)	$	216,739		$	85,477
Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
	The following details the scheduled expiration dates of our tax effected net operating loss (NOL) and other tax carryforwards at December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		2014 Through 2023			2024 Through 2033			Indefinite			Total
	U.S. federal and non-U.S. NOLs	$	1,633		$	110,086		$	—		$	111,719
	State taxing jurisdiction NOLs	1,199			13,878			—			15,077
	U.S. federal, non-U.S., and state tax credit carryforwards	203			748			613			1,564
	U.S. federal capital loss carryforwards	1,088			—			—			1,088
	Total	$	4,123		$	124,712		$	613		$	129,448
Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts for income tax purposes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31 are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):
		December 31
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued liabilities	$	19,521		$	7,332
	Employee benefits and compensation	27,252			16,002
	Net operating loss carryforwards	126,796			—
	Stock options and restricted stock	8,875			8,389
	Pension and postretirement benefits	75,518			65,520
	Derivatives	18,221			20,381
	Capital loss, general business, foreign, and AMT credit carryforwards	2,652			—
	Gross deferred tax assets	$	278,835		$	117,624
	Valuation allowance (a)	(2,715		)	—
	Net deferred tax assets	$	276,120		$	117,624
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, plant, and equipment	$	(519,718	)	$	(210,486	)
	Goodwill and intangible assets	(111,865		)	(7,267		)
	Inventories	(559		)	(1,533		)
	Investment in joint venture	(1,026		)	(1,119		)
	Other	(2,208		)	—
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	(635,376	)	$	(220,405	)
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) (b)	$	(359,256	)	$	(102,781	)
	___________
	(a)	Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Of the $2.7 million valuation allowance, $1.6 million relates to foreign net operating loss carryforwards and credits and $1.1 million relates to capital losses. We do not expect to generate capital gains before the capital losses expire. If or when recognized, the tax benefits relating to the reversal of any of or all of the valuation allowance would be recognized as a benefit to income tax expense.
	(b)	As of December 31, 2013, we did not recognize U.S. deferred income taxes on our cumulative total of undistributed foreign earnings for our non-U.S. subsidiaries. We indefinitely reinvest our earnings in operations outside the United States. It is not practicable to determine the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability on these undistributed earnings because the actual tax liability, if any, is dependent on circumstances existing when the repatriation occurs.
Summary of Uncertain Tax Position	'
	The following table summarizes the changes related to PCA’s gross unrecognized tax benefits excluding interest and penalties (dollars in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Balance as of January 1	$	(111,303	)	$	(111,013	)
	Increase related to acquisition of Boise Inc. (a)	(65,158		)	—
	Increases related to prior years’ tax positions	(49		)	(128		)
	Increases related to current year tax positions	(1,538		)	(1,267		)
	Decreases related to prior years' tax positions (b)	64,774			—
	Settlements with taxing authorities (c)	106,187			—
	Expiration of the statute of limitations (d)	1,667			1,105
	Balance at December 31	$	(5,420	)	$	(111,303	)
	___________
	(a)	PCA acquired $65.2 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits from Boise Inc. that relate primarily to the taxability of the alternative fuel mixture credits.
	(b)	Includes a $64.3 million gross decrease related to the taxability of the alternative fuel mixture tax credits claimed in 2009 excise tax returns by Boise Inc. For further discussion regarding these credits, see Note 6, Alternative Energy Tax Credits.
	(c)	Includes a $104.7 million gross decrease related to the conclusion of the Internal Revenue Service audit of PCA’s alternative energy tax credits. For further discussion regarding these credits, see Note 6, Alternative Energy Tax Credits.
	(d)	In the third and fourth quarters of 2013, various state statutes of limitations expired. As a result, the reserve for unrecognized tax benefits decreased by $1.7 million gross.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Changes In the Carrying Amount of Goodwill	'
	Changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill are as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Goodwill
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	58,214
	Acquisitions	14,098
	Adjustments related to purchase accounting	(5,152		)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	67,160
	Acquisitions (a)	459,629
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	526,789
	___________
	(a)	In 2013, in addition to acquiring Boise and recording $458.6 million of goodwill, we acquired Damage Prevention Company for $6.3 million and recorded $1.1 million of goodwill in the Packaging segment.
Components of Intangible Assets	'
	The weighted average useful life, gross carrying amount, and accumulated amortization of our intangible assets were as follows (dollars in thousands):
		As of December 31, 2013						As of December 31, 2012
		Weighted Average Remaining Useful Life (in Years)		Gross		Accumulated		Weighted Average Remaining Useful Life (in Years)	Gross		Accumulated
				Carrying		Amortization			Carrying		Amortization
				Amount					Amount
	Customer relationships	15.4		$	306,361	$	16,509	16.7	$	48,261	$	10,663
	Trademarks and trade names	14.7		21,370		794		2.6	770		248
	Other	3		220		109		3.7	220		57
	Total intangible assets (excluding goodwill)	15.4		$	327,951	$	17,412	16.5	$	49,251	$	10,968

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Debt	'
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, our long-term debt and interest rates on that debt were as follows (dollars in thousands):
		December 31, 2013						31-Dec-12
		Amount			Interest Rate			Amount				Interest Rate
	Revolving Credit Facility, due October 2018	$	—		—	%		$	—			—	%
	Five-Year Term Loan, due October 2018	650,000			1.54			—				—
	Seven-Year Term Loan, due October 2020	650,000			1.79			—				—
	4.50% Senior Notes, net of discount of $1,827 as of December 31, 2013, due November 2023	698,173			4.5			—				—
	6.50% Senior Notes, net of discounts of $26 and $32 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, due March 2018	149,974			6.5			149,968				6.5
	3.90% Senior Notes, net of discounts of $302 and $338 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, due June 2022	399,698			3.9			399,662				3.9
	Receivables Credit Facility, due October 2014	—			—			109,000				1.06
	Senior Credit Facility, Term Loan, due October 2016	—			—			135,000				1.71
	Total	2,547,845			3.08			793,630				3.63
	Less current portion	39,000			1.59			15,000				1.71
	Total long-term debt	$	2,508,845		3.1	%		$	778,630			3.67	%
Additional Information On Variable Rate Debt	'
	Additional information regarding our variable rate debt is shown below:
		Reference Interest Rate					Applicable Margin
		2013		2012			2013			2012
	Five-Year Term Loan, due October 2018	0.17	%	n/a			1.375	%		n/a
	Seven-Year Term Loan, due October 2020	0.17	%	n/a			1.625	%		n/a
	Receivables Credit Facility	n/a		0.21	%		n/a			0.85	%
	Senior Credit Facility, Term Loan, due October 2016	n/a		0.21	%		n/a			1.5	%

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Restricted Stock Activity	'
	A summary of the Company’s restricted stock activity follows:
		2013							2012					2011
		Shares			Weighted Average Grant- Date Fair Value				Shares			Weighted Average Grant- Date Fair Value		Shares		Weighted Average Grant- Date Fair Value
	Restricted stock at January 1	1,771,664			$	23.44			1,817,745			$	22.37	1,478,000		$	20.7
	Granted	331,053			51.99				394,928			27.46		575,694		27.8
	Vested (a)	(605,458	)		19.54				(429,034	)		22.66		(229,979	)	25.29
	Forfeitures	(33,565	)		24.76				(11,975	)		21.46		(5,970	)	22.45
	Restricted stock at December 31	1,463,694			$	31.48			1,771,664			$	23.44	1,817,745		$	22.37
	___________
	(a)	The total fair value of awards upon vesting for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, was $29.5 million, $12.4 million, and $6.1 million, respectively.
Compensation Expense For Restricted Stock and Performance Units	'
	Compensation expense for share-based awards recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income, net of forfeitures was as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31
		2013				2012				2011
	Restricted stock	$	14,238			$	11,687			$	9,736
	Performance units	523				—				—
	Impact on income before income taxes	14,761				11,687				9,736
	Income tax benefit	(5,728		)		(4,543		)		(3,784		)
	Impact on net income	$	9,033			$	7,144			$	5,952
Unrecognized Compensation For Restricted Stock and Performance Units	'
	The unrecognized compensation expense for all share-based awards follows (dollars in thousands):
		As of December 31, 2013
		Unrecognized Compensation Expense				Remaining Weighted Average Recognition Period (in years)
	Restricted stock	$	24,500			2.7
	Performance units	2,941				3.5
	Total unrecognized share-based compensation expense	$	27,441			2.8

Employee_Benefit_Plans_and_Oth1

Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Obligations and Funded Status of Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans	'
	The following table, which includes only company-sponsored defined benefit and other postretirement benefit plans, reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the projected benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets. We recognize the unfunded status of these plans on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and we recognize changes in funded status in the year changes occur through the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (dollars in thousands):
		Pension Plans							Postretirement Plans
		Year Ended December 31							Year Ended December 31
		2013				2012			2013			2012
	Change in Benefit Obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$	378,714			$	314,155		$	31,806		$	25,937
	Service cost	24,460				22,424			2,061			1,856
	Interest cost	21,488				14,800			1,248			1,241
	Plan amendments (a)	13,785				2,271			—			2,266
	Actuarial (gain) loss (b)	(53,451		)		29,338			(7,797		)	1,698
	Acquisitions	553,969				—			226			—
	Participant contributions	—				—			1,239			1,055
	Benefits paid	(9,149		)		(4,274		)	(2,528		)	(2,247		)
	Benefit obligation at plan year end	$	929,816			$	378,714		$	26,255		$	31,806
	Accumulated benefit obligation portion of above	$	884,016			$	341,729
	Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets
	Plan assets at fair value at beginning of period	$	238,359			$	185,122		$	—		$	—
	Acquisitions	486,171				—			—			—
	Actual return on plan assets	26,555				21,527			—			—
	Company contributions	30,146				35,984			1,289			1,192
	Participant contributions	—				—			1,239			1,055
	Benefits paid	(9,149		)		(4,274		)	(2,528		)	(2,247		)
	Fair value of plan assets at plan year end	$	772,082			$	238,359		$	—		$	—
	Underfunded status	$	(157,734	)		$	(140,355	)	$	(26,255	)	$	(31,806	)
	Amounts Recognized in Statement of Financial Position
	Current liabilities	$	(832	)		$	(6,290	)	$	(1,231	)	$	(1,333	)
	Noncurrent liabilities	(156,902		)		(134,065		)	(25,024		)	(30,473		)
	Accrued benefit recognized at December 31	$	(157,734	)		$	(140,355	)	$	(26,255	)	$	(31,806	)
	Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss (Pre-Tax)
	Prior service cost	$	31,577			$	34,921		$	72		$	(353	)
	Actuarial loss	26,742				90,057			1,472			9,759
	Total	$	58,319			$	124,978		$	1,544		$	9,406
	___________
	(a)	In 2013, the United Steel Workers (USW) ratified a master labor agreement with PCA under which certain USW-represented employees will have their pension accruals frozen under PCA's hourly pension plan, resulting in most of the $13.8 million increase in benefit obligations.
	(b)	The actuarial gain in 2013 is due primarily to an increase in the weighted average discount rate, while the discount rate decreased in 2012.
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs and Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss (Pretax)	'
	The components of net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (income) loss (pretax) are as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Pension Plans										Postretirement Plans
		Year Ended December 31										Year Ended December 31
		2013				2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
	Service cost	$	24,460			$	22,424		$	19,808		$	2,061		$	1,856		$	1,599
	Interest cost	21,488				14,800			13,473			1,248			1,241			1,189
	Expected return on plan assets	(21,345		)		(12,108		)	(13,544		)	—			—			—
	Net amortization of unrecognized amounts
	Prior service cost	6,222				5,993			5,782			(426		)	(419		)	(416		)
	Actuarial loss	4,662				4,916			411			490			452			449
	Curtailment loss (a)	10,908				—			—			—			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	46,395			$	36,025		$	25,930		$	3,373		$	3,130		$	2,821
	Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss
	Actuarial net (gain) loss	$	(58,652	)		$	19,919		$	49,675		$	(7,798	)	$	1,698		$	754
	Prior service credit	13,785				2,270			1,827			—			17			—
	Amortization of actuarial loss	(4,662		)		(4,916		)	(411		)	(490		)	(452		)	(449		)
	Amortization of prior service cost	(17,130		)		(5,993		)	(5,782		)	426			419			416
	Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss (b)	(66,659		)		11,280			45,309			(7,862		)	1,682			721
	Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (income) loss	$	(20,264	)		$	47,305		$	71,239		$	(4,489	)	$	4,812		$	3,542
	___________
	(a)	PCA recognized curtailment losses in "Other expense, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Income for recent USW negotiations, resulting in the bifurcation of the active USW population between those grandfathered in the current formula (with continued accruals) and non-grandfathered in the current formula (frozen benefits at the contract date).
	(b)	Accumulated losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of assets will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of active employees, which is between seven to ten years, to the extent that losses are not offset by gains in subsequent years. The estimated net loss and prior service cost that will be amortized from "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" into pension expense in 2014 is $7.1 million.
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used To Determine Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	The following table presents the assumptions used in the measurement of our benefits obligations:
		Pension Plans						Postretirement Plans
		31-Dec						31-Dec
		2013		2012		2011		2013	2012		2011
	Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations at December 31
	Discount rate	5.00%		4.25%		4.75%		4.85%	4.00%		4.50%
	Rate of compensation increase	4.00%		4.00%		4.00%		N/A	N/A		N/A
	Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost for the Years Ended December 31
	Discount rate	4.57%		4.75%		5.50%		4.00%	4.50%		5.25%
	Expected return on plan assets	6.53%		6.15%		7.75%		N/A	N/A		N/A
	Rate of compensation increase	4.00%		4.00%		4.00%		N/A	N/A		N/A
Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates For Postretirement Benefits	'
	Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumptions. PCA assumed health care cost trend rates for its postretirement benefits plans were as follows:
		2013		2012		2011
	Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	7.75%		8.00%		8.00%
	Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	5.00%		5.00%		5.50%
	Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2020		2020		2016
Schedule of Effects of One-Percentage Point Change In Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates on Postretirement Benefits	'
	A one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects on the 2013 postretirement benefit obligation and the 2013 net post retirement benefit cost (in thousands):
		1-Percentage				1-Percentage
		Point Increase				Point Decrease
	Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	$	540			$	(483	)
	Effect on net postretirement benefit cost	52				(45		)
Schedule of Pension Plans' Assets Investment Policies and Strategies	'
	Pension plans’ assets were invested in the following classes of securities at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Percentage
		of Fair Value
		2013			2012
	Debt securities	52	%		61	%
	International equity securities	25			20
	U.S. equity securities	21			16
	Real estate securities	1			3
	Other	1	%		—	%
Schedule of Pension Plans' Assets Fair Value Measured On a Recurring Basis	'
	The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, discussed in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, the pension plan assets, by major asset category, at fair value at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
	Asset Category	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical				Significant Other Observable			Significant			Total
		Assets (Level 1)				Inputs (Level 2)			Unobservable
									Inputs (Level 3)
	Short-term investments (a)	$	—			$	1,858		$	—		$	1,858
	Mutual funds (b):
	U.S. large value	19,453				—			—			19,453
	U.S. large growth	17,217				—			—			17,217
	U.S. mid-cap value	3,135				—			—			3,135
	U.S. mid-cap growth	6,781				—			—			6,781
	Foreign large blend	45,159				—			—			45,159
	Diversified emerging markets	8,005				—			—			8,005
	Real estate	7,469				—			—			7,469
	Fixed income	54,366				—			—			54,366
	Common/collective trust funds (a):
	U.S. large-cap equity blend	—				87,862			—			87,862
	U.S. small and mid-cap equity blend	—				19,577			—			19,577
	Foreign large blend	—				126,653			—			126,653
	Diversified emerging markets	—				9,211			—			9,211
	Government bonds	—				35,603			—			35,603
	Corporate bonds	—				77,256			—			77,256
	U.S. small blend	—				6,777			—			6,777
	Fixed income	—				234,445			—			234,445
	Private equity securities (c)	—				—			9,904			9,904
	Total securities at fair value	$	161,585			$	599,242		$	9,904		$	770,731
	Receivables and accrued expenses											1,351
	Total fair value of plan assets											$	772,082
		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012
	Asset Category	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical				Significant Other Observable			Significant			Total
		Assets (Level 1)				Inputs (Level 2)			Unobservable
									Inputs (Level 3)
	Short-term investments (a)	$	—			$	394		$	—		$	394
	Mutual funds (b):
	U.S. large value	15,021				—			—			15,021
	U.S. large growth	12,029				—			—			12,029
	U.S. mid-cap value	2,481				—			—			2,481
	U.S. mid-cap growth	4,734				—			—			4,734
	Foreign large blend	39,204				—			—			39,204
	Diversified emerging markets	7,722				—			—			7,722
	Real estate	6,881				—			—			6,881
	Fixed income	48,699				—			—			48,699
	Common/collective trust funds (a):
	Government bonds	—				29,644			—			29,644
	Corporate bonds	—				66,517			—			66,517
	U.S. small blend	—				5,033			—			5,033
	Total fair value of plan assets	$	136,771			$	101,588		$	—		$	238,359
	____________
	(a)	Investments in common/collective trust funds valued using NAV provided by the administrator of the funds. We use NAV as a practical expedient to fair value. The NAV is based on the value of the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus its liabilities, and then divided by the number of units outstanding. While the underlying assets are actively traded on an exchange, the funds are not. There are currently no redemption restrictions on these investments. There are certain funds with one-day redeemable notice.
	(b)	Investments in mutual funds valued at quoted market values on the last business day of the fiscal year.
	(c)	Investments in this category are invested in the Pantheon Global Secondary Fund IV, LP. The fund specializes in investments in the private equity secondary market and occasionally directly in private companies to maximize capital growth. Fund investments are carried at fair value as determined quarterly using the market approach to estimate the fair value of private investments. The market approach utilizes prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions, type of security, size of the position, degree of liquidity, restrictions on the disposition, latest round of financing data, current financial position, and operating results, among other factors. In circumstances where fair values are not provided with respect to any of the company's fund investments, the investment advisor will seek to determine the fair value of such investments based on information provided by the general partners or managers of such funds or from other sources. Audited financial statements are provided by fund management annually. Notwithstanding the above, the variety of valuation bases adopted and quality of management data of the ultimate underlying investee companies means that there are inherent difficulties in determining the value of the investments. Amounts realized on the sale of these investments may differ from the calculated values. Boise had originally committed to a $15.0 million investment, with $6.2 million of the commitment unfunded at December 31, 2013.
Summary of Changes in Pension Plans' Level 3 Assets	'
	The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the pension plans' Level 3 assets for the year ended December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		2013
	Balance, beginning of year	$	—
	Acquisitions	8,479
	Purchases	975
	Sales	—
	Unrealized gain	450
	Balance, end of year	$	9,904
Schedule of Estimated Benefit Payments	'
	The following are estimated benefit payments to be paid to current plan participants by year (dollars in thousands). Qualified pension benefit payments are paid from plan assets, while nonqualified pension benefit payments are paid by the Company.
		Pension Plans				Postretirement
						Plans
	2014	$	30,551			$	1,231
	2015	34,304				1,287
	2016	38,027				1,369
	2017	42,020				1,523
	2018	45,759				1,665
	2019 - 2023	281,889				10,150

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Impact of Derivative Instruments On Statements of Income and Accumulated OCI	'
	The impact of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of income and accumulated OCI is as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Net Gain
		(Loss) Recognized in
		Accumulated OCI
		(Effective Portion)
		December 31
		2013			2012
	Treasury locks, net of tax	$	(28,191	)	$	(31,651	)
	Foreign currency exchange contracts, net of tax	(371		)	(392		)
	Total	$	(28,562	)	$	(32,043	)
		Gain (Loss) Reclassified
		from Accumulated OCI into
		Income
		(Effective Portion)
		Year Ended December 31
	Location	2013			2012			2011
	Amortization of treasury locks (included in interest expense, net)	$	(5,655	)	$	435		$	1,846
	Amortization of foreign currency forward contracts (included in cost of sales)	(34		)	(34		)	(7		)

Stockholders_Equity_Stockholde1

Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Share Repurchase Program	'
	In 2013, 2012, and 2011, we repurchased the following shares of common stock. In all years, all of the shares purchased were retired. At December 31, 2013, $98.1 million of the $150.0 million authorization by the Board of Directors, remained available for repurchase of the Company's common stock (in thousands, except share and per share amounts).
		Shares			Weighted Average Price Per Share				Total
	2011	4,824,021			$	25.51			$	123,077
	2012	1,507,659			29.96				45,162
	2013	171,263			45.54				7,799
Components of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)	'
	Changes in AOCI by component follows (dollars in thousands). Amounts in parentheses indicate losses.
		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments				Unrealized Loss On Treasury Locks, Net				Unrealized Loss on Foreign Exchange Contracts			Unfunded Employee Benefit Obligations			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	—			$	(31,651	)		$	(392	)	$	(81,999	)	$	(114,042	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	(136		)		—				—			32,264			32,128
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	—				3,460				21			13,409			16,890
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	(136		)		3,460				21			45,673			49,018
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(136	)		$	(28,191	)		$	(371	)	$	(36,326	)	$	(65,024	)
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)	'
	The following table presents information about reclassifications out of AOCI (dollars in thousands). Amounts in parentheses indicate expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Income.
			Amounts Reclassified from AOCI
			Year Ended December 31
	Details about AOCI Components		2013				2012				Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented
	Unrealized loss on treasury locks, net		$	(5,655	)		$	(2,988	)		See (a) below
			2,195				1,167				Tax benefit
			$	(3,460	)		$	(1,821	)		Net of tax
	Unrealized loss on foreign exchange contracts		$	(34	)		$	(34	)		See (b) below
			13				13				Tax benefit
			$	(21	)		$	(21	)		Net of tax
	Unfunded employee benefit obligations
	Amortization of prior service costs		$	(16,704	)		$	(5,575	)		See (c) below
	Amortization of actuarial gains / (losses)		(5,197		)		(5,368		)		See (c) below
			(21,901		)		(10,943		)		Total before tax
			8,492				4,254				Tax benefit
			$	(13,409	)		$	(6,689	)		Net of tax
	____________
	(a)	This AOCI component is included in interest expense, net. See Note 11, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, for additional information.
	(b)     This AOCI component is included as depreciation in cost of sales.
	(c)	These AOCI components are included in the computation of net pension and postretirement benefit costs. See Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits, for additional information.

Asset_Retirement_Obligations_T

Asset Retirement Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Changes to Asset Retirement Obligation	'
	The following table describes changes to the asset retirement obligation liability (dollars in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31
		2013			2012
	Asset retirement obligation at beginning of period	$	5,145		$	5,095
	Acquisition	23,841			—
	Liabilities incurred	3,164			—
	Accretion expense	275			50
	Revisions in estimated cash flows	(378		)	—
	Asset retirement obligation at end of period	$	32,047		$	5,145

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Components of Accrued Liabilities	'
	The components of accrued liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Compensation and benefits	$	130,455	$	71,246
	Medical insurance and workers’ compensation	26,399		18,448
	Customer volume discounts and rebates	11,436		13,365
	Franchise, property, sales and use taxes	20,232		9,337
	Asset retirement obligations	4,002		—
	Severance	8,172		—
	Other	13,362		10,300
	Total	$	214,058	$	122,696

Other_Expense_Net_Other_Expens1

Other Expense, Net Other Expense, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Components of Other (Income) Expense	'
	The components of other (income) expense are as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31
		2013		2012		2011
	Integration-related and other costs	$	17,430	$	—	$	—
	Acquisition-related costs	17,240		—		—
	Pension curtailment charges	10,908		—		—
	Asset disposals and write-offs	13,192		10,821		12,726
	Other	208		968		(2,003		)
	Total	$	58,978	$	11,789	$	10,723

Segment_Information_Segment_In2

Segment Information Segment Informaiton (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenue from External Customers by Product Line	'
	Segment sales to external customers by product line are as follows (dollars in millions):
		Year Ended December 31
		2013			2012				2011
	Packaging sales	$	3,431.70		$	2,843.90			$	2,620.10
	Paper sales
	White papers	207			—				—
	Market pulp	9.9			—				—
		216.9			—				—
	Corporate and Other	16.7			—				—
		$	3,665.30		$	2,843.90			$	2,620.10
Analysis of Operations by Reportable Segment	'
	An analysis of operations by reportable segment is as follows (dollars in millions):
			Sales, net											Operating Income (Loss)				Depreciation,				Capital				Assets
	Year Ended December 31, 2013 (a)		Trade			Inter-				Total								Amortization, and Depletion				Expenditures (k)
						segment
	Packaging		$	3,431.30		$	0.4			$	3,431.70			$	545.9		(b)	$	190.2			$	222.2			$	3,916.70
	Paper		216.9			—				216.9				13.5			(c)	9.1				10				938.4
	Corporate and Other		17.1			28				45.1				(85.8		)	(d)	2.5				2.2				344.9
	Intersegment eliminations		—			(28.4		)		(28.4		)		—				—				—				—
			$	3,665.30		$	—			$	3,665.30			473.6				$	201.8			$	234.4			$	5,200.00
	Interest expense, net													(58.3		)	(e)
	Income before taxes													$	415.3
			Sales, net											Operating Income (Loss)				Depreciation,				Capital				Assets
	Year Ended December 31, 2012		Trade			Inter-				Total								Amortization, and Depletion				Expenditures (k)
						segment
	Packaging		$	2,843.90		$	—			$	2,843.90			$	389.7		(f)	$	169.4			$	127.8			$	2,131.10
	Paper		—			—				—				—				—				—				—
	Corporate and Other		—			—				—				53.7			(g)	1.4				0.7				322.7
	Intersegment eliminations		—			—				—				—				—				—				—
			$	2,843.90		$	—			$	2,843.90			443.4				$	170.8			$	128.5			$	2,453.80
	Interest expense, net													(62.9		)	(h)
	Income before taxes													$	380.6
			Sales, net										Operating Income (Loss)			Depreciation,				Capital				Assets
	Year Ended December 31, 2011		Trade			Inter-			Total							Amortization, and Depletion				Expenditures (k)
						segment
	Packaging		$	2,620.10		—			$	2,620.10			309.9		(i)	$	162.9			$	280.2			$	2,165.70
	Paper		—			—			—				—			—				—				—
	Corporate and Other		—			—			—				(37.2	)	(j)	0.7				—				246.8
	Intersegment eliminations		—			—			—				—			—				—				—
			$	2,620.10		—			$	2,620.10			272.7			$	163.6			$	280.2			$	2,412.50
	Interest expense, net												(29.2	)
	Income before taxes												243.5
	____________
	(a)	On October 25, 2013, we acquired Boise. The 2013 results include Boise for the period of October 25 through December 31, 2013.
	(b)	Includes $18.0 million of expense for the acquisition inventory step-up and $1.4 million of integration-related and other costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of Boise in fourth quarter 2013.
	(c)	Includes $3.5 million of expense for acquisition inventory step-up and $1.9 million of income for integration-related and other costs.
	(d)	Includes $17.2 million of acquisition-related costs and $17.9 million of integration-related and other costs.
	(e)	Includes $10.5 million of expenses for financing the acquisition and $1.1 million of expense for the write-off of deferred financing costs.
	(f)	Includes $2.0 million of plant closure charges.
	(g)	Includes $95.5 million of income related to the increase in gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits on the Company's amended 2009 tax return. See Note 6, Alternative Energy Tax Credits, for more information.
	(h)	Includes $24.8 million of debt refinancing charges, including the $21.3 million redemption premium, the $3.4 million charge to settle the treasury lock prior to its maturity, and $0.1 million of other items.
	(i)	Includes $7.4 million of charges related to energy project disposals.
	(j)	Includes $1.6 million of income from an adjustment to our medical benefits reserve.
	(k)	Includes "Expenditures for property and equipment" and excludes cash used for "Acquisition of businesses and facilities, net of cash acquired" as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Commitments_Guarantees_Indemni1

Commitments, Guarantees, Indemnifications, and Legal Proceedings (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Minimum Lease Payments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases	'
	Lease Obligations
	PCA leases space for certain of its facilities, cutting rights to approximately 88,000 acres of timberland, land for a fiber farm, and equipment, primarily vehicles and rolling stock. Lease terms range from one to 15 years and may contain renewal options or escalation clauses. Substantially all lease agreements have fixed payment terms based on the passage of time. Some lease agreements provide us with the option to purchase the leased property. Additionally, some agreements contain renewal options averaging approximately five years. Some leases may require the Company to pay executory costs, which may include property taxes, maintenance and insurance. The minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases with lease terms in excess of one year are as follows (dollars in thousands):
	2014	$	56,492
	2015	45,818
	2016	34,392
	2017	23,872
	2018	17,034
	Thereafter	73,647
	Total	$	251,255
Schedule of Assets Held Under Capital Lease Obligations	'
	Assets held under capital lease obligations are included in property, plant and equipment as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31
		2013			2012
	Buildings	$	250		$	250
	Machinery and equipment	28,526			28,526
	Total	28,776			28,776
	Less accumulated amortization	(8,676		)	(6,845		)
	Total	$	20,100		$	21,931
Schedule of Future Minimum Payments Under Capitalized Leases	'
	The future minimum payments under capitalized leases at December 31, 2013 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
	2014	$	2,654
	2015	2,654
	2016	2,654
	2017	2,654
	2018	2,654
	Thereafter	25,874
	Total minimum capital lease payments	39,144
	Less amounts representing interest	(14,240		)
	Present value of net minimum capital lease payments	24,904
	Less current maturities of capital lease obligations	(1,030		)
	Total long-term capital lease obligations	$	23,874
Schedule Of Purchase Commitments	'
	Total purchase commitments are as follows (dollars in thousands):
	2014	$	120,971
	2015	54,757
	2016	14,840
	2017	3,017
	2018	2,545
	Thereafter	11,536
	Total	$	207,666

Quarterly_Results_of_Operation1

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Quarterly Financial Data	'
		Fiscal Quarter
	2013:00:00	First		Second (a)		Third (b)		Fourth (c)		Total
	Net sales	$	755,207	$	800,230	$	845,440	$	1,264,431	$	3,665,308
	Gross profit	182,492		192,323		226,777		257,595		859,187
	Income from operations	103,246		107,270		141,960		121,131		473,607
	Net income	60,613		64,465		84,180		227,025		436,283
	Basic earnings per share	0.63		0.67		0.87		2.35		4.52
	Diluted earnings per share	0.62		0.66		0.86		2.33		4.47
	Stock price - high	44.93		50.78		61.32		64.39		64.39
	Stock price - low	37.86		42.36		48.45		55.66		37.86
		Fiscal Quarter
	2012:00:00	First (d)		Second (e)		Third (e)		Fourth (f)		Total
	Net sales	$	671,357	$	712,468	$	723,473	$	736,579	$	2,843,877
	Gross profit	145,135		158,015		163,102		174,339		640,591
	Income from operations	169,110		83,858		92,072		98,419		443,459
	Net income	17,844		45,154		39,791		61,031		163,820
	Basic earnings per share	0.18		0.47		0.41		0.63		1.7
	Diluted earnings per share	0.18		0.46		0.41		0.63		1.68
	Stock price - high	30.62		29.8		36.68		38.67		38.67
	Stock price - low	24.82		25.77		27.59		33.89		24.82
	____________
	Note: The sum of the quarters may not equal the total of the respective year’s earnings per share on either a basic or diluted basis due to changes in the weighted average shares outstanding throughout the year.
	(a)	Includes a $7.8 million non-cash pension curtailment charge ($5.0 million after tax or $0.05 per diluted share).
	(b)	Includes a $3.1 million non-cash pension curtailment charge ($2.0 million after tax or $0.02 per diluted share), $1.5 million of acquisition-related costs ($1.0 million after tax or $0.01 per diluted share), and $2.7 million of acquisition-related financing costs ($1.8 million after tax or $0.02 per diluted share).
	(c)	Includes Boise's results for the period of October 25, 2013, through December 31, 2013. The quarter also includes $166.0 million of income tax benefits from the reversal of the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits from alternative energy tax credits ($1.70 per diluted share), partially offset by $21.5 million of expense for the acquisition inventory step-up ($13.6 million after tax or $0.14 per diluted share), $15.8 million of acquisition-related costs ($10.0 million after tax or $0.10 per diluted share), $8.9 million of acquisition-related financing costs ($5.6 million after tax or $0.06 per diluted share), and $17.4 million of integration-related and other costs ($11.0 million after tax or $0.11 per diluted share).
	(d)	During the first quarter of 2012, PCA amended its 2009 federal income tax return to reduce the gallons claimed as cellulosic biofuel producer credits previously recorded as a tax benefit and to increase those gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits previously recorded as income. The increase in gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits resulted in income of $95.5 million. The decrease in gallons claimed as cellulosic biofuel producer credits resulted in a decrease in tax benefits of $118.5 million, for a total decrease in net income of $23.0 million ($0.24 per diluted share).
	(e)	The second and third quarters of 2012 include debt refinancing charges of $3.7 million ($2.5 million after tax or $0.03 per diluted share) and $21.1 million ($13.5 million after tax or $0.14 per diluted share), respectively.
	(f)	Includes $3.4 million of income from state income tax adjustments ($0.03 per diluted share), partially offset by $2.0 million of plant closure charges ($1.4 million after tax or $0.01 per diluted share).

Nature_of_Operations_and_Basis2

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Number of employees of PCA	13,600
Number of reportable segments	3

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
	acre
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Research and development costs	$11,500,000	$11,300,000	$12,500,000	'
Cash and cash equivalents	190,960,000	207,393,000	156,313,000	196,556,000
Cash equivalents	156,600,000	203,500,000	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	3,900,000	1,900,000	'	'
Customer returns, allowances and earned discounts as a percentage of gross selling price	1.00%	'	'	'
Reserve for customer accounts receivable, percentage	1.00%	'	'	'
Reserve for customer deductions	6,700,000	3,400,000	'	'
Inventories valued using the LIFO method, amount	200,800,000	194,000,000	'	'
Inventory values before LIFO inventory reserve	594,291,000	332,268,000	'	'
Interest capitalization, construction in progress	1,700,000	800,000	7,100,000	'
Intangible asset, useful life, in years	'15 years 4 months 10 days	'16 years 5 months 13 days	'	'
Goodwill	526,789,000	67,160,000	58,214,000	'
Area leased under timberland cutting rights (acres)	88,000	'	'	'
Area leased where fiber farms are operated (acres)	9,000	'	'	'
Software amortization expense	1,100,000	900,000	600,000	'
Minimum	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Term of senior credit facilities and notes, in years	5	'	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Term of senior credit facilities and notes, in years	10	'	'	'
Foreign operations	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	7,100,000	'	'	'
Customer Relationships	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Intangible asset, useful life, in years	'15 years 4 months 28 days	'16 years 8 months 12 days	'	'
Customer Relationships | Minimum	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Intangible asset, useful life, in years	'6 years	'	'	'
Customer Relationships | Maximum	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Intangible asset, useful life, in years	'40 years	'	'	'
Trademarks and Trade Names	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Intangible asset, useful life, in years	'14 years 8 months 16 days	'2 years 7 months 6 days	'	'
Trademarks and Trade Names | Minimum	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Intangible asset, useful life, in years	'3 years	'	'	'
Trademarks and Trade Names | Maximum	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Intangible asset, useful life, in years	'20 years	'	'	'
Cutting Rights and Fiber Farms	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Depletion expense	2,500,000	700,000	0	'
Other Long-Term Assets	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Unamortized deferred financing costs	14,100,000	5,000,000	'	'
Long-term lease costs capitalization (Cutting rights)	27,600,000	27,400,000	'	'
Capitalized Fiber Farm Costs	9,400,000	'	'	'
Net capitalized software costs	$5,700,000	$1,100,000	'	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Components of Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Raw materials	$212,027	$125,909
Work in process	13,898	8,287
Finished goods	209,972	78,788
Supplies and materials	158,394	119,284
Inventories at FIFO or average cost	594,291	332,268
Excess of FIFO or average cost over LIFO cost	-71,768	-63,501
Inventories	$522,523	$268,767

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$5,232,700,000	$3,640,792,000	'
Less accumulated depreciation	-2,426,996,000	-2,274,723,000	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	2,805,704,000	1,366,069,000	'
Depreciation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	191,200,000	166,000,000	161,500,000
Land and Land Improvements	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	140,592,000	107,250,000	'
Buildings	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	628,948,000	390,363,000	'
Machinery and Equipment	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	4,263,505,000	3,048,932,000	'
Construction in Progress	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	168,808,000	67,051,000	'
Other	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$30,847,000	$27,196,000	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Estimated Useful Lives of Assets (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Buildings And Land Improvements | Minimum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life of asset (in years)	'5 years
Buildings And Land Improvements | Maximum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life of asset (in years)	'40 years
Machinery and Equipment | Minimum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life of asset (in years)	'3 years
Machinery and Equipment | Maximum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life of asset (in years)	'25 years
Trucks and automobiles | Minimum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life of asset (in years)	'3 years
Trucks and automobiles | Maximum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life of asset (in years)	'10 years
Furniture and Fixtures | Minimum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life of asset (in years)	'3 years
Furniture and Fixtures | Maximum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life of asset (in years)	'20 years
Computers and hardware | Minimum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life of asset (in years)	'3 years
Computers and hardware | Maximum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life of asset (in years)	'10 years
Leasehold Improvements	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life of asset, description	'Period of the lease or useful life, if shorter

Acquisitions_Narrative_Details

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Oct. 25, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 08, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Damage Prevention Company

Damage Prevention Company

Packaging Specialists

Nonrecurring Acquisition-Related Costs

Nonrecurring Acquisition-Related Costs

Nonrecurring Acquisition-Related Costs

Nonrecurring Acquisition-Related Costs

Acquisition-Related Debt Financing Costs

Acquisition-Related Debt Financing Costs

Acquisition-Related Debt Financing Costs

Acquisition Inventory Step-Up

Integration-Related and Other Costs

Integration-Related and Other Costs

Integration-Related and Other Costs

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Other Expense, Net

Included in Boise's Income From Operations

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Interest Expense

Included in Boise's Income From Operations

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Included in Boise's Income From Operations

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding stock and voting equity interests acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business acquisition, cost of acquired entity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,100,000,000

$6,300,000

'

$35,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

526,789,000

'

'

'

67,160,000

'

'

'

526,789,000

67,160,000

58,214,000

458,579,000

[1]

'

'

1,100,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding common stock acquired, price per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$12.55

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business acquisition, cost of acquired entity, cash paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash acquired from acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

121,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business acquisition, debt assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

829,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Income (Loss)

121,131,000

[2]

141,960,000

[3]

107,270,000

[4]

103,246,000

98,419,000

[5]

92,072,000

[6]

83,858,000

[6]

169,110,000

[7]

473,607,000

[8]

443,459,000

272,749,000

'

'

'

'

'

-15,800,000

-1,500,000

-17,200,000

-400,000

'

'

'

-21,500,000

-17,400,000

-17,400,000

-14,600,000

Interest expense, net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-58,275,000

[8],[9]

-62,900,000

[10]

-29,245,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-8,900,000

-2,700,000

-11,600,000

'

'

'

'

Boise net sales revenue since acquisition date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

448,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Boise income from operations since acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Goodwill is the excess of purchase price over the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill generated from the acquisition is primarily attributable to expected synergies and the assembled workforce. Goodwill recognized in the transaction is not deductible for income tax purposes; however, we assumed $1.9 million of goodwill that Boise had been amortizing in connection with previous acquisitions, which we will continue to amortize and deduct for income tax purposes.

[2]

Includes Boise's results for the period of October 25, 2013, through December 31, 2013. The quarter also includes $166.0 million of income tax benefits from the reversal of the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits from alternative energy tax credits ($1.70 per diluted share), partially offset by $21.5 million of expense for the acquisition inventory step-up ($13.6 million after tax or $0.14 per diluted share), $15.8 million of acquisition-related costs ($10.0 million after tax or $0.10 per diluted share), $8.9 million of acquisition-related financing costs ($5.6 million after tax or $0.06 per diluted share), and $17.4 million of integration-related and other costs ($11.0 million after tax or $0.11 per diluted share).

[3]

Includes a $3.1 million non-cash pension curtailment charge ($2.0 million after tax or $0.02 per diluted share), $1.5 million of acquisition-related costs ($1.0 million after tax or $0.01 per diluted share), and $2.7 million of acquisition-related financing costs ($1.8 million after tax or $0.02 per diluted share).

[4]

Includes a $7.8 million non-cash pension curtailment charge ($5.0 million after tax or $0.05 per diluted share).

[5]

Includes $3.4 million of income from state income tax adjustments ($0.03 per diluted share), partially offset by $2.0 million of plant closure charges ($1.4 million after tax or $0.01 per diluted share).

[6]

The second and third quarters of 2012 include debt refinancing charges of $3.7 million ($2.5 million after tax or $0.03 per diluted share) and $21.1 million ($13.5 million after tax or $0.14 per diluted share), respectively.

[7]

During the first quarter of 2012, PCA amended its 2009 federal income tax return to reduce the gallons claimed as cellulosic biofuel producer credits previously recorded as a tax benefit and to increase those gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits previously recorded as income. The increase in gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits resulted in income of $95.5 million. The decrease in gallons claimed as cellulosic biofuel producer credits resulted in a decrease in tax benefits of $118.5 million, for a total decrease in net income of $23.0 million ($0.24 per diluted share).

[8]

On OctoberB 25, 2013, we acquired Boise. The 2013 results include Boise for the period of October 25 through DecemberB 31, 2013.

[9]

Includes $10.5 million of expenses for financing the acquisition and $1.1 million of expense for the write-off of deferred financing costs.

[10]

Includes $24.8 million of debt refinancing charges, including the $21.3 million redemption premium, the $3.4 million charge to settle the treasury lock prior to its maturity, and $0.1 million of other items.

Acquisitions_Purchase_Price_Al

Acquisitions Purchase Price Allocation (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Oct. 25, 2013

Oct. 25, 2013

Oct. 25, 2013

Oct. 25, 2013

Oct. 25, 2013

Oct. 25, 2013

Oct. 25, 2013

Oct. 25, 2013

Oct. 25, 2013

Boise Inc.

Customer Relationships

Trademarks and Trade Names

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Customer Relationships

Trademarks and Trade Names

Boise Inc.

Customer Relationships

Trademarks and Trade Names

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents

'

'

'

$121,658,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts receivable

'

'

'

270,364,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Inventories

'

'

'

286,277,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred income taxes

'

'

'

9,144,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

'

'

'

8,624,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total current assets

'

'

'

696,067,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, plant, and equipment (a)

'

'

'

1,401,183,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible assets (b):

'

'

'

'

256,400,000

[2]

20,600,000

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill (c)

526,789,000

67,160,000

58,214,000

458,579,000

[3]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other long-term assets

'

'

'

21,786,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Assets acquired

'

'

'

2,854,615,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current liabilities

'

'

'

322,230,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt

'

'

'

829,750,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred tax liabilities

'

'

'

281,463,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other long-term liabilities

'

'

'

131,276,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liabilities assumed

'

'

'

1,564,719,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net assets acquired

'

'

'

1,289,896,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property and equipment, useful life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'30 years

'

'

Acquired finite-lived intangible assets, useful life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'15 years

'5 years

'

'20 years

'20 years

Acquired goodwill expected to be tax deductible

'

'

'

$1,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Property and equipment acquired are being depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated remaining lives, which range from one to 30 years.

[2]

We are amortizing the intangible assets on a straight-line basis over the following (in years):Customer relationships15-20Trademarks and trade names5-20

[3]

Goodwill is the excess of purchase price over the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill generated from the acquisition is primarily attributable to expected synergies and the assembled workforce. Goodwill recognized in the transaction is not deductible for income tax purposes; however, we assumed $1.9 million of goodwill that Boise had been amortizing in connection with previous acquisitions, which we will continue to amortize and deduct for income tax purposes.

Acquisitions_Acquisitions_Pro_

Acquisitions Acquisitions Pro Forma Financial Information (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Income (Loss)

$121,131,000

[1]

$141,960,000

[2]

$107,270,000

[3]

$103,246,000

$98,419,000

[4]

$92,072,000

[5]

$83,858,000

[5]

$169,110,000

[6]

$473,607,000

[7]

$443,459,000

$272,749,000

Interest expense, net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-58,275,000

[7],[8]

-62,900,000

[9]

-29,245,000

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-20,951,000

216,739,000

85,477,000

Boise Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sales

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,696,200,000

5,355,900,000

'

Net income (a)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

492,400,000

[10]

226,000,000

[10]

'

Net income per share - diluted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$5.05

$2.32

'

Nonrecurring Acquisition-Related Costs | Boise Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Income (Loss)

-15,800,000

-1,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Nonrecurring Acquisition-Related Costs | Included in Boise's Income From Operations | Boise Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Income (Loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-400,000

'

'

Nonrecurring Acquisition-Related Costs | Other Expense, Net | Boise Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Income (Loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-17,200,000

'

'

Acquisition Inventory Step-Up | Included in Boise's Income From Operations | Boise Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Income (Loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-21,500,000

'

'

Acquisition-Related Debt Financing Costs | Boise Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense, net

-8,900,000

-2,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition-Related Debt Financing Costs | Interest Expense | Boise Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense, net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-11,600,000

'

'

Alternative Fuel Mixture Credits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

-166,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-166,000,000

'

'

Integration-Related and Other Costs | Boise Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Income (Loss)

-17,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-17,400,000

'

'

Integration-Related and Other Costs | Included in Boise's Income From Operations | Boise Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Income (Loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($14,600,000)

'

'

[1]

Includes Boise's results for the period of October 25, 2013, through December 31, 2013. The quarter also includes $166.0 million of income tax benefits from the reversal of the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits from alternative energy tax credits ($1.70 per diluted share), partially offset by $21.5 million of expense for the acquisition inventory step-up ($13.6 million after tax or $0.14 per diluted share), $15.8 million of acquisition-related costs ($10.0 million after tax or $0.10 per diluted share), $8.9 million of acquisition-related financing costs ($5.6 million after tax or $0.06 per diluted share), and $17.4 million of integration-related and other costs ($11.0 million after tax or $0.11 per diluted share).

[2]

Includes a $3.1 million non-cash pension curtailment charge ($2.0 million after tax or $0.02 per diluted share), $1.5 million of acquisition-related costs ($1.0 million after tax or $0.01 per diluted share), and $2.7 million of acquisition-related financing costs ($1.8 million after tax or $0.02 per diluted share).

[3]

Includes a $7.8 million non-cash pension curtailment charge ($5.0 million after tax or $0.05 per diluted share).

[4]

Includes $3.4 million of income from state income tax adjustments ($0.03 per diluted share), partially offset by $2.0 million of plant closure charges ($1.4 million after tax or $0.01 per diluted share).

[5]

The second and third quarters of 2012 include debt refinancing charges of $3.7 million ($2.5 million after tax or $0.03 per diluted share) and $21.1 million ($13.5 million after tax or $0.14 per diluted share), respectively.

[6]

During the first quarter of 2012, PCA amended its 2009 federal income tax return to reduce the gallons claimed as cellulosic biofuel producer credits previously recorded as a tax benefit and to increase those gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits previously recorded as income. The increase in gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits resulted in income of $95.5 million. The decrease in gallons claimed as cellulosic biofuel producer credits resulted in a decrease in tax benefits of $118.5 million, for a total decrease in net income of $23.0 million ($0.24 per diluted share).

[7]

On OctoberB 25, 2013, we acquired Boise. The 2013 results include Boise for the period of October 25 through DecemberB 31, 2013.

[8]

Includes $10.5 million of expenses for financing the acquisition and $1.1 million of expense for the write-off of deferred financing costs.

[9]

Includes $24.8 million of debt refinancing charges, including the $21.3 million redemption premium, the $3.4 million charge to settle the treasury lock prior to its maturity, and $0.1 million of other items.

[10]

The 2013 and 2012 unaudited pro forma financial information presented in the table above has been adjusted to give effect to adjustments that are directly related to the acquisition, factually supportable, and expected to have a continuing impact. These adjustments include, but are not limited to, the application of our accounting policies; elimination of related party transactions; depreciation and amortization related to fair value adjustments to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets; and interest expense on acquisition-related debt. The 2013 unaudited pro forma net income was also adjusted to exclude $21.5 million of acquisition inventory step-up expense, $17.2 million of acquisition-related costs, which primarily consist of advisory, legal, accounting, valuation and other professional or consulting fees, and $11.6 million of acquisition-related debt financing costs. Included in 2013 pro forma net income is $166.0 million of income from the reversal of tax reserves related to alternative fuel mixture credits, $17.4 million of integration-related and other costs, which primarily consist of severance and other employee costs and professional services.

Earnings_Per_Share_Computation

Earnings Per Share Computation of Basic and Diluted Income Per Common Share (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Earnings Per Share [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

$227,025

[1]

$84,180

[2]

$64,465

[3]

$60,613

$61,031

[4]

$39,791

[5]

$45,154

[5]

$17,844

[6]

$436,283

$163,820

$158,027

Weighted average basic common shares outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

96,579

96,384

99,281

Stock options, unvested restricted stock and performance units

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

968

1,113

1,095

Diluted common shares outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

97,547

97,497

100,376

Basic income per common share

$2.35

[1]

$0.87

[2]

$0.67

[3]

$0.63

$0.63

[4]

$0.41

[5]

$0.47

[5]

$0.18

[6]

$4.52

$1.70

$1.59

Diluted income per common share

$2.33

[1]

$0.86

[2]

$0.66

[3]

$0.62

$0.63

[4]

$0.41

[5]

$0.46

[5]

$0.18

[6]

$4.47

$1.68

$1.57

[1]

Includes Boise's results for the period of October 25, 2013, through December 31, 2013. The quarter also includes $166.0 million of income tax benefits from the reversal of the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits from alternative energy tax credits ($1.70 per diluted share), partially offset by $21.5 million of expense for the acquisition inventory step-up ($13.6 million after tax or $0.14 per diluted share), $15.8 million of acquisition-related costs ($10.0 million after tax or $0.10 per diluted share), $8.9 million of acquisition-related financing costs ($5.6 million after tax or $0.06 per diluted share), and $17.4 million of integration-related and other costs ($11.0 million after tax or $0.11 per diluted share).

[2]

Includes a $3.1 million non-cash pension curtailment charge ($2.0 million after tax or $0.02 per diluted share), $1.5 million of acquisition-related costs ($1.0 million after tax or $0.01 per diluted share), and $2.7 million of acquisition-related financing costs ($1.8 million after tax or $0.02 per diluted share).

[3]

Includes a $7.8 million non-cash pension curtailment charge ($5.0 million after tax or $0.05 per diluted share).

[4]

Includes $3.4 million of income from state income tax adjustments ($0.03 per diluted share), partially offset by $2.0 million of plant closure charges ($1.4 million after tax or $0.01 per diluted share).

[5]

The second and third quarters of 2012 include debt refinancing charges of $3.7 million ($2.5 million after tax or $0.03 per diluted share) and $21.1 million ($13.5 million after tax or $0.14 per diluted share), respectively.

[6]

During the first quarter of 2012, PCA amended its 2009 federal income tax return to reduce the gallons claimed as cellulosic biofuel producer credits previously recorded as a tax benefit and to increase those gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits previously recorded as income. The increase in gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits resulted in income of $95.5 million. The decrease in gallons claimed as cellulosic biofuel producer credits resulted in a decrease in tax benefits of $118.5 million, for a total decrease in net income of $23.0 million ($0.24 per diluted share).

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Con

Income Taxes Components of Consolidated Income Tax Provision (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current income tax provision (benefit)	'	'	'
U.S. Federal	$129,633	$27,100	$41,452
State and local	12,649	6,437	16,678
Foreign	317	0	0
Total current provision for taxes	142,599	33,537	58,130
Deferred -	'	'	'
U.S. Federal	-163,187	180,997	29,895
State and local	-251	2,205	-2,548
Foreign	-112	0	0
Total deferred provision for taxes	-163,550	183,202	27,347
Total provision (benefit) for taxes	($20,951)	$216,739	$85,477

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Effect

Income Taxes Summary of Effective Tax Rate (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule Of Effective Tax Rates [Line Items]	'	'	'
Provision computed at U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35%	$145,366	$133,196	$85,226
Alternative fuel mixture and cellulosic biofuel producer credits	-166,006	81,695	0
State and local taxes, net of federal benefit	13,237	9,135	7,504
Domestic manufacturers deduction	-11,712	-7,155	-7,670
Other	-1,836	-132	417
Total provision (benefit) for taxes	($20,951)	$216,739	$85,477
U.S. Federal statutory rate	35.00%	'	'

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Operat

Income Taxes Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
U.S. federal and non-U.S. NOLs	$111,719
State taxing jurisdiction NOLs	15,077
U.S. federal, non-U.S., and state tax credit carryforwards	1,564
U.S. federal capital loss carryforwards	1,088
Total	129,448
2014 Through 2023	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
U.S. federal and non-U.S. NOLs	1,633
State taxing jurisdiction NOLs	1,199
U.S. federal, non-U.S., and state tax credit carryforwards	203
U.S. federal capital loss carryforwards	1,088
Total	4,123
2024 Through 2033	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
U.S. federal and non-U.S. NOLs	110,086
State taxing jurisdiction NOLs	13,878
U.S. federal, non-U.S., and state tax credit carryforwards	748
U.S. federal capital loss carryforwards	0
Total	124,712
Indefinite	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
U.S. federal and non-U.S. NOLs	0
State taxing jurisdiction NOLs	0
U.S. federal, non-U.S., and state tax credit carryforwards	613
U.S. federal capital loss carryforwards	0
Total	$613

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Income_T

Income Taxes Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:	'		'
Accrued liabilities	$19,521		$7,332
Employee benefits and compensation	27,252		16,002
Net operating loss carryforwards	126,796		0
Stock options and restricted stock	8,875		8,389
Pension and postretirement benefits	75,518		65,520
Derivatives	18,221		20,381
Capital loss, general business, foreign, and AMT credit carryforwards	2,652		0
Gross deferred tax assets	278,835		117,624
Valuation allowance (a)	-2,715	[1]	0
Net deferred tax assets	276,120		117,624
Deferred tax liabilities:	'		'
Property, plant, and equipment	-519,718		-210,486
Goodwill and intangible assets	-111,865		-7,267
Inventories	-559		-1,533
Investment in joint venture	-1,026		-1,119
Other	-2,208		0
Total deferred tax liabilities	-635,376		-220,405
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	-359,256	[2]	-102,781
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	'		'
Deferred tax assets:	'		'
Valuation allowance (a)	-1,600		'
Capital Loss Carryforward	'		'
Deferred tax assets:	'		'
Valuation allowance (a)	($1,100)		'
[1]	Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Of the $2.7 million valuation allowance, $1.6 million relates to foreign net operating loss carryforwards and credits and $1.1 million relates to capital losses. We do not expect to generate capital gains before the capital losses expire. If or when recognized, the tax benefits relating to the reversal of any of or all of the valuation allowance would be recognized as a benefit to income tax expense.
[2]	As of DecemberB 31, 2013, we did not recognize U.S. deferred income taxes on our cumulative total of undistributed foreign earnings for our non-U.S. subsidiaries. We indefinitely reinvest our earnings in operations outside the United States.

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Uncert

Income Taxes Summary of Uncertain Tax Position (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Uncertainties [Line Items]	'		'
Balance as of January 1	($111,303)		($111,013)
Increases related to current year tax positions	-1,538		-1,267
Increases related to prior years' tax positions	-49		-128
Decreases related to prior year's tax positions (b)	64,774	[1]	0
Settlements with taxing authorities (c)	106,187	[2]	0
Expiration of the statute of limitations (d)	1,667	[3]	1,105
Balance at December 31	-5,420		-111,303
Alternative Fuel Mixture Credit	'		'
Income Tax Uncertainties [Line Items]	'		'
Settlements with taxing authorities (c)	104,700	[2]	'
Alternative Fuel Mixture Credit | Boise Inc.	'		'
Income Tax Uncertainties [Line Items]	'		'
Increases related to current year tax positions	-65,158	[4]	0
Decreases related to prior year's tax positions (b)	$64,300		'
[1]	Includes a $64.3 million gross decrease related to the taxability of the alternative fuel mixture tax credits claimed in 2009 excise tax returns by Boise Inc. For further discussion regarding these credits, see Note 6, Alternative Energy Tax Credits.
[2]	Includes a $104.7 million gross decrease related to the conclusion of the Internal Revenue Service audit of PCAbs alternative energy tax credits. For further discussion regarding these credits, see Note 6, Alternative Energy Tax Credits.
[3]	In the third and fourth quarters of 2013, various state statutes of limitations expired. As a result, the reserve for unrecognized tax benefits decreased by $1.7 million gross.
[4]	PCA acquired $65.2 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits from Boise Inc. that relate primarily to the taxability of the alternative fuel mixture credits.

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Alternative fuel mixture and cellulosic biofuel producer credits	$166,006,000	($81,695,000)	$0
Cash payments for income taxes	90,700,000	9,700,000	52,700,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	5,420,000	111,303,000	111,013,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact of effective tax rate	4,000,000	'	'
Income tax, interest expense gross	3,300,000	300,000	'
Income tax, penalty expense gross	100,000	100,000	'
Income tax, accrued interest expense gross	400,000	2,500,000	'
Income tax, accrual for penalties	$100,000	$100,000	'
Federal	'	'	'
Income tax examination (description)	'A federal examination of the tax years 2008 and 2009 was concluded in November 2013.	'	'
Foreign	'	'	'
Open tax year	'2008	'	'
Minimum | Federal	'	'	'
Open tax year	'2010	'	'
Minimum | State	'	'	'
Open tax year	'2009	'	'
Minimum | Boise Inc.	'	'	'
Open tax year	'2008	'	'
Maximum | Federal	'	'	'
Open tax year	'2013	'	'
Maximum | State	'	'	'
Open tax year	'2013	'	'
Maximum | Boise Inc.	'	'	'
Open tax year	'2013	'	'

Alternative_Energy_Tax_Credits1

Alternative Energy Tax Credits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Alternative Fuel Mixture Credits

Alternative Fuel Mixture Credits

Alternative Fuel Mixture Credits

Alternative Fuel Mixture Credits

Cellulosic Biofuel Tax Credits

Cellulosic Biofuel Tax Credits

Cellulosic Biofuel Tax Credits

Cellulosic Biofuel Tax Credits

Alternative Energy Tax Credits

Alternative Energy Tax Credits

Alternative Energy Tax Credits

Alternative Energy Tax Credits

Alternative Energy Tax Credits

Tax Related to Cellulosic Biofuel Tax Credits

Accrued Interest Related to Cellulosic Biofuel Tax Credits

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Deferred Tax Asset

Additional

Alternative Fuel Mixture Credits

Alternative Fuel Mixture Credits

Alternative Energy Tax Credits [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Refundable tax credit per gallon

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.50

'

'

'

$1.01

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Alternative energy tax credits

'

'

'

'

'

95,500,000

-86,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

3,400,000

-23,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

13,100,000

49,000,000

(Provision) benefit for income taxes

-20,951,000

216,739,000

85,477,000

'

62,100,000

'

'

'

103,900,000

-118,500,000

135,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

102,000,000

1,900,000

'

'

Expenses related to alternative energy tax credits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,600,000

'

'

'

'

Income (charge) related to alternative energy tax credits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,400,000

-23,000,000

-19,600,000

47,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

Uncertain tax positions

'

'

'

$102,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 25, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 08, 2013
				Packaging	Paper	Boise Inc.	Boise Inc.		Damage Prevention Company	Damage Prevention Company
Goodwill [Line Items]	'		'	'	'	'	'		'	'
Goodwill	$526,789,000		$67,160,000	$472,900,000	$53,900,000	'	$458,579,000	[1]	'	$1,100,000	[1]
Beginning Balance	67,160,000		58,214,000	472,900,000	53,900,000	'	458,579,000	[1]	'	1,100,000	[1]
Acquisitions	459,629,000	[2]	14,098,000	'	'	'	'		'	'
Adjustments related to purchase accounting	'		-5,152,000	'	'	'	'		'	'
Ending Balance	526,789,000		67,160,000	472,900,000	53,900,000	'	458,579,000	[1]	'	1,100,000	[1]
Business acquisition, cost of acquired entity	'		'	'	'	$2,100,000,000	'		$6,300,000	'
[1]	Goodwill is the excess of purchase price over the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill generated from the acquisition is primarily attributable to expected synergies and the assembled workforce. Goodwill recognized in the transaction is not deductible for income tax purposes; however, we assumed $1.9 million of goodwill that Boise had been amortizing in connection with previous acquisitions, which we will continue to amortize and deduct for income tax purposes.
[2]	In 2013, in addition to acquiring Boise and recording $458.6 million of goodwill, we acquired Damage Prevention Company for $6.3 million and recorded $1.1 million of goodwill in the Packaging segment.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Components of Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted Average Useful Life (in Years)	'15 years 4 months 10 days	'16 years 5 months 13 days	'
Gross Carrying Amount	$327,951,000	$49,251,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	17,412,000	10,968,000	'
Intangible asset amortization expense	6,400,000	3,100,000	1,400,000
Estimated Future Intangible Amortization Expense	'	'	'
2014	22,100,000	'	'
2015	22,000,000	'	'
2016	21,900,000	'	'
2017	21,900,000	'	'
2018	21,700,000	'	'
Customer Relationships	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted Average Useful Life (in Years)	'15 years 4 months 28 days	'16 years 8 months 12 days	'
Gross Carrying Amount	306,361,000	48,261,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	16,509,000	10,663,000	'
Trademarks and Trade Names	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted Average Useful Life (in Years)	'14 years 8 months 16 days	'2 years 7 months 6 days	'
Gross Carrying Amount	21,370,000	770,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	794,000	248,000	'
Other Intangible Assets	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted Average Useful Life (in Years)	'3 years	'3 years 8 months 12 days	'
Gross Carrying Amount	220,000	220,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	$109,000	$57,000	'

Debt_Summary_of_Debt_Details

Debt Summary of Debt (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Oct. 18, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 23, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 27, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 25, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 18, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 18, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 18, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 23, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

4.50% Senior Notes, due November 2023

4.50% Senior Notes, due November 2023

4.50% Senior Notes, due November 2023

6.50% Senior Notes, due March 2018

6.50% Senior Notes, due March 2018

3.90% Senior Notes, due June 2022

3.90% Senior Notes, due June 2022

3.90% Senior Notes, due June 2022

3.90% Senior Notes, due June 2022

Current Portion of Long-term Debt

Current Portion of Long-term Debt

Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Portion

Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Portion

Five-Year Term Loan, due October 2018

Five-Year Term Loan, due October 2018

Five-Year Term Loan, due October 2018

Seven-Year Term Loan, due October 2020

Seven-Year Term Loan, due October 2020

Seven-Year Term Loan, due October 2020

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Receivables Credit Facility

Receivables Credit Facility

Receivables Credit Facility

Senior Credit Facility, Term Loan, due October 2016

Senior Credit Facility, Term Loan, due October 2016

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt

'

$2,547,845

$793,630

'

$698,173

$0

$149,974

$149,968

'

$399,698

$399,662

'

'

'

'

'

$650,000

$650,000

$0

$650,000

$650,000

$0

'

$0

$0

'

$0

$109,000

$0

$135,000

Less current portion

'

39,000

15,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

39,000

15,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total long-term debt

'

2,508,845

778,630

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,508,845

778,630

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit facility, effective interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.00%

0.00%

'

0.00%

1.06%

0.00%

1.71%

Stated interest rate

'

'

'

'

4.50%

0.00%

6.50%

6.50%

'

3.90%

3.90%

3.90%

'

'

'

'

1.54%

'

0.00%

1.79%

'

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average interest rate

'

3.08%

3.63%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.59%

1.71%

3.10%

3.67%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit facility, expiration date

11-Oct-16

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18-Oct-18

18-Oct-18

'

11-Oct-14

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, maturity date

'

'

'

1-Nov-23

1-Nov-23

'

15-Mar-18

'

15-Jun-22

15-Jun-22

'

'

'

'

'

'

18-Oct-18

'

'

18-Oct-20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior notes, discount

'

'

'

'

$1,827

'

$26

$32

'

$302

$338

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 25, 2013

Oct. 18, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 23, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 21, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 27, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 25, 2012

Jul. 26, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 18, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 18, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 23, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 18, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 18, 2013

Oct. 18, 2013

Boise Inc.

4.50% Senior Notes, due November 2023

4.50% Senior Notes, due November 2023

4.50% Senior Notes, due November 2023

4.50% Senior Notes, due November 2023

Debt Incurred in Boise Acquisition

3.90% Senior Notes, due June 2022

3.90% Senior Notes, due June 2022

3.90% Senior Notes, due June 2022

3.90% Senior Notes, due June 2022

5.75% Senior Notes, due August 2013

5.75% Senior Notes, due August 2013

Seven-Year Term Loan, due October 2020

Seven-Year Term Loan, due October 2020

Seven-Year Term Loan, due October 2020

Five-Year Term Loan, due October 2018

Five-Year Term Loan, due October 2018

Five-Year Term Loan, due October 2018

Senior Credit Facility, Term Loan, due October 2016

Senior Credit Facility, Term Loan, due October 2016

Receivables Credit Facility

Receivables Credit Facility

Receivables Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Five-Year and Seven-Year Term Loans, due October 2018 and 2020, respectively

Five-Year and Seven-Year Term Loans, due October 2018 and 2020, respectively

4.50% Senior Notes, due November 2023

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

New borrowings and new credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,650,000,000

$2,350,000,000

Debt

'

'

2,547,845,000

793,630,000

'

'

'

698,173,000

'

0

'

'

399,698,000

399,662,000

'

'

'

650,000,000

650,000,000

0

650,000,000

650,000,000

0

0

135,000,000

'

0

109,000,000

'

0

0

'

'

Credit facility borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

350,000,000

'

'

'

'

Senior notes issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

700,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stated interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.50%

'

0.00%

'

'

3.90%

3.90%

3.90%

5.75%

'

1.79%

'

0.00%

1.54%

'

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment of debt

953,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

829,800,000

'

'

'

'

400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

109,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit facility, expiration date

'

11-Oct-16

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11-Oct-14

'

'

18-Oct-18

18-Oct-18

'

'

'

Outstanding letters of credit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19,000,000

'

'

'

Unused borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

331,000,000

'

'

'

Applicable margin

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.63%

1.63%

'

1.38%

1.38%

'

'

1.50%

'

'

0.85%

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument maturity year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2020

'

'

'2018

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior notes, due date

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Nov-23

1-Nov-23

'

'

'

15-Jun-22

15-Jun-22

'

'

1-Aug-13

'

18-Oct-20

'

'

18-Oct-18

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior notes, cost to redemption

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

432,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior notes, redemption premium

'

'

0

-21,296,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-21,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior notes, accrued and unpaid interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Annual Principal Maturities for Debt [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2014

'

'

39,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2015

'

'

71,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2016

'

'

71,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2017

'

'

104,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2018

'

'

546,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2019 and thereafter

'

'

1,700,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest payments and redemption premium payments paid for debt obligations

'

'

105,700,000

66,300,000

35,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption premium paid on long-term debt

'

'

'

'

'

-54,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of net (loss) gain on treasury lock

'

'

-5,700,000

-3,000,000

1,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of financing costs

'

'

10,300,000

1,100,000

700,000

8,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Book value of fixed rate debt

'

'

1,247,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, fair value

'

'

$1,258,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_Additional_Information_on

Debt Additional Information on Variable Rate Debt (Details)	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 18, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 18, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
	Five-Year Term Loan, due October 2018	Five-Year Term Loan, due October 2018	Seven-Year Term Loan, due October 2020	Seven-Year Term Loan, due October 2020	Receivables Credit Facility	Senior Credit Facility, Term Loan, due October 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reference Interest Rate	0.17%	'	0.17%	'	0.21%	0.21%
Applicable margin	1.38%	1.38%	1.63%	1.63%	0.85%	1.50%

ShareBased_Compensation_ShareB

Share-Based Compensation Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Long-term equity incentive plan, termination date	'May 1, 2023
Number of shares authorized under plan	10.6
Number of shares available for future issuance under share-based plan	2.1

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar

Share-Based Compensation Summary of Restricted Stock Performance Units Activity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Restricted Stock	'		'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'		'
Shares outstanding at January 1	1,771,664,000		1,817,745,000		1,478,000,000
Granted	331,053,000		394,928,000		575,694,000
Vested (a)	-605,458,000	[1]	-429,034,000	[1]	-229,979,000	[1]
Forfeitures	-33,565,000		-11,975,000		-5,970,000
Shares outstanding at December 31	1,463,694,000		1,771,664,000		1,817,745,000
Weighted average grant-date fair value of outstanding shares at January 1	$23.44		$22.37		$20.70
Weighted average grant-date fair value of shares granted	$51.99		$27.46		$27.80
Weighted average grant-date fair value of shares vested (a)	$19.54	[1]	$22.66	[1]	$25.29	[1]
Weighted average grant-date fair value of share forfeitures	$24.76		$21.46		$22.45
Weighted average grant-date fair value of outstanding shares at December 31	$31.48		$23.44		$22.37
Fair value of awards vested	$29.50		$12.40		$6.10
Performance Units	'		'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'		'
Granted	70,600		'		'
Weighted average grant-date fair value of shares granted	$47.83		'		'
[1]	The total fair value of awards upon vesting for the years ended DecemberB 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, was $29.5 million, $12.4 million, and $6.1 million, respectively.

ShareBased_Compensation_Compen

Share-Based Compensation Compensation Expense for Share-Based Awards (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impact on income before income taxes	$14,761	$11,687	$9,736
Income tax benefit	-5,728	-4,543	-3,784
Impact on net income	9,033	7,144	5,952
Restricted Stock	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impact on income before income taxes	14,238	11,687	9,736
Performance Units	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impact on income before income taxes	$523	$0	$0

ShareBased_Compensation_Unreco

Share-Based Compensation Unrecognized Compensation Expense for Share-Based Awards (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized compensation expense	$27,441
Weighted-average recognition period	'2 years 9 months 18 days
Restricted Stock	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized compensation expense	24,500
Weighted-average recognition period	'2 years 8 months 12 days
Performance Units	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized compensation expense	$2,941
Weighted-average recognition period	'3 years 6 months

Employee_Benefit_Plans_and_Oth2

Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 25, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Pension Plans

Pension Plans

Postretirement Plans

Postretirement Plans

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Minimum

Maximum

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Scenario, Forecast

Matching Contributions

Matching Contributions

Matching Contributions

Service Related Contributions

Service Related Contributions

Pension Plans

Pension Plans

Defined Contribution And Defined Benefit Plans [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net underfunded status of acquired benefit plans

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$67,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of employees continuing to accrue pension benefits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum retirement age for medical benefit plan coverage, years

'

'

'

'

58

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum service period for medical benefit plan coverage, years

'

'

'

'

10

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee age after which minimum service period to be completed for medical benefit plan coverage, years

'

'

'

'

48

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Company contributions

'

'

30,146,000

35,984,000

1,289,000

1,192,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected pension contributions in next fiscal year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Company's contribution to defined contribution plans

5,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,000,000

10,800,000

10,400,000

4,300,000

3,900,000

Company's common stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,100

2,100

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Company's contribution to pension plan, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.00%

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred compensation liability

12,000,000

3,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase in other long-term liabilities

$8,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$7,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_and_Oth3

Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Plans Change in Benefit Obligations and Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets Related to Pension and Postretirement Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets	'		'	'
Fair value of plan assets at plan year end	$772,082,000		$238,359,000	'
Amounts Recognized in Statement of Financial Position	'		'	'
Noncurrent liabilities	-193,548,000		-164,538,000	'
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss (Pre-Tax)	'		'	'
Accumulated benefit obligation for plans with obligations in excess of plan assets	798,000,000		'	'
Pension Plans	'		'	'
Change in Benefit Obligations	'		'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	378,714,000		314,155,000	'
Service cost	24,460,000		22,424,000	19,808,000
Interest cost	21,488,000		14,800,000	13,473,000
Plan amendments (a)	13,785,000	[1]	2,271,000	'
Actuarial (gain) loss (b)	-53,451,000	[2]	29,338,000	'
Acquisitions	553,969,000		0	'
Participant contributions	0		0	'
Benefits paid	-9,149,000		-4,274,000	'
Benefit obligation at plan year end	929,816,000		378,714,000	314,155,000
Accumulated benefit obligation portion of above	884,016,000		341,729,000	'
Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets	'		'	'
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of period	238,359,000		185,122,000	'
Acquisitions	486,171,000		0	'
Actual return on plan assets	26,555,000		21,527,000	'
Company contributions	30,146,000		35,984,000	'
Participant contributions	0		0	'
Benefits paid	-9,149,000		-4,274,000	'
Fair value of plan assets at plan year end	772,082,000		238,359,000	185,122,000
Underfunded status	-157,734,000		-140,355,000	'
Amounts Recognized in Statement of Financial Position	'		'	'
Current liabilities	-832,000		-6,290,000	'
Noncurrent liabilities	-156,902,000		-134,065,000	'
Accrued benefit recognized at December 31	-157,734,000		-140,355,000	'
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss (Pre-Tax)	'		'	'
Prior service cost	31,577,000		34,921,000	'
Actuarial loss	26,742,000		90,057,000	'
Total	58,319,000		124,978,000	'
Postretirement Plans	'		'	'
Change in Benefit Obligations	'		'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	31,806,000		25,937,000	'
Service cost	2,061,000		1,856,000	1,599,000
Interest cost	1,248,000		1,241,000	1,189,000
Plan amendments (a)	0		2,266,000	'
Actuarial (gain) loss (b)	-7,797,000	[2]	1,698,000	'
Acquisitions	226,000		0	'
Participant contributions	1,239,000		1,055,000	'
Benefits paid	-2,528,000		-2,247,000	'
Benefit obligation at plan year end	26,255,000		31,806,000	25,937,000
Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets	'		'	'
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of period	0		0	'
Acquisitions	0		0	'
Actual return on plan assets	0		0	'
Company contributions	1,289,000		1,192,000	'
Participant contributions	1,239,000		1,055,000	'
Benefits paid	-2,528,000		-2,247,000	'
Fair value of plan assets at plan year end	0		0	0
Underfunded status	-26,255,000		-31,806,000	'
Amounts Recognized in Statement of Financial Position	'		'	'
Current liabilities	-1,231,000		-1,333,000	'
Noncurrent liabilities	-25,024,000		-30,473,000	'
Accrued benefit recognized at December 31	-26,255,000		-31,806,000	'
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss (Pre-Tax)	'		'	'
Prior service cost	72,000		-353,000	'
Actuarial loss	1,472,000		9,759,000	'
Total	$1,544,000		$9,406,000	'
[1]	In 2013, the United Steel Workers (USW) ratified a master labor agreement with PCA under which certain USW-represented employees will have their pension accruals frozen under PCA's hourly pension plan, resulting in most of the $13.8 million increase in benefit obligations.
[2]	The actuarial gain in 2013 is due primarily to an increase in the weighted average discount rate, while the discount rate decreased in 2012.

Employee_Benefit_Plans_and_Oth4

Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Plans Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Components of net periodic benefit cost	'		'		'
Net amortization of unrecognized amounts, Curtailment loss (a)	$10,908,000		$0		$0
Estimated Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Amortization of Other Comprehensive Income for The Next Year	'		'		'
Estimated net periodic benefit cost for 2014	7,100,000		'		'
Pension Plans	'		'		'
Components of net periodic benefit cost	'		'		'
Service cost	24,460,000		22,424,000		19,808,000
Interest cost	21,488,000		14,800,000		13,473,000
Expected return on plan assets	-21,345,000		-12,108,000		-13,544,000
Net amortization of unrecognized amounts, Prior service cost	6,222,000		5,993,000		5,782,000
Net amortization of unrecognized amounts, Actuarial loss	4,662,000		4,916,000		411,000
Net amortization of unrecognized amounts, Curtailment loss (a)	10,908,000	[1]	0		0
Net periodic benefit cost	46,395,000		36,025,000		25,930,000
Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss	'		'		'
Actuarial net (gain) loss	-58,652,000		19,919,000		49,675,000
Prior service credit	13,785,000		2,270,000		1,827,000
Amortization of actuarial loss	-4,662,000		-4,916,000		-411,000
Amortization of prior service cost	-17,130,000		-5,993,000		-5,782,000
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss (b)	-66,659,000	[2]	11,280,000	[2]	45,309,000	[2]
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (income) loss	-20,264,000		47,305,000		71,239,000
Postretirement Plans	'		'		'
Components of net periodic benefit cost	'		'		'
Service cost	2,061,000		1,856,000		1,599,000
Interest cost	1,248,000		1,241,000		1,189,000
Expected return on plan assets	0		0		0
Net amortization of unrecognized amounts, Prior service cost	-426,000		-419,000		-416,000
Net amortization of unrecognized amounts, Actuarial loss	490,000		452,000		449,000
Net amortization of unrecognized amounts, Curtailment loss (a)	0	[1]	0		0
Net periodic benefit cost	3,373,000		3,130,000		2,821,000
Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss	'		'		'
Actuarial net (gain) loss	-7,798,000		1,698,000		754,000
Prior service credit	0		17,000		0
Amortization of actuarial loss	-490,000		-452,000		-449,000
Amortization of prior service cost	426,000		419,000		416,000
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss (b)	-7,862,000	[2]	1,682,000	[2]	721,000	[2]
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (income) loss	($4,489,000)		$4,812,000		$3,542,000
[1]	PCA recognized curtailment losses in "Other expense, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Income for recent USW negotiations, resulting in the bifurcation of the active USW population between those grandfathered in the current formula (with continued accruals) and non-grandfathered in the current formula (frozen benefits at the contract date).
[2]	Accumulated losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of assets will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of active employees, which is between seven to ten years, to the extent that losses are not offset by gains in subsequent years. The estimated net loss and prior service cost that will be amortized from "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" into pension expense in 2014 is $7.1 million.

Employee_Benefit_Plans_and_Oth5

Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Plans Schedule of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	Pension Plans	Pension Plans	Pension Plans	Postretirement Plans	Postretirement Plans	Postretirement Plans	Scenario, Forecast	Scenario, Forecast	Scenario, Forecast
								Pension Plans	Postretirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	5.00%	4.25%	4.75%	4.85%	4.00%	4.50%	'	'	'
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations, Rate of compensation increase	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount rate	4.57%	4.75%	5.50%	4.00%	4.50%	5.25%	'	5.00%	4.85%
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected return on plan assets	6.53%	6.15%	7.75%	'	'	'	6.69%	'	'
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of compensation increase	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Discount rate to calculate net periodic benefit cost for 2014	4.57%	4.75%	5.50%	4.00%	4.50%	5.25%	'	5.00%	4.85%
Weighted-Average expected return on plan assets for 2014	6.53%	6.15%	7.75%	'	'	'	6.69%	'	'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_and_Oth6

Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Plans Schedule of Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates for Postretirement Benefits (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Health Care Cost Trend Rates Assumptions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	7.75%	8.00%	8.00%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	5.00%	5.00%	5.50%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	'2020	'2020	'2016

Employee_Benefit_Plans_and_Oth7

Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Plans Schedule of Effects of One-Percentage Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trends on Postretirement Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates Effect Of One Percentage Point Change [Line Items]	'
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation, 1-Percentage Point Increase	$540
Effect on net postretirement benefit cost, 1-Percentage Point Increase	52
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation, 1-Percentage Point Decrease	-483
Effect on net postretirement benefit cost, 1-Percentage Point Decrease	($45)

Employee_Benefit_Plans_and_Oth8

Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Plans Schedule of Pension Plan Asset Investments and Target Allocations (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Debt Securities

Debt Securities

International Equity Securities

International Equity Securities

U.S. Equity Securities

U.S. Equity Securities

Real Estate Securities

Real Estate Securities

Other Securities

Other Securities

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Packaging Corporation of America

Packaging Corporation of America

Packaging Corporation of America

Packaging Corporation of America

Debt Securities

Equities

Debt Securities

Other Securities

Equities

Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of Fair Value

'

'

52.00%

61.00%

25.00%

20.00%

21.00%

16.00%

1.00%

3.00%

1.00%

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of plan assets

$772,082

$238,359

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$489,000

'

'

$283,100

'

'

'

Target Allocations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

50.00%

'

62.00%

4.00%

34.00%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_and_Oth9

Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Plans Fair Value Measurements of Plan Assets (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Short-term Investments

Short-term Investments

Short-term Investments

Short-term Investments

Short-term Investments

Short-term Investments

Short-term Investments

Short-term Investments

U.S. Large Value

U.S. Large Value

U.S. Large Value

U.S. Large Value

U.S. Large Value

U.S. Large Value

U.S. Large Value

U.S. Large Value

U.S. Large Growth

U.S. Large Growth

U.S. Large Growth

U.S. Large Growth

U.S. Large Growth

U.S. Large Growth

U.S. Large Growth

U.S. Large Growth

U.S. Mid-Cap Value

U.S. Mid-Cap Value

U.S. Mid-Cap Value

U.S. Mid-Cap Value

U.S. Mid-Cap Value

U.S. Mid-Cap Value

U.S. Mid-Cap Value

U.S. Mid-Cap Value

U.S. Mid-Cap Growth

U.S. Mid-Cap Growth

U.S. Mid-Cap Growth

U.S. Mid-Cap Growth

U.S. Mid-Cap Growth

U.S. Mid-Cap Growth

U.S. Mid-Cap Growth

U.S. Mid-Cap Growth

Foreign Large Blend (Mutual Funds)

Foreign Large Blend (Mutual Funds)

Foreign Large Blend (Mutual Funds)

Foreign Large Blend (Mutual Funds)

Foreign Large Blend (Mutual Funds)

Foreign Large Blend (Mutual Funds)

Foreign Large Blend (Mutual Funds)

Foreign Large Blend (Mutual Funds)

Diversified Emerging Markets (Mutual Funds)

Diversified Emerging Markets (Mutual Funds)

Diversified Emerging Markets (Mutual Funds)

Diversified Emerging Markets (Mutual Funds)

Diversified Emerging Markets (Mutual Funds)

Diversified Emerging Markets (Mutual Funds)

Diversified Emerging Markets (Mutual Funds)

Diversified Emerging Markets (Mutual Funds)

Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Fixed Income (Mutual Funds)

Fixed Income (Mutual Funds)

Fixed Income (Mutual Funds)

Fixed Income (Mutual Funds)

Fixed Income (Mutual Funds)

Fixed Income (Mutual Funds)

Fixed Income (Mutual Funds)

Fixed Income (Mutual Funds)

U.S. Large-Cap Equity Blend

U.S. Large-Cap Equity Blend

U.S. Large-Cap Equity Blend

U.S. Large-Cap Equity Blend

U.S. Small and Mid-Cap Equity Blend

U.S. Small and Mid-Cap Equity Blend

U.S. Small and Mid-Cap Equity Blend

U.S. Small and Mid-Cap Equity Blend

Foreign Large Blend (Common/Collective Trust Funds)

Foreign Large Blend (Common/Collective Trust Funds)

Foreign Large Blend (Common/Collective Trust Funds)

Foreign Large Blend (Common/Collective Trust Funds)

Diversified Emerging Markets (Common/Collective Trust Funds)

Diversified Emerging Markets (Common/Collective Trust Funds)

Diversified Emerging Markets (Common/Collective Trust Funds)

Diversified Emerging Markets (Common/Collective Trust Funds)

Government Bonds

Government Bonds

Government Bonds

Government Bonds

Government Bonds

Government Bonds

Government Bonds

Government Bonds

Corporate Bonds

Corporate Bonds

Corporate Bonds

Corporate Bonds

Corporate Bonds

Corporate Bonds

Corporate Bonds

Corporate Bonds

U.S. Small Blend

U.S. Small Blend

U.S. Small Blend

U.S. Small Blend

U.S. Small Blend

U.S. Small Blend

U.S. Small Blend

U.S. Small Blend

Fixed Income (Common/Collective Trust Funds)

Fixed Income (Common/Collective Trust Funds)

Fixed Income (Common/Collective Trust Funds)

Fixed Income (Common/Collective Trust Funds)

Private Equity Securities

Private Equity Securities

Private Equity Securities

Private Equity Securities

Total Securities at Fair Value

Total Securities at Fair Value

Total Securities at Fair Value

Total Securities at Fair Value

Receivables and Accrued Expenses

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant unobservable input (Level 3)

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of plan assets

$772,082,000

$238,359,000

$136,771,000

$101,588,000

$9,904,000

$1,858,000

[1]

$394,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$1,858,000

[1]

$394,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$19,453,000

[2]

$15,021,000

[2]

$19,453,000

[2]

$15,021,000

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$17,217,000

[2]

$12,029,000

[2]

$17,217,000

[2]

$12,029,000

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$3,135,000

[2]

$2,481,000

[2]

$3,135,000

[2]

$2,481,000

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$6,781,000

[2]

$4,734,000

[2]

$6,781,000

[2]

$4,734,000

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$45,159,000

[2]

$39,204,000

[2]

$45,159,000

[2]

$39,204,000

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$8,005,000

[2]

$7,722,000

[2]

$8,005,000

[2]

$7,722,000

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$7,469,000

[2]

$6,881,000

[2]

$7,469,000

[2]

$6,881,000

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$54,366,000

[2]

$48,699,000

[2]

$54,366,000

[2]

$48,699,000

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$87,862,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$87,862,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$19,577,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$19,577,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$126,653,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$126,653,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$9,211,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$9,211,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$35,603,000

[1]

$29,644,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$35,603,000

[1]

$29,644,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$77,256,000

[1]

$66,517,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$77,256,000

[1]

$66,517,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$6,777,000

[1]

$5,033,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$6,777,000

[1]

$5,033,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$234,445,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$234,445,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$9,904,000

[3]

$0

[3]

$0

[3]

$9,904,000

[3]

$770,731,000

$161,585,000

$599,242,000

$9,904,000

$1,351,000

Investment commitment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Unfunded portion of investment commitment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

Level 3 fair value of pension plans' assets [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Plan assets at fair value at beginning of period

772,082,000

238,359,000

136,771,000

101,588,000

0

1,858,000

[1]

394,000

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

1,858,000

[1]

394,000

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

19,453,000

[2]

15,021,000

[2]

19,453,000

[2]

15,021,000

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

17,217,000

[2]

12,029,000

[2]

17,217,000

[2]

12,029,000

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

3,135,000

[2]

2,481,000

[2]

3,135,000

[2]

2,481,000

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

6,781,000

[2]

4,734,000

[2]

6,781,000

[2]

4,734,000

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

45,159,000

[2]

39,204,000

[2]

45,159,000

[2]

39,204,000

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

8,005,000

[2]

7,722,000

[2]

8,005,000

[2]

7,722,000

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

7,469,000

[2]

6,881,000

[2]

7,469,000

[2]

6,881,000

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

54,366,000

[2]

48,699,000

[2]

54,366,000

[2]

48,699,000

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

87,862,000

[1]

0

[1]

87,862,000

[1]

0

[1]

19,577,000

[1]

0

[1]

19,577,000

[1]

0

[1]

126,653,000

[1]

0

[1]

126,653,000

[1]

0

[1]

9,211,000

[1]

0

[1]

9,211,000

[1]

0

[1]

35,603,000

[1]

29,644,000

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

35,603,000

[1]

29,644,000

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

77,256,000

[1]

66,517,000

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

77,256,000

[1]

66,517,000

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

6,777,000

[1]

5,033,000

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

6,777,000

[1]

5,033,000

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

234,445,000

[1]

0

[1]

234,445,000

[1]

0

[1]

9,904,000

[3]

0

[3]

0

[3]

9,904,000

[3]

770,731,000

161,585,000

599,242,000

9,904,000

1,351,000

Acquisitions

'

'

'

'

8,479,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchases

'

'

'

'

975,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sales

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized gain

'

'

'

'

450,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of plan assets at plan year end

$772,082,000

$238,359,000

$136,771,000

$101,588,000

$9,904,000

$1,858,000

[1]

$394,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$1,858,000

[1]

$394,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$19,453,000

[2]

$15,021,000

[2]

$19,453,000

[2]

$15,021,000

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$17,217,000

[2]

$12,029,000

[2]

$17,217,000

[2]

$12,029,000

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$3,135,000

[2]

$2,481,000

[2]

$3,135,000

[2]

$2,481,000

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$6,781,000

[2]

$4,734,000

[2]

$6,781,000

[2]

$4,734,000

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$45,159,000

[2]

$39,204,000

[2]

$45,159,000

[2]

$39,204,000

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$8,005,000

[2]

$7,722,000

[2]

$8,005,000

[2]

$7,722,000

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$7,469,000

[2]

$6,881,000

[2]

$7,469,000

[2]

$6,881,000

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$54,366,000

[2]

$48,699,000

[2]

$54,366,000

[2]

$48,699,000

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$87,862,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$87,862,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$19,577,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$19,577,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$126,653,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$126,653,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$9,211,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$9,211,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$35,603,000

[1]

$29,644,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$35,603,000

[1]

$29,644,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$77,256,000

[1]

$66,517,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$77,256,000

[1]

$66,517,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$6,777,000

[1]

$5,033,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$6,777,000

[1]

$5,033,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$234,445,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$234,445,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$9,904,000

[3]

$0

[3]

$0

[3]

$9,904,000

[3]

$770,731,000

$161,585,000

$599,242,000

$9,904,000

$1,351,000

[1]

Investments in common/collective trust funds valued using NAV provided by the administrator of the funds. We use NAV as a practical expedient to fair value. The NAV is based on the value of the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus its liabilities, and then divided by the number of units outstanding. While the underlying assets are actively traded on an exchange, the funds are not. There are currently no redemption restrictions on these investments. There are certain funds with one-day redeemable notice.

[2]

Investments in mutual funds valued at quoted market values on the last business day of the fiscal year.

[3]

Investments in this category are invested in the Pantheon Global Secondary Fund IV, LP. The fund specializes in investments in the private equity secondary market and occasionally directly in private companies to maximize capital growth. Fund investments are carried at fair value as determined quarterly using the market approach to estimate the fair value of private investments. The market approach utilizes prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions, type of security, size of the position, degree of liquidity, restrictions on the disposition, latest round of financing data, current financial position, and operating results, among other factors. In circumstances where fair values are not provided with respect to any of the company's fund investments, the investment advisor will seek to determine the fair value of such investments based on information provided by the general partners or managers of such funds or from other sources. Audited financial statements are provided by fund management annually. Notwithstanding the above, the variety of valuation bases adopted and quality of management data of the ultimate underlying investee companies means that there are inherent difficulties in determining the value of the investments. Amounts realized on the sale of these investments may differ from the calculated values. Boise had originally committed to a $15.0 million investment, with $6.2 million of the commitment unfunded at DecemberB 31, 2013.

Recovered_Sheet1

Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Plans Schedule of Estimated Benefit Payments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Pension Plans	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
2014	$30,551
2015	34,304
2016	38,027
2017	42,020
2018	45,759
2019 - 2023	281,889
Postretirement Plans	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
2014	1,231
2015	1,287
2016	1,369
2017	1,523
2018	1,665
2019 - 2023	$10,150

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2003	Dec. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
				2003 Interest Rate Protection Agreement	2003 Interest Rate Protection Agreement	2008 Interest Rate Protection Agreement	2010 Interest Rate Protection Agreement	2011 Interest Rate Protection Agreement	2011 Interest Rate Protection Agreement	Scenario, Forecast
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
U.S. Treasury Note, maturity term (in years)	10	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from or (payments to) settlement of interest rate protection agreement	$0	$65,500,000	($9,910,000)	'	$22,800,000	($4,400,000)	$9,900,000	'	($65,500,000)	'
Ineffective portion of derivative instruments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,400,000	'	'
Settlement gains from interest rate protection agreement	'	'	'	2,200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts settled for a loss, amount	'	'	700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net amount of settlement gains (losses) on derivative instruments included in accumulated OCI to be amortized over next 12 months, before tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-5,700,000
Net amount of settlement gains (losses) on derivative instruments included in accumulated OCI to be amortized over next 12 months, after tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($3,500,000)

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed3

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Impact of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Income and OCI (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated OCI (Effective Portion)	($28,562)	($32,043)	'
Interest Expense	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	-5,655	435	1,846
Cost of Sales	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	-34	-34	-7
Treasury Locks, Net Of Tax	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated OCI (Effective Portion)	-28,191	-31,651	'
Foreign Exchange Contract	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated OCI (Effective Portion)	($371)	($392)	'

Stockholders_Equity_Share_Repu

Stockholders' Equity Share Repurchase Program (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Repurchase Program [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common stock repurchase authorization amount available	$98,100,000	'	'
Common stock repurchase authorized amount	'	'	150,000,000
Common stock repurchased and retired, shares	171,263	1,507,659	4,824,021
Common stock repurchased and retired, weighted average price per share	$45.54	$29.96	$25.51
Common stock repurchased and retired, total value	$7,799,000	$45,162,000	$123,077,000

Stockholders_Equity_Changes_in

Stockholders' Equity Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	($114,042)	'	'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	32,128	'	'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	16,890	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	49,018	-16,264	-53,397
Balance at December 31, 2013	-65,024	-114,042	'
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	0	'	'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	-136	'	'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	0	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-136	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	-136	'	'
Unfunded Employee Benefit Obligations	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	-81,999	'	'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	32,264	'	'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	13,409	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	45,673	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	-36,326	'	'
Treasury Lock | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	-31,651	'	'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	0	'	'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	3,460	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,460	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	-28,191	'	'
Foreign Exchange Contract | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	-392	'	'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	0	'	'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	21	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	21	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	($371)	'	'

Stockholders_Equity_Reclassifi

Stockholders' Equity Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Interest expense, net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($58,275)

[1],[2]

($62,900)

[3]

($29,245)

Cost of sales

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,806,121

-2,203,286

-2,078,088

Income before taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

415,332

[2]

380,559

243,504

(Provision) benefit for income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,951

-216,739

-85,477

Net income

227,025

[4]

84,180

[5]

64,465

[6]

60,613

61,031

[7]

39,791

[8]

45,154

[8]

17,844

[9]

436,283

163,820

158,027

Unfunded Employee Benefit Obligations | Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of prior service cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-16,704

[10]

-5,575

[10]

'

Amortization of actuarial gain / (losses)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-5,197

[10]

-5,368

[10]

'

Income before taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-21,901

-10,943

'

(Provision) benefit for income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,492

4,254

'

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-13,409

-6,689

'

Treasury Lock | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges | Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense, net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-5,655

[11]

-2,988

[11]

'

(Provision) benefit for income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,195

1,167

'

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,460

-1,821

'

Foreign Exchange Contract | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges | Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cost of sales

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-34

[12]

-34

[12]

'

(Provision) benefit for income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13

13

'

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($21)

($21)

'

[1]

Includes $10.5 million of expenses for financing the acquisition and $1.1 million of expense for the write-off of deferred financing costs.

[2]

On OctoberB 25, 2013, we acquired Boise. The 2013 results include Boise for the period of October 25 through DecemberB 31, 2013.

[3]

Includes $24.8 million of debt refinancing charges, including the $21.3 million redemption premium, the $3.4 million charge to settle the treasury lock prior to its maturity, and $0.1 million of other items.

[4]

Includes Boise's results for the period of October 25, 2013, through December 31, 2013. The quarter also includes $166.0 million of income tax benefits from the reversal of the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits from alternative energy tax credits ($1.70 per diluted share), partially offset by $21.5 million of expense for the acquisition inventory step-up ($13.6 million after tax or $0.14 per diluted share), $15.8 million of acquisition-related costs ($10.0 million after tax or $0.10 per diluted share), $8.9 million of acquisition-related financing costs ($5.6 million after tax or $0.06 per diluted share), and $17.4 million of integration-related and other costs ($11.0 million after tax or $0.11 per diluted share).

[5]

Includes a $3.1 million non-cash pension curtailment charge ($2.0 million after tax or $0.02 per diluted share), $1.5 million of acquisition-related costs ($1.0 million after tax or $0.01 per diluted share), and $2.7 million of acquisition-related financing costs ($1.8 million after tax or $0.02 per diluted share).

[6]

Includes a $7.8 million non-cash pension curtailment charge ($5.0 million after tax or $0.05 per diluted share).

[7]

Includes $3.4 million of income from state income tax adjustments ($0.03 per diluted share), partially offset by $2.0 million of plant closure charges ($1.4 million after tax or $0.01 per diluted share).

[8]

The second and third quarters of 2012 include debt refinancing charges of $3.7 million ($2.5 million after tax or $0.03 per diluted share) and $21.1 million ($13.5 million after tax or $0.14 per diluted share), respectively.

[9]

During the first quarter of 2012, PCA amended its 2009 federal income tax return to reduce the gallons claimed as cellulosic biofuel producer credits previously recorded as a tax benefit and to increase those gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits previously recorded as income. The increase in gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits resulted in income of $95.5 million. The decrease in gallons claimed as cellulosic biofuel producer credits resulted in a decrease in tax benefits of $118.5 million, for a total decrease in net income of $23.0 million ($0.24 per diluted share).

[10]

These AOCI components are included in the computation of net pension and postretirement benefit costs. See Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits, for additional information.

[11]

This AOCI component is included in interest expense, net. See Note 11, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, for additional information.

[12]

This AOCI component is included as depreciation in cost of sales.

Concentrations_of_Risk_Concent1

Concentrations of Risk Concentrations of Risk (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements	Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring within One Year	Office Depot (including OfficeMax)	Office Depot (including OfficeMax)	Office Depot (including OfficeMax)	Paper
					Credit Concentration Risk	Total Company Sales Revenue	Total Company Receivables	Office Depot (including OfficeMax)
						Customer Concentration Risk	Customer Concentration Risk	Paper Segment Sales Revenue
								Customer Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	'	'	50.00%	20.00%	'	2.00%	6.00%	38.00%
Percentage Of Hourly Employees Represented By Unions	75.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current	$643,083	$352,142	'	'	$39,200	'	'	'
Number of employees of PCA	13,600	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Asset_Retirement_Obligations_C

Asset Retirement Obligations Changes to Asset Retirement Obligation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Asset Retirement Obligation [Line Items]	'	'
Asset retirement obligation at beginning of period	$5,145	$5,095
Acquisition	'	0
Liabilities incurred	3,164	0
Accretion expense	275	50
Revisions in estimated cash flows	-378	0
Asset retirement obligation at end of period	32,047	5,145
Boise Inc.	'	'
Asset Retirement Obligation [Line Items]	'	'
Acquisition	$23,841	'

Transactions_With_Related_Part1

Transactions With Related Parties - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	2 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'
Carrying amount of LTP's assets	$5
Carrying amount of LTP's liabilities	5
Fiber Costs From Related Parties	3.7
Fiber [Member] | Boise Cascade Co-Owner of LTP	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'
Revenue from Related Parties	$10.30

Accrued_Liabilities_Components

Accrued Liabilities Components of Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Compensation and benefits	$130,455	$71,246
Medical insurance and workers' compensation	26,399	18,448
Customer volume discounts and rebates	11,436	13,365
Franchise, property, sales and use taxes	20,232	9,337
Asset retirement obligations	4,002	0
Severance	8,172	0
Other	13,362	10,300
Total	$214,058	$122,696

Other_Expense_Net_Components_o

Other Expense, Net Components of Other (Income) Expense (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'
Integration-related and other costs	$17,430	$0	$0
Acquisition related costs	17,240	0	0
Pension curtailment charges	10,908	0	0
Asset disposals and write-offs	13,192	10,821	12,726
Other	208	968	-2,003
Total	$58,978	$11,789	$10,723

US_Treasury_Grant_US_Treasury_

U.S. Treasury Grant US Treasury Grant - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
United States Treasury Grant [Line Items]	'	'	'
Treasury grant proceeds	$0	$57,399,000	$0
Annual amortization of U.S. treasury grant proceeds	$3,200,000	'	'

Segment_Information_Segment_In3

Segment Information Segment Informaiton - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Packaging

Office Depot (including OfficeMax)

Foreign operations

Customer Concentration Risk

Paper Segment Sales Revenue

Paper

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of reportable segments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

Concentration risk, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

38.00%

'

Net sales

$1,264,431,000

[1]

$845,440,000

[2]

$800,230,000

[3]

$755,207,000

$736,579,000

[4]

$723,473,000

[5]

$712,468,000

[5]

$671,357,000

[6]

$3,665,308,000

$2,843,877,000

$2,620,111,000

'

'

$162,400,000

Long-lived assets held by foreign operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$14,000,000

'

'

[1]

Includes Boise's results for the period of October 25, 2013, through December 31, 2013. The quarter also includes $166.0 million of income tax benefits from the reversal of the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits from alternative energy tax credits ($1.70 per diluted share), partially offset by $21.5 million of expense for the acquisition inventory step-up ($13.6 million after tax or $0.14 per diluted share), $15.8 million of acquisition-related costs ($10.0 million after tax or $0.10 per diluted share), $8.9 million of acquisition-related financing costs ($5.6 million after tax or $0.06 per diluted share), and $17.4 million of integration-related and other costs ($11.0 million after tax or $0.11 per diluted share).

[2]

Includes a $3.1 million non-cash pension curtailment charge ($2.0 million after tax or $0.02 per diluted share), $1.5 million of acquisition-related costs ($1.0 million after tax or $0.01 per diluted share), and $2.7 million of acquisition-related financing costs ($1.8 million after tax or $0.02 per diluted share).

[3]

Includes a $7.8 million non-cash pension curtailment charge ($5.0 million after tax or $0.05 per diluted share).

[4]

Includes $3.4 million of income from state income tax adjustments ($0.03 per diluted share), partially offset by $2.0 million of plant closure charges ($1.4 million after tax or $0.01 per diluted share).

[5]

The second and third quarters of 2012 include debt refinancing charges of $3.7 million ($2.5 million after tax or $0.03 per diluted share) and $21.1 million ($13.5 million after tax or $0.14 per diluted share), respectively.

[6]

During the first quarter of 2012, PCA amended its 2009 federal income tax return to reduce the gallons claimed as cellulosic biofuel producer credits previously recorded as a tax benefit and to increase those gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits previously recorded as income. The increase in gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits resulted in income of $95.5 million. The decrease in gallons claimed as cellulosic biofuel producer credits resulted in a decrease in tax benefits of $118.5 million, for a total decrease in net income of $23.0 million ($0.24 per diluted share).

Segment_Information_Segment_Sa

Segment Information Segment Sales to External Customers by Product Line (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment sales to external customers

$1,264,431

[1]

$845,440

[2]

$800,230

[3]

$755,207

$736,579

[4]

$723,473

[5]

$712,468

[5]

$671,357

[6]

$3,665,308

$2,843,877

$2,620,111

Operating Segments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment sales to external customers

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,665,300

[7]

2,843,900

2,620,100

Operating Segments | Packaging

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment sales to external customers

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,431,700

[7]

2,843,900

2,620,100

Operating Segments | Paper

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment sales to external customers

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

216,900

[7]

0

0

Operating Segments | Paper | White Papers

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment sales to external customers

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

207,000

0

0

Operating Segments | Paper | Market Pulp

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment sales to external customers

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,900

0

0

Operating Segments | Corporate and Other

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment sales to external customers

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$16,700

$0

$0

[1]

Includes Boise's results for the period of October 25, 2013, through December 31, 2013. The quarter also includes $166.0 million of income tax benefits from the reversal of the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits from alternative energy tax credits ($1.70 per diluted share), partially offset by $21.5 million of expense for the acquisition inventory step-up ($13.6 million after tax or $0.14 per diluted share), $15.8 million of acquisition-related costs ($10.0 million after tax or $0.10 per diluted share), $8.9 million of acquisition-related financing costs ($5.6 million after tax or $0.06 per diluted share), and $17.4 million of integration-related and other costs ($11.0 million after tax or $0.11 per diluted share).

[2]

Includes a $3.1 million non-cash pension curtailment charge ($2.0 million after tax or $0.02 per diluted share), $1.5 million of acquisition-related costs ($1.0 million after tax or $0.01 per diluted share), and $2.7 million of acquisition-related financing costs ($1.8 million after tax or $0.02 per diluted share).

[3]

Includes a $7.8 million non-cash pension curtailment charge ($5.0 million after tax or $0.05 per diluted share).

[4]

Includes $3.4 million of income from state income tax adjustments ($0.03 per diluted share), partially offset by $2.0 million of plant closure charges ($1.4 million after tax or $0.01 per diluted share).

[5]

The second and third quarters of 2012 include debt refinancing charges of $3.7 million ($2.5 million after tax or $0.03 per diluted share) and $21.1 million ($13.5 million after tax or $0.14 per diluted share), respectively.

[6]

During the first quarter of 2012, PCA amended its 2009 federal income tax return to reduce the gallons claimed as cellulosic biofuel producer credits previously recorded as a tax benefit and to increase those gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits previously recorded as income. The increase in gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits resulted in income of $95.5 million. The decrease in gallons claimed as cellulosic biofuel producer credits resulted in a decrease in tax benefits of $118.5 million, for a total decrease in net income of $23.0 million ($0.24 per diluted share).

[7]

On OctoberB 25, 2013, we acquired Boise. The 2013 results include Boise for the period of October 25 through DecemberB 31, 2013.

Segment_Information_Analysis_o

Segment Information Analysis of Operations by Reportable Segment (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2010

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Packaging

Packaging

Packaging

Paper

Paper

Paper

Corporate and Other

Corporate and Other

Corporate and Other

Acquisition Inventory Step-Up

Acquisition Inventory Step-Up

Integration-Related and Other Costs

Integration-Related and Other Costs

Integration-Related and Other Costs

Integration-Related and Other Costs

Integration-Related and Other Costs

Nonrecurring Acquisition-Related Costs

Nonrecurring Acquisition-Related Costs

Nonrecurring Acquisition-Related Costs

Acquisition-Related Debt Financing Costs

Acquisition-Related Debt Financing Costs

Acquisition-Related Debt Financing Costs

Acquisition-Related Debt Financing Costs

Plant Closure

Plant Closure

Debt Refinancing Charges

Debt Refinancing Charges

Debt Refinancing Charges

Debt Refinancing Charges

Debt Refinancing Charges

Debt Refinancing Charges

Medical Benefits Reserves

Alternative Fuel Mixture Credits

Alternative Fuel Mixture Credits

Alternative Fuel Mixture Credits

Intersegment Eliminations

Intersegment Eliminations

Intersegment Eliminations

Intersegment Eliminations

Intersegment Eliminations

Intersegment Eliminations

Intersegment Eliminations

Intersegment Eliminations

Intersegment Eliminations

Intersegment Eliminations

Intersegment Eliminations

Intersegment Eliminations

Intersegment Eliminations

Intersegment Eliminations

Intersegment Eliminations

Operating Segments

Operating Segments

Operating Segments

Operating Segments

Operating Segments

Operating Segments

Operating Segments

Operating Segments

Operating Segments

Operating Segments

Operating Segments

Operating Segments

Operating Segments

Operating Segments

Operating Segments

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Boise Inc.

Packaging

Packaging

Redemption Premium

Treasury Lock

Other Debt Refinancing Charges

Corporate and Other

Corporate and Other

Packaging

Packaging

Packaging

Paper

Paper

Paper

Corporate and Other

Corporate and Other

Corporate and Other

Packaging

Packaging

Packaging

Paper

Paper

Paper

Corporate and Other

Corporate and Other

Corporate and Other

Intersegment Eliminations

Intersegment Eliminations

Intersegment Eliminations

Packaging

Paper

Packaging

Paper

Corporate and Other

Corporate and Other

Acquisition Financing Expense

Write-Off of Deferred Financing Costs

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

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Trade sales

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$3,665,300,000

[1]

$2,843,900,000

$2,620,100,000

$3,431,300,000

[1]

$2,843,900,000

$2,620,100,000

$216,900,000

[1]

$0

$0

$17,100,000

[1]

$0

$0

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Intersegment sales

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0

[1]

0

0

400,000

[1]

0

0

0

[1]

0

0

28,000,000

[1]

0

0

-28,400,000

[1]

0

0

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Net sales

1,264,431,000

[2]

845,440,000

[3]

800,230,000

[4]

755,207,000

736,579,000

[5]

723,473,000

[6]

712,468,000

[6]

671,357,000

[7]

3,665,308,000

2,843,877,000

2,620,111,000

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3,665,300,000

[1]

2,843,900,000

2,620,100,000

3,431,700,000

[1]

2,843,900,000

2,620,100,000

216,900,000

[1]

0

0

45,100,000

[1]

0

0

-28,400,000

[1]

0

0

Operating Income (Loss)

121,131,000

[2]

141,960,000

[3]

107,270,000

[4]

103,246,000

98,419,000

[5]

92,072,000

[6]

83,858,000

[6]

169,110,000

[7]

473,607,000

[1]

443,459,000

272,749,000

545,900,000

[1],[8]

389,700,000

[9]

309,900,000

[10]

13,500,000

[1],[11]

0

0

-85,800,000

[1],[12]

53,700,000

[13]

-37,200,000

[14]

-18,000,000

-3,500,000

-17,400,000

-17,400,000

-1,400,000

-1,900,000

-17,900,000

-15,800,000

-1,500,000

-17,200,000

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-2,000,000

-7,400,000

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-1,600,000

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Interest expense, net

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-58,275,000

[1],[15]

-62,900,000

[16]

-29,245,000

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-8,900,000

-2,700,000

-10,500,000

-1,100,000

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-21,100,000

-3,700,000

-24,800,000

-21,300,000

-3,400,000

-100,000

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Income before taxes

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415,332,000

[1]

380,559,000

243,504,000

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Depreciation, Amortization, and Depletion

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201,800,000

[1]

170,800,000

163,600,000

190,200,000

[1]

169,400,000

162,900,000

9,100,000

[1]

0

0

2,500,000

[1]

1,400,000

700,000

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Capital Expenditures (k)

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234,422,000

[1],[17]

128,524,000

[17]

280,213,000

[17]

222,200,000

[1],[17]

127,800,000

[17]

280,200,000

[17]

10,000,000

[1],[17]

0

[17]

0

[17]

2,200,000

[1],[17]

700,000

[17]

0

[17]

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Assets

5,199,974,000

'

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2,453,768,000

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5,199,974,000

2,453,768,000

2,412,500,000

3,916,700,000

2,131,100,000

2,165,700,000

938,400,000

0

0

344,900,000

322,700,000

246,800,000

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Alternative energy tax credits

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$95,500,000

($86,300,000)

$95,500,000

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[1]

On OctoberB 25, 2013, we acquired Boise. The 2013 results include Boise for the period of October 25 through DecemberB 31, 2013.

[2]

Includes Boise's results for the period of October 25, 2013, through December 31, 2013. The quarter also includes $166.0 million of income tax benefits from the reversal of the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits from alternative energy tax credits ($1.70 per diluted share), partially offset by $21.5 million of expense for the acquisition inventory step-up ($13.6 million after tax or $0.14 per diluted share), $15.8 million of acquisition-related costs ($10.0 million after tax or $0.10 per diluted share), $8.9 million of acquisition-related financing costs ($5.6 million after tax or $0.06 per diluted share), and $17.4 million of integration-related and other costs ($11.0 million after tax or $0.11 per diluted share).

[3]

Includes a $3.1 million non-cash pension curtailment charge ($2.0 million after tax or $0.02 per diluted share), $1.5 million of acquisition-related costs ($1.0 million after tax or $0.01 per diluted share), and $2.7 million of acquisition-related financing costs ($1.8 million after tax or $0.02 per diluted share).

[4]

Includes a $7.8 million non-cash pension curtailment charge ($5.0 million after tax or $0.05 per diluted share).

[5]

Includes $3.4 million of income from state income tax adjustments ($0.03 per diluted share), partially offset by $2.0 million of plant closure charges ($1.4 million after tax or $0.01 per diluted share).

[6]

The second and third quarters of 2012 include debt refinancing charges of $3.7 million ($2.5 million after tax or $0.03 per diluted share) and $21.1 million ($13.5 million after tax or $0.14 per diluted share), respectively.

[7]

During the first quarter of 2012, PCA amended its 2009 federal income tax return to reduce the gallons claimed as cellulosic biofuel producer credits previously recorded as a tax benefit and to increase those gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits previously recorded as income. The increase in gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits resulted in income of $95.5 million. The decrease in gallons claimed as cellulosic biofuel producer credits resulted in a decrease in tax benefits of $118.5 million, for a total decrease in net income of $23.0 million ($0.24 per diluted share).

[8]

Includes $18.0 million of expense for the acquisition inventory step-up and $1.4 million of integration-related and other costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of Boise in fourth quarter 2013.

[9]

Includes $2.0 million of plant closure charges.

[10]

Includes $7.4 million of charges related to energy project disposals.

[11]

Includes $3.5 million of expense for acquisition inventory step-up and $1.9 million of income for integration-related and other costs.

[12]

Includes $17.2 million of acquisition-related costs and $17.9 million of integration-related and other costs.

[13]

Includes $95.5 million of income related to the increase in gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits on the Company's amended 2009 tax return. See Note 6, Alternative Energy Tax Credits, for more information.

[14]

Includes $1.6 million of income from an adjustment to our medical benefits reserve.

[15]

Includes $10.5 million of expenses for financing the acquisition and $1.1 million of expense for the write-off of deferred financing costs.

[16]

Includes $24.8 million of debt refinancing charges, including the $21.3 million redemption premium, the $3.4 million charge to settle the treasury lock prior to its maturity, and $0.1 million of other items.

[17]

Includes "Expenditures for property and equipment" and excludes cash used for "Acquisition of businesses and facilities, net of cash acquired" as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
		acre
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Capital commitments	'	$151.40	$27	'
Area leased under timberland cutting rights (acres)	'	88,000	'	'
Total lease expense	'	56	49.4	46.1
Capital lease obligations	'	24.9	25.9	'
Purchase commitments term, years	'	'periods ranging from one to 15 years	'	'
Purchases during period under purchase agreements	'	61.7	27.7	28.5
Environmental remediation expense to date	'	3.2	'	'
Environmental reserve	'	34.1	'	'
Number of other U.S. and Canadian containerboard producers	'PCA and eight other U.S. and Canadian containerboard producers were named as defendants	'	'	'
Number of lawsuits filed by the plaintiffs	5	'	'	'
Operating Leases	'	'	'	'
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Lease term, years	'	'Lease terms range from one to 15 years	'	'
Capital Lease Obligations	'	'	'	'
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest paid, capital lease obligations	'	1.7	1.7	1.5
Asset Retirement Obligation	'	'	'	'
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Environmental reserve	'	26.5	'	'
Environmental Contingencies	'	'	'	'
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Environmental reserve	'	7.6	'	'
Accrued Liabilities	'	'	'	'
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Environmental reserve	'	7.8	'	'
Other Long-Term Liabilities	'	'	'	'
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Environmental reserve	'	$26.30	'	'

Commitments_Guarantees_Indemni2

Commitments, Guarantees, Indemnifications, and Legal Proceedings Schedule of Minimum Lease Payments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases Future Minimum Payments [Line Items]	'
2014	$56,492
2015	45,818
2016	34,392
2017	23,872
2018	17,034
Thereafter	73,647
Total	$251,255

Commitments_Guarantees_Indemni3

Commitments, Guarantees, Indemnifications, and Legal Proceedings Schedule of Assets Held Under Capital Lease Obligations (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total capital lease assets, Gross	$28,776	$28,776
Less accumulated amortization	-8,676	-6,845
Total capital lease assets, Net	20,100	21,931
Buildings	'	'
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total capital lease assets, Gross	250	250
Machinery and Equipment	'	'
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total capital lease assets, Gross	$28,526	$28,526

Commitments_Guarantees_Indemni4

Commitments, Guarantees, Indemnifications, and Legal Proceedings Schedule of Future Minimum Payments Under Capitalized Leases (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'
2014	$2,654	'
2015	2,654	'
2016	2,654	'
2017	2,654	'
2018	2,654	'
Thereafter	25,874	'
Total minimum capital lease payments	39,144	'
Less amounts representing interest	-14,240	'
Present value of net minimum capital lease payments	24,904	'
Less current maturities of capital lease obligations	-1,030	-964
Total long-term capital lease obligations	$23,874	$24,904

Commitments_Guarantees_Indemni5

Commitments, Guarantees, Indemnifications, and Legal Proceedings Schedule of Purchase Commitments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]	'
2014	$120,971
2015	54,757
2016	14,840
2017	3,017
2018	2,545
Thereafter	11,536
Total	$207,666

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Addit

Quarterly Financial Data - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]

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'

'

'

Net sales

$1,264,431,000

[1]

$845,440,000

[2]

$800,230,000

[3]

$755,207,000

$736,579,000

[4]

$723,473,000

[5]

$712,468,000

[5]

$671,357,000

[6]

$3,665,308,000

$2,843,877,000

$2,620,111,000

Gross profit

257,595,000

[1]

226,777,000

[2]

192,323,000

[3]

182,492,000

174,339,000

[4]

163,102,000

[5]

158,015,000

[5]

145,135,000

[6]

859,187,000

640,591,000

542,023,000

Operating Income (Loss)

121,131,000

[1]

141,960,000

[2]

107,270,000

[3]

103,246,000

98,419,000

[4]

92,072,000

[5]

83,858,000

[5]

169,110,000

[6]

473,607,000

[7]

443,459,000

272,749,000

Net income

227,025,000

[1]

84,180,000

[2]

64,465,000

[3]

60,613,000

61,031,000

[4]

39,791,000

[5]

45,154,000

[5]

17,844,000

[6]

436,283,000

163,820,000

158,027,000

Basic income per common share

$2.35

[1]

$0.87

[2]

$0.67

[3]

$0.63

$0.63

[4]

$0.41

[5]

$0.47

[5]

$0.18

[6]

$4.52

$1.70

$1.59

Diluted income per common share

$2.33

[1]

$0.86

[2]

$0.66

[3]

$0.62

$0.63

[4]

$0.41

[5]

$0.46

[5]

$0.18

[6]

$4.47

$1.68

$1.57

Stock price - high

$64.39

[1]

$61.32

[2]

$50.78

[3]

$44.93

$38.67

[4]

$36.68

[5]

$29.80

[5]

$30.62

[6]

$64.39

$38.67

'

Stock price - low

$55.66

[1]

$48.45

[2]

$42.36

[3]

$37.86

$33.89

[4]

$27.59

[5]

$25.77

[5]

$24.82

[6]

$37.86

$24.82

'

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

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'

'

-20,951,000

216,739,000

85,477,000

Interest expense, net

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

-58,275,000

[7],[8]

-62,900,000

[9]

-29,245,000

Non-Cash Pension Curtailment Charge

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Income (Loss)

'

-3,100,000

-7,800,000

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease (Increase) in net income

'

2,000,000

5,000,000

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease (Increase) in net income per diluted share

'

$0.02

$0.05

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

Alternative Fuel Mixture Credits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Alternative energy tax credits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

95,500,000

'

'

'

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

-166,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-166,000,000

'

'

Decrease (Increase) in net income per diluted share

($1.70)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition Inventory Step-Up

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease (Increase) in net income

13,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease (Increase) in net income per diluted share

$0.14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cellulosic Biofuel Tax Credits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

118,500,000

'

'

'

Decrease (Increase) in net income per diluted share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.24

'

'

'

Debt Refinancing Charges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense, net

'

'

'

'

'

-21,100,000

-3,700,000

'

'

-24,800,000

'

Decrease (Increase) in net income

'

'

'

'

'

13,500,000

2,500,000

'

'

'

'

Decrease (Increase) in net income per diluted share

'

'

'

'

'

$0.14

$0.03

'

'

'

'

State Income Tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease (Increase) in net income per diluted share

'

'

'

'

($0.03)

'

'

'

'

'

'

Plant Closure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease (Increase) in net income

'

'

'

'

1,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease (Increase) in net income per diluted share

'

'

'

'

$0.01

'

'

'

'

'

'

Packaging

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Income (Loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

545,900,000

[10],[7]

389,700,000

[11]

309,900,000

[12]

Packaging | Plant Closure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Income (Loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,000,000

-7,400,000

Boise Inc. | Nonrecurring Acquisition-Related Costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Income (Loss)

-15,800,000

-1,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease (Increase) in net income

10,000,000

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease (Increase) in net income per diluted share

$0.10

$0.01

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Boise Inc. | Acquisition-Related Debt Financing Costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense, net

-8,900,000

-2,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease (Increase) in net income

5,600,000

1,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease (Increase) in net income per diluted share

$0.06

$0.02

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Boise Inc. | Integration-Related and Other Costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Income (Loss)

-17,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-17,400,000

'

'

Decrease (Increase) in net income

11,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease (Increase) in net income per diluted share

$0.11

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Boise Inc. | Packaging | Acquisition Inventory Step-Up

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Income (Loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-18,000,000

'

'

Boise Inc. | Packaging | Integration-Related and Other Costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Income (Loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,400,000

'

'

Boise Inc. | Included in Boise's Income From Operations | Nonrecurring Acquisition-Related Costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Income (Loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-400,000

'

'

Boise Inc. | Included in Boise's Income From Operations | Acquisition Inventory Step-Up

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Income (Loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-21,500,000

'

'

Boise Inc. | Included in Boise's Income From Operations | Integration-Related and Other Costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Income (Loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-14,600,000

'

'

Alternative Energy Tax Credits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Alternative energy tax credits

'

'

'

'

$3,400,000

'

'

($23,000,000)

'

'

'

[1]

Includes Boise's results for the period of October 25, 2013, through December 31, 2013. The quarter also includes $166.0 million of income tax benefits from the reversal of the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits from alternative energy tax credits ($1.70 per diluted share), partially offset by $21.5 million of expense for the acquisition inventory step-up ($13.6 million after tax or $0.14 per diluted share), $15.8 million of acquisition-related costs ($10.0 million after tax or $0.10 per diluted share), $8.9 million of acquisition-related financing costs ($5.6 million after tax or $0.06 per diluted share), and $17.4 million of integration-related and other costs ($11.0 million after tax or $0.11 per diluted share).

[2]

Includes a $3.1 million non-cash pension curtailment charge ($2.0 million after tax or $0.02 per diluted share), $1.5 million of acquisition-related costs ($1.0 million after tax or $0.01 per diluted share), and $2.7 million of acquisition-related financing costs ($1.8 million after tax or $0.02 per diluted share).

[3]

Includes a $7.8 million non-cash pension curtailment charge ($5.0 million after tax or $0.05 per diluted share).

[4]

Includes $3.4 million of income from state income tax adjustments ($0.03 per diluted share), partially offset by $2.0 million of plant closure charges ($1.4 million after tax or $0.01 per diluted share).

[5]

The second and third quarters of 2012 include debt refinancing charges of $3.7 million ($2.5 million after tax or $0.03 per diluted share) and $21.1 million ($13.5 million after tax or $0.14 per diluted share), respectively.

[6]

During the first quarter of 2012, PCA amended its 2009 federal income tax return to reduce the gallons claimed as cellulosic biofuel producer credits previously recorded as a tax benefit and to increase those gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits previously recorded as income. The increase in gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits resulted in income of $95.5 million. The decrease in gallons claimed as cellulosic biofuel producer credits resulted in a decrease in tax benefits of $118.5 million, for a total decrease in net income of $23.0 million ($0.24 per diluted share).

[7]

On OctoberB 25, 2013, we acquired Boise. The 2013 results include Boise for the period of October 25 through DecemberB 31, 2013.

[8]

Includes $10.5 million of expenses for financing the acquisition and $1.1 million of expense for the write-off of deferred financing costs.

[9]

Includes $24.8 million of debt refinancing charges, including the $21.3 million redemption premium, the $3.4 million charge to settle the treasury lock prior to its maturity, and $0.1 million of other items.

[10]

Includes $18.0 million of expense for the acquisition inventory step-up and $1.4 million of integration-related and other costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of Boise in fourth quarter 2013.

[11]

Includes $2.0 million of plant closure charges.

[12]

Includes $7.4 million of charges related to energy project disposals.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Balance Beginning of Year	$5,353		$5,034		$5,413
Acquired Reserves	6,084		0		0
Charged to Expenses	42,322		32,088		30,152
Deductions	-40,477		-31,769		-30,531
Balance End of Year	13,282		5,353		5,034
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'		'		'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Balance Beginning of Year	1,909		1,906		2,493
Acquired Reserves	0		0		0
Charged to Expenses	2,812		1,043		143
Deductions	-821	[1]	-1,040	[1]	-730	[1]
Balance End of Year	3,900		1,909		1,906
Reserve for Customer Deductions	'		'		'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Balance Beginning of Year	3,444		3,128		2,920
Acquired Reserves	3,369		0		0
Charged to Expenses	39,510		31,045		30,009
Deductions	-39,656	[1]	-30,729	[1]	-29,801	[1]
Balance End of Year	6,667		3,444		3,128
Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance	'		'		'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Balance Beginning of Year	0		'		'
Acquired Reserves	2,715		'		'
Charged to Expenses	0		'		'
Deductions	0	[1]	'		'
Balance End of Year	$2,715		'		'
[1]	Consists primarily of discounts taken by customers during the year.