Sonoco Products (SON) 10-Q 29 Apr 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Apr. 16, 2015
Document Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	29-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	SON
Entity Registrant Name	SONOCO PRODUCTS CO
Entity Central Index Key	91767
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		100,899,718

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$200,804	$161,168	[1]
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances	688,997	668,710	[1]
Other receivables	58,464	44,411	[1]
Inventories:
Finished and in process	149,123	151,150	[1]
Materials and supplies	254,362	269,126	[1]
Prepaid expenses	48,576	56,761	[1]
Deferred income taxes	25,512	38,957	[1]
Total Current Assets	1,425,838	1,390,283	[1]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	1,102,481	1,148,607	[1]
Goodwill	1,151,170	1,182,936	[1]
Other Intangible Assets, Net	261,378	280,935	[1]
Long-term Deferred Income Taxes	40,958	40,059	[1]
Other Assets	173,332	167,176	[1]
Total Assets	4,155,157	4,209,996	[1]
Current Liabilities
Payable to suppliers	506,335	511,630	[1]
Accrued expenses and other	290,846	332,599	[1]
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	51,936	52,280	[1]
Accrued taxes	15,432	8,936	[1]
Total Current Liabilities	864,549	905,445	[1]
Long-term Debt, Net of Current Portion	1,200,509	1,200,885	[1]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	436,900	444,231	[1]
Deferred Income Taxes	90,008	95,062	[1]
Other Liabilities	42,635	41,598	[1]
Commitments and Contingencies			[1]
Sonoco Shareholders' Equity
Common stock, no par value, Authorized 300,000 shares 100,899 and 100,603 shares issued and outstanding at March 29, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	7,175	7,175	[1]
Capital in excess of stated value	398,224	396,980	[1]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-669,325	-611,099	[1]
Retained earnings	1,769,553	1,714,067	[1]
Total Sonoco Shareholders’ Equity	1,505,627	1,507,123	[1]
Noncontrolling Interests	14,929	15,652	[1]
Total Equity	1,520,556	1,522,775	[1]
Total Liabilities and Equity	$4,155,157	$4,209,996	[1]
[1]	The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, number of shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, number of shares issued	100,899,000	100,603,000
Common stock, number of shares outstanding	100,899,000	100,603,000

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$1,203,264	$1,185,626
Cost of sales	979,817	973,323
Gross profit	223,447	212,303
Selling, general and administrative expenses	96,665	123,750
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	-359	1,992
Income before interest and income taxes	127,141	86,561
Interest expense	13,775	13,284
Interest income	554	641
Income before income taxes	113,920	73,918
Provision for income taxes	27,138	23,169
Income before equity in earnings of affiliates	86,782	50,749
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of tax	1,046	1,476
Net income	87,828	52,225
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	92	77
Net income attributable to Sonoco	$87,920	$52,302
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	101,283	102,771
Diluted (in shares)	102,167	103,767
Net income attributable to Sonoco per common share:
Basic (in usd per share)	$0.87	$0.51
Diluted (in usd per share)	$0.86	$0.50
Cash dividends (in usd per share)	$0.32	$0.31

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$87,828	$52,225
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-63,294	-7,359
Changes in defined benefit plans, net of tax	6,273	4,174
Changes in derivative financial instruments, net of tax	-1,205	236
Other comprehensive (loss)	-58,226	-2,949
Comprehensive income	29,602	49,276
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	92	77
Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	631	119
Comprehensive income attributable to Sonoco	$30,325	$49,472

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015		Mar. 30, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$87,828		$52,225
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Asset impairment	275		492
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	51,877		47,179
Gain on reversal of Fox River environmental reserves	-32,543		0
Share-based compensation expense	3,878		5,560
Equity in earnings of affiliates	-1,046		-1,476
Cash dividends from affiliated companies	450		900
Gain on disposition of assets	-8,369		-872
Pension and postretirement plan expense	13,012		9,113
Pension and postretirement plan contributions	-17,017		-43,515
Tax effect of share-based compensation exercises	3,404		1,664
Excess tax benefit of share-based compensation	-3,400		-1,758
Net increase in deferred taxes	4,140		2,388
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions, dispositions, and foreign currency adjustments:
Trade accounts receivable	-37,038		-68,142
Inventories	-6,066		-3,185
Payable to suppliers	4,091		12,722
Prepaid expenses	-1,147		-1,348
Accrued expenses	-986		5,509
Income taxes payable and other income tax items	15,365		25,388
Other assets and liabilities	-19,219		2,620
Net cash provided by operating activities	57,489		45,464
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	-40,954		-37,717
Proceeds from the sale of assets	30,708		2,299
Investment in affiliates and other, net	33		22
Net cash used in investing activities	-10,213		-35,396
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	14,127		14,156
Principal repayment of debt	-12,802		-10,461
Net decrease in outstanding checks	8,752		182
Excess tax benefit of share-based compensation	3,400		1,758
Cash dividends	-32,263		-31,725
Shares acquired	-7,591		-10,678
Shares issued	1,165		1,867
Net cash used in financing activities	-25,212		-34,901
Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	17,572		-1,327
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	39,636		-26,160
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	161,168	[1]	217,567
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$200,804		$191,407
[1]	The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis_of_Interim_Presentation

Basis of Interim Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
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 months ended March 29, 2015, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. 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, 2014.$0
	With respect to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial information of the Company for the three-month periods ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 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 April 29, 2015 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs." ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts, and not recorded as separate assets. This update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and is to be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company plans to adopt ASU 2015-03 in the first quarter of 2016. As the Company's debt issuance costs are not material, implementation of this update will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue From Contracts With Customers." ASU 2014-09 changes the definitions/criteria used to determine when revenue should be recognized from being based on risks and rewards to being based on control. It also changes the manner in which variable consideration is recognized, requires recognition of the time value of money when payment terms exceed one year, provides clarification on accounting for contract costs, and expands disclosure requirements. ASU 2014-09 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is still assessing the impact of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements. However, due to the nature of the Company's business and its standard terms of sale, there is likely to be little practical difference for Sonoco between the current transfer of risks and rewards model and the new transfer of control model. In addition, few of the Company's sales, if any, contain an element of variable consideration or have payment terms exceeding one year. Accordingly, we do not expect the implementation of ASU 2014-09 to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	During the three-month period ended March 29, 2015, there have been no other newly issued nor newly applicable accounting pronouncements that have had, or are expected to have, a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. Further, at March 29, 2015, there were no other pronouncements pending adoption that are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions
	On April 1, 2015, subsequent to the end of the quarter, the Company acquired a 67% controlling interest in Graffo Paranaense de Embalagens S/A (Graffo), a flexible packaging business located in Brazil, for an all-cash purchase price of 50.5 million Brazilian Reals (approximately $15,600), Graffo serves the confectionery, dairy, pharmaceutical and industrial markets in Brazil and has approximately 230 employees. The allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be completed as the valuations are finalized later in the second quarter of 2015.
	On October 31, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of Weidenhammer Packaging Group (“Weidenhammer”), a manufacturer of composite cans, drums, and luxury tubes, as well as rigid plastic containers using thin-walled injection molding technology with in-mold labeling. Total consideration paid for Weidenhammer was $355,316, subject to adjustment for the change in working capital to the date of close. The amount of the adjustment is expected to be finalized in the second quarter of 2015. As the acquisition was completed near the end of the year, the allocation of the purchase price reported in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, was based on provisional estimates of the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. During the first quarter of 2015, the Company continued to finalize its valuations of certain assets and liabilities based on new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. The Company will complete the valuation of all remaining assets and liabilities, including, but not limited to, income taxes and environmental reserves, within 12 months from the date of the acquisition.
	Acquisition-related costs of $1,166 and $24 were incurred in the three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, respectively. Acquisition-related costs consist primarily of legal and professional fees and are included in "Selling, general and administrative expenses" in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
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
		March 29,		March 30,
		2015		2014
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to Sonoco	$	87,920	$	52,302
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding:
	Basic	101,283,000		102,771,000
	Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation	884,000		996,000
	Diluted	102,167,000		103,767,000
	Reported net income attributable to Sonoco per common share:
	Basic	$	0.87	$	0.51
	Diluted	$	0.86	$	0.5
	Certain stock appreciation rights to purchase shares of the Company's common stock are not dilutive because the exercise price is greater than the market price of the stock at the end of the reporting period. The average number of stock appreciation rights that were not dilutive and therefore not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share was 395,883 and 643,827 during the three-month periods ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, 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. A total of 2,000,000 and 132,500 shares were repurchased under this authorization in 2014 and 2013, respectively. During the three months ended March 29, 2015, no additional shares were purchased; accordingly, at March 29, 2015, a total of 2,867,500 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 166,485 shares in the three months ended March 29, 2015 at a cost of $7,591, and 48,581 shares in the three months ended March 30, 2014 at a cost of $2,043.
	Dividend Declarations
	On February 11, 2015 , the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.32 per share. This dividend was paid on March 10, 2015 to all shareholders of record as of February 25, 2015.
	On April 15, 2015, the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.35 per share. This dividend is payable June 10, 2015 to all shareholders of record as of May 15, 2015.

Restructuring_and_Asset_Impair

Restructuring and Asset Impairment	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
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 2015 and 2014 are reported as “2015 Actions” and “2014 Actions,” respectively. Actions initiated prior to 2014, all of which were substantially complete at March 29, 2015, are reported as “2013 and Earlier Actions.”
	Following are the total restructuring and asset impairment charges/(credits), net of adjustments, and gains on dispositions recognized by the Company during the periods presented:
		2015				2014
			29-Mar-15				30-Mar-14
	Restructuring/Asset impairment:
	2015 Actions		$	(851	)		$	—
	2014 Actions		342				1,399
	2013 and Earlier Actions		150				593
	Restructuring/Asset impairment (income)/charges		$	(359	)		$	1,992
	Income tax benefit		$	(11,591	)		$	(411	)
	Costs attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax		(15		)		(4		)
	Total impact of restructuring/asset impairment (income)/charges, net of tax		$	(11,965	)		$	1,577
	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 $3,100 in connection with announced restructuring actions, when recognizable in accordance with GAAP, and believes that the majority of these charges will be incurred and paid by the end of 2015. The Company continually evaluates its cost structure, including its manufacturing capacity, and additional restructuring actions may be undertaken.
	2015 Actions
	During 2015, the Company announced the closure of a rigid paper facility in the United States (part of the Consumer Packaging segment). The Company also sold a portion of its metal ends and closures business in the United States (part of the Consumer Packaging segment). In addition, approximately 102 positions were eliminated in the first quarter of 2015 in conjunction with the Company's announced organizational effectiveness efforts, which are on-going.
	Below is a summary of 2015 Actions and related expenses by segment and by type incurred and estimated to be incurred through completion.
	2015 Actions		First Quarter 2015				Estimated
							Total Cost
	Severance and Termination Benefits
	Consumer Packaging		$	2,201			$	4,101
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products		3,028				3,028
	Corporate		1,166				1,616
	Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets
	Consumer Packaging		(7,331		)		(7,331		)
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products		2				2
	Other Costs
	Consumer Packaging		75				175
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products		8				8
	Total Charges and Adjustments		$	(851	)		$	1,599
	The following table sets forth the activity in the 2015 Actions restructuring accrual included in “Accrued expenses and other” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
	2015 Actions		Severance				Asset			Other			Total
			and				Impairment/			Costs
			Termination				Disposal
	Accrual Activity		Benefits				of Assets
	2015 Year to Date
	Liability at December 31, 2014		$	—			$	—		$	—		$	—
	2015 charges		6,395				(7,329		)	83			(851		)
	Cash receipts/(payments)		(2,079		)		29,128			(83		)	26,966
	Asset write downs/disposals		—				(21,799		)	—			(21,799		)
	Foreign currency translation		(78		)		—			—			(78		)
	Liability at March 29, 2015		$	4,238			$	—		$	—		$	4,238
	Included in "Asset Impairment/Disposal of Assets" above is a gain of $7,331 from the sale of a portion of the Company's metal ends and closures business, including two production facilities in Canton, Ohio. The Company received proceeds of $29,128 from the sale of this business. Assets disposed of in connection with the sale included: net fixed assets of $9,806, inventory of $7,051, goodwill of $1,727, and other intangible assets of $3,516. Liabilities of $303 were assumed by the buyer and disposed of under the terms of the sale. Beneficial tax attributes associated with this disposition provided an income tax benefit of approximately $9,200.
	"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 2015 Actions restructuring costs by the end of 2015 using cash generated from operations.
	2014 Actions
	During 2014, the Company announced the closures of a tube and core plant in Canada (part of the Paper and Industrial Converted Products segment); a molded foam plant in the United States and a temperature-assured packaging plant in the United States (both part of the Protective Solutions segment); and two recycling facilities - one in the United States and one in Brazil (both part of the Paper and Industrial Converted Products segment). The Consumer Packaging segment also realized significant cash and non-cash restructuring charges as the result of halting the planned start up of a rigid paper facility in Europe following the acquisition of Weidenhammer Packaging Group. In addition, the Company continued to realign its cost structure, resulting in the elimination of approximately 125 positions.
	Below is a summary of 2014 Actions and related expenses by segment and by type incurred and estimated to be incurred through completion.
	2014 Actions		First Quarter 2015				First Quarter 2014			Total			Estimated
										Incurred			Total Cost
										to Date
	Severance and Termination Benefits
	Consumer Packaging		$	—			$	650		$	850		$	850
	Display and Packaging		—				—			594			594
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products		99				265			3,376			3,376
	Protective Solutions		(32		)		—			729			729
	Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets
	Consumer Packaging		—				—			2,446			2,446
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products		—				473			781			781
	Protective Solutions		33				—			368			368
	Other Costs
	Consumer Packaging		32				11			5,278			5,328
	Display and Packaging		—				—			5			5
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products		115				—			762			812
Protective Solutions		95				—			432			532
Total Charges and Adjustments		$	342			$	1,399		$	15,621		$	15,821
The following table sets forth the activity in the 2014 Actions restructuring accrual included in “Accrued expenses and other” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
2014 Actions		Severance				Asset			Other			Total
		and				Impairment/			Costs
		Termination				Disposal
Accrual Activity		Benefits				of Assets
2015 Year to Date
Liability at December 31, 2014		$	859			$	—		$	463		$	1,322
2015 charges		111				33			293			437
Adjustments		(44		)		—			(51		)	(95		)
Cash receipts/(payments)		(451		)		—			(690		)	(1,141		)
Asset write downs/disposals		—				(33		)	—			(33		)
Foreign currency translation		(11		)		—			(15		)	(26		)
Liability at March 29, 2015		$	464			$	—		$	—		$	464
Included in "Asset Impairment/Disposal of Assets" above is impairment of a former temperature-assured packaging facility in the United States. “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 2014 Actions restructuring costs by the end of 2015 using cash generated from operations.
2013 and Earlier Actions
2013 and Earlier Actions are comprised of a number of plant closures and workforce reductions initiated prior to 2014. Charges for these actions in both 2015 and 2014 relate primarily to the cost of plant closures including severance, equipment removal, plant security, property taxes and insurance. Partially offsetting these charges were gains from the sale of a former service center in Finland, closed in 2011.
The Company expects to recognize future pretax charges of approximately $450 associated with 2013 and Earlier Actions.
Below is a summary of expenses/(income) incurred by segment for 2013 and Earlier Actions for the three-month periods ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014.
2013 & Earlier Actions		First Quarter 2015				First Quarter 2014
Consumer Packaging		$	—			$	(1	)
Display and Packaging		—				247
Paper and Industrial Converted Products		150				296
Protective Solutions		—				51
Total Charges and Adjustments		$	150			$	593
The accrual for 2013 and Earlier Actions totaled $1,542 and $1,990 at March 29, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and is included in “Accrued expenses and other” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The accrual relates primarily to environmental remediation costs at 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 2013 and Earlier Actions to be paid by the end of 2015 using cash generated from operations.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
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 three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014:
			Gains and			Defined			Foreign			Accumulated
			Losses on Cash			Benefit			Currency			Other
			Flow Hedges			Pension Items			Items			Comprehensive
												Loss
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	(5,962	)	$	(475,286	)	$	(129,851	)	$	(611,099	)
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications		(1,039		)	—			(63,294		)	(64,333		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income		71			6,273			—			6,344
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to fixed assets		(237		)	—			—			(237		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive		(1,205		)	6,273			(63,294		)	(58,226		)
	income/(loss)
	Balance at March 29, 2015		$	(7,167	)	$	(469,013	)	$	(193,145	)	$	(669,325	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	(262	)	$	(333,106	)	$	(25,152	)	$	(358,520	)
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications		1,350			—			(7,359		)	(6,009		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income		(1,125		)	4,174			—			3,049
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to fixed assets		11			—			—			11
	Net current-period other comprehensive		236			4,174			(7,359		)	(2,949		)
	income/(loss)
	Balance at March 30, 2014		$	(26	)	$	(328,932	)	$	(32,511	)	$	(361,469	)
	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 months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014:
			Amount Reclassified from Accumulated
			Other Comprehensive Loss
			Three Months Ended
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive		March 29,			March 30,			Affected Line Item in
	Loss Components		2015			2014			the Condensed Consolidated
									Statements of Net Income
	Gains and losses on cash flow hedges
	Foreign exchange contracts		$	1,302		$	(999	)	Net sales
	Foreign exchange contracts		1,024			1,862			Cost of sales
	Commodity contracts		(2,423		)	717			Cost of sales
			(97		)	1,580			Total before tax
			26			(455		)	Tax (provision)/benefit
			$	(71	)	$	1,125		Net of tax
	Defined benefit pension items
	Amortization of defined benefit pension items(a)		$	(7,445	)	$	(4,667	)	Cost of sales
	Amortization of defined benefit pension items(a)		(2,481		)	(1,556		)	Selling, general and
									administrative
			(9,926		)	(6,223		)	Total before tax
			3,653			2,049			Tax benefit
			$	(6,273	)	$	(4,174	)	Net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	(6,344	)	$	(3,049	)	Net of tax
	(a)	See Note 10 for additional details.
	At March 29, 2015, the Company had commodity contracts outstanding to fix the costs of certain anticipated purchases of natural gas and aluminum, and foreign currency contracts to hedge certain anticipated foreign currency denominated sales and purchases. These contracts, which have maturities ranging from April 2015 to March 2016, qualify as cash flow hedges under U.S. GAAP. The amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to these cash flow hedges were net losses of $11,721 ($7,167 after tax) at March 29, 2015, and losses of $9,617 ($5,962 after tax) at December 31, 2014.
	The cumulative tax benefit on Cash Flow Hedges included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss was $4,554 at March 29, 2015, and $3,655 at December 31, 2014. During the three month period ended March 29, 2015, the tax benefit on Cash Flow Hedges changed by $899 .
	The cumulative tax benefit on Defined Benefit Pension Items was $253,187 at March 29, 2015, and $256,840 at December 31, 2014. During the three month period ended March 29, 2015, the tax benefit on Defined Benefit Pension Items decreased by $(3,653) .
	During the three month period ended March 29, 2015, changes in noncontrolling interests included foreign currency translation adjustments of $(631).

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
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 three months ended March 29, 2015 is as follows:
		Consumer			Display			Paper and			Protective		Total
		Packaging			and			Industrial			Solutions
					Packaging			Converted
								Products
	Goodwill at December 31, 2014	$	513,556		$	204,629		$	243,586		$	221,165	$	1,182,936
	Dispositions	(1,727		)	—			—			—		(1,727		)
	Foreign currency translation	(19,126		)	—			(10,913		)	—		(30,039		)
	Other	—			—			—			—		—
	Goodwill at March 29, 2015	$	492,703		$	204,629		$	232,673		$	221,165	$	1,151,170
	The Company disposed of goodwill totaling $(1,727) in connection with the sale of a portion of the Company's metal ends and closures business, including two production facilities in Canton, Ohio. See Note 5 for additional information.
	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. In its most recent assessment, completed in the third quarter of 2014, the Company concluded that there was no impairment of goodwill for any of its reporting units. The assessment reflected a number of significant management assumptions and estimates including the Company's forecast of sales volumes and prices, profit margins, income taxes, capital expenditures and changes in working capital requirements. Changes in these assumptions and/or discount rates could materially impact the Company's conclusions.
	Although no reporting units failed the assessments noted above, in management’s opinion, the reporting units having the greatest risk of future impairment if actual results fall significantly short of expectations are Plastics – Blowmolding, Display and Packaging, and Tubes and Cores/Paper - Brazil. Total goodwill associated with these reporting units was approximately $119,000, $204,600, and $2,800, respectively, at March 29, 2015. A large portion of sales in the Display and Packaging reporting unit is concentrated in one customer. Management expects to retain this business; however, if a significant amount were lost and not replaced, it is possible that a goodwill impairment charge would be incurred.
	There were no triggering events identified between the most recent annual impairment test and March 29, 2015.
	Other Intangible Assets
	A summary of other intangible assets as of March 29, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows:
		March 29,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Other Intangible Assets, gross
	Patents	$	12,721		$	13,883
	Customer lists	372,633			385,466
	Trade names	19,246			19,366
	Proprietary technology	17,739			17,786
	Land use rights	314			320
	Other	1,281			1,309
	Other Intangible Assets, gross	$	423,934		$	438,130
	Accumulated Amortization	$	(162,556	)	$	(157,195	)
	Other Intangible Assets, net	$	261,378		$	280,935
	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.
	During the first quarter of 2015, the Company disposed of customer lists totaling $3,516 in connection with the sale of a portion of the Company's metal ends and closures business, including two production facilities in Canton, Ohio. See Note 5 for additional information.
	Aggregate amortization expense was $8,150 and $6,863 for the three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, respectively. Amortization expense on other intangible assets is expected to total approximately $33,900 in 2015, $32,600 in 2016, $31,900 in 2017, $31,300 in 2018 and $29,500 in 2019.

Financial_Instruments_and_Deri

Financial Instruments and Derivatives	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
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.
			March 29, 2015								December 31, 2014
			Carrying				Fair				Carrying			Fair
			Amount				Value				Amount			Value
	Long-term debt, net of current portion		$	1,200,509			$	1,338,655			$	1,200,885		$	1,322,795
	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 March 29, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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 and aluminum. At March 29, 2015, natural gas swaps covering approximately 4.2 MMBTUs were outstanding. These contracts represent approximately 85% and 5% of anticipated U.S. and Canadian usage for the remainder of 2015 and 2016, respectively. Additionally, the Company had swap contracts covering 2,759 metric tons of aluminum and 4,620 short tons of OCC, representing approximately 41% and 1% of anticipated usage for the remainder of 2015, respectively. Also at March 29, 2015, the Company had a swap covering 360,000 gallons of benzene serving as a proxy hedge for the purchase of high impact polystyrene. This swap represents approximately 11% of anticipated purchases in 2015. The fair values of the Company’s commodity cash flow hedges netted to loss positions of $(5,813) and $(6,086) at March 29, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The amount of the loss included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss at March 29, 2015, that is expected to be reclassified to the income statement during the next twelve months is $(5,655).
	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 2015. The net positions of these contracts at March 29, 2015 were as follows (in thousands):
	Currency	Action	Quantity
	Colombian peso	purchase	13,112,256
	Mexican peso	purchase	287,704
	Canadian dollar	purchase	45,175
	Russian ruble	purchase	30,183
	Turkish lira	purchase	5,262
	Polish zloty	purchase	874
	British pound	sell	(769	)
	New Zealand dollar	sell	(2,499	)
	Euro	sell	(2,783	)
	Australian dollar	sell	(5,141	)
	The fair value of these foreign currency cash flow hedges netted to loss positions of $(5,944) and $(3,526) at March 29, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. During the three months ended March 29, 2015, 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 $(237) were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss and included in the carrying value of the assets acquired. During the next twelve months, a loss of $(5,724) is expected to be reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to the income statement.
	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 March 29, 2015, were as follows (in thousands):
	Currency	Action	Quantity
	Colombian peso	purchase	28,330,708
	Mexican peso	purchase	193,849
	Canadian dollar	purchase	12,483
	Euro	purchase	6,847
	British pound	sell	(5,000	)
	The fair value of the Company’s other derivatives was $(1,135) and $(1,098) at March 29, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	The following table sets forth the location and fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments at March 29, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	Description		Balance Sheet Location		March 29,				December 31,
					2015				2014
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Commodity Contracts		Prepaid expenses		$	—			$	—
	Commodity Contracts		Other assets		$	—			$	—
	Commodity Contracts		Accrued expenses and other		$	(5,698	)		$	(5,808	)
	Commodity Contracts		Other liabilities		$	(115	)		$	(278	)
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		Prepaid expenses		$	1,179			$	574
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		Accrued expenses and other		$	(7,123	)		$	(4,100	)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		Prepaid expenses		$	92			$	68
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		Accrued expenses and other		$	(1,227	)		$	(1,166	)
	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.
	Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in
	Income Statement
	The following tables set forth the effect of the Company’s derivative instruments on financial performance for the three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014:
	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
			Derivatives				Accumulated OCI		OCI Into Income				Income on	Derivatives
			(Effective Portion)				Into Income		(Effective Portion)				Derivatives	(Ineffective
							(Effective Portion)						(Ineffective Portion)	Portion)
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
	Three months ended March 29, 2015
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		$	146			Net sales		$	1,302			Net sales	$	—
							Cost of sales		$	1,024
	Commodity Contracts		$	(2,110	)		Cost of sales		$	(2,423	)		Cost of sales	$	40
	Three months ended March 30, 2014
Foreign Exchange Contracts		$	(776	)		Net sales		$	(999	)		Net sales	$	—
						Cost of sales		$	1,862
Commodity Contracts		$	2,676			Cost of sales		$	717			Cost of sales	$	(20	)
Description	Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in	Gain or (Loss)
	Income Statement	Recognized
Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Three months ended March 29, 2015
Foreign Exchange Contracts	Cost of sales	$	(45	)
	Selling, general and administrative	$	8
Three months ended March 30, 2014
Foreign Exchange Contracts	Cost of sales	$	37
	Selling, general and administrative	$	56

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
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		March 29,			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
			2015
	Hedge derivatives, net:
	Commodity contracts		$	(5,813	)	$	—	$	(5,813	)	$	—
	Foreign exchange contracts		(5,944		)	—		(5,944		)	—
	Non-hedge derivatives, net:
	Foreign exchange contracts		(1,135		)	—		(1,135		)	—
	Deferred compensation plan assets		951			951		—			—
	Description		December 31,			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
			2014
	Hedge derivatives, net:
	Commodity contracts		$	(6,086	)	$	—	$	(6,086	)	$	—
	Foreign exchange contracts		(3,526		)	—		(3,526		)	—
	Non-hedge derivatives, net:
	Foreign exchange contracts		(1,098		)	—		(1,098		)	—
	Deferred compensation plan assets		944			944		—			—
	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-month period ended March 29, 2015.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
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 qualified 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
		March 29,			March 30,
		2015			2014
	Retirement Plans
	Service cost	$	5,253		$	5,167
	Interest cost	16,933			17,897
	Expected return on plan assets	(22,726		)	(22,753		)
	Amortization of net transition obligation	40			99
	Amortization of prior service cost	180			163
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	9,728			6,302
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	9,408		$	6,875
	Retiree Health and Life Insurance Plans
	Service cost	$	178		$	173
	Interest cost	222			257
	Expected return on plan assets	(393		)	(387		)
	Amortization of prior service credit	(25		)	(337		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	(5		)	(24		)
	Net periodic benefit income	$	(23	)	$	(318	)
	The Company made aggregate contributions of $4,152 and $31,466 to its defined benefit retirement and retiree health and life insurance plans during the three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, respectively. The Company anticipates that it will make additional aggregate contributions of approximately $19,000 to its defined benefit retirement and retiree health and life insurance plans over the remainder of 2015.
	Sonoco Investment and Retirement Plan (SIRP)
	The Company recognized SIRP expense totaling $3,627 and $2,556 for the quarters ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, respectively. Contributions to the SIRP, funded annually in the first quarter, totaled $12,865 during the three months ended March 29, 2015, and $9,290 during the three months ended March 30, 2014. No additional SIRP contributions are expected during the remainder of 2015.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company’s effective tax rate for the three month periods ending March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, was 23.8% and 31.3% , respectively. The rates for both periods were favorable to the U.S. statutory rate due to the effect of certain international operations that are subject to tax rates lower than the U.S. rate and the favorable effect of the manufacturer’s deduction on U.S. taxes. The effective tax rate for the three month period ended March 29, 2015 was further reduced by the recognition of beneficial tax attributes associated with the disposition of the Company's Canton, Ohio metal ends and closures facilities.
	The Company and/or its subsidiaries file federal, state and local income tax returns in the United States and various foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, or non-U.S., income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2011. With respect to state and local income taxes, the Company is no longer subject to examination for years prior to 2010, with few exceptions.
	The Company’s total liability for uncertain tax benefits has not changed significantly since December 31, 2014. The Company has $2,300 of reserves for uncertain tax benefits for which it believes it is reasonably possible that a resolution may be reached within the next twelve months. 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting
	The Company reports its financial results in four reportable segments: Consumer Packaging, Display and Packaging, Paper and Industrial Converted Products, and Protective Solutions.
	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; global brand artwork management; and metal and peelable membrane ends and closures.
	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; retail packaging, including printed backer cards, thermoformed blisters and heat sealing equipment; and paper amenities, such as coasters and glass covers.
	The Paper and Industrial Converted Products segment includes the following products: 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 material recycling services.
	The Protective Solutions segment includes the following products: custom-engineered, paperboard-based and expanded foam protective packaging and components; and temperature-assured 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. "Other, net" for the three months ended March 29, 2015, is largely composed of a $32,543 reversal of environmental liability reserves related to Fox River.
	SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION
		Three Months Ended
		March 29,		March 30,
		2015		2014
	Net sales:
	Consumer Packaging	$	519,877	$	464,925
	Display and Packaging	142,998		153,022
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products	422,311		455,610
	Protective Solutions	118,078		112,069
	Consolidated	$	1,203,264	$	1,185,626
	Intersegment sales:
	Consumer Packaging	$	1,680	$	1,033
	Display and Packaging	397		383
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products	27,551		26,345
	Protective Solutions	608		566
	Consolidated	$	30,236	$	28,327
	Income before interest and income taxes:
	Segment operating profit:
	Consumer Packaging	$	54,028	$	48,183
	Display and Packaging	3,895		5,357
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products	27,797		29,750
	Protective Solutions	9,685		5,287
	Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	359		(1,992		)
	Other, net	31,377		(24		)
	Consolidated	$	127,141	$	86,561

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
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.
	Fox River Settlement and Remaining Claim
	In March 2014, U.S. Paper Mills Corp. (U.S. Mills), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and five other defendants reached a potential settlement with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) for natural resource damages and the environmental cleanup of the lower Fox River in Wisconsin. The settlement was approved by the court on February 6, 2015 and became final on April 7, 2015 when the time for appeal of the court's order expired with no appeal having been taken. The terms of the settlement required U.S. Mills to pay $14,700, which was paid in April 2014, and protect U.S. Mills from claims by other parties relating to natural resource damages and the cleanup of the lower Fox River, except claims pursuant to Section 107 of the Comprehensive Environment Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).
	The finalization of the settlement leaves intact a claim by Appvion, Inc., under Section 107 of CERCLA against eight defendants, including U.S. Mills, to recover response costs allegedly incurred by Appvion consistent with the national contingency plan for responding to release or threatened release of hazardous substances into the lower Fox River. The claim is asserted for approximately$200,000. Although the Company believes that the maximum amount for which the defendants could be liable is approximately $16,000 and may be less, the court has not yet ruled on the issue and could find a lower or higher amount of liability.
	At December 31, 2014, U.S. Mills had reserves totaling $37,775 for potential liabilities associated with the lower Fox River. During the quarter ending March 29, 2015, U.S. Mills spent a total of $232 on legal fees related to Fox River. As a result of the settlement becoming final, the Company reversed $32,543 of the reserves, leaving a total of $5,000 reserved at March 29, 2015 for remaining potential liabilities associated with the lower Fox River. The reversal of these reserves resulted in reductions of "Selling, general and administrative expenses" and "Accrued expenses and other" in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	The actual costs that may be incurred associated with the remaining Appvion claim are dependent upon many factors and it is possible that costs could ultimately be higher than the amount provided for in the remaining $5,000 reserve. Because of the continuing uncertainties surrounding U.S. Mills' possible liability, including a potentially favorable resolution, the Company cannot currently estimate its potential liability, damages or range of potential loss, if any, beyond the amounts reserved, and an adverse resolution of these matters could have an adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows. The Company believes that the maximum additional exposure to its consolidated financial position beyond the amount reserved at March 29, 2015 is limited to the equity position of U.S. Mills, which was approximately $121,000 at March 29, 2015.
	Tegrant
	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 estimated to be $18,850 at the time of acquisition and an accrual in this amount was recorded on Tegrant’s opening balance sheet. Since the acquisition, the Company has spent a total of $622 on remediation of these sites. During 2014, the Company increased its reserves for these sites by $324 in order to reflect its best estimate of what it is likely to pay in order to complete the remediation. At March 29, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company's accrual for Tegrant's environmental contingencies totaled $18,552 and $18,635, respectively. The Company cannot currently estimate its potential liability, damages or range of potential loss, if any, beyond the amounts accrued with respect to this exposure. However, the Company does not believe that the resolution of this matter has a reasonable possibility of having a material adverse effect on the Company's financial statements.
	Village of Rockton
	On September 15, 2014, the Village of Rockton, Illinois instituted 81 actions against the Company in the Circuit Court for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, Winnebago, Illinois. Each action seeks to assess penalties of up to $0.75 per day since December 2, 2007 for violations of one of three sections of the Municipal Code that: (a) require lots or premises to be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition at all times; (b) make it unlawful for any substance which shall be dangerous or detrimental to health to be allowed to exist in connection with any business, be used therein or used in any work or labor carried on in the Village and prohibit any health menace be permitted to exist in connection with business or in connection with any such work or labor; and (c) make it unlawful for any ashes, rubbish, tin cans and all combustibles to be deposited or dumped upon any lot or land in the Village, and require that they be deposited or dumped in the area set aside for that purpose. The actions relate to a paper plant in the Village closed by the Company in 2008 that the Company is in the process of remediating through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s “brownfields” program. The Company has removed the cases to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and plans to vigorously defend its interests while continuing to participate in the “brownfields” program.
	Other environmental matters
	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. However, the Company does not believe that the resolution of these matters has a reasonable possibility of having a material adverse effect on the Company's financial statements.
	Summary
	As of March 29, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company (and its subsidiaries) had accrued $26,348 and $59,253, respectively, related to environmental contingencies. These accruals are included in “Accrued expenses and other” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	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)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs." ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts, and not recorded as separate assets. This update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and is to be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company plans to adopt ASU 2015-03 in the first quarter of 2016. As the Company's debt issuance costs are not material, implementation of this update will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue From Contracts With Customers." ASU 2014-09 changes the definitions/criteria used to determine when revenue should be recognized from being based on risks and rewards to being based on control. It also changes the manner in which variable consideration is recognized, requires recognition of the time value of money when payment terms exceed one year, provides clarification on accounting for contract costs, and expands disclosure requirements. ASU 2014-09 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is still assessing the impact of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements. However, due to the nature of the Company's business and its standard terms of sale, there is likely to be little practical difference for Sonoco between the current transfer of risks and rewards model and the new transfer of control model. In addition, few of the Company's sales, if any, contain an element of variable consideration or have payment terms exceeding one year. Accordingly, we do not expect the implementation of ASU 2014-09 to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	During the three-month period ended March 29, 2015, there have been no other newly issued nor newly applicable accounting pronouncements that have had, or are expected to have, a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. Further, at March 29, 2015, there were no other pronouncements pending adoption that are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
		Three Months Ended
		March 29,		March 30,
		2015		2014
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to Sonoco	$	87,920	$	52,302
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding:
	Basic	101,283,000		102,771,000
	Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation	884,000		996,000
	Diluted	102,167,000		103,767,000
	Reported net income attributable to Sonoco per common share:
	Basic	$	0.87	$	0.51
	Diluted	$	0.86	$	0.5

Restructuring_and_Asset_Impair1

Restructuring and Asset Impairment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
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, and gains on dispositions recognized by the Company during the periods presented:
		2015				2014
			29-Mar-15				30-Mar-14
	Restructuring/Asset impairment:
	2015 Actions		$	(851	)		$	—
	2014 Actions		342				1,399
	2013 and Earlier Actions		150				593
	Restructuring/Asset impairment (income)/charges		$	(359	)		$	1,992
	Income tax benefit		$	(11,591	)		$	(411	)
	Costs attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax		(15		)		(4		)
	Total impact of restructuring/asset impairment (income)/charges, net of tax		$	(11,965	)		$	1,577
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 2013 and Earlier Actions for the three-month periods ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014.
	2013 & Earlier Actions		First Quarter 2015				First Quarter 2014
	Consumer Packaging		$	—			$	(1	)
	Display and Packaging		—				247
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products		150				296
	Protective Solutions		—				51
	Total Charges and Adjustments		$	150			$	593
	Below is a summary of 2015 Actions and related expenses by segment and by type incurred and estimated to be incurred through completion.
	2015 Actions		First Quarter 2015				Estimated
							Total Cost
	Severance and Termination Benefits
	Consumer Packaging		$	2,201			$	4,101
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products		3,028				3,028
	Corporate		1,166				1,616
	Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets
	Consumer Packaging		(7,331		)		(7,331		)
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products		2				2
	Other Costs
	Consumer Packaging		75				175
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products		8				8
	Total Charges and Adjustments		$	(851	)		$	1,599
	Below is a summary of 2014 Actions and related expenses by segment and by type incurred and estimated to be incurred through completion.
	2014 Actions		First Quarter 2015				First Quarter 2014			Total			Estimated
										Incurred			Total Cost
										to Date
	Severance and Termination Benefits
	Consumer Packaging		$	—			$	650		$	850		$	850
	Display and Packaging		—				—			594			594
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products		99				265			3,376			3,376
	Protective Solutions		(32		)		—			729			729
	Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets
	Consumer Packaging		—				—			2,446			2,446
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products		—				473			781			781
	Protective Solutions		33				—			368			368
	Other Costs
	Consumer Packaging		32				11			5,278			5,328
	Display and Packaging		—				—			5			5
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products		115				—			762			812
	Protective Solutions		95				—			432			532
	Total Charges and Adjustments		$	342			$	1,399		$	15,621		$	15,821
Restructuring Accrual Activity for Given Years	The following table sets forth the activity in the 2014 Actions restructuring accrual included in “Accrued expenses and other” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
	2014 Actions		Severance				Asset			Other			Total
			and				Impairment/			Costs
			Termination				Disposal
	Accrual Activity		Benefits				of Assets
	2015 Year to Date
	Liability at December 31, 2014		$	859			$	—		$	463		$	1,322
	2015 charges		111				33			293			437
	Adjustments		(44		)		—			(51		)	(95		)
	Cash receipts/(payments)		(451		)		—			(690		)	(1,141		)
	Asset write downs/disposals		—				(33		)	—			(33		)
	Foreign currency translation		(11		)		—			(15		)	(26		)
	Liability at March 29, 2015		$	464			$	—		$	—		$	464
	The following table sets forth the activity in the 2015 Actions restructuring accrual included in “Accrued expenses and other” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
	2015 Actions		Severance				Asset			Other			Total
			and				Impairment/			Costs
			Termination				Disposal
	Accrual Activity		Benefits				of Assets
	2015 Year to Date
	Liability at December 31, 2014		$	—			$	—		$	—		$	—
	2015 charges		6,395				(7,329		)	83			(851		)
	Cash receipts/(payments)		(2,079		)		29,128			(83		)	26,966
	Asset write downs/disposals		—				(21,799		)	—			(21,799		)
	Foreign currency translation		(78		)		—			—			(78		)
	Liability at March 29, 2015		$	4,238			$	—		$	—		$	4,238

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
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 three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014:
			Gains and			Defined			Foreign			Accumulated
			Losses on Cash			Benefit			Currency			Other
			Flow Hedges			Pension Items			Items			Comprehensive
												Loss
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	(5,962	)	$	(475,286	)	$	(129,851	)	$	(611,099	)
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications		(1,039		)	—			(63,294		)	(64,333		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income		71			6,273			—			6,344
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to fixed assets		(237		)	—			—			(237		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive		(1,205		)	6,273			(63,294		)	(58,226		)
	income/(loss)
	Balance at March 29, 2015		$	(7,167	)	$	(469,013	)	$	(193,145	)	$	(669,325	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	(262	)	$	(333,106	)	$	(25,152	)	$	(358,520	)
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications		1,350			—			(7,359		)	(6,009		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income		(1,125		)	4,174			—			3,049
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to fixed assets		11			—			—			11
	Net current-period other comprehensive		236			4,174			(7,359		)	(2,949		)
	income/(loss)
	Balance at March 30, 2014		$	(26	)	$	(328,932	)	$	(32,511	)	$	(361,469	)
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 months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014:
			Amount Reclassified from Accumulated
			Other Comprehensive Loss
			Three Months Ended
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive		March 29,			March 30,			Affected Line Item in
	Loss Components		2015			2014			the Condensed Consolidated
									Statements of Net Income
	Gains and losses on cash flow hedges
	Foreign exchange contracts		$	1,302		$	(999	)	Net sales
	Foreign exchange contracts		1,024			1,862			Cost of sales
	Commodity contracts		(2,423		)	717			Cost of sales
			(97		)	1,580			Total before tax
			26			(455		)	Tax (provision)/benefit
			$	(71	)	$	1,125		Net of tax
	Defined benefit pension items
	Amortization of defined benefit pension items(a)		$	(7,445	)	$	(4,667	)	Cost of sales
	Amortization of defined benefit pension items(a)		(2,481		)	(1,556		)	Selling, general and
									administrative
			(9,926		)	(6,223		)	Total before tax
			3,653			2,049			Tax benefit
			$	(6,273	)	$	(4,174	)	Net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	(6,344	)	$	(3,049	)	Net of tax
	(a)	See Note 10 for additional details.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in Goodwill by Segment	A summary of the changes in goodwill by segment for the three months ended March 29, 2015 is as follows:
		Consumer			Display			Paper and			Protective		Total
		Packaging			and			Industrial			Solutions
					Packaging			Converted
								Products
	Goodwill at December 31, 2014	$	513,556		$	204,629		$	243,586		$	221,165	$	1,182,936
	Dispositions	(1,727		)	—			—			—		(1,727		)
	Foreign currency translation	(19,126		)	—			(10,913		)	—		(30,039		)
	Other	—			—			—			—		—
	Goodwill at March 29, 2015	$	492,703		$	204,629		$	232,673		$	221,165	$	1,151,170
Summary of Other Intangible Assets	A summary of other intangible assets as of March 29, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows:
		March 29,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Other Intangible Assets, gross
	Patents	$	12,721		$	13,883
	Customer lists	372,633			385,466
	Trade names	19,246			19,366
	Proprietary technology	17,739			17,786
	Land use rights	314			320
	Other	1,281			1,309
	Other Intangible Assets, gross	$	423,934		$	438,130
	Accumulated Amortization	$	(162,556	)	$	(157,195	)
	Other Intangible Assets, net	$	261,378		$	280,935

Financial_Instruments_and_Deri1

Financial Instruments and Derivatives (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
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.
			March 29, 2015								December 31, 2014
			Carrying				Fair				Carrying			Fair
			Amount				Value				Amount			Value
	Long-term debt, net of current portion		$	1,200,509			$	1,338,655			$	1,200,885		$	1,322,795
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 2015. The net positions of these contracts at March 29, 2015 were as follows (in thousands):
	Currency	Action	Quantity
	Colombian peso	purchase	13,112,256
	Mexican peso	purchase	287,704
	Canadian dollar	purchase	45,175
	Russian ruble	purchase	30,183
	Turkish lira	purchase	5,262
	Polish zloty	purchase	874
	British pound	sell	(769	)
	New Zealand dollar	sell	(2,499	)
	Euro	sell	(2,783	)
	Australian dollar	sell	(5,141	)
Net Positions of Other Derivatives Contract	The net positions of these contracts at March 29, 2015, were as follows (in thousands):
	Currency	Action	Quantity
	Colombian peso	purchase	28,330,708
	Mexican peso	purchase	193,849
	Canadian dollar	purchase	12,483
	Euro	purchase	6,847
	British pound	sell	(5,000	)
Location and Fair Values of Derivative Instruments	The following table sets forth the location and fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments at March 29, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	Description		Balance Sheet Location		March 29,				December 31,
					2015				2014
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Commodity Contracts		Prepaid expenses		$	—			$	—
	Commodity Contracts		Other assets		$	—			$	—
	Commodity Contracts		Accrued expenses and other		$	(5,698	)		$	(5,808	)
	Commodity Contracts		Other liabilities		$	(115	)		$	(278	)
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		Prepaid expenses		$	1,179			$	574
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		Accrued expenses and other		$	(7,123	)		$	(4,100	)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		Prepaid expenses		$	92			$	68
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		Accrued expenses and other		$	(1,227	)		$	(1,166	)
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Financial Performance
	Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in
	Income Statement
	The following tables set forth the effect of the Company’s derivative instruments on financial performance for the three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014:
	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
			Derivatives				Accumulated OCI		OCI Into Income				Income on	Derivatives
			(Effective Portion)				Into Income		(Effective Portion)				Derivatives	(Ineffective
							(Effective Portion)						(Ineffective Portion)	Portion)
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
	Three months ended March 29, 2015
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		$	146			Net sales		$	1,302			Net sales	$	—
							Cost of sales		$	1,024
	Commodity Contracts		$	(2,110	)		Cost of sales		$	(2,423	)		Cost of sales	$	40
	Three months ended March 30, 2014
	Foreign Exchange Contracts		$	(776	)		Net sales		$	(999	)		Net sales	$	—
							Cost of sales		$	1,862
	Commodity Contracts		$	2,676			Cost of sales		$	717			Cost of sales	$	(20	)
	Description	Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in	Gain or (Loss)
		Income Statement	Recognized
	Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
	Three months ended March 29, 2015
	Foreign Exchange Contracts	Cost of sales	$	(45	)
		Selling, general and administrative	$	8
	Three months ended March 30, 2014
	Foreign Exchange Contracts	Cost of sales	$	37
		Selling, general and administrative	$	56

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
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	March 29,			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
		2015
	Hedge derivatives, net:
	Commodity contracts	$	(5,813	)	$	—	$	(5,813	)	$	—
	Foreign exchange contracts	(5,944		)	—		(5,944		)	—
	Non-hedge derivatives, net:
	Foreign exchange contracts	(1,135		)	—		(1,135		)	—
	Deferred compensation plan assets	951			951		—			—
	Description	December 31,			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
		2014
	Hedge derivatives, net:
	Commodity contracts	$	(6,086	)	$	—	$	(6,086	)	$	—
	Foreign exchange contracts	(3,526		)	—		(3,526		)	—
	Non-hedge derivatives, net:
	Foreign exchange contracts	(1,098		)	—		(1,098		)	—
	Deferred compensation plan assets	944			944		—			—

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	The components of net periodic benefit cost include the following:
		Three Months Ended
		March 29,			March 30,
		2015			2014
	Retirement Plans
	Service cost	$	5,253		$	5,167
	Interest cost	16,933			17,897
	Expected return on plan assets	(22,726		)	(22,753		)
	Amortization of net transition obligation	40			99
	Amortization of prior service cost	180			163
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	9,728			6,302
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	9,408		$	6,875
	Retiree Health and Life Insurance Plans
	Service cost	$	178		$	173
	Interest cost	222			257
	Expected return on plan assets	(393		)	(387		)
	Amortization of prior service credit	(25		)	(337		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	(5		)	(24		)
	Net periodic benefit income	$	(23	)	$	(318	)

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Financial Information	SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION
		Three Months Ended
		March 29,		March 30,
		2015		2014
	Net sales:
	Consumer Packaging	$	519,877	$	464,925
	Display and Packaging	142,998		153,022
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products	422,311		455,610
	Protective Solutions	118,078		112,069
	Consolidated	$	1,203,264	$	1,185,626
	Intersegment sales:
	Consumer Packaging	$	1,680	$	1,033
	Display and Packaging	397		383
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products	27,551		26,345
	Protective Solutions	608		566
	Consolidated	$	30,236	$	28,327
	Income before interest and income taxes:
	Segment operating profit:
	Consumer Packaging	$	54,028	$	48,183
	Display and Packaging	3,895		5,357
	Paper and Industrial Converted Products	27,797		29,750
	Protective Solutions	9,685		5,287
	Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	359		(1,992		)
	Other, net	31,377		(24		)
	Consolidated	$	127,141	$	86,561

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Apr. 01, 2015	Apr. 01, 2015	Apr. 01, 2015
	USD ($)	USD ($)	Consumer Packaging Segment [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
			Weidenhammer Packaging Group [Member]	Consumer Packaging Segment [Member]	Consumer Packaging Segment [Member]	Consumer Packaging Segment [Member]
			USD ($)	Dalton Paper Products, Inc. [Member]	Dalton Paper Products, Inc. [Member]	Dalton Paper Products, Inc. [Member]
				USD ($)	BRL	employee
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of controlling asset acquired						67.00%
Cost of acquisitions, exclusive of cash			$355,316	$15,600	50,500
Number of employees in the acquired entity						230
Acquisition related costs	$1,166	$24

Shareholders_Equity_Earnings_P

Shareholders' Equity - Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Sonoco	$87,920	$52,302
Denominator:
Basic (in shares)	101,283	102,771
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation (in shares)	884	996
Diluted (in shares)	102,167	103,767
Reported net income attributable to Sonoco per common share:
Basic (in usd per share)	$0.87	$0.51
Diluted (in usd per share)	$0.86	$0.50

Shareholders_Equity_Additional

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Mar. 10, 2015	Feb. 25, 2015	Feb. 11, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 10, 2015	15-May-15	Apr. 15, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of securities excluded from computation of dilutive earning per share				395,883	643,827
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share				$0
Number of shares authorized for repurchase				5,000,000
Number of shares available for repurchase				2,867,500
Number of shares repurchased						2,000,000	132,500
Dividend declared date			11-Feb-15
Dividend declared and payable (in usd per share)			$0.32
Dividend payable date of record		25-Feb-15
Dividend payable date	10-Mar-15
Tax Withholding Obligations [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares repurchased				166,485	48,581
Cost of shares repurchased				$7,591,000	2,043,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividend declared date										15-Apr-15
Dividend declared and payable (in usd per share)										$0.35
Dividend payable date of record									15-May-15
Dividend payable date								10-Jun-15

Restructuring_and_Asset_Impair2

Restructuring and Asset Impairment - Restructuring and Asset Impairment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	($359)	$1,992
Income tax benefit	-11,591	-411
Costs attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	-15	-4
Total impact of restructuring/asset impairment charges, net of tax	-11,965	1,577
2015 Actions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	-851	0
2014 Actions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	342	1,399
2013 and Earlier Actions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	$150	$593

Restructuring_and_Asset_Impair3

Restructuring and Asset Impairment - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
			position
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Tax benefit	$27,138	$23,169
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected future charges associated with previous restructuring	3,100
2015 Actions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Elimination of Positions due to realign in cost structure	102
2014 Actions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Elimination of Positions due to realign in cost structure			125
2013 and Earlier Actions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected future charges associated with previous restructuring	450
Remaining restructuring accrual	1,542		1,990
Metal Ends and Closures Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on sale of business	7,331
Proceeds from sales of business	29,128
Net fixed assets	9,806
Inventory	7,051
Goodwill	1,727
Intangible assets	3,516
Liabilities assumed by the acquiring company	303
Tax benefit	$9,200
OHIO [Member] | Metal Ends and Closures Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of production facilities sold	2

Restructuring_and_Asset_Impair4

Restructuring and Asset Impairment - Actions and Related Expenses by Segment and by Type Incurred and Estimated for Given Years (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	($359)	$1,992
2015 Actions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	-851	0
Estimated Total Cost	1,599
2015 Actions [Member] | Severance and Termination Benefits [Member] | Consumer Packaging [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	2,201
Estimated Total Cost	4,101
2015 Actions [Member] | Severance and Termination Benefits [Member] | Paper And Industrial Converted Products [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	3,028
Estimated Total Cost	3,028
2015 Actions [Member] | Severance and Termination Benefits [Member] | Corporate [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	1,166
Estimated Total Cost	1,616
2015 Actions [Member] | Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets [Member] | Consumer Packaging [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	-7,331
Estimated Total Cost	-7,331
2015 Actions [Member] | Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets [Member] | Paper And Industrial Converted Products [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	2
Estimated Total Cost	2
2015 Actions [Member] | Other Costs [Member] | Consumer Packaging [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	75
Estimated Total Cost	175
2015 Actions [Member] | Other Costs [Member] | Paper And Industrial Converted Products [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	8
Estimated Total Cost	8
2014 Actions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	342	1,399
Total Incurred to Date	15,621
Estimated Total Cost	15,821
2014 Actions [Member] | Severance and Termination Benefits [Member] | Consumer Packaging [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	0	650
Total Incurred to Date	850
Estimated Total Cost	850
2014 Actions [Member] | Severance and Termination Benefits [Member] | Display and Packaging [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	0	0
Total Incurred to Date	594
Estimated Total Cost	594
2014 Actions [Member] | Severance and Termination Benefits [Member] | Paper And Industrial Converted Products [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	99	265
Total Incurred to Date	3,376
Estimated Total Cost	3,376
2014 Actions [Member] | Severance and Termination Benefits [Member] | Protective Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	-32	0
Total Incurred to Date	729
Estimated Total Cost	729
2014 Actions [Member] | Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets [Member] | Consumer Packaging [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	0	0
Total Incurred to Date	2,446
Estimated Total Cost	2,446
2014 Actions [Member] | Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets [Member] | Paper And Industrial Converted Products [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	0	473
Total Incurred to Date	781
Estimated Total Cost	781
2014 Actions [Member] | Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets [Member] | Protective Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	33	0
Total Incurred to Date	368
Estimated Total Cost	368
2014 Actions [Member] | Other Costs [Member] | Consumer Packaging [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	32	11
Total Incurred to Date	5,278
Estimated Total Cost	5,328
2014 Actions [Member] | Other Costs [Member] | Display and Packaging [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	0	0
Total Incurred to Date	5
Estimated Total Cost	5
2014 Actions [Member] | Other Costs [Member] | Paper And Industrial Converted Products [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	115	0
Total Incurred to Date	762
Estimated Total Cost	812
2014 Actions [Member] | Other Costs [Member] | Protective Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	95	0
Total Incurred to Date	432
Estimated Total Cost	532
2013 and Earlier Actions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	150	593
2013 and Earlier Actions [Member] | Consumer Packaging [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	0	-1
2013 and Earlier Actions [Member] | Display and Packaging [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	0	247
2013 and Earlier Actions [Member] | Paper And Industrial Converted Products [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	150	296
2013 and Earlier Actions [Member] | Protective Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment	$0	$51

Restructuring_and_Asset_Impair5

Restructuring and Asset Impairment - Restructuring Accrual Activity for Given Years (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015
2015 Actions [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, Beginning Balance	$0
Current year charges	-851
Cash receipts/(payments)	26,966
Asset write downs/disposals	-21,799
Foreign currency translation	-78
Liability, Ending Balance	4,238
2014 Actions [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, Beginning Balance	1,322
Current year charges	437
Adjustments	-95
Cash receipts/(payments)	-1,141
Asset write downs/disposals	-33
Foreign currency translation	-26
Liability, Ending Balance	464
Severance and Termination Benefits [Member] | 2015 Actions [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, Beginning Balance	0
Current year charges	6,395
Cash receipts/(payments)	-2,079
Foreign currency translation	-78
Liability, Ending Balance	4,238
Severance and Termination Benefits [Member] | 2014 Actions [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, Beginning Balance	859
Current year charges	111
Adjustments	-44
Cash receipts/(payments)	-451
Foreign currency translation	-11
Liability, Ending Balance	464
Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets [Member] | 2015 Actions [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, Beginning Balance	0
Current year charges	-7,329
Cash receipts/(payments)	29,128
Asset write downs/disposals	-21,799
Liability, Ending Balance	0
Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets [Member] | 2014 Actions [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, Beginning Balance	0
Current year charges	33
Adjustments	0
Cash receipts/(payments)	0
Asset write downs/disposals	-33
Liability, Ending Balance	0
Other Costs [Member] | 2015 Actions [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, Beginning Balance	0
Current year charges	83
Cash receipts/(payments)	-83
Foreign currency translation	0
Liability, Ending Balance	0
Other Costs [Member] | 2014 Actions [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, Beginning Balance	463
Current year charges	293
Adjustments	-51
Cash receipts/(payments)	-690
Foreign currency translation	-15
Liability, Ending Balance	$0

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015		Mar. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, beginning balance	($611,099)	[1]	($358,520)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	-64,333		-6,009
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	-237
Net current-period other comprehensive income/ (loss)	-58,226		-2,949
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, ending balance	-669,325		-361,469
Net Income [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	6,344		3,049
Fixed Assets [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	-237		11
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, beginning balance	-5,962		-262
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	-1,039		1,350
Net current-period other comprehensive income/ (loss)	-1,205		236
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, ending balance	-7,167		-26
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Net Income [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	71		-1,125
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Fixed Assets [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	-237		11
Defined Benefit Pension Items [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, beginning balance	-475,286		-333,106
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	0		0
Net current-period other comprehensive income/ (loss)	6,273		4,174
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, ending balance	-469,013		-328,932
Defined Benefit Pension Items [Member] | Net Income [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	6,273		4,174
Foreign Currency Items [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, beginning balance	-129,851		-25,152
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	-63,294		-7,359
Net current-period other comprehensive income/ (loss)	-63,294		-7,359
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, ending balance	($193,145)		($32,511)
[1]	The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Effects on Net Income of Significant Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net sales	$1,203,264	$1,185,626
Cost of sales	-979,817	-973,323
Selling, general and administrative	-96,665	-123,750
Income before income taxes	113,920	73,918
Tax benefit	-27,138	-23,169
Net of tax	86,782	50,749
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net of tax	-6,344	-3,049
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	-97	1,580
Tax benefit	26	-455
Net of tax	-71	1,125
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	1,302	-999
Cost of sales	1,024	1,862
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	-2,423	717
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	-7,445	-4,667
Selling, general and administrative	-2,481	-1,556
Income before income taxes	-9,926	-6,223
Tax benefit	3,653	2,049
Net of tax	($6,273)	($4,174)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv4

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Unfavorable position amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to cash flow hedges	$11,721		$9,617
Accumulated other comprehensive income loss cumulative changes in net gain loss from cash flow hedge effect after tax	7,167		5,962
Cumulative tax benefit on Cash Flow Hedges included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	4,554		3,655
Increase (decrease) in tax benefit on Cash Flow Hedges	899
Cumulative tax benefit on Defined Benefit Pensions	253,187		256,840
Increase (decrease) in tax benefit on Defined Benefit Pensions	-3,653
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-631	-119
Non-Controlling Interests [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	($631)

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Changes in Goodwill by Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$1,182,936	[1]
Dispositions	-1,727
Foreign currency translation	-30,039
Other	0
Goodwill, ending balance	1,151,170
Consumer Packaging [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	513,556
Dispositions	-1,727
Foreign currency translation	-19,126
Other	0
Goodwill, ending balance	492,703
Display and Packaging [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	204,629
Dispositions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
Goodwill, ending balance	204,629
Paper and Industrial Converted Products [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	243,586
Dispositions	0
Foreign currency translation	-10,913
Other	0
Goodwill, ending balance	232,673
Protective Solutions [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	221,165
Dispositions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
Goodwill, ending balance	$221,165
[1]	The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Intangible Assets, Gross:
Other Intangible Assets, gross	$423,934	$438,130
Accumulated Amortization	-162,556	-157,195
Other Intangible Assets, net	261,378	280,935	[1]
Patents [Member]
Other Intangible Assets, Gross:
Other Intangible Assets, gross	12,721	13,883
Customer Lists [Member]
Other Intangible Assets, Gross:
Other Intangible Assets, gross	372,633	385,466
Trade Names [Member]
Other Intangible Assets, Gross:
Other Intangible Assets, gross	19,246	19,366
Proprietary Technology [Member]
Other Intangible Assets, Gross:
Other Intangible Assets, gross	17,739	17,786
Land Use Rights [Member]
Other Intangible Assets, Gross:
Other Intangible Assets, gross	314	320
Other [Member]
Other Intangible Assets, Gross:
Other Intangible Assets, gross	$1,281	$1,309
[1]	The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill related to dispositions	$1,727
Goodwill	1,151,170		1,182,936	[1]
Aggregate amortization expenses	8,150	6,863
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2015	33,900
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2016	32,600
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2017	31,900
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2018	31,300
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2019	29,500
Blowmolding [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	119,000
Tubes and Cores/Paper - Brazil Reporting Unit [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	2,800
Consumer Packaging Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill related to dispositions	1,727
Goodwill	492,703		513,556
Display and Packaging [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill related to dispositions	0
Goodwill	204,629		204,629
Display and Packaging [Member] | Display and Packaging Reporting Unit [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	204,600
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
Customer Lists [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment charge	$3,516
Number of production facility	2
[1]	The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Financial_Instruments_and_Deri2

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Carrying Amount and Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term debt, net of current portion, Carrying Amount	$1,200,509	$1,200,885	[1]
Long-term debt, net of current portion, Fair Value	$1,338,655	$1,322,795
[1]	The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Financial_Instruments_and_Deri3

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of commodity cash flow hedges	($5,813)	($6,086)
Commodity gain (loss) expected to be reclassified to the income statement during the next 12 months	-5,655
Fair value of foreign currency cash flow hedges	-5,944	-3,526
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	-237
Foreign currency gain (loss) expected to be reclassified to the income statement during the next 12 months	-5,724
Total fair value of other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	($1,135)	($1,098)
Natural Gas Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Approximate amount of commodity covered by swap contracts outstanding	4,200,000
Anticipated usage percentage covered by a swap contract for the current fiscal year	85.00%
Anticipated usage percentage covered by a swap contract for the second succeeding fiscal year	5.00%
Aluminum Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Anticipated usage percentage covered by a swap contract for the current fiscal year	41.00%
Anticipated usage percentage covered by a swap contract for the second succeeding fiscal year	1.00%
Approximate amount of commodity covered by swap contracts outstanding	2,759
Containers [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Approximate amount of commodity covered by swap contracts outstanding	4,620
Crude Oil [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Anticipated usage percentage covered by a swap contract for the current fiscal year	11.00%
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Volume	360,000

Financial_Instruments_and_Deri4

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Net Positions of Foreign Contracts (Details) (Cash Flow Hedging [Member])	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	AUD	CAD	COP	EUR (€)	GBP (£)	MXN	NZD	PLN	RUB	TRY
Derivative [Line Items]
Net Purchase / (Sales) position of foreign currency cash flow hedges	-5,141	45,175	13,112,256	-€ 2,783	£ (769)	287,704	-2,499	874	30,183	5,262

Financial_Instruments_and_Deri5

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Net Positions of Other Derivatives Contract (Details) (Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member])	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	CAD	COP	EUR (€)	GBP (£)	MXN
Derivative [Line Items]
Net Purchase / (Sales) position of other derivatives	12,483	28,330,708	€ 6,847	£ (5,000)	193,849

Financial_Instruments_and_Deri6

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Location and Fair Values of Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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	$0	$0
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives instruments, assets	0	0
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member] | Accrued Expenses and Other [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives instruments, liabilities	-5,698	-5,808
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives instruments, liabilities	-115	-278
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Prepaid Expenses [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives instruments, assets	1,179	574
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Accrued Expenses and Other [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives instruments, liabilities	-7,123	-4,100
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Prepaid Expenses [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives instruments, assets	92	68
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Accrued Expenses and Other [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives instruments, liabilities	($1,227)	($1,166)

Financial_Instruments_and_Deri7

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Effect of Derivative Instruments on Financial Performance (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	$146	($776)
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)	1,302	-999
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	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)	1,024	1,862
Commodity Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	-2,110	2,676
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)	-2,423	717
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	40	-20
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain or (Loss) Recognized	-45	37
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain or (Loss) Recognized	$8	$56

Fair_Value_Measurements_Assets

Fair Value Measurements - Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets	$951	$944
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	-5,813	-6,086
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	-5,944	-3,526
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	-1,135	-1,098
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets	951	944
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	-5,813	-6,086
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	-5,944	-3,526
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	-1,135	-1,098
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
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Retirement Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$5,253	$5,167
Interest cost	16,933	17,897
Expected return on plan assets	-22,726	-22,753
Amortization of net transition obligation	40	99
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	180	163
Amortization of net actuarial loss	9,728	6,302
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	9,408	6,875
Retiree Health and Life Insurance Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	178	173
Interest cost	222	257
Expected return on plan assets	-393	-387
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-25	-337
Amortization of net actuarial loss	-5	-24
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	($23)	($318)

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Additio

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contribution to defined benefit retirement and retiree health and life insurance plans	$17,017,000	$43,515,000
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	4,152,000	31,466,000
Projected contributions to retirement plan	19,000,000
Sonoco Investment and Retirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contribution to defined benefit retirement and retiree health and life insurance plans	12,865,000	9,290,000
Projected contributions to retirement plan	0
Recognized expense related to the plan	$3,627,000	$2,556,000

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	$2,300
Effective tax rate	23.80%	31.30%

Segment_Reporting_Additional_I

Segment Reporting - Additional Information (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	4

Segment_Reporting_Segment_Fina

Segment Reporting - Segment Financial Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$1,203,264	$1,185,626
Income before interest and income taxes	127,141	86,561
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	359	-1,992
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,203,264	1,185,626
Operating Segments [Member] | Consumer Packaging [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	519,877	464,925
Income before interest and income taxes	54,028	48,183
Operating Segments [Member] | Paper And Industrial Converted Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	422,311	455,610
Income before interest and income taxes	27,797	29,750
Operating Segments [Member] | Display and Packaging [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	142,998	153,022
Income before interest and income taxes	3,895	5,357
Operating Segments [Member] | Protective Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	118,078	112,069
Income before interest and income taxes	9,685	5,287
Intersegment Sales [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	30,236	28,327
Intersegment Sales [Member] | Consumer Packaging [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,680	1,033
Intersegment Sales [Member] | Paper And Industrial Converted Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	27,551	26,345
Intersegment Sales [Member] | Display and Packaging [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	397	383
Intersegment Sales [Member] | Protective Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	608	566
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	359	-1,992
Other, net	31,377	-24
Operating Units 2 - 5 [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) due to revision of estimates	$32,543

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Sep. 15, 2014	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 07, 2015	Nov. 08, 2011
			defendant
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Environmental accrual		$26,348,000	26,348,000	$59,253,000
Maximum penalty per day	0.75
Operating Units 2 - 5 [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) due to revision of estimates		-32,543,000
U.S. Mills [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Environmental accrual				37,775,000
Environmental contingencies future related cost, high estimate		121,000,000
U.S. Mills [Member] | Lower Fox River [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Number of defendants			5
U.S. Mills [Member] | Operating Units 2 - 5 [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Environmental accrual		5,000,000	5,000,000
Environmental remediation spent		232,000
Tegrant Holding Corporation [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Environmental accrual		18,552,000	18,552,000	18,635,000		18,850,000
Increase (decrease) due to revision of estimates				324,000
Payment towards remediation of sites		622,000
Appvion, Inc. [Member] | U.S. Mills [Member] | Lower Fox River [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Number of defendants			8
Total estimated possible claim		200,000	200,000
Total estimated possible claim, per defendant		16,000	16,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | U.S. Mills [Member] | Lower Fox River [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Settlement amount					$14,700,000