Sonoco Products (SON) 10-Q 31 Oct 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013	Oct. 17, 2013
Document Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	29-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'SON	'
Entity Registrant Name	'SONOCO PRODUCTS CO	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000091767	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	101,952,069

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$287,577	$373,084
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances	688,948	619,761
Other receivables	35,105	36,311
Inventories:	'	'
Finished and in process	153,256	159,193
Materials and supplies	238,316	224,079
Prepaid expenses	34,027	65,395
Deferred income taxes	22,118	22,073
Total Current Assets	1,459,347	1,499,896
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	1,049,597	1,034,906
Goodwill	1,102,560	1,110,505
Other Intangible Assets, Net	251,592	276,809
Long-term Deferred Income Taxes	62,169	90,936
Other Assets	164,090	163,013
Total Assets	4,089,355	4,176,065
Current Liabilities	'	'
Payable to suppliers	496,809	426,786
Accrued expenses and other	358,099	337,536
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	152,093	273,608
Accrued taxes	27,250	6,305
Total Current Liabilities	1,034,251	1,044,235
Long-term Debt, Net of Current Portion	947,541	1,099,454
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	446,487	461,881
Deferred Income Taxes	14,707	15,649
Other Liabilities	52,382	51,632
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'
Sonoco Shareholders' Equity	'	'
Common stock, no par value; Authorized 300,000 shares; 101,503 and 100,847 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	7,175	7,175
Capital in excess of stated value	462,619	445,492
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-471,315	-475,826
Retained earnings	1,581,978	1,512,145
Total Sonoco Shareholders' Equity	1,580,457	1,488,986
Noncontrolling Interests	13,530	14,228
Total Equity	1,593,987	1,503,214
Total Liabilities and Equity	$4,089,355	$4,176,065

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)	Sep. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock, number of shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, number of shares issued	101,503,000	100,847,000
Common stock, number of shares outstanding	101,503,000	100,847,000

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$1,227,749	$1,195,530	$3,633,218	$3,610,259
Cost of sales	1,003,712	989,301	2,980,901	2,970,627
Gross profit	224,037	206,229	652,317	639,632
Selling, general and administrative expenses	117,935	110,330	359,794	351,690
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	5,818	-444	18,785	24,164
Income before interest and income taxes	100,284	96,343	273,738	263,778
Interest expense	15,119	15,908	45,400	48,379
Interest income	833	1,056	2,439	2,858
Income before income taxes	85,998	81,491	230,777	218,257
Provision for income taxes	27,085	25,399	74,746	73,201
Income before equity in earnings of affiliates	58,913	56,092	156,031	145,056
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of tax	2,512	2,937	8,233	8,236
Net income	61,425	59,029	164,264	153,292
Net (income)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-185	-193	103	-65
Net income attributable to Sonoco	$61,240	$58,836	$164,367	$153,227
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	102,835	101,892	102,586	101,745
Diluted (in shares)	103,510	102,544	103,164	102,548
Net income attributable to Sonoco per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in usd per share)	$0.60	$0.58	$1.60	$1.51
Diluted (in usd per share)	$0.59	$0.57	$1.59	$1.49
Cash dividends (in usd per share)	$0.31	$0.30	$0.92	$0.89

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$61,425	$59,029	$164,264	$153,292
Other comprehensive income/(loss):	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	20,351	38,718	-20,348	20,909
Changes in defined benefit plans, net of tax	7,782	-1,660	20,507	8,287
Changes in derivative financial instruments, net of tax	1,462	3,274	4,352	4,985
Comprehensive income	91,020	99,361	168,775	187,473
Net (income)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-185	-193	103	-65
Other comprehensive (income)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-32	-457	595	-416
Comprehensive income attributable to Sonoco	$90,803	$98,711	$169,473	$186,992

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:	'	'
Net income	$164,264	$153,292
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Asset impairment	7,352	5,876
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	145,574	149,159
Share-based compensation expense	7,658	6,472
Equity in earnings of affiliates	-8,233	-8,236
Cash dividends from affiliated companies	8,636	5,870
Gain on disposition of assets	-1,286	-4,390
Pension and postretirement plan expense	46,678	39,806
Pension and postretirement plan contributions	-30,514	-64,080
Tax effect of share-based compensation exercises	6,867	4,103
Excess tax benefit of share-based compensation	-3,324	-1,867
Net increase (decrease) in deferred taxes	22,504	-1,487
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions, dispositions, and foreign currency adjustments:	'	'
Trade accounts receivable	-78,003	-56,641
Inventories	-13,069	3,246
Payable to suppliers	75,207	25,565
Prepaid expenses	-1,958	-3,558
Accrued expenses	25,078	10,062
Income taxes payable and other income tax items	43,796	22,366
Fox River environmental reserves	-1,592	-1,320
Other assets and liabilities	5,649	8,289
Net cash provided by operating activities	421,284	292,527
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:	'	'
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	-143,926	-158,213
Cost of acquisitions, exclusive of cash	-3,728	-503
Proceeds from the sale of assets	8,950	20,092
Investment in affiliates and other, net	-3,542	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-142,246	-138,624
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of debt	51,799	5,678
Principal repayment of debt	-172,056	-38,771
Net decrease in commercial paper	-152,000	-17,000
Net (decrease) increase in outstanding checks	-1,196	469
Excess tax benefit of share-based compensation	3,324	1,867
Cash dividends	-93,216	-89,537
Shares acquired	-8,835	-3,437
Shares issued	13,443	7,153
Net cash used in financing activities	-358,737	-133,578
Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	-5,808	5,295
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	-85,507	25,620
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	373,084	175,523
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$287,577	$201,143

Basis_of_Interim_Presentation

Basis of Interim Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Interim Presentation	'
	Basis of Interim Presentation
	In the opinion of the management of Sonoco Products Company (the “Company” or “Sonoco”), the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, unless otherwise stated) necessary to state fairly the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods reported herein. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2013, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.
	During the completion of its 2012 financial statements, the Company noted a misclassification of cash flows associated with $3,996 of insurance proceeds received in the first quarter of 2012 associated with assets destroyed in a fire in 2011. The proceeds were originally treated as a positive cash flow from operations but instead represented an investing cash flow. Accordingly, the Company has revised its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to reduce the reported cash flow generated from operations and decrease the reported net cash used in investing activities by the amount of these proceeds. The effect of this adjustment was not considered material to previously issued financial statements; however, to enhance comparability, the Company revised its third quarter 2012 financial statements as described above.
	With respect to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial information of the Company for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012 included in this Form 10-Q, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP reported that they have applied limited procedures in accordance with professional standards for a review of such information. However, their separate report dated October 31, 2013 appearing herein, states that they did not audit and they do not express an opinion on that unaudited financial information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on their report on such information should be restricted in light of the limited nature of the review procedures applied. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 for their report on the unaudited financial information because that report is not a “report” or a “part” of a registration statement prepared or certified by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists." ASU 2013-11 clarifies guidance and eliminates diversity in practice on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists at the reporting date. This new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013, and subsequent interim periods. The Company is currently assessing the impact, if any, that this pronouncement will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU no. 2013-02, "Reporting of Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income." This update requires an entity to present on the face of the financial statements where net income is presented, or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. The requirements of this update were effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The disclosures required by this ASU are provided in Note 6 to these condensed consolidated financial statements.
	During the three- and nine-month periods ended September 29, 2013, there have been no other newly issued nor newly applicable accounting pronouncements that have, or are expected to have, a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. Further, at September 29, 2013, there were no other pronouncements pending adoption that are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	Acquisitions
	The Company completed two acquisitions during the third quarter of 2013 at an aggregate cost of $3,728 in cash. These acquisitions included Imagelinx, a global brand artwork management business in the United Kingdom, and a small tube and core business in Australia. The acquisitions of these businesses are expected to generate annual sales totaling approximately $12,500 ($10,000 for the Consumer Packaging segment and $2,500 for the Paper and Industrial Converted Products segment). In connection with these acquisitions, the Company has preliminarily recorded net tangible assets of $3,655 and net intangible assets of $73. The allocation of the purchase price of these acquisitions to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed was based on the Company's preliminary estimates of their respective fair values. The valuations will be finalized before the end of 2013.
	The Company has accounted for these acquisitions as purchases and, accordingly, has included their results of operations in consolidated net income from the respective dates of acquisition. Pro forma results have not been provided, as the acquisitions were not material to the Company’s financial statements individually, or in the aggregate.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' Equity	'
	Shareholders' Equity
	Earnings per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 29,		September 30,		September 29,		September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to Sonoco	$	61,240	$	58,836	$	164,367	$	153,227
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding:
	Basic	102,835,000		101,892,000		102,586,000		101,745,000
	Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation	675,000		652,000		578,000		803,000
	Diluted	103,510,000		102,544,000		103,164,000		102,548,000
	Reported net income attributable to Sonoco per common share:
	Basic	$	0.6	$	0.58	$	1.6	$	1.51
	Diluted	$	0.59	$	0.57	$	1.59	$	1.49
	Stock options and stock appreciation rights covering 469,050 and 1,465,811 shares were not dilutive during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 29, 2013, respectively, and are therefore excluded from the computations of income attributable to Sonoco per diluted common share. The comparable figures for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 were 2,453,745 and 2,462,878 shares, respectively. No adjustments were made to reported net income attributable to Sonoco in the computations of earnings per share.
	Stock Repurchases
	The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to 5,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. During the third quarter, 132,500 shares were purchased at a cost of $5,052; accordingly, at September 29, 2013, a total of 4,867,500 shares remain available for repurchase.
	The Company frequently repurchases shares of its common stock to satisfy employee tax withholding obligations in association with certain share-based compensation awards. These repurchases, which are not part of a publicly announced plan or program, totaled 111,612 shares in the first nine months of 2013 at a cost of $3,783, and 103,209 shares in the first nine months of 2012 at a cost of $3,437.
	Dividend Declarations
	On July 17, 2013, the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.31 per share. This dividend was paid on September 10, 2013 to all shareholders of record as of August 16, 2013.
	On October 14, 2013, the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.31 per share. This dividend is payable December 10, 2013 to all shareholders of record as of November 15, 2013.

Restructuring_and_Asset_Impair

Restructuring and Asset Impairment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Asset Impairment	'
	Restructuring and Asset Impairment
	The Company has engaged in a number of restructuring actions over the past several years. Actions initiated in 2013 and 2012 are reported as “2013 Actions” and “2012 Actions,” respectively. Actions initiated prior to 2012, all of which were substantially complete at September 29, 2013, are reported as “2011 and Earlier Actions.”
	Following are the total restructuring and asset impairment charges/(credits), net of adjustments, recognized by the Company during the periods presented:
		2013						2012
		Third			Nine			Third			Nine
		Quarter			Months			Quarter			Months
	Restructuring/Asset impairment:
	2013 Actions	$	3,978		$	13,780		$	—		$	—
	2012 Actions	378			1,830			2,014			19,116
	2011 and Earlier Actions	1,462			3,175			(2,458		)	5,048
	Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	$	5,818		$	18,785		$	(444	)	$	24,164
	Income tax benefit	(1,957		)	(6,153		)	(126		)	(5,912		)
	Equity method investments, net of tax	—			—			—			22
	Benefit attributable to noncontrolling interests,	68			14			31			104
	net of tax
	Total impact of restructuring/asset impairment	$	3,929		$	12,646		$	(539	)	$	18,378
	charges, net of tax
	Pre-tax restructuring and asset impairment charges are included in “Restructuring/Asset impairment charges” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
	The Company expects to recognize future additional charges totaling approximately $5,000 in connection with announced restructuring actions, when accruable in accordance with GAAP, and believes that the majority of these charges will be incurred and paid by the end of 2013. The Company continually evaluates its cost structure, including its manufacturing capacity, and additional restructuring actions may be undertaken.
	2013 Actions
	During 2013, the Company announced the planned closures of a thermoforming operation in Ireland and a rigid paper packaging plant in the United States (parts of the Consumer Packaging segment), a small tube and core operation in Europe (part of the Paper and Industrial Converted Products segment), and a fulfillment service center in the United States (part of the Display and Packaging segment). The Company also sold a small corrugated box operation in the United States (part of the Protective Solutions segment) and realigned its cost structure, resulting in the elimination of approximately 75 positions.
	Below is a summary of 2013 Actions and related expenses by segment and by type incurred and estimated to be incurred through completion.
	2013 Actions	Third			Total			Estimated
		Quarter			Incurred			Total Cost
					to Date
	Severance and Termination Benefits
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products	$	833		$	1,742		$	1,742
	Consumer Packaging	2,245			3,750			4,650
	Display and Packaging	147			226			626
	Protective Solutions	117			680			680
	Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products	61			475			475
	Consumer Packaging	349			5,580			5,580
	Protective Solutions	—			414			414
	Other Costs
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products	121			217			367
	Consumer Packaging	105			657			2,307
	Protective Solutions	—			39			39
	Total Charges and Adjustments	$	3,978		$	13,780		$	16,880
	The following table sets forth the activity in the 2013 Actions restructuring accrual included in “Accrued expenses and other” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
	2013 Actions	Severance			Asset			Other			Total
		and			Impairment/			Costs
		Termination			Disposal
	Accrual Activity	Benefits			of Assets
	2013 Year to Date
	Liability at December 31, 2012	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	2013 charges	6,398			6,469			913			13,780
	Cash receipts/(payments)	(2,349		)	6,641			(913		)	3,379
	Asset write downs/disposals	—			(13,110		)	—			(13,110		)
	Foreign currency translation	56			—			—			56
	Liability at September 29, 2013	$	4,105		$	—		$	—		$	4,105
	Included in “Asset Impairment/Disposal of Assets” above are impairments of $5,308 related to the Company’s planned closure of a thermoformed plastics operation in Ireland. This charge consists of a $3,561 impairment of net fixed assets, a $349 impairment of spare parts inventory, and a $1,398 impairment of other intangible assets (customer lists). Included in 2013 charges above is a loss of $286 from the sale of a small corrugated box business in Kennesaw, Georgia, acquired as part of the November 2011 acquisition of Tegrant Holding Company (Tegrant). The Company received proceeds of $6,200 from the sale of this business which had annual sales of approximately $13,000. Assets written off in connection with the sale included: net fixed assets of $773, net working capital of $1,275, goodwill of $2,430, and other intangible assets (primarily customer lists) of $2,008.
	“Other costs” consist primarily of equipment removal costs.
	The Company expects to pay the majority of the remaining 2013 Actions restructuring costs by the end of 2013 using cash generated from operations.
	2012 Actions
	During 2012, the Company announced the closures of a paper mill in Germany (part of the Paper and Industrial Converted Products segment) and a protective packaging operation in the United States (part of the Protective Solutions segment). In addition, the Company continued its rationalization efforts in its blow-molding businesses (part of the Consumer Packaging segment), including the closure of a facility in Canada, and realigned its cost structure, resulting in the elimination of approximately 165 positions.
	Below is a summary of 2012 Actions and related expenses by segment and by type incurred and estimated to be incurred through completion.
		2013						2012						Total		Estimated
														Incurred		Total Cost
	2012 Actions	Third			Nine			Third			Nine			to Date
		Quarter			Months			Quarter			Months
	Severance and Termination Benefits
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products	$	53		$	388		$	541		$	8,146		$	10,717	$	10,717
Consumer Packaging	210			263			407			1,509			2,834		2,834
Display and Packaging	—			(4		)	—			285			1,297		1,297
Protective Solutions	—			67			101			1,464			1,662		1,662
Corporate	—			—			—			—			297		297
Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets
Paper and Industrial Converted Products	22			117			(18		)	2,233			2,521		2,521
Consumer Packaging	66			112			175			3,470			3,033		3,033
Protective Solutions	(28		)	(28		)	—			161			133		133
Other Costs
Paper and Industrial Converted Products	43			533			319			836			1,827		2,027
Consumer Packaging	9			157			263			588			1,018		1,218
Display and Packaging	3			20			11			11			31		31
Protective Solutions	—			205			215			413			1,141		1,141
Total Charges and Adjustments	$	378		$	1,830		$	2,014		$	19,116		$	26,511	$	26,911
The following table sets forth the activity in the 2012 Actions restructuring accrual included in “Accrued expenses and other” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
2012 Actions	Severance			Asset			Other			Total
	and			Impairment/			Costs
	Termination			Disposal
Accrual Activity	Benefits			of Assets
2013 Year to Date
Liability at December 31, 2012	$	6,313		$	—		$	80		$	6,393
2013 charges	837			270			915			2,022
Adjustments	(123		)	(69		)	—			(192		)
Cash receipts/(payments)	(4,893		)	42			(915		)	(5,766		)
Asset write downs/disposals	—			(243		)	—			(243		)
Foreign currency translation	10			—			—			10
Liability at September 29, 2013	$	2,144		$	—		$	80		$	2,224
“Other costs” consist primarily of costs related to plant closures including equipment removal, utilities, plant security, property taxes and insurance. The Company expects to pay the majority of the remaining 2012 Actions restructuring costs by the end of 2013 using cash generated from operations.
2011 and Earlier Actions
2011 and Earlier Actions are comprised of a number of plant closures and workforce reductions initiated prior to 2012. Costs for these actions in both 2013 and 2012 relate primarily to the cost of plant closures including severance, equipment removal, plant security, property taxes and insurance. Offsetting these costs in the prior year was the gain from the sale of the land and building associated with a former flexible packaging facility in Canada. The Company expects to recognize future pretax charges of approximately $1,500 associated with 2011 and Earlier Actions.
Below is a summary of expenses/(income) incurred by segment for 2011 and Earlier Actions for the three- and nine- month periods ended September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012.
	2013						2012
2011 and Earlier Actions	Third			Nine			Third			Nine
	Quarter			Months			Quarter			Months
Paper and Industrial Converted Products	$	(69	)	$	901		$	57		$	1,181
Consumer Packaging	1,546			1,445			(3,105		)	3,168
Display and Packaging	—			—			228			40
Protective Solutions	(15		)	829			362			659
Total Charges and Adjustments	$	1,462		$	3,175		$	(2,458	)	$	5,048
The accrual for 2011 and Earlier Actions totaled $4,252 and $5,229 at September 29, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, and is included in “Accrued expenses and other” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The accrual relates primarily to a pension withdrawal liability associated with a former paper mill in the United States and unpaid severance. The Company expects the majority of both the liability and the future costs associated with 2011 and Earlier Actions to be paid in 2014 using cash generated from operations.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss and the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax as applicable, for the nine months ended September 29, 2013:
			Gains and				Defined				Foreign			Accumulated
			Losses on Cash				Benefit				Currency			Other
			Flow Hedges				Pension Items				Items			Comprehensive
														Loss
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	(6,727	)		$	(472,333	)		$	3,234		$	(475,826	)
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications		2,579				(1,122		)		(20,348		)	(18,891		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income		1,695				21,629				—			23,324
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to fixed assets		78				—				—			78
	Net current-period other comprehensive		4,352				20,507				(20,348		)	4,511
	income/(loss)
	Balance at September 29, 2013		$	(2,375	)		$	(451,826	)		$	(17,114	)	$	(471,315	)
	The following table summarizes the effects on net income of significant amounts classified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2013:
			Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive		Three Months Ended September 29, 2013			Nine Months Ended September 29, 2013				Affected Line Item in the
	Loss Components									Condensed Consolidated
										Statements of Net  Income
	Gains and losses on cash flow hedges
	Foreign exchange contracts		$	809		$	3,051			Net sales
	Foreign exchange contracts		(871		)	(1,921		)		Cost of sales
	Commodity contracts		(1,528		)	(3,917		)		Cost of sales
			(1,590		)	(2,787		)		Total before tax
			604			1,092				Tax benefit
			$	(986	)	$	(1,695	)		Net of tax
	Defined benefit pension items
	Amortization of defined benefit pension items(a)		$	(7,787	)	$	(24,737	)		Cost of sales
	Amortization of defined benefit pension items(a)		(2,596		)	(8,246		)		Selling, general and
										administrative
			(10,383		)	(32,983		)		Total before tax
			3,807			11,354				Tax benefit
			$	(6,576	)	$	(21,629	)		Net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	(7,562	)	$	(23,324	)		Net of tax
	(a)	See Note 10 for additional details.
	At September 29, 2013, the Company had commodity and foreign currency contracts outstanding to fix the costs of certain anticipated raw materials and energy purchases. These contracts, which have maturities ranging from October 2013 to December 2015, qualify as cash flow hedges under U.S. GAAP. The amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to these cash flow hedges were in an unfavorable position of $3,662 ($2,375 after tax) at September 29, 2013, and an unfavorable position of $10,772 ($6,727 after tax) at December 31, 2012.
	The cumulative tax benefit on Cash Flow Hedges was $1,287 at September 29, 2013, and $4,045 at December 31, 2012. During the three- and nine- month periods ended September 29, 2013, the tax benefit on Cash Flow Hedges changed by $(767) and $(2,758), respectively.
	The cumulative tax benefit on Defined Benefit Pension Items was $268,094 at September 29, 2013, and $278,235 at December 31, 2012. During the three- and nine- month periods ended September 29, 2013, the tax benefit on Defined Benefit Pension Items decreased by $(4,506) and $(10,141), respectively.
	During the three- and nine- month periods ended September 29, 2013, changes in noncontrolling interests include foreign currency translation adjustments of $31 and $(595), respectively.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	A summary of the changes in goodwill by segment for the nine months ended September 29, 2013 is as follows:
		Consumer			Paper and			Display		Protective			Total
		Packaging			Industrial			and		Solutions
					Converted			Packaging
					Products
	Goodwill at December 31, 2012	$	427,575		$	254,706		$	158,023	$	270,201		$	1,110,505
	Foreign currency translation	(5,127		)	(388		)	—		—			(5,515		)
	Other	—			—			—		(2,430		)	$	(2,430	)
	Goodwill at September 29, 2013	$	422,448		$	254,318		$	158,023	$	267,771		$	1,102,560
	“Other” reflects the disposal of $2,430 of goodwill associated with the sale of a small corrugated box operation in the United States that had been acquired as part of the Company’s November 2011 acquisition of Tegrant.
	The Company assesses goodwill for impairment annually and from time to time when warranted by the facts and circumstances surrounding individual reporting units or the Company as a whole. As part of this testing, the Company analyzes certain qualitative and quantitative factors in determining goodwill impairment. For most of its reporting units, only a qualitative analysis is required for management to reach a conclusion that it is not more likely than not that goodwill has been impaired.
	For any reporting unit where management is not able to reach this conclusion based on its qualitative assessment, a more detailed analysis (i.e., step 1 analysis) is performed. In this analysis, the fair values of the reporting units are estimated utilizing both an income approach and a market approach. A number of significant management assumptions and estimates were reflected in the Company's forecast of future results and cash flows, such as: sales volumes and prices, profit margins, income taxes, capital expenditures and changes in working capital requirements. Changes in these assumptions, along with the discount rate could materially impact the estimated fair values.
	When the Company estimates the fair value of a reporting unit, it does so using a discounted cash flow model based on projections of future years' operating results and associated cash flows, together with comparable trading and transaction multiples. The Company's model discounts projected future cash flows, forecasted over a ten-year period, with an estimated residual growth rate. The Company's projections incorporate management's best estimates of the expected future results, which include expectations related to new business, and, where applicable, improved operating margins. Management’s projections related to revenue growth and/or margin improvements arise from a combination of factors, including expectations for volume growth with existing customers, product expansion, improved price/cost, productivity gains, fixed cost leverage, improvement in general economic conditions, increased operational capacity and customer retention. Projected future cash flows are then discounted to present value using a discount rate management believes is commensurate with the risks inherent in the cash flows.
	The Company completed its most recent annual goodwill impairment testing during the third quarter of 2013. Based on the results of its qualitative and quantitative assessments, the Company concluded that there was no impairment of goodwill for any of its reporting units. Because the Company’s assessments, whether qualitative or quantitative, incorporate management’s expectations for the future, including forecasted growth rates and/or margin improvements, if there are changes in the relevant facts and circumstances and/or expectations, management’s assessment regarding goodwill impairment may change as well. In considering the level of uncertainty regarding the potential for goodwill impairment, management has concluded that any such impairment would likely be the result of adverse changes in more than one assumption.
	Although no reporting units failed the qualitative or quantitative assessments noted above, in management’s opinion, the reporting units with significant goodwill having the greatest risk of future impairment if actual results in the future are not as expected are Plastics – Blowmolding and Plastics – Thermoforming. Total goodwill associated with these reporting units was approximately $128,500 and $53,200, respectively, at September 29, 2013. Although management believes that goodwill of the Display and Packaging reporting unit is not currently at risk for impairment, a large portion of sales in this unit is concentrated in one customer and will be up for negotiation over the next few years. Management expects to retain this business; however, if a significant amount is lost and not replaced, it is possible that a goodwill impairment charge may be incurred. Total goodwill associated with this reporting unit was approximately $158,000 at September 29, 2013.
	There were no triggering events between this year's annual impairment test and September 29, 2013. However, the plastics businesses referenced above have experienced some short-term performance issues. The goodwill for these units could become impaired should these units not exhibit the sustained business improvements expected or management’s outlook changes.
	Other Intangible Assets
	A summary of other intangible assets as of September 29, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is as follows:
		September 29,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Other Intangible Assets, gross
	Patents	$	2,222		$	2,224
	Customer lists	340,572			345,133
	Trade names	21,224			21,214
	Proprietary technology	17,856			17,844
	Land use rights	330			350
	Other	4,747			4,944
	Other Intangible Assets, gross	$	386,951		$	391,709
	Accumulated Amortization	$	(135,359	)	$	(114,900	)
	Other Intangible Assets, net	$	251,592		$	276,809
	Other intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective useful lives, which generally range from three to forty years. The Company has no intangibles with indefinite lives.
	Aggregate amortization expense was $7,036 and $6,945 for the three months ended September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively, and $21,352 and $21,122 for the nine months ended September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively. Amortization expense on other intangible assets is expected to approximate $28,600 in 2013, $28,100 in 2014, $26,700 in 2015, $26,400 in 2016 and $24,600 in 2017.

Financial_Instruments_and_Deri

Financial Instruments and Derivatives	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Financial Instruments and Derivatives	'
	Financial Instruments and Derivatives
	The following table sets forth the carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s significant financial instruments for which the carrying amount differs from the fair value.
			September 29, 2013								December 31, 2012
			Carrying				Fair				Carrying			Fair
			Amount				Value				Amount			Value
	Long-term debt, net of current portion		$	947,541			$	991,306			$	1,099,454		$	1,214,292
	The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, short-term debt and long-term variable-rate debt approximates fair value. The fair value of long-term debt is determined based on recent trade information in the financial markets of the Company’s public debt or is determined by discounting future cash flows using interest rates available to the Company for issues with similar terms and maturities. It is considered a Level 2 fair value measurement.
	Cash Flow Hedges
	At September 29, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had derivative financial instruments outstanding to hedge anticipated transactions and certain asset and liability related cash flows. To the extent considered effective, the changes in fair value of these contracts are recorded in other comprehensive income and reclassified to income or expense in the period in which the hedged item impacts earnings. The Company has determined all hedges to be highly effective and as a result no material ineffectiveness has been recorded.
	Commodity Cash Flow Hedges
	The Company has entered into certain derivative contracts to manage the cost of anticipated purchases of natural gas, aluminum and old corrugated containers. At September 29, 2013, natural gas swaps covering approximately 6.7 million MMBTUs were outstanding. These contracts represent approximately 79% , 74%, and 19% of anticipated U.S. and Canadian usage for the remainder of 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively. Additionally, the Company had swap contracts covering 6,650 metric tons of aluminum representing approximately 59% of anticipated usage for the remainder of 2013 and 44% for 2014, and 525 short tons of old corrugated containers representing approximately 2% of anticipated usage for the remainder of 2013. The fair values of the Company’s commodity cash flow hedges were in loss positions of $(3,598) and $(6,286) at September 29, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The amount of the loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at September 29, 2013, that is expected to be reclassified to the income statement during the next twelve months is $(3,134).
	Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedges
	The Company has entered into forward contracts to hedge certain anticipated foreign currency denominated sales and purchases forecast to occur in 2013. The net positions of these contracts at September 29, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
	Currency	Action	Quantity
	Colombian peso	purchase	5,112,342
	Mexican peso	purchase	188,919
	Canadian dollar	purchase	11,478
	British pound	purchase	2,800
	Turkish lira	purchase	1,085
	Polish zloty	purchase	390
	New Zealand dollar	sell	(294	)
	Australian dollar	sell	(908	)
	Euro	sell	(2,953	)
	The fair value of these foreign currency cash flow hedges was $(69) at September 29, 2013 and $(4,483) at December 31, 2012. During the first nine months of 2013, certain foreign currency cash flow hedges related to construction in progress were settled as the related capital expenditures were made. Losses from these hedges totaling $78 were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss and included in the carrying value of the assets acquired. The amount of the loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at September 29, 2013 expected to be reclassified to the income statement during the next twelve months is $(83).
	Other Derivatives
	The Company routinely enters into forward contracts or swaps to economically hedge the currency exposure of intercompany debt and existing foreign currency denominated receivables and payables. The Company does not apply hedge accounting treatment under ASC 815 for these instruments. As such, changes in fair value are recorded directly to income and expense in the periods that they occur. The net positions of these contracts at September 29, 2013, were as follows (in thousands):
	Currency	Action	Quantity
	Colombian peso	purchase	17,077,750
	British pound	purchase	12,123
	Canadian dollar	purchase	11,891
	Euro	sell	(4,195	)
	The fair value of the Company’s other derivatives was $(129) and $708 at September 29, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	The following table sets forth the location and fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments at September 29, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
	Description		Balance Sheet Location		September 29,				December 31,
					2013				2012
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Commodity Contracts		Prepaid expenses		$	101			$	201
	Commodity Contracts		Other assets		$	90			$	—
	Commodity Contracts		Accrued expenses and other		$	(3,244	)		$	(4,760	)
	Commodity Contracts		Other liabilities		$	(545	)		$	(1,727	)
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		Prepaid expenses		$	575			$	725
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		Accrued expenses and other		$	(644	)		$	(5,208	)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		Prepaid expenses		$	80			$	679
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		Other assets		$	34			$	36
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		Accrued expenses and other		$	(243	)		$	(7	)
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		Other liabilities		$	—			$	—
	While certain of the Company’s derivative contract arrangements with its counterparties provide for the ability to settle contracts on a net basis, the Company reports its derivative positions on a gross basis. There are no collateral arrangements or requirements in these agreements.
	The following tables set forth the effect of the Company’s derivative instruments on financial performance for the three months ended September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
	Description		Amount of Gain or				Location of Gain		Amount of Gain or				Location of Gain	Amount of Gain
			(Loss) Recognized				or (Loss)		(Loss) Reclassified				or (Loss)  Recognized in	or (Loss)
			in OCI on				Reclassified from		from Accumulated				Income on	Recognized
			Derivative				Accumulated OCI		OCI Into Income				Derivative	in Income on
			(Effective Portion)				Into Income		(Effective Portion)				(Ineffective Portion)	Derivative (Ineffective
							(Effective Portion)							Portion)
	Three months ended September 29, 2013
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		$	959			Net sales		$	809			Net sales	$	—
							Cost of sales		$	(871	)
	Commodity Contracts		$	(309	)		Cost of sales		$	(1,528	)		Cost of sales	$	10
	Three months ended September 30, 2012
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		$	(1,125	)		Net sales		$	(511	)		Net sales	$	—
						Cost of sales		$	(726	)
Commodity Contracts		$	7,985			Cost of sales		$	2,927			Cost of sales	$	(81	)
Derivatives not designated as hedging	Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in	Gain or (Loss)
instruments:	Income Statement	Recognized
Three months ended September 29, 2013
Foreign Exchange Contracts	Cost of sales	$	(770	)
	Selling, general and administrative	$	(67	)
Three months ended September 30, 2012
Foreign Exchange Contracts	Cost of sales	$	279
	Selling, general and administrative	$	30
The following tables set forth the effect of the Company’s derivative instruments on financial performance for the nine months ended September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
Description		Amount of Gain or				Location of Gain		Amount of Gain or				Location of Gain	Amount of Gain
		(Loss) Recognized				or (Loss)		(Loss) Reclassified				or (Loss)	or (Loss) Recognized
		in OCI on				Reclassified from		from Accumulated				Recognized in	in Income on
		Derivative				Accumulated OCI		OCI Into Income				Income on	Derivative
		(Effective Portion)				Into Income		(Effective Portion)				Derivative	(Ineffective
						(Effective Portion)						(Ineffective Portion)	Portion)
Nine months ended September 29, 2013
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
Foreign Exchange Contracts		$	5,482			Net sales		$	3,051			Net sales	$	—
						Cost of sales		$	(1,921	)
Commodity Contracts		$	(1,237	)		Cost of sales		$	(3,917	)		Cost of sales	$	(51	)
Nine months ended September 30, 2012
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
Foreign Exchange Contracts		$	306			Net sales		$	(718	)		Net sales	$	—
						Cost of sales		$	578
Commodity Contracts		$	3,640			Cost of sales		$	(3,744	)		Cost of sales	$	(94	)
Derivatives not designated as hedging	Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in	Gain or (Loss)
instruments:	Income Statement	Recognized
Nine months ended September 29, 2013
Foreign Exchange Contracts	Cost of sales	$	(1,941	)
	Selling, general and administrative	$	(207	)
Nine months ended September 30, 2012
Foreign Exchange Contracts	Cost of sales	$	1,023
	Selling, general and administrative	$	69

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. A three-tier fair value hierarchy is used to prioritize the inputs in measuring fair value as follows:
	Level 1 –	Observable inputs such as quoted market prices in active markets;
	Level 2 –	Inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
	Level 3 –	Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
	The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities, excluding retirement and postretirement plan assets, measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
	Description		September 29,			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
			2013
	Hedge derivatives, net:
	Commodity contracts		$	(3,598	)	$	—	$	(3,598	)	$	—
	Foreign exchange contracts		(69		)	—		(69		)	—
	Non-hedge derivatives, net:
	Foreign exchange contracts		(129		)	—		(129		)	—
	Deferred compensation plan assets		2,971			2,971		—			—
	Description		December 31,			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
			2012
	Hedge derivatives, net:
	Commodity contracts		$	(6,286	)	$	—	$	(6,286	)	$	—
	Foreign exchange contracts		(4,483		)	—		(4,483		)	—
	Non-hedge derivatives, net:
	Foreign exchange contracts		708			—		708			—
	Deferred compensation plan assets		2,585			2,585		—			—
	As discussed in Note 8, the Company uses derivatives to mitigate the effect of raw material and energy cost fluctuations, foreign currency fluctuations and, from time to time, interest rate movements. Fair value measurements for the Company’s derivatives are classified under Level 2 because such measurements are estimated based on observable inputs such as interest rates, yield curves, spot and future commodity prices and spot and future exchange rates.
	Certain deferred compensation plan liabilities are funded by assets invested in various exchange traded mutual funds. These assets are measured using quoted prices in accessible active markets for identical assets.
	The Company does not currently have any nonfinancial assets or liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis. None of the Company’s financial assets or liabilities is measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs. There were no transfers in or out of Level 1 or Level 2 fair value measurements during the three- and nine- month periods ended September 29, 2013.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Employee Benefit Plans	'
	Employee Benefit Plans
	Retirement Plans and Retiree Health and Life Insurance Plans
	The Company provides non-contributory defined benefit pension plans for a majority of its employees in the United States and certain of its employees in Mexico and Belgium. Effective December 31, 2003, the Company froze participation for newly hired salaried and non-union hourly U.S. employees in its traditional defined benefit pension plan. At that time, the Company adopted a defined contribution plan, the Sonoco Investment and Retirement Plan (SIRP), which covers its non-union U.S. employees hired on or after January 1, 2004. The Company also sponsors contributory defined benefit pension plans covering the majority of its employees in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Netherlands.
	On February 4, 2009, the U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan was amended to freeze plan benefits for all active participants effective December 31, 2018. Remaining active participants in the U.S. qualified plan will become participants of the SIRP effective January 1, 2019.
	The Company also provides postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefits to a limited number of its retirees and their dependents in the United States and Canada, based on certain age and/or service eligibility requirements.
	The components of net periodic benefit cost include the following:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 29,			September 30,			September 29,			September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Retirement Plans
	Service cost	$	6,267		$	6,391		$	18,756		$	17,804
	Interest cost	16,794			17,906			50,226			52,430
	Expected return on plan assets	(21,582		)	(20,890		)	(64,544		)	(62,889		)
	Amortization of net transition obligation	108			115			328			344
	Amortization of prior service cost	141			139			424			308
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	10,891			10,525			32,571			28,722
	Effect of settlement loss	—			—			1,893			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	12,619		$	14,186		$	39,654		$	36,719
	Retiree Health and Life Insurance Plans
	Service cost	$	218		$	131		$	664		$	615
	Interest cost	219			154			710			841
	Expected return on plan assets	(378		)	(391		)	(1,126		)	(1,131		)
	Amortization of prior service credit	(756		)	(1,619		)	(2,230		)	(4,872		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	(1		)	(403		)	(3		)	(2		)
	Net periodic benefit income	$	(698	)	$	(2,128	)	$	(1,985	)	$	(4,549	)
	During the second quarter of 2013 the Company recognized a $1,893 settlement loss associated with settling the retirement liabilities of approximately 100 participants in one of its Canadian pension plans. Approximately 75% of the loss is included in “Cost of sales” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income with the remainder in “Selling, general and administrative expenses.”
	The Company made contributions of $21,224 and $55,160 to its defined benefit retirement and retiree health and life insurance plans during the nine months ended September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively. The Company anticipates that it will make additional contributions of approximately $11,000 to its defined benefit retirement and retiree health and life insurance plans in 2013.
	Sonoco Investment and Retirement Plan (SIRP)
	The Company recognized SIRP expense totaling $3,391 and $2,692 for the quarters ended September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively, and $9,009 and $7,637 for the nine months ended September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively. Contributions to the SIRP, funded annually in the first quarter, totaled $9,290 during the nine months ended September 29, 2013, and $8,920 during the nine months ended September 30, 2012. No additional SIRP contributions are expected during the remainder of 2013.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The Company’s effective tax rate for the three- and nine- month periods ending September 29, 2013, was 31.5% and 32.4%, respectively, and its effective tax rate for the three- and nine- month periods ending September 30, 2012, was 31.2% and 33.5%, respectively. The quarterly and year-to-date rates for both years varied from the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to the favorable effect of international operations that are subject to tax rates generally lower than the U.S. rate, the favorable effect of the manufacturer’s deduction, and contingencies recorded for uncertain tax positions.
	The Company and/or its subsidiaries file federal, state and local income tax returns in the United States and various foreign jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examination by tax authorities for years before 2009. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to examination prior to 2007 with respect to U.S. state and local and non-U.S. income taxes.
	There have been no significant changes in the Company’s liability for uncertain tax positions since December 31, 2012. The Company’s estimate for the potential outcome for any uncertain tax issue is highly judgmental. Management believes that any reasonably foreseeable outcomes related to these matters have been adequately provided for. However, future results may include favorable or unfavorable adjustments to estimated tax liabilities in the period the assessments are made or resolved or when statutes of limitation on potential assessments expire. Additionally, the jurisdictions in which earnings or deductions are realized may differ from current estimates. As a result, the Company’s effective tax rate may fluctuate significantly on a quarterly basis.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting	'
	Segment Reporting
	The Company reports its financial results in four reportable segments: Consumer Packaging, Paper and Industrial Converted Products, Display and Packaging, and Protective Solutions. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company changed the name of what had been called Packaging Services to Display and Packaging and what had been called Protective Packaging to Protective Solutions to better describe the segments’ business activities. There was no change to the composition of these segments.
	The Consumer Packaging segment includes the following products and services: round and shaped rigid containers and trays (both composite and thermoformed plastic); blow-molded plastic bottles and jars; extruded and injection-molded plastic products; printed flexible packaging; metal and peelable membrane ends and closures; and global brand artwork management.
	The Paper and Industrial Converted Products segment includes the following products: high-performance paper and composite paperboard tubes and cores; fiber-based construction tubes and forms; wooden, metal and composite wire and cable reels and spools; and recycled paperboard, linerboard, corrugating medium, recovered paper and other recycled materials.
	The Display and Packaging segment includes the following products and services: designing, manufacturing, assembling, packing and distributing temporary, semipermanent and permanent point-of-purchase displays; supply chain management services, including contract packing, fulfillment and scalable service centers; and paper amenities, such as coasters and glass covers.
	The Protective Solutions segment includes the following products: custom-engineered paperboard-based and expanded foam protective packaging and components; temperature-assurance packaging; and retail security packaging.
	The following table sets forth net sales, intersegment sales and operating profit for the Company’s reportable segments. “Segment operating profit” is defined as the segment’s portion of “Income before interest and income taxes” excluding restructuring charges, asset impairment charges, acquisition-related costs, and certain other items, if any, the exclusion of which the Company believes improves comparability and analysis of the financial performance of the business. General corporate expenses have been allocated as operating costs to each of the Company’s reportable segments.
	SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 29,			September 30,		September 29,			September 30,
		2013			2012		2013			2012
	Net sales:
	Consumer Packaging	$	473,332		$	475,946	$	1,411,645		$	1,448,750
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products	467,847			453,605		1,395,271			1,392,675
	Display and Packaging	143,173			124,561		391,838			347,267
	Protective Solutions	143,397			141,418		434,464			421,567
	Consolidated	$	1,227,749		$	1,195,530	$	3,633,218		$	3,610,259
	Intersegment sales:
	Consumer Packaging	$	978		$	2,096	$	3,784		$	6,209
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products	26,320			23,126		74,792			73,779
	Display and Packaging	445			516		1,619			1,694
	Protective Solutions	621			457		2,021			1,465
	Consolidated	$	28,364		$	26,195	$	82,216		$	83,147
	Income before interest and income taxes:
	Segment operating profit:
	Consumer Packaging	$	49,025		$	43,829	$	138,731		$	136,661
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products	37,722			33,150		104,717			105,106
	Display and Packaging	8,858			5,098		18,946			13,969
	Protective Solutions	9,934			10,645		30,520			29,303
	Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	(5,818		)	444		(18,785		)	(24,164		)
	Other, net	563			3,177		(391		)	2,903
	Consolidated	$	100,284		$	96,343	$	273,738		$	263,778

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Pursuant to U.S. GAAP, accruals for estimated losses are recorded at the time information becomes available indicating that losses are probable and that the amounts are reasonably estimable. As is the case with other companies in similar industries, the Company faces exposure from actual or potential claims and legal proceedings from a variety of sources. Some of these exposures, as discussed below, have the potential to be material.
	Environmental Matters
	The Company is subject to a variety of environmental and pollution control laws and regulations in all jurisdictions in which it operates.
	During the fourth quarter of 2005, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notified U.S. Paper Mills Corp. (U.S. Mills), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, that U.S. Mills and NCR Corporation (NCR), an unrelated party, would be jointly held responsible to undertake a program to remove and dispose of certain PCB-contaminated sediments at a particular site on the lower Fox River in Wisconsin (the “Site”) which is now labeled by the EPA as Phase 1. U.S. Mills and NCR reached an agreement between themselves that each would fund 50% of the costs of remediation. The Company has expensed a total of $17,650 for its estimated share of the total cleanup cost of the Site, and through September 29, 2013, has spent a total of $14,467. The remaining accrual of $3,183 represents the Company’s best estimate of what it is likely to pay to complete the Site project. However, the actual costs associated with cleanup of the Site are dependent upon many factors and it is possible that remediation costs could be higher than the current estimate of project costs. The Company acquired U.S. Mills in 2001, and the alleged contamination predates the acquisition.
	The EPA and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) have also issued a general notice of potential liability under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and a request to participate in remedial action implementation negotiations relating to a stretch of the lower Fox River, including the bay at Green Bay, (Operating Units 2 – 5) to eight potentially responsible parties, including U.S. Mills. Operating Units 2 – 5 include, but also comprise a vastly larger area than, the Site. A detailed description of the claims and proceedings associated therewith appears in Part II – Item 8 – “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” (Note 14 - “Commitments and Contingencies”) in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
	On October 14, 2010, the EPA and WDNR filed suit against NCR, API, U.S. Mills and nine other defendants in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin (No. 10-CV-910-WCG) pursuant to Sections 106 and 107 of CERCLA. The plaintiffs seek to recover unreimbursed costs incurred for activities undertaken in response to the release and threatened release of hazardous substances from facilities at or near the Lower Fox River and Green Bay as well as damages for injury to, loss of, and destruction of natural resources resulting from such releases. The plaintiffs also seek a ruling that the defendants are liable for future response costs of the plaintiffs and requiring the defendants to comply with the unilateral Administrative Order for Remedial Action discussed in prior filings. The Company does not believe that the remedies sought in the suit materially expand the Company’s potential liability beyond what has been disclosed in this report or in the Company’s prior filings with the SEC. U.S. Mills has entered into a stipulation with the plaintiffs that, in exchange for U.S. Mills’ admitting that it is liable for discharging wastewater containing PCBs into the river, the plaintiffs would not seek an injunction in this proceeding against U.S. Mills requiring it to participate in the completion of the Fox River remediation. In June 2013 the court ordered some of the other defendants, including NCR but not U.S. Mills, to complete the remediation and the order has been appealed. U.S. Mills plans to continue to defend its interests in the suit vigorously.
	Since 2007, U.S. Mills has expensed a total of $60,825 for potential liabilities associated with the Fox River contamination (not including amounts expensed for remediation at the Site) and through September 29, 2013, has spent a total of $11,628, primarily on legal fees, leaving a reserve of $49,197 remaining at September 29, 2013 for potential liabilities associated with the Fox River contamination (not including amounts accrued for remediation at the Site). Because of the continuing uncertainties in the estimated costs of remediation and continuing uncertainties surrounding U.S. Mills’ allocable share, including a potentially favorable resolution, it is impossible to state with any reasonable degree of confidence that any estimate is a better estimate than the amount recorded. However, because the discharges of hazardous materials into the environment occurred before the Company acquired U.S. Mills, and U.S. Mills has been operated as a separate subsidiary of the Company, the Company does not believe that it bears financial responsibility for these legacy environmental liabilities of U.S. Mills. Therefore, the Company continues to believe that the maximum additional exposure to its consolidated financial position beyond what has been reserved is limited to the equity position of U.S. Mills, which was approximately $94,000 at September 29, 2013.
	On November 8, 2011, the Company completed the acquisition of Tegrant. During its due diligence, the Company identified several potential environmentally contaminated sites. The total remediation cost of these sites was preliminarily estimated to be $18,850 at the time of acquisition and an accrual in this amount was recorded on Tegrant’s opening balance sheet.
	The Company has been named as a potentially responsible party at several other environmentally contaminated sites. All of the sites are also the responsibility of other parties. The potential remediation liabilities are shared with such other parties, and, in most cases, the Company’s share, if any, cannot be reasonably estimated at the current time.
	As of September 29, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company (and its subsidiaries) had accrued $73,436 and $75,605, respectively, related to environmental contingencies. Of these, a total of $52,380 and $53,972 relate to U.S. Mills and $18,518 and $18,733 relate to Tegrant at September 29, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. These accruals are included in “Accrued expenses and other” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. U.S. Mills recognized a $40,825 benefit in 2008 from settlements reached and proceeds received on certain insurance policies covering the Fox River contamination. U.S. Mills’ two remaining insurance carriers are in liquidation. It is possible that U.S. Mills may recover from these carriers a small portion of the costs it ultimately incurs. U.S. Mills may also be able to reallocate some of the costs it incurs among other parties. There can be no assurance that such claims for recovery or reallocation would be successful and no amounts have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements of the Company for such potential recovery or reallocation.
	Other Legal Matters
	In addition to those matters described above, the Company is subject to other various legal proceedings, claims, and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of these matters could differ from management’s expectations, the Company does not believe the resolution of these matters has a reasonable possibility of having a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial statements.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements_

New Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists." ASU 2013-11 clarifies guidance and eliminates diversity in practice on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists at the reporting date. This new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013, and subsequent interim periods. The Company is currently assessing the impact, if any, that this pronouncement will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU no. 2013-02, "Reporting of Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income." This update requires an entity to present on the face of the financial statements where net income is presented, or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. The requirements of this update were effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The disclosures required by this ASU are provided in Note 6 to these condensed consolidated financial statements.
	During the three- and nine-month periods ended September 29, 2013, there have been no other newly issued nor newly applicable accounting pronouncements that have, or are expected to have, a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. Further, at September 29, 2013, there were no other pronouncements pending adoption that are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 29,		September 30,		September 29,		September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to Sonoco	$	61,240	$	58,836	$	164,367	$	153,227
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding:
	Basic	102,835,000		101,892,000		102,586,000		101,745,000
	Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation	675,000		652,000		578,000		803,000
	Diluted	103,510,000		102,544,000		103,164,000		102,548,000
	Reported net income attributable to Sonoco per common share:
	Basic	$	0.6	$	0.58	$	1.6	$	1.51
	Diluted	$	0.59	$	0.57	$	1.59	$	1.49

Restructuring_and_Asset_Impair1

Restructuring and Asset Impairment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Total Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges Net	'
	Following are the total restructuring and asset impairment charges/(credits), net of adjustments, recognized by the Company during the periods presented:
		2013						2012
		Third			Nine			Third			Nine
		Quarter			Months			Quarter			Months
	Restructuring/Asset impairment:
	2013 Actions	$	3,978		$	13,780		$	—		$	—
	2012 Actions	378			1,830			2,014			19,116
	2011 and Earlier Actions	1,462			3,175			(2,458		)	5,048
	Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	$	5,818		$	18,785		$	(444	)	$	24,164
	Income tax benefit	(1,957		)	(6,153		)	(126		)	(5,912		)
	Equity method investments, net of tax	—			—			—			22
	Benefit attributable to noncontrolling interests,	68			14			31			104
	net of tax
	Total impact of restructuring/asset impairment	$	3,929		$	12,646		$	(539	)	$	18,378
	charges, net of tax
Actions and Related Expenses by Segment and by Type Incurred and Estimated for Given Years	'
	Below is a summary of expenses/(income) incurred by segment for 2011 and Earlier Actions for the three- and nine- month periods ended September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012.
		2013						2012
	2011 and Earlier Actions	Third			Nine			Third			Nine
		Quarter			Months			Quarter			Months
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products	$	(69	)	$	901		$	57		$	1,181
	Consumer Packaging	1,546			1,445			(3,105		)	3,168
	Display and Packaging	—			—			228			40
	Protective Solutions	(15		)	829			362			659
	Total Charges and Adjustments	$	1,462		$	3,175		$	(2,458	)	$	5,048
	Below is a summary of 2012 Actions and related expenses by segment and by type incurred and estimated to be incurred through completion.
		2013						2012						Total		Estimated
														Incurred		Total Cost
	2012 Actions	Third			Nine			Third			Nine			to Date
		Quarter			Months			Quarter			Months
	Severance and Termination Benefits
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products	$	53		$	388		$	541		$	8,146		$	10,717	$	10,717
	Consumer Packaging	210			263			407			1,509			2,834		2,834
	Display and Packaging	—			(4		)	—			285			1,297		1,297
	Protective Solutions	—			67			101			1,464			1,662		1,662
	Corporate	—			—			—			—			297		297
	Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products	22			117			(18		)	2,233			2,521		2,521
	Consumer Packaging	66			112			175			3,470			3,033		3,033
	Protective Solutions	(28		)	(28		)	—			161			133		133
	Other Costs
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products	43			533			319			836			1,827		2,027
	Consumer Packaging	9			157			263			588			1,018		1,218
	Display and Packaging	3			20			11			11			31		31
	Protective Solutions	—			205			215			413			1,141		1,141
	Total Charges and Adjustments	$	378		$	1,830		$	2,014		$	19,116		$	26,511	$	26,911
	Below is a summary of 2013 Actions and related expenses by segment and by type incurred and estimated to be incurred through completion.
	2013 Actions	Third			Total			Estimated
		Quarter			Incurred			Total Cost
					to Date
	Severance and Termination Benefits
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products	$	833		$	1,742		$	1,742
	Consumer Packaging	2,245			3,750			4,650
	Display and Packaging	147			226			626
	Protective Solutions	117			680			680
	Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products	61			475			475
	Consumer Packaging	349			5,580			5,580
	Protective Solutions	—			414			414
	Other Costs
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products	121			217			367
	Consumer Packaging	105			657			2,307
	Protective Solutions	—			39			39
	Total Charges and Adjustments	$	3,978		$	13,780		$	16,880
Restructuring Accrual Activity for Given Years	'
	The following table sets forth the activity in the 2012 Actions restructuring accrual included in “Accrued expenses and other” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
	2012 Actions	Severance			Asset			Other			Total
		and			Impairment/			Costs
		Termination			Disposal
	Accrual Activity	Benefits			of Assets
	2013 Year to Date
	Liability at December 31, 2012	$	6,313		$	—		$	80		$	6,393
	2013 charges	837			270			915			2,022
	Adjustments	(123		)	(69		)	—			(192		)
	Cash receipts/(payments)	(4,893		)	42			(915		)	(5,766		)
	Asset write downs/disposals	—			(243		)	—			(243		)
	Foreign currency translation	10			—			—			10
	Liability at September 29, 2013	$	2,144		$	—		$	80		$	2,224
	The following table sets forth the activity in the 2013 Actions restructuring accrual included in “Accrued expenses and other” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
	2013 Actions	Severance			Asset			Other			Total
		and			Impairment/			Costs
		Termination			Disposal
	Accrual Activity	Benefits			of Assets
	2013 Year to Date
	Liability at December 31, 2012	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	2013 charges	6,398			6,469			913			13,780
	Cash receipts/(payments)	(2,349		)	6,641			(913		)	3,379
	Asset write downs/disposals	—			(13,110		)	—			(13,110		)
	Foreign currency translation	56			—			—			56
	Liability at September 29, 2013	$	4,105		$	—		$	—		$	4,105

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss and the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax as applicable, for the nine months ended September 29, 2013:
		Gains and				Defined				Foreign			Accumulated
		Losses on Cash				Benefit				Currency			Other
		Flow Hedges				Pension Items				Items			Comprehensive
													Loss
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	(6,727	)		$	(472,333	)		$	3,234		$	(475,826	)
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	2,579				(1,122		)		(20,348		)	(18,891		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income	1,695				21,629				—			23,324
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to fixed assets	78				—				—			78
	Net current-period other comprehensive	4,352				20,507				(20,348		)	4,511
	income/(loss)
	Balance at September 29, 2013	$	(2,375	)		$	(451,826	)		$	(17,114	)	$	(471,315	)
Effects on Net Income of Significant Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	The following table summarizes the effects on net income of significant amounts classified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2013:
		Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive	Three Months Ended September 29, 2013			Nine Months Ended September 29, 2013				Affected Line Item in the
	Loss Components								Condensed Consolidated
									Statements of Net  Income
	Gains and losses on cash flow hedges
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	809		$	3,051			Net sales
	Foreign exchange contracts	(871		)	(1,921		)		Cost of sales
	Commodity contracts	(1,528		)	(3,917		)		Cost of sales
		(1,590		)	(2,787		)		Total before tax
		604			1,092				Tax benefit
		$	(986	)	$	(1,695	)		Net of tax
	Defined benefit pension items
	Amortization of defined benefit pension items(a)	$	(7,787	)	$	(24,737	)		Cost of sales
	Amortization of defined benefit pension items(a)	(2,596		)	(8,246		)		Selling, general and
									administrative
		(10,383		)	(32,983		)		Total before tax
		3,807			11,354				Tax benefit
		$	(6,576	)	$	(21,629	)		Net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the period	$	(7,562	)	$	(23,324	)		Net of tax

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Changes in Goodwill by Segment	'
	A summary of the changes in goodwill by segment for the nine months ended September 29, 2013 is as follows:
		Consumer			Paper and			Display		Protective			Total
		Packaging			Industrial			and		Solutions
					Converted			Packaging
					Products
	Goodwill at December 31, 2012	$	427,575		$	254,706		$	158,023	$	270,201		$	1,110,505
	Foreign currency translation	(5,127		)	(388		)	—		—			(5,515		)
	Other	—			—			—		(2,430		)	$	(2,430	)
	Goodwill at September 29, 2013	$	422,448		$	254,318		$	158,023	$	267,771		$	1,102,560
Summary of Other Intangible Assets	'
	A summary of other intangible assets as of September 29, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is as follows:
		September 29,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Other Intangible Assets, gross
	Patents	$	2,222		$	2,224
	Customer lists	340,572			345,133
	Trade names	21,224			21,214
	Proprietary technology	17,856			17,844
	Land use rights	330			350
	Other	4,747			4,944
	Other Intangible Assets, gross	$	386,951		$	391,709
	Accumulated Amortization	$	(135,359	)	$	(114,900	)
	Other Intangible Assets, net	$	251,592		$	276,809

Financial_Instruments_and_Deri1

Financial Instruments and Derivatives (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments	'
	The following table sets forth the carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s significant financial instruments for which the carrying amount differs from the fair value.
			September 29, 2013								December 31, 2012
			Carrying				Fair				Carrying			Fair
			Amount				Value				Amount			Value
	Long-term debt, net of current portion		$	947,541			$	991,306			$	1,099,454		$	1,214,292
Net Positions of Foreign Contracts	'
	The Company has entered into forward contracts to hedge certain anticipated foreign currency denominated sales and purchases forecast to occur in 2013. The net positions of these contracts at September 29, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
	Currency	Action	Quantity
	Colombian peso	purchase	5,112,342
	Mexican peso	purchase	188,919
	Canadian dollar	purchase	11,478
	British pound	purchase	2,800
	Turkish lira	purchase	1,085
	Polish zloty	purchase	390
	New Zealand dollar	sell	(294	)
	Australian dollar	sell	(908	)
	Euro	sell	(2,953	)
Net Positions of Other Derivatives Contract	'
	The net positions of these contracts at September 29, 2013, were as follows (in thousands):
	Currency	Action	Quantity
	Colombian peso	purchase	17,077,750
	British pound	purchase	12,123
	Canadian dollar	purchase	11,891
	Euro	sell	(4,195	)
Location and Fair Values of Derivative Instruments	'
	The following table sets forth the location and fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments at September 29, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
	Description		Balance Sheet Location		September 29,				December 31,
					2013				2012
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Commodity Contracts		Prepaid expenses		$	101			$	201
	Commodity Contracts		Other assets		$	90			$	—
	Commodity Contracts		Accrued expenses and other		$	(3,244	)		$	(4,760	)
	Commodity Contracts		Other liabilities		$	(545	)		$	(1,727	)
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		Prepaid expenses		$	575			$	725
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		Accrued expenses and other		$	(644	)		$	(5,208	)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		Prepaid expenses		$	80			$	679
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		Other assets		$	34			$	36
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		Accrued expenses and other		$	(243	)		$	(7	)
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		Other liabilities		$	—			$	—
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Financial Performance	'
	The following tables set forth the effect of the Company’s derivative instruments on financial performance for the three months ended September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
	Description		Amount of Gain or				Location of Gain		Amount of Gain or				Location of Gain	Amount of Gain
			(Loss) Recognized				or (Loss)		(Loss) Reclassified				or (Loss)  Recognized in	or (Loss)
			in OCI on				Reclassified from		from Accumulated				Income on	Recognized
			Derivative				Accumulated OCI		OCI Into Income				Derivative	in Income on
			(Effective Portion)				Into Income		(Effective Portion)				(Ineffective Portion)	Derivative (Ineffective
							(Effective Portion)							Portion)
	Three months ended September 29, 2013
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		$	959			Net sales		$	809			Net sales	$	—
							Cost of sales		$	(871	)
	Commodity Contracts		$	(309	)		Cost of sales		$	(1,528	)		Cost of sales	$	10
	Three months ended September 30, 2012
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		$	(1,125	)		Net sales		$	(511	)		Net sales	$	—
							Cost of sales		$	(726	)
	Commodity Contracts		$	7,985			Cost of sales		$	2,927			Cost of sales	$	(81	)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging	Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in	Gain or (Loss)
	instruments:	Income Statement	Recognized
	Three months ended September 29, 2013
	Foreign Exchange Contracts	Cost of sales	$	(770	)
		Selling, general and administrative	$	(67	)
	Three months ended September 30, 2012
	Foreign Exchange Contracts	Cost of sales	$	279
		Selling, general and administrative	$	30
	The following tables set forth the effect of the Company’s derivative instruments on financial performance for the nine months ended September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
	Description		Amount of Gain or				Location of Gain		Amount of Gain or				Location of Gain	Amount of Gain
			(Loss) Recognized				or (Loss)		(Loss) Reclassified				or (Loss)	or (Loss) Recognized
			in OCI on				Reclassified from		from Accumulated				Recognized in	in Income on
			Derivative				Accumulated OCI		OCI Into Income				Income on	Derivative
			(Effective Portion)				Into Income		(Effective Portion)				Derivative	(Ineffective
							(Effective Portion)						(Ineffective Portion)	Portion)
	Nine months ended September 29, 2013
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		$	5,482			Net sales		$	3,051			Net sales	$	—
							Cost of sales		$	(1,921	)
	Commodity Contracts		$	(1,237	)		Cost of sales		$	(3,917	)		Cost of sales	$	(51	)
	Nine months ended September 30, 2012
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		$	306			Net sales		$	(718	)		Net sales	$	—
							Cost of sales		$	578
	Commodity Contracts		$	3,640			Cost of sales		$	(3,744	)		Cost of sales	$	(94	)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging	Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in	Gain or (Loss)
	instruments:	Income Statement	Recognized
	Nine months ended September 29, 2013
	Foreign Exchange Contracts	Cost of sales	$	(1,941	)
		Selling, general and administrative	$	(207	)
	Nine months ended September 30, 2012
	Foreign Exchange Contracts	Cost of sales	$	1,023
		Selling, general and administrative	$	69

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities, excluding retirement and postretirement plan assets, measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
	Description	September 29,			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
		2013
	Hedge derivatives, net:
	Commodity contracts	$	(3,598	)	$	—	$	(3,598	)	$	—
	Foreign exchange contracts	(69		)	—		(69		)	—
	Non-hedge derivatives, net:
	Foreign exchange contracts	(129		)	—		(129		)	—
	Deferred compensation plan assets	2,971			2,971		—			—
	Description	December 31,			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
		2012
	Hedge derivatives, net:
	Commodity contracts	$	(6,286	)	$	—	$	(6,286	)	$	—
	Foreign exchange contracts	(4,483		)	—		(4,483		)	—
	Non-hedge derivatives, net:
	Foreign exchange contracts	708			—		708			—
	Deferred compensation plan assets	2,585			2,585		—			—

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	The components of net periodic benefit cost include the following:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 29,			September 30,			September 29,			September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Retirement Plans
	Service cost	$	6,267		$	6,391		$	18,756		$	17,804
	Interest cost	16,794			17,906			50,226			52,430
	Expected return on plan assets	(21,582		)	(20,890		)	(64,544		)	(62,889		)
	Amortization of net transition obligation	108			115			328			344
	Amortization of prior service cost	141			139			424			308
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	10,891			10,525			32,571			28,722
	Effect of settlement loss	—			—			1,893			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	12,619		$	14,186		$	39,654		$	36,719
	Retiree Health and Life Insurance Plans
	Service cost	$	218		$	131		$	664		$	615
	Interest cost	219			154			710			841
	Expected return on plan assets	(378		)	(391		)	(1,126		)	(1,131		)
	Amortization of prior service credit	(756		)	(1,619		)	(2,230		)	(4,872		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	(1		)	(403		)	(3		)	(2		)
	Net periodic benefit income	$	(698	)	$	(2,128	)	$	(1,985	)	$	(4,549	)

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Financial Information	'
	SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 29,			September 30,		September 29,			September 30,
		2013			2012		2013			2012
	Net sales:
	Consumer Packaging	$	473,332		$	475,946	$	1,411,645		$	1,448,750
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products	467,847			453,605		1,395,271			1,392,675
	Display and Packaging	143,173			124,561		391,838			347,267
	Protective Solutions	143,397			141,418		434,464			421,567
	Consolidated	$	1,227,749		$	1,195,530	$	3,633,218		$	3,610,259
	Intersegment sales:
	Consumer Packaging	$	978		$	2,096	$	3,784		$	6,209
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products	26,320			23,126		74,792			73,779
	Display and Packaging	445			516		1,619			1,694
	Protective Solutions	621			457		2,021			1,465
	Consolidated	$	28,364		$	26,195	$	82,216		$	83,147
	Income before interest and income taxes:
	Segment operating profit:
	Consumer Packaging	$	49,025		$	43,829	$	138,731		$	136,661
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products	37,722			33,150		104,717			105,106
	Display and Packaging	8,858			5,098		18,946			13,969
	Protective Solutions	9,934			10,645		30,520			29,303
	Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	(5,818		)	444		(18,785		)	(24,164		)
	Other, net	563			3,177		(391		)	2,903
	Consolidated	$	100,284		$	96,343	$	273,738		$	263,778

Basis_of_Interim_Presentation_

Basis of Interim Presentation - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Insurance proceeds received	$3,996

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
	Acquisition
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'	'
Number of completed acquisitions	2	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Cost of acquisitions, exclusive of cash	$3,728	$503
Series of individually immaterial acquisitions	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Cost of acquisitions, exclusive of cash	3,728	'
Annual sales expected to be generated as a result of acquisitions	12,500	'
Net tangible assets	3,655	'
Net intangible assets	73	'
Series of individually immaterial acquisitions | Consumer Packaging [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Annual sales expected to be generated as a result of acquisitions	10,000	'
Series of individually immaterial acquisitions | Paper and Industrial Converted Products [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Annual sales expected to be generated as a result of acquisitions	$2,500	'

Shareholders_Equity_Earnings_P

Shareholders' Equity - Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to Sonoco	$61,240	$58,836	$164,367	$153,227
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	102,835	101,892	102,586	101,745
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation (in shares)	675	652	578	803
Diluted (in shares)	103,510	102,544	103,164	102,548
Reported net income attributable to Sonoco per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in usd per share)	$0.60	$0.58	$1.60	$1.51
Diluted (in usd per share)	$0.59	$0.57	$1.59	$1.49

Shareholders_Equity_Additional

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 10, 2013	Jul. 17, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 10, 2013	Oct. 14, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
							Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Tax Withholding Obligations [Member]	Tax Withholding Obligations [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of securities excluded from computation of dilutive earning per share	'	'	469,050	2,453,745	1,465,811	2,462,878	'	'	'	'
Number of shares authorized for repurchase	'	'	5,000,000	'	5,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shares available for repurchase	'	'	4,867,500	'	4,867,500	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shares repurchased	'	'	'	'	132,500	'	'	'	111,612	103,209
Cost of shares repurchased	'	'	'	'	$5,052	'	'	'	$3,783	$3,437
Dividend declared date	'	17-Jul-13	'	'	'	'	'	14-Oct-13	'	'
Dividend declared and payable (in usd per share)	'	$0.31	'	'	'	'	'	$0.31	'	'
Dividend payable date of record	16-Aug-13	'	'	'	'	'	15-Nov-13	'	'	'
Dividend payable date	10-Sep-13	'	'	'	'	'	10-Dec-13	'	'	'

Restructuring_and_Asset_Impair2

Restructuring and Asset Impairment - Restructuring and Asset Impairment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	$5,818	($444)	$18,785	$24,164
Income tax benefit	-1,957	-126	-6,153	-5,912
Equity method investments, net of tax	'	0	'	22
Costs attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	68	31	14	104
Total impact of restructuring/asset impairment charges, net of tax	3,929	-539	12,646	18,378
2013 Actions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	3,978	'	13,780	'
2012 Actions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	378	2,014	1,830	19,116
2011 and Earlier Actions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	$1,462	($2,458)	$3,175	$5,048

Additional_Information_Details

- Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013
			Small Corrugated Box Business [Member]	Thermoformed Plastics Operation [Member]	2012 Actions [Member]	2011 and Earlier Actions [Member]	2011 and Earlier Actions [Member]	2013 Actions [Member]
					Positions			Positions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expected future charges associated with previous restructuring	$5,000	'	'	'	'	$1,500	'	'
Elimination of Positions due to realign in cost structure	'	'	'	'	165	'	'	75
Impairment charges	7,352	5,876	'	5,308	'	'	'	'
Impairment of net fixed assets	'	'	'	3,561	'	'	'	'
Inventory Write-down	'	'	'	349	'	'	'	'
Impairment of other intangible assets	'	'	'	1,398	'	'	'	'
Loss of sale of small corrugated box business	'	'	286	'	'	'	'	'
Proceed from sale of business	'	'	6,200	'	'	'	'	'
Annual sales from business unit	'	'	13,000	'	'	'	'	'
Assets written off	'	'	773	'	'	'	'	'
Net working capital	'	'	1,275	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	'	'	2,430	'	'	'	'	'
other intangible assets	'	'	2,008	'	'	'	'	'
Remaining restructuring accrual	'	'	'	'	'	$4,252	$5,229	'

Restructuring_and_Asset_Impair3

Restructuring and Asset Impairment - Actions and Related Expenses by Segment and by Type Incurred and Estimated for Given Years (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	$5,818	($444)	$18,785	$24,164
2013 Actions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	3,978	'	13,780	'
Total Incurred to Date	'	'	13,780	'
Estimated Total Cost	'	'	16,880	'
2013 Actions [Member] | Severance and Termination Benefits [Member] | Paper and Industrial Converted Products [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	833	'	'	'
Total Incurred to Date	'	'	1,742	'
Estimated Total Cost	'	'	1,742	'
2013 Actions [Member] | Severance and Termination Benefits [Member] | Consumer Packaging [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	2,245	'	'	'
Total Incurred to Date	'	'	3,750	'
Estimated Total Cost	'	'	4,650	'
2013 Actions [Member] | Severance and Termination Benefits [Member] | Display and Packaging [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	147	'	'	'
Total Incurred to Date	'	'	226	'
Estimated Total Cost	'	'	626	'
2013 Actions [Member] | Severance and Termination Benefits [Member] | Protective Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	117	'	'	'
Total Incurred to Date	'	'	680	'
Estimated Total Cost	'	'	680	'
2013 Actions [Member] | Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets [Member] | Paper and Industrial Converted Products [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	61	'	'	'
Total Incurred to Date	'	'	475	'
Estimated Total Cost	'	'	475	'
2013 Actions [Member] | Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets [Member] | Consumer Packaging [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	349	'	'	'
Total Incurred to Date	'	'	5,580	'
Estimated Total Cost	'	'	5,580	'
2013 Actions [Member] | Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets [Member] | Protective Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	0	'	'	'
Total Incurred to Date	'	'	414	'
Estimated Total Cost	'	'	414	'
2013 Actions [Member] | Other Costs [Member] | Paper and Industrial Converted Products [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	121	'	'	'
Total Incurred to Date	'	'	217	'
Estimated Total Cost	'	'	367	'
2013 Actions [Member] | Other Costs [Member] | Consumer Packaging [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	105	'	'	'
Total Incurred to Date	'	'	657	'
Estimated Total Cost	'	'	2,307	'
2013 Actions [Member] | Other Costs [Member] | Protective Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	0	'	'	'
Total Incurred to Date	'	'	39	'
Estimated Total Cost	'	'	39	'
2012 Actions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	378	2,014	1,830	19,116
Total Incurred to Date	'	'	26,511	'
Estimated Total Cost	'	'	26,911	'
2012 Actions [Member] | Severance and Termination Benefits [Member] | Paper and Industrial Converted Products [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	53	541	388	8,146
Total Incurred to Date	'	'	10,717	'
Estimated Total Cost	'	'	10,717	'
2012 Actions [Member] | Severance and Termination Benefits [Member] | Consumer Packaging [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	210	407	263	1,509
Total Incurred to Date	'	'	2,834	'
Estimated Total Cost	'	'	2,834	'
2012 Actions [Member] | Severance and Termination Benefits [Member] | Display and Packaging [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	0	0	-4	285
Total Incurred to Date	'	'	1,297	'
Estimated Total Cost	'	'	1,297	'
2012 Actions [Member] | Severance and Termination Benefits [Member] | Protective Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	0	101	67	1,464
Total Incurred to Date	'	'	1,662	'
Estimated Total Cost	'	'	1,662	'
2012 Actions [Member] | Severance and Termination Benefits [Member] | Corporate [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	0	0	0	0
Total Incurred to Date	'	'	297	'
Estimated Total Cost	'	'	297	'
2012 Actions [Member] | Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets [Member] | Paper and Industrial Converted Products [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	22	-18	117	2,233
Total Incurred to Date	'	'	2,521	'
Estimated Total Cost	'	'	2,521	'
2012 Actions [Member] | Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets [Member] | Consumer Packaging [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	66	175	112	3,470
Total Incurred to Date	'	'	3,033	'
Estimated Total Cost	'	'	3,033	'
2012 Actions [Member] | Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets [Member] | Protective Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	-28	0	-28	161
Total Incurred to Date	'	'	133	'
Estimated Total Cost	'	'	133	'
2012 Actions [Member] | Other Costs [Member] | Paper and Industrial Converted Products [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	43	319	533	836
Total Incurred to Date	'	'	1,827	'
Estimated Total Cost	'	'	2,027	'
2012 Actions [Member] | Other Costs [Member] | Consumer Packaging [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	9	263	157	588
Total Incurred to Date	'	'	1,018	'
Estimated Total Cost	'	'	1,218	'
2012 Actions [Member] | Other Costs [Member] | Display and Packaging [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	3	11	20	11
Total Incurred to Date	'	'	31	'
Estimated Total Cost	'	'	31	'
2012 Actions [Member] | Other Costs [Member] | Protective Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	0	215	205	413
Total Incurred to Date	'	'	1,141	'
Estimated Total Cost	'	'	1,141	'
2011 and Earlier Actions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	1,462	-2,458	3,175	5,048
2011 and Earlier Actions [Member] | Paper and Industrial Converted Products [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	-69	57	901	1,181
2011 and Earlier Actions [Member] | Consumer Packaging [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	1,546	-3,105	1,445	3,168
2011 and Earlier Actions [Member] | Display and Packaging [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	'	228	'	40
2011 and Earlier Actions [Member] | Protective Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment	($15)	$362	$829	$659

Restructuring_and_Asset_Impair4

Restructuring and Asset Impairment - Restructuring Accrual Activity for Given Years (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013
2013 Actions [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Liability, Beginning Balance	$0
2013 charges	13,780
Cash receipts/(payments)	-3,379
Asset write downs/disposals	-13,110
Foreign currency translation	56
Liability, Ending Balance	4,105
2012 Actions [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Liability, Beginning Balance	6,393
2013 charges	2,022
Adjustments	-192
Cash receipts/(payments)	-5,766
Asset write downs/disposals	-243
Foreign currency translation	10
Liability, Ending Balance	2,224
Severance and Termination Benefits [Member] | 2013 Actions [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Liability, Beginning Balance	0
2013 charges	6,398
Cash receipts/(payments)	2,349
Foreign currency translation	56
Liability, Ending Balance	4,105
Severance and Termination Benefits [Member] | 2012 Actions [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Liability, Beginning Balance	6,313
2013 charges	837
Adjustments	-123
Cash receipts/(payments)	-4,893
Foreign currency translation	10
Liability, Ending Balance	2,144
Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets [Member] | 2013 Actions [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Liability, Beginning Balance	0
2013 charges	6,469
Cash receipts/(payments)	-6,641
Asset write downs/disposals	-13,110
Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets [Member] | 2012 Actions [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
2013 charges	270
Adjustments	-69
Cash receipts/(payments)	42
Asset write downs/disposals	-243
Other Costs [Member] | 2013 Actions [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Liability, Beginning Balance	0
2013 charges	913
Cash receipts/(payments)	913
Other Costs [Member] | 2012 Actions [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Liability, Beginning Balance	80
2013 charges	915
Cash receipts/(payments)	-915
Foreign currency translation	0
Liability, Ending Balance	$80

Components_of_Accumulated_Othe

- Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, beginning balance	($475,826)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	-18,891
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	78
Net current-period other comprehensive income/ (loss)	4,511
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, ending balance	-471,315
Net Income [Member]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	23,324
Fixed Assets [Member]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	78
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, beginning balance	-6,727
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	2,579
Net current-period other comprehensive income/ (loss)	4,352
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, ending balance	-2,375
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Net Income [Member]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,695
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Fixed Assets [Member]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	78
Defined Benefit Pension Items [Member]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, beginning balance	-472,333
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	-1,122
Net current-period other comprehensive income/ (loss)	20,507
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, ending balance	-451,826
Defined Benefit Pension Items [Member] | Net Income [Member]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	21,629
Foreign Currency Items [Member]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, beginning balance	3,234
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	-20,348
Net current-period other comprehensive income/ (loss)	-20,348
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, ending balance	($17,114)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Effects on Net Income of Significant Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$1,227,749	$1,195,530	$3,633,218	$3,610,259
Cost of sales	-1,003,712	-989,301	-2,980,901	-2,970,627
Selling, general and administrative	-117,935	-110,330	-359,794	-351,690
Income before income taxes	85,998	81,491	230,777	218,257
Tax benefit	-27,085	-25,399	-74,746	-73,201
Net of tax	58,913	56,092	156,031	145,056
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net of tax	-7,562	'	-23,324	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income before income taxes	-1,590	'	-2,787	'
Tax benefit	604	'	1,092	'
Net of tax	-986	'	-1,695	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	809	'	3,051	'
Cost of sales	-871	'	-1,921	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cost of sales	-1,528	'	-3,917	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cost of sales	-7,787	'	-24,737	'
Selling, general and administrative	-2,596	'	-8,246	'
Income before income taxes	-10,383	'	-32,983	'
Tax benefit	3,807	'	11,354	'
Net of tax	($6,576)	'	($21,629)	'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Unfavorable position amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to cash flow hedges	$3,662	'	$3,662	'	$10,772
Accumulated other comprehensive income loss cumulative changes in net gain loss from cash flow hedge effect after tax	2,375	'	2,375	'	6,727
Cumulative tax benefit on Cash Flow Hedges	1,287	'	1,287	'	4,045
Increase (decrease) in tax benefit on Cash Flow Hedges	-767	'	-2,758	'	'
Cumulative tax benefit on Defined Benefit Pensions	268,094	'	268,094	'	278,235
Increase (decrease) in tax benefit on Defined Benefit Pensions	-4,506	'	-10,141	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	32	457	-595	416	'
Non-Controlling Interests [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$31	'	($595)	'	'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Changes in Goodwill by Segment (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	$1,110,505
Foreign currency translation	-5,515
Other	-2,430
Goodwill, ending balance	1,102,560
Consumer Packaging [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	427,575
Foreign currency translation	-5,127
Other	0
Goodwill, ending balance	422,448
Paper and Industrial Converted Products [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	254,706
Foreign currency translation	-388
Other	0
Goodwill, ending balance	254,318
Display and Packaging [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	158,023
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
Goodwill, ending balance	158,023
Protective Solutions [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	270,201
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	-2,430
Goodwill, ending balance	$267,771

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill associated with the sale of a small corrugated box corporation	'	'	($2,430)	'	'
Goodwill	1,102,560	'	1,102,560	'	1,110,505
Aggregate amortization expenses	7,036	6,945	21,352	21,122	'
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2013	28,600	'	28,600	'	'
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2014	28,100	'	28,100	'	'
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2015	26,700	'	26,700	'	'
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2016	26,400	'	26,400	'	'
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2017	24,600	'	24,600	'	'
Small Corrugated Box Business [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill associated with the sale of a small corrugated box corporation	'	'	-2,430	'	'
Blowmolding [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	128,500	'	128,500	'	'
Thermoforming [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	53,200	'	53,200	'	'
Display and Packaging [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill associated with the sale of a small corrugated box corporation	'	'	0	'	'
Goodwill	158,023	'	158,023	'	158,023
Display and Packaging [Member] | Display and Packaging Reporting Unit [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	$158,000	'	$158,000	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Useful lives of other intangible assets	'	'	'3 years	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Useful lives of other intangible assets	'	'	'40 years	'	'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Intangible Assets, Gross:	'	'
Other Intangible Assets, gross	$386,951	$391,709
Accumulated Amortization	-135,359	-114,900
Other Intangible Assets, net	251,592	276,809
Patents [Member]	'	'
Other Intangible Assets, Gross:	'	'
Other Intangible Assets, gross	2,222	2,224
Customer Lists [Member]	'	'
Other Intangible Assets, Gross:	'	'
Other Intangible Assets, gross	340,572	345,133
Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Other Intangible Assets, Gross:	'	'
Other Intangible Assets, gross	21,224	21,214
Proprietary Technology [Member]	'	'
Other Intangible Assets, Gross:	'	'
Other Intangible Assets, gross	17,856	17,844
Land Use Rights [Member]	'	'
Other Intangible Assets, Gross:	'	'
Other Intangible Assets, gross	330	350
Other [Member]	'	'
Other Intangible Assets, Gross:	'	'
Other Intangible Assets, gross	$4,747	$4,944

Financial_Instruments_and_Deri2

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Carrying Amount and Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Long-term debt, net of current portion, Carrying Amount	$947,541	$1,099,454
Long-term debt, net of current portion, Fair Value	$991,306	$1,214,292

Financial_Instruments_and_Deri3

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of commodity cash flow hedges	($3,598)	($6,286)
Commodity gain (loss) expected to be reclassified to the income statement during the next 12 months	-3,134	'
Fair value of foreign currency cash flow hedges	-69	-4,483
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	78	'
Foreign currency gain (loss) expected to be reclassified to the income statement during the next 12 months	-83	'
Total fair value of other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	($129)	$708
Natural Gas Swaps [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Approximate amount of commodity covered by swap contracts outstanding	6,700,000	'
Anticipated usage percentage covered by a swap contract for the current fiscal year	79.00%	'
Anticipated usage percentage covered by a swap contract for the second succeeding fiscal year	74.00%	'
Anticipated usage percentage covered by a swap contract for the third succeeding fiscal year	19.00%	'
Aluminum Swaps [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Anticipated usage percentage covered by a swap contract for the current fiscal year	59.00%	'
Anticipated usage percentage covered by a swap contract for the second succeeding fiscal year	44.00%	'
Approximate amount of commodity covered by swap contracts outstanding	6,650	'
Old Corrugated Containers [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Anticipated usage percentage covered by a swap contract for the current fiscal year	2.00%	'
Approximate amount of commodity covered by swap contracts outstanding	525	'

Financial_Instruments_and_Deri4

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Net Positions of Foreign Contracts (Details) (Cash Flow Hedging [Member])	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	AUD	CAD	COP	EUR (€)	GBP (£)	MXN	NZD	PLN	TRY
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Purchase / (Sales) position of foreign currency cash flow hedges	-908	11,478	5,112,342	-€ 2,953	£ 2,800	188,919	-294	390	1,085

Financial_Instruments_and_Deri5

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Net Positions of Other Derivatives Contract (Details) (Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member])	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	CAD	COP	EUR (€)	GBP (£)
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net Purchase / (Sales) position of other derivatives	11,891	17,077,750	-€ 4,195	£ 12,123

Financial_Instruments_and_Deri6

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Location and Fair Values of Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member] | Prepaid Expenses [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives instruments, assets	$101	$201
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member] | Other Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives instruments, assets	90	0
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member] | Accrued Expenses and Other [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives instruments, liabilities	-3,244	-4,760
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives instruments, liabilities	-545	-1,727
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Prepaid Expenses [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives instruments, assets	575	725
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Accrued Expenses and Other [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives instruments, liabilities	-644	-5,208
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Prepaid Expenses [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives instruments, assets	80	679
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Other Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives instruments, assets	34	36
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Accrued Expenses and Other [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives instruments, liabilities	-243	-7
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives instruments, liabilities	$0	$0

Financial_Instruments_and_Deri7

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Effect of Derivative Instruments on Financial Performance (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	$959	($1,125)	$5,482	$306
Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Net Sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI Into Income (Effective Portion)	809	-511	3,051	-718
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	0	0	0	'
Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI Into Income (Effective Portion)	-871	-726	-1,921	578
Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain or (Loss) Recognized	-770	279	-1,941	1,023
Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain or (Loss) Recognized	-67	30	-207	69
Commodity Contracts [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	-309	7,985	-1,237	3,640
Commodity Contracts [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI Into Income (Effective Portion)	-1,528	2,927	-3,917	-3,744
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	$10	($81)	($51)	($94)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Assets

Fair Value Measurements - Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Deferred compensation plan assets	$2,971	$2,585
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives	-3,598	-6,286
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives	-69	-4,483
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives	-129	708
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Deferred compensation plan assets	2,971	2,585
Level 1 [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives	0	0
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Deferred compensation plan assets	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives	-3,598	-6,286
Level 2 [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives	-69	-4,483
Level 2 [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives	-129	708
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Deferred compensation plan assets	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives	$0	$0

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Compone

Employee Benefit Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Effect of settlement loss	'	'	$1,893	'
Retirement Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	6,267	6,391	18,756	17,804
Interest cost	16,794	17,906	50,226	52,430
Expected return on plan assets	-21,582	-20,890	-64,544	-62,889
Amortization of net transition obligation	108	115	328	344
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	141	139	424	308
Amortization of net actuarial loss	10,891	10,525	32,571	28,722
Effect of settlement loss	0	'	1,893	'
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	12,619	14,186	39,654	36,719
Retiree Health and Life Insurance Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	218	131	664	615
Interest cost	219	154	710	841
Expected return on plan assets	-378	-391	-1,126	-1,131
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-756	-1,619	-2,230	-4,872
Amortization of net actuarial loss	-1	-403	-3	-2
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	($698)	($2,128)	($1,985)	($4,549)

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Additio

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Effect of settlement loss	'	'	($1,893)	'
Number of participants	100	'	100	'
Percentage of loss in cost of sales	'	'	75.00%	'
Contribution to defined benefit retirement and retiree health and life insurance plans	'	'	30,514	64,080
Retiree Health and Life Insurance Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Contribution to defined benefit retirement and retiree health and life insurance plans	'	'	21,224	55,160
Projected contributions to retirement plan	'	'	11,000	'
Sonoco Investment and Retirement Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Contribution to defined benefit retirement and retiree health and life insurance plans	'	'	9,290	8,920
Projected contributions to retirement plan	'	'	0	'
Recognized expense related to the plan	$3,391	$2,692	$9,009	$7,637

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Effective tax rate	31.50%	31.20%	32.40%	33.50%

Segment_Reporting_Additional_I

Segment Reporting - Additional Information (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of reportable segment	4

Segment_Reporting_Segment_Fina

Segment Reporting - Segment Financial Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$1,227,749	$1,195,530	$3,633,218	$3,610,259
Income before interest and income taxes	100,284	96,343	273,738	263,778
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	-5,818	444	-18,785	-24,164
Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	1,227,749	1,195,530	3,633,218	3,610,259
Operating Segments [Member] | Consumer Packaging [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	473,332	475,946	1,411,645	1,448,750
Income before interest and income taxes	49,025	43,829	138,731	136,661
Operating Segments [Member] | Paper and Industrial Converted Products [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	467,847	453,605	1,395,271	1,392,675
Income before interest and income taxes	37,722	33,150	104,717	105,106
Operating Segments [Member] | Display and Packaging [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	143,173	124,561	391,838	347,267
Income before interest and income taxes	8,858	5,098	18,946	13,969
Operating Segments [Member] | Protective Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	143,397	141,418	434,464	421,567
Income before interest and income taxes	9,934	10,645	30,520	29,303
Intersegment Sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	28,364	26,195	82,216	83,147
Intersegment Sales [Member] | Consumer Packaging [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	978	2,096	3,784	6,209
Intersegment Sales [Member] | Paper and Industrial Converted Products [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	26,320	23,126	74,792	73,779
Intersegment Sales [Member] | Display and Packaging [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	445	516	1,619	1,694
Intersegment Sales [Member] | Protective Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	621	457	2,021	1,465
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	-5,818	444	-18,785	-24,164
Other, net	$563	$3,177	($391)	$2,903

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 29, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 29, 2013

Dec. 31, 2008

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 29, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 08, 2011

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

U.S. Mills [Member]

U.S. Mills [Member]

U.S. Mills [Member]

U.S. Mills [Member]

U.S. Mills [Member]

U.S. Mills [Member]

U.S. Mills [Member]

Tegrant Holding Corporation [Member]

Tegrant Holding Corporation [Member]

Tegrant Holding Corporation [Member]

Insurance_Carriers

Hotspot [Member]

Hotspot [Member]

Operating Units 2 - 5 [Member]

Operating Units 2 - 5 [Member]

Site Contingency [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Portion of Hotspot remediation to be funded by U.S. Mills

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Environmental remediation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

$17,650

$60,825

'

'

'

'

Environmental remediation spent

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,467

11,628

'

'

'

'

Environmental accrual

73,436

75,605

52,380

'

53,972

3,183

'

'

49,197

18,518

18,733

18,850

Environmental contingencies future related cost, high estimate

'

'

94,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of remaining insurance carriers in liquidation

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Recognized environmental loss contingencies settlements from insurance policies

'

'

'

$40,825

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'