Sonoco Products (SON) 10-Q 3 May 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017	Apr. 20, 2017
Document Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Apr. 2, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	SON
Entity Registrant Name	SONOCO PRODUCTS CO
Entity Central Index Key	91,767
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		99,384,318

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 02, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 212,790	$ 257,226	[1]
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances	663,312	625,411	[1]
Other receivables	43,003	43,553	[1]
Inventories:
Finished and in process	172,149	127,446	[1]
Materials and supplies	258,210	245,368	[1]
Prepaid expenses	41,831	49,764	[1]
Total Current Assets	1,391,295	1,348,768
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	1,155,192	1,060,017	[1]
Goodwill	1,156,674	1,092,215	[1]
Other Intangible Assets, Net	273,894	224,958	[1]
Deferred Income Taxes	47,371	42,130	[1]
Other Assets	165,979	155,115	[1]
Total Assets	4,190,405	3,923,203	[1]
Current Liabilities
Payable to suppliers	521,784	477,831	[1]
Accrued expenses and other	265,818	273,996	[1]
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	76,712	32,045	[1]
Accrued taxes	18,086	18,744	[1]
Total Current Liabilities	882,400	802,616	[1]
Long-term Debt, Net of Current Portion	1,177,188	1,020,698	[1]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	419,180	447,339	[1]
Deferred Income Taxes	63,467	59,753	[1]
Other Liabilities	39,303	38,092	[1]
Commitments and Contingencies			[1]
Sonoco Shareholders’ Equity
Authorized 300,000 shares 99,384 and 99,193 shares issued and outstanding at April 2, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	7,175	7,175	[1]
Capital in excess of stated value	319,365	321,050	[1]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(699,874)	(738,380)	[1]
Retained earnings	1,958,577	1,942,513	[1]
Total Sonoco Shareholders’ Equity	1,585,243	1,532,358	[1]
Noncontrolling Interests	23,624	22,347	[1]
Total Equity	1,608,867	1,554,705	[1]
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 4,190,405	$ 3,923,203	[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 BALANCE3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) (Parenthetical) - shares	Apr. 02, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, number of shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, number of shares issued	99,384,000	99,193,000
Common stock, number of shares outstanding	99,384,000	99,193,000

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017	Apr. 03, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,172,324	$ 1,226,276
Cost of sales	952,102	981,023
Gross profit	220,222	245,253
Selling, general and administrative expenses	126,138	134,193
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	4,111	9,228
Income before interest and income taxes	89,973	101,832
Interest expense	13,085	14,189
Interest income	1,027	402
Income before income taxes	77,915	88,045
Provision for income taxes	25,539	29,194
Income before equity in earnings of affiliates	52,376	58,851
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of tax	1,954	1,339
Net income	54,330	60,190
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(597)	(276)
Net income attributable to Sonoco	$ 53,733	$ 59,914
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	100,112	101,628
Diluted (in shares)	100,980	102,329
Net income attributable to Sonoco:
Basic (in usd per share)	$ 0.54	$ 0.59
Diluted (in usd per share)	0.53	0.59
Cash dividends (usd per share)	$ 0.37	$ 0.35

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017	Apr. 03, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 54,330	$ 60,190
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	30,836	30,828
Changes in defined benefit plans, net of tax	11,299	5,948
Changes in derivative financial instruments, net of tax	(2,949)	1,900
Other comprehensive income	39,186	38,676
Comprehensive income	93,516	98,866
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(597)	(276)
Other comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(680)	(1,412)
Comprehensive income attributable to Sonoco	$ 92,239	$ 97,178

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017		Apr. 03, 2016
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 54,330		$ 60,190
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Asset impairment	337		0
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	49,008		53,572
Share-based compensation expense	3,026		4,840
Equity in earnings of affiliates	(1,954)		(1,339)
Cash dividends from affiliated companies	1,950		1,150
Net (gain) on disposition of assets	(46)		(1,242)
Pension and postretirement plan expense	12,353		10,657
Pension and postretirement plan contributions	(43,557)		(32,042)
Tax effect of share-based compensation exercises	0		1,120
Excess tax benefit of share-based compensation	0		(1,161)
Net increase in deferred taxes	463		220
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions, dispositions, and foreign currency adjustments:
Trade accounts receivable	(10,002)		(41,623)
Inventories	(9,752)		(11,218)
Payable to suppliers	14,684		(17,213)
Prepaid expenses	(1,224)		4,427
Accrued expenses	(11,550)		(6,171)
Income taxes payable and other income tax items	10,283		28,415
Other assets and liabilities	(951)		13,805
Net cash provided by operating activities	67,398		66,387
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(50,455)		(55,685)
Cost of acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(221,417)		0
Proceeds from the sale of assets	1,481		2,592
Investment in affiliates and other, net	133		46
Net cash used in investing activities	(270,258)		(53,047)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	170,297		13,787
Principal repayment of debt	(17,637)		(10,993)
Net change in commercial paper	41,000		0
Net increase in outstanding checks	2,742		9,841
Excess tax benefit of share-based compensation	0		1,161
Cash dividends	(36,840)		(35,396)
Shares acquired	(5,539)		(18,931)
Shares issued	0		559
Net cash used in financing activities	154,023		(39,972)
Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	4,401		(3,464)
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(44,436)		(30,096)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	257,226	[1]	182,434
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 212,790		$ 152,338
[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
	Apr. 02, 2017
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 April 2, 2017 , are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017. 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, 2016 . With respect to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial information of the Company for the three -month periods ended April 2, 2017 and April 3, 2016 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 May 3, 2017 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
	Apr. 02, 2017
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2017-07, “ Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cos t,” which requires an employer to report service cost in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost as defined are required to be presented separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented, or disclosed. This update also allows only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable and is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The amendments should be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the components of net benefit cost in the income statement and prospectively for the capitalization of the service cost component. T he Company does not expect the implementation of ASU 2017-07 to have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations. In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, “ Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets, ” which defined the term "in-substance nonfinancial asset" and clarified that an entity should identify each distinct nonfinancial asset or in-substance nonfinancial asset promised to a counterparty who is a noncustomer and derecognize each asset when a counterparty obtains control of it. The update also clarifies the applicable accounting treatment for certain transactions involving a partial sale of a nonfinancial asset (or in-substance nonfinancial asset) and the exchange or retaining of noncontrolling interests. This update is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and should be applied at the same time as the amendments in ASU 2014-09, which is discussed later in this Note. The Company does not expect the implementation of ASU 2017-05 to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “ Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ,” eliminating the requirement to determine the fair value of individual assets and liabilities of a reporting unit to measure goodwill impairment. Under ASU 2017-04, goodwill impairment testing will be performed by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The new standard is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and should be applied on a prospective basis. T he Company does not expect the implementation of ASU 2017-04 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, " Clarifying the Definition of a Business, " providing guidance to entities to assist with evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities (collectively, the "set") is a business and provides a screen to determine when a set is not a business. Under the new guidance, when substantially all of the fair value of gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset, or group of similar assets, the assets acquired would not represent a business. Also, to be considered a business, an acquisition would have to include an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to produce outputs. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and should be applied on a prospective basis to any transactions occurring within the period of adoption. T he Company does not expect the implementation of ASU 2017-01 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, " Restricted Cash," requiring that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in ASU 2016-18 do not provide a definition of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017, on a retrospective basis. The Company does not expect the implementation of ASU 2016-18 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, "Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory" as part of its simplification initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards. This update requires that an entity should recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017 on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company does not expect the implementation of ASU 2016-16 to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments," providing clarification on eight cash flow classification issues, including 1) debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, 2) settlement of relatively insignificant debt instruments, 3) contingent consideration payments, 4) insurance claim settlements, 5) life insurance settlements, 6) distributions received from equity method investees, 7) beneficial interests in securitization transactions, and 8) separately identifiable cash flows. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not expect the implementation of ASU 2016-15 to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, " Financial Instruments - Credit Losses ," which requires measurement and recognition of expected versus incurred credit losses for financial assets held. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company does not expect the implementation of ASU 2016-13 to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, " Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ," which impacts several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including among others, the classification of excess tax benefits in the statements of income and cash flows and accounting for forfeitures. The Company's adoption of this update effective January 1, 2017 resulted in the recognition of $1,632 of excess tax benefits in the income statement during the quarter ended April 2, 2017. In accordance with the provisions of this ASU, excess tax benefits have also been recognized on a prospective basis within the operating section of the consolidated statement of cash flows for the period ended April 2, 2017, rather than the financing section. Pursuant to adoption of the new ASU, the Company recorded a cumulative charge to retained earning of $318 for the elimination of estimated forfeitures associated with the Company's share-based compensation. The Company has elected to recognize forfeitures prospectively as they occur beginning January 1, 2017. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, " Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) ," which provides guidance on recording revenue on a gross basis versus a net basis based on the determination of whether an entity is a principal or an agent when another party is involved in providing goods or services to a customer. The amendments in this Update affect the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09 and are effective in the same time frame as ASU 2014-09 as discussed below. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, which changes accounting for leases and requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities arising from all leases, including those classified as operating leases under previous accounting guidance on the balance sheet and requires disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements to increase transparency and comparability among organizations. The accounting for lessors does not fundamentally change except for changes to conform and align guidance to the lessee guidance. The guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years and requires retrospective application. The Company is still assessing the impact of ASU 2016-02 on its consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue From Contracts With Customers," which changes the definitions/criteria used to determine when revenue should be recognized from being based on risks and rewards to being based on control. Among other changes, ASU 2014-09 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, 2017. Although the Company will not complete its final assessment and quantification of the impact of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements until adoption, it expects the adoption to have the effect of accelerating the timing of revenue recognition compared to current standards for those arrangements under which the Company is producing customer-specific products without alternative use and would be entitled to payment for work completed, including a reasonable margin. The Company plans to adopt ASU 2014-09 in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 following the modified retrospective transition method . During the three -month period ended April 2, 2017 , 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 April 2, 2017 , 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
	Apr. 02, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions On March 14, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of Packaging Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries, including Peninsula Packaging LLC ("Packaging Holdings"), for $221,417 , net of cash acquired. Final consideration will be subject to an adjustment for the change in working capital to the date of close. Packaging Holdings manufactures thermoformed packaging for a wide range of whole fresh fruits, pre-cut fruits and produce, prepared salad mixes, as well as baked goods in retail supermarkets from five manufacturing facilities, including four in the United States and one in Mexico. The Company financed the transaction with a combination of cash and borrowings from a new $150,000 three -year term loan. The provisional fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the acquisition of Packaging Holdings are as follows: Trade accounts receivable $ 14,535 Inventories 42,428 Property plant and equipment 77,267 Goodwill 60,018 Other intangible assets 54,000 Trade accounts payable (21,655 ) Other net tangible assets /(liabilities) (5,176 ) Net assets $ 221,417 The allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was based on the Company’s preliminary estimates of their fair value, based on information currently available. Factors comprising goodwill, a portion of which is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes, include increased access to certain markets as well as the value of the assembled workforce. As the acquisition was completed close to the end of the reporting period, management is continuing to finalize its valuation of certain assets and liabilities including, but not limited to: identifiable intangible assets; property, plant and equipment; deferred income taxes; and capital leases. Management expects to complete its valuations in the second or third quarter of 2017. Packaging Holding's financial results are included in the Company's Consumer Packaging segment and the business will operate as the Peninsula brand of thermoformed packaging products within the Company's global plastics division. The Company has accounted for this acquisition as a business combination under the acquisition method of accounting, in accordance with the business combinations subtopic of the Accounting Standards Codification and, accordingly, has included its results of operations in the Company’s consolidated statements of net income from the date of acquisition. The Company does not believe this acquisition is a material transaction subject to the disclosures and supplemental pro-forma information required by ASC 805. Accordingly, this information is not presented. During the period ended April 2, 2017, the Company finalized its valuations of the assets and liabilities acquired in conjunction with the 2016 acquisitions of Plastic Packaging Inc. (“PPI”) and Laminar Medica (“Laminar”) based on information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of their respective acquisition dates. As a result, measurement period adjustments were made to the previously disclosed provisional fair values of PPI's net assets that increased identifiable intangibles by $1,400 , increased property, plant and equipment by $400 , increased the deferred tax liability by $706 , and decreased goodwill by $1,094 . The measurement period adjustments to the previously disclosed provisional fair values of Laminar's net assets increased goodwill by $161 and decreased property, plant and equipment by $161 . Acquisition-related costs of $4,325 and $326 were incurred in the three months ended April 2, 2017 and April 3, 2016 , 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
	Apr. 02, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Shareholders' Equity Earnings per Share The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data) : Three Months Ended April 2, April 3, Numerator: Net income attributable to Sonoco $ 53,733 $ 59,914 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 100,112 101,628 Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation 868 701 Diluted 100,980 102,329 Net income attributable to Sonoco per common share: Basic $ 0.54 $ 0.59 Diluted $ 0.53 $ 0.59 Potentially dilutive securities are calculated in accordance with the treasury stock method, which assumes the proceeds from the exercise of all dilutive stock appreciation rights (SARs) are used to repurchase the Company’s common stock. Certain SARs are not dilutive because either the exercise price is greater than the average market price of the stock during the reporting period or assumed repurchases from proceeds from the exercise of the SARs were antidilutive . These stock appreciation rights may become dilutive in the future if the market price of the Company's common stock appreciates. The average number of stock appreciation rights that were not dilutive and therefore not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share during the three -month periods ended April 2, 2017 and April 3, 2016 was as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended April 2, April 3, Anti-dilutive stock appreciation rights 356 1,430 No adjustments were made to net income attributable to Sonoco in the computations of earnings per share. Stock Repurchases On February 10, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 5,000 shares of the Company's common stock. A total of 2,030 shares were purchased during 2016 at a cost of $100,000 , leaving a total of 2,970 shares remaining available for repurchase at December 31, 2016 . No shares were repurchased under this authorization during the three months ended April 2, 2017 . At April 2, 2017 , a total of 2,970 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 105 shares in the three months ended April 2, 2017 at a cost of $5,539 , and 87 shares in the three months ended April 3, 2016 at a cost of $3,613 . Dividend Declarations On February 8, 2017 , the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.37 per share. This dividend was paid on March 10, 2017 to all shareholders of record as of February 22, 2017 . On April 19, 2017 , the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.39 per share. This dividend is payable June 9, 2017 to all shareholders of record as of May 12, 2017 .

Restructuring and Asset Impairm

Restructuring and Asset Impairment	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017
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 2017 and 2016 are reported as “2017 Actions” and “2016 Actions,” respectively. Actions initiated prior to 2016, all of which were substantially complete at April 2, 2017 , are reported as “2015 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: Three Months Ended April 2, 2017 April 3, 2016 Restructuring/Asset impairment: 2017 Actions $ 2,304 $ — 2016 Actions 1,155 6,413 2015 and Earlier Actions 652 2,815 Restructuring/Asset impairment charges $ 4,111 $ 9,228 Income tax benefit (1,298 ) (2,920 ) Less: Costs attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax (2 ) (7 ) Restructuring/asset impairment charges attributable to Sonoco, net of tax $ 2,811 $ 6,301 Pre-tax restructuring and asset impairment charges are included in “Restructuring/Asset impairment charges” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. When recognizable in accordance with GAAP, the Company expects to recognize future additional charges totaling approximately $1,500 in connection with previously announced restructuring actions. The Company believes that the majority of these charges will be incurred and paid by the end of 2017. The Company continually evaluates its cost structure, including its manufacturing capacity, and additional restructuring actions are likely to be undertaken. 2017 Actions The Company eliminated approximately 32 positions in the first quarter of 2017 in conjunction with its ongoing organizational effectiveness efforts. Below is a summary of 2017 Actions and related expenses by segment and by type incurred and estimated to be incurred through completion. 2017 Actions First Quarter 2017 Estimated Severance and Termination Benefits Consumer Packaging $ 967 $ 1,467 Display and Packaging 106 106 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 541 630 Protective Solutions 75 75 Corporate 456 456 Other Costs Consumer Packaging 159 159 Paper and Industrial Converted Products — 6 Total Charges and Adjustments $ 2,304 $ 2,899 The following table sets forth the activity in the 2017 Actions restructuring accrual included in “Accrued expenses and other” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets: 2017 Actions Severance Termination Asset Impairment/ Disposal Other Costs Total Accrual Activity Liability at December 31, 2016 $ — $ — $ — $ — 2017 charges 2,145 — 159 2,304 Cash payments (1,147 ) — (159 ) (1,306 ) Asset write downs/disposals — — — — Foreign currency translation — — — — Liability at April 2, 2017 $ 998 $ — $ — $ 998 The Company expects to pay the majority of the remaining 2017 Actions restructuring costs by the end of 2017 using cash generated from operations. 2016 Actions During 2016, the Company closed four tubes and cores plants - one in the United States, one in Canada, one in Ecuador, and one in Switzerland (all part of the Paper and Industrial Converted Products segment), a packaging services center in Mexico (part of the Display and Packaging segment) and a fulfillment service center in Brazil (part of the Display and Packaging segment). The Company also began manufacturing rationalization efforts in its Reels division (part of the Paper and Industrial Converted Products segment) and completed the sales of a paper mill in France (part of the Paper and Industrial Converted Products segment) and a retail security packaging plant in Puerto Rico (part of the Display and Packaging segment). In addition, the Company continued to realign its cost structure, resulting in the elimination of approximately 180 positions. Below is a summary of 2016 Actions and related expenses by segment and by type incurred and estimated to be incurred through completion. 2016 Actions First Quarter 2017 First Quarter 2016 Total Incurred Estimated Severance and Termination Benefits Consumer Packaging $ 1 $ 965 $ 2,408 $ 2,408 Display and Packaging (13 ) 1,376 4,291 4,291 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 98 2,411 5,985 6,183 Protective Solutions (1 ) 322 677 677 Corporate — 1,429 1,550 1,550 Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets Consumer Packaging $ — (306 ) (306 ) (306 ) Display and Packaging 96 — 2,808 2,808 Paper and Industrial Converted Products — — 13,300 13,300 Other Costs Consumer Packaging $ — 198 731 731 Display and Packaging 229 — 515 515 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 690 18 1,988 2,188 Protective Solutions 55 — 205 205 Total Charges and Adjustments $ 1,155 $ 6,413 $ 34,152 $ 34,550 The following table sets forth the activity in the 2016 Actions restructuring accrual included in “Accrued expenses and other” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets: 2016 Actions Severance Asset Other Total Accrual Activity 2017 Year to Date Liability at December 31, 2016 $ 3,558 $ — $ 640 $ 4,198 2017 charges 85 96 974 1,155 Adjustments — — — — Cash payments (1,661 ) — (945 ) (2,606 ) Asset write downs/disposals — (96 ) (318 ) (414 ) Foreign currency translation 2 — 6 8 Liability at April 2, 2017 $ 1,984 $ — $ 357 $ 2,341 “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 2016 Actions restructuring costs by the end of 2017 using cash generated from operations. 2015 and Earlier Actions 2015 and Earlier Actions are comprised of a number of plant closures and workforce reductions initiated prior to 2016. Charges for these actions in both 2017 and 2016 relate primarily to the cost of plant closures including severance, asset impairment, equipment removal, plant security, property taxes and insurance. The Company expects to recognize future pretax charges of approximately $500 associated with 2015 and Earlier Actions. Below is a summary of expenses/(income) incurred by segment for 2015 and Earlier Actions for the three month periods ended April 2, 2017 and April 3, 2016 . 2015 and Earlier Actions First Quarter 2017 First Quarter 2016 Consumer Packaging $ (27 ) $ 2,155 Display and Packaging 83 6 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 565 603 Protective Solutions 24 51 Corporate 7 — Total Charges and Adjustments $ 652 $ 2,815 The accrual for 2015 and Earlier Actions totaled $1,992 and $3,608 at April 2, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, and is included in “Accrued expenses and other” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The accrual relates primarily to unpaid severance. The Company expects the majority of the liability associated with 2015 and Earlier Actions to be paid by the end of 2017 using cash generated from operations.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017
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 April 2, 2017 and April 3, 2016 : Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Defined Benefit Pension Items Foreign Currency Items Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 1,939 $ (453,821 ) $ (286,498 ) $ (738,380 ) Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications (2,626 ) 4,924 30,156 32,454 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (365 ) 6,375 — 6,010 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to fixed assets 42 — — 42 Other comprehensive income/(loss) (2,949 ) 11,299 30,156 38,506 Balance at April 2, 2017 $ (1,010 ) $ (442,522 ) $ (256,342 ) $ (699,874 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (5,152 ) $ (444,244 ) $ (253,137 ) $ (702,533 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 411 — 30,828 31,239 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income 1,514 5,948 — 7,462 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to fixed assets (25 ) — — (25 ) Other comprehensive income 1,900 5,948 30,828 38,676 Balance at April 3, 2016 $ (3,252 ) $ (438,296 ) $ (222,309 ) $ (663,857 ) "Other comprehensive income before reclassifications" during the three months ended April 2, 2017 , includes $5,071 of "Defined Benefit Pension Items" related to the release of a portion of the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets related to the pension plan of a foreign subsidiary. The following table summarizes the effects on net income of significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three -month periods ended April 2, 2017 and April 3, 2016 : Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Three Months Ended Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components April 2, April 3, Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income Gains and losses on cash flow hedges Foreign exchange contracts $ 1,040 $ (2,240 ) Net sales Foreign exchange contracts (725 ) 1,045 Cost of sales Commodity contracts 248 (1,511 ) Cost of sales 563 (2,706 ) Total before tax (198 ) 1,192 Tax benefit $ 365 $ (1,514 ) Net of tax Defined benefit pension items Amortization of defined benefit pension items (a) $ (7,588 ) $ (7,143 ) Cost of sales Amortization of defined benefit pension items (a) (2,529 ) (2,381 ) Selling, general and (10,117 ) (9,524 ) Total before tax 3,742 3,576 Tax benefit $ (6,375 ) $ (5,948 ) Net of tax Total reclassifications for the period $ (6,010 ) $ (7,462 ) Net of tax (a) See Note 10 for additional details. Three months ended April 2, 2017 Three months ended April 3, 2016 Before Tax Amount Tax (Expense) Benefit After Tax Amount Before Tax Amount Tax (Expense) Benefit After Tax Amount Foreign currency items $ 30,156 $ — $ 30,156 $ 30,828 $ — $ 30,828 Defined benefit pension items: Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications (147 ) 5,071 4,924 — — — Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) to net income 10,117 (3,742 ) 6,375 9,524 (3,576 ) 5,948 Net other comprehensive income/(loss) from defined benefit pension items 9,970 1,329 11,299 9,524 (3,576 ) 5,948 Gains and losses on cash flow hedges: Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications (4,048 ) 1,422 (2,626 ) 601 (190 ) 411 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) to net income (563 ) 198 (365 ) 2,706 (1,192 ) 1,514 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) to fixed assets 42 — 42 (25 ) — (25 ) Net other comprehensive income/(loss) from cash flow hedges (4,569 ) 1,620 (2,949 ) 3,282 (1,382 ) 1,900 Other comprehensive income/(loss) $ 35,557 $ 2,949 $ 38,506 $ 43,634 $ (4,958 ) $ 38,676

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017
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 April 2, 2017 is as follows: Consumer Packaging Display and Packaging Paper and Industrial Converted Products Protective Solutions Total Goodwill at December 31, 2016 $ 435,590 $ 203,414 $ 221,983 $ 231,228 $ 1,092,215 Acquisitions 58,924 — — 161 59,085 Foreign currency translation 3,157 — 2,113 104 5,374 Goodwill at April 2, 2017 $ 497,671 $ 203,414 $ 224,096 $ 231,493 $ 1,156,674 The acquisition of Packaging Holdings, Inc. ("Packaging Holdings") in March 2017 resulted in the recognition of $60,018 of goodwill. In addition, measurement period adjustments were made in the first quarter of 2017 to the provisional fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in the November 2016 acquisition of Plastic Packaging, Inc. ("PPI") and the September 2016 acquisition of Laminar Medica ("Laminar"). These measurement period adjustments resulted in a $1,094 reduction in the goodwill associated with PPI and a $161 increase in the goodwill associated with Laminar. See Note 3 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. The Company completed its most recent annual goodwill impairment testing during the third quarter of 2016. As part of this testing, the Company analyzed certain qualitative and quantitative factors in determining goodwill impairment. During this most recent testing, management concluded that goodwill associated with the Company's Paper and Industrial Converted Products - Brazil reporting unit had become impaired as a result of the continued deterioration of economic conditions in Brazil. Accordingly, as previously disclosed, an impairment charge totaling $2,617 , the entire amount of goodwill associated with this reporting unit, was recognized during the third quarter of 2016. Based on its assessments, the Company concluded that there was no impairment of goodwill for any of its other reporting units. The assessments 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 other reporting units failed the assessments noted above, in management’s opinion, the reporting units having the greatest risk of a significant future impairment if actual results fall short of expectations are Display and Packaging, and Paper and Industrial Converted Products - Europe. Total goodwill associated with these reporting units was $203,414 and $88,073 , respectively, at April 2, 2017 . A large portion of sales in the Display and Packaging reporting unit is concentrated in one customer, the majority of which is under contract until 2021. There have been no triggering events identified between the most recent annual impairment test and April 2, 2017. Other Intangible Assets A summary of other intangible assets as of April 2, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is as follows: April 2, December 31, Other Intangible Assets, gross: Patents $ 28,165 $ 13,164 Customer lists 400,545 362,162 Trade names 23,924 19,902 Proprietary technology 20,729 20,721 Land use rights 290 288 Other 1,711 1,701 Other Intangible Assets, gross $ 475,364 $ 417,938 Accumulated Amortization: Patents (5,112 ) (5,647 ) Customer lists (180,622 ) (172,292 ) Trade names (2,892 ) (2,733 ) Proprietary technology (11,719 ) (11,236 ) Land use rights (42 ) (41 ) Other (1,083 ) (1,031 ) Total Accumulated Amortization $ (201,470 ) $ (192,980 ) Other Intangible Assets, net $ 273,894 $ 224,958 The Packaging Holdings acquisition in March 2017 resulted in the addition of $54,000 of intangible assets, the majority of which related to customer lists. In addition, measurement period adjustments were made in the first quarter of 2017 to the provisional fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in the November 2016 acquisition of PPI which resulted in the recognition of an additional $1,400 of intangible assets, all of which related to customer lists. These intangible assets will be amortized over an expected average useful life of 9.1 years. 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 intangible assets with indefinite lives. Aggregate amortization expense was $7,211 and $8,336 for the three months ended April 2, 2017 and April 3, 2016 , respectively. Amortization expense on other intangible assets is expected to total approximately $33,800 in 2017, $34,700 in 2018, $33,600 in 2019, $31,900 in 2020 and $29,900 in 2021.

Financial Instruments and Deriv

Financial Instruments and Derivatives	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017
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. April 2, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 1,177,188 $ 1,286,950 $ 1,020,698 $ 1,116,336 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 April 2, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had derivative financial instruments outstanding to hedge anticipated transactions and certain asset and liability related cash flows. These contracts, which have maturities ranging to December 2019, qualify as cash flow hedges under U.S. GAAP. 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 April 2, 2017 , natural gas swaps covering approximately 8.3 MMBTUs were outstanding. These contracts represent approximately 92% , 55% , and 35% of anticipated U.S. and Canadian usage for the remainder of 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. Additionally, the Company had swap contracts covering 3,629 metric tons of aluminum, representing approximately 61% of anticipated usage for the remainder of 2017. The fair values of the Company’s commodity cash flow hedges netted to gain positions of $1,923 at April 2, 2017 and $3,636 at December 31, 2016 . The amount of the gain included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss at April 2, 2017 , that is expected to be reclassified to the income statement during the next twelve months is $1,671 . 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 2017. The net positions of these contracts at April 2, 2017 were as follows (in thousands): Currency Action Quantity Colombian peso purchase 1,553,369 Mexican peso purchase 448,498 Canadian dollar purchase 42,831 Russian ruble purchase 11,964 Turkish lira purchase 6,318 British pound purchase 2,254 New Zealand dollar sell (510 ) Australian dollar sell (654 ) Polish zloty sell (2,142 ) Euro sell (5,244 ) The fair value of these foreign currency cash flow hedges netted to loss positions of $(3,034) at April 2, 2017 and $(185) at December 31, 2016 . During the three months ended April 2, 2017 , 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 $42 were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss and included in the carrying value of the assets acquired. During the next twelve months, losses of $(3,043) are 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 April 2, 2017 , were as follows (in thousands): Currency Action Quantity Colombian peso purchase 2,260,800 Mexican peso purchase 231,676 Canadian dollar purchase 11,911 The fair value of the Company’s other derivatives was $(633) and $(696) at April 2, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The following table sets forth the location and fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments at April 2, 2017 and December 31, 2016 : Description Balance Sheet Location April 2, December 31, Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Commodity Contracts Prepaid expenses $ 1,973 $ 3,240 Commodity Contracts Other assets $ 209 $ 527 Commodity Contracts Accrued expenses and other $ (51 ) $ (89 ) Commodity Contracts Other liabilities $ (208 ) $ (42 ) Foreign Exchange Contracts Prepaid expenses $ 197 $ 761 Foreign Exchange Contracts Accrued expenses and other $ (3,231 ) $ (946 ) Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign Exchange Contracts Prepaid expenses $ 53 $ 194 Foreign Exchange Contracts Accrued expenses and other $ (686 ) $ (890 ) 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. Description Gain or (Loss) Recognized The following tables set forth the effect of the Company’s derivative instruments on financial performance for the three months ended April 2, 2017 and April 3, 2016 : Description Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion) Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI Into Income (Effective Portion) Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI Into Income (Effective Portion) Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion) Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion) Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships: Three months ended April 2, 2017 Foreign Exchange Contracts $ (2,692 ) Net sales $ 1,040 Net sales $ — Cost of sales $ (725 ) Commodity Contracts $ (1,356 ) Cost of sales $ 248 Cost of sales $ (335 ) Three months ended April 3, 2016 Foreign Exchange Contracts $ 2,317 Net sales $ (2,240 ) Net sales $ — Cost of sales $ 1,045 Commodity Contracts $ (1,766 ) Cost of sales $ (1,511 ) Cost of sales $ 110 Description Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income Statement Gain or (Loss) Recognized Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments: Three months ended April 2, 2017 Foreign Exchange Contracts Cost of sales $ — Selling, general and administrative $ (567 ) Three months ended April 3, 2016 Foreign Exchange Contracts Cost of sales $ — Selling, general and administrative $ (498 )

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017
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 April 2, Assets measured at NAV Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Hedge derivatives, net: Commodity contracts $ 1,923 $ — $ — $ 1,923 $ — Foreign exchange contracts $ (3,034 ) $ — $ — $ (3,034 ) $ — Non-hedge derivatives, net: Foreign exchange contracts $ (633 ) $ — $ — $ (633 ) $ — Deferred compensation plan assets $ 364 $ — $ 364 $ — $ — Description December 31, Assets measured at NAV Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Hedge derivatives, net: Commodity contracts $ 3,636 $ — $ — $ 3,636 $ — Foreign exchange contracts $ (185 ) $ — $ — $ (185 ) $ — Non-hedge derivatives, net: Foreign exchange contracts $ (696 ) $ — $ — $ (696 ) $ — Deferred compensation plan assets $ 349 $ — $ 349 $ — $ — 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 non-financial assets or liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis. None of the Company’s financial assets or liabilities are 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 April 2, 2017 .

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017
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. The Company also sponsors contributory defined benefit pension plans covering the majority of its employees in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Netherlands. In addition, the Company 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 Company froze participation in its U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan for newly hired salaried and non-union hourly employees effective December 31, 2003. To replace this benefit, the Company provides non-union U.S. employees hired on or after January 1, 2004, with an annual contribution, called the Sonoco Retirement Contribution (SRC), to their participant accounts in the Sonoco Retirement and Savings Plan. The SRC is equal to 4% of the participant's eligible pay plus 4% of eligible pay in excess of the social security wage base. Also eligible for the SRC are former participants of the U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan who elected to transfer out of that plan under a one-time option effective January 1, 2010. 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 eligible for SRC contributions effective January 1, 2019. The components of net periodic benefit cost include the following: Three Months Ended April 2, April 3, Retirement Plans Service cost $ 4,712 $ 5,023 Interest cost 14,701 15,326 Expected return on plan assets (20,838 ) (22,044 ) Amortization of prior service cost 231 193 Amortization of net actuarial loss 10,168 9,596 Net periodic benefit cost $ 8,974 $ 8,094 Retiree Health and Life Insurance Plans Service cost 84 85 Interest cost 120 130 Expected return on plan assets (414 ) (404 ) Amortization of prior service credit (127 ) (128 ) Amortization of net actuarial gain (155 ) (137 ) Net periodic benefit income $ (492 ) $ (454 ) The Company made aggregate contributions of $29,491 and $18,690 to its defined benefit retirement and retiree health and life insurance plans during the three months ended April 2, 2017 and April 3, 2016 , respectively. The Company anticipates that it will make additional aggregate contributions of approximately $14,000 to its defined benefit retirement and retiree health and life insurance plans over the remainder of 2017. In February 2017, the Company initiated a program through which it offered certain terminated vested participants in the U.S. qualified retirement plans the opportunity to receive their benefits early as either a lump sum or an annuity. This population comprises approximately 15% of the projected benefit obligation of these plans. At the close of the election period, approximately 51% of the eligible participants elected to take the early payment. These payments will be distributed from plan assets in May and June 2017. As a result of settling these obligations, the Company expects that it will be required to recognize a non-cash pre-tax settlement charge of approximately $34,000 in the second quarter of 2017. Sonoco Retirement Contribution (SRC) The Sonoco Retirement Contribution, which is funded annually in the first quarter, totaled $14,066 during the three months ended April 2, 2017 , and $13,352 during the three months ended April 3, 2016 . No additional SRC contributions are expected during the remainder of 2017. The Company recognized expense related to the SRC of $3,871 and $3,018 for the quarters ended April 2, 2017 and April 3, 2016 , respectively.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company’s effective tax rate for the three -month periods ending April 2, 2017 and April 3, 2016 was 32.8% , and 33.2% , respectively. The rates for both of these periods varied from the U.S. statutory rate due primarily to the favorable effect of certain international operations that are subject to tax rates generally lower than the U.S. rate. The 2017 quarter also varied from the statutory rate due to the Company's January 1, 2017, adoption of ASU 2016-09 regarding accounting for share-based compensation, which requires excess tax benefits to be utilized as an offset to tax expense. 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 2012. With respect to state and local income taxes, the Company is no longer subject to examination for years prior to 2012, with few exceptions. The Company is currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service for the 2012 and 2013 tax years. The Company’s reserve for uncertain tax benefits has decreased by approximately $2,400 since December 31, 2016 , due to the agreement to settle a prior year's audit. The anticipated payment has been accrued for as a current payable and should be fully settled in the second quarter. The Company has $0 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. Although 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. The Company has operations and pays taxes in many countries outside of the U.S. and taxes on those earnings are subject to varying rates. The Company is not dependent upon the favorable benefit of any one jurisdiction to an extent that loss of those benefits would have a material effect on the Company’s overall effective tax rate. As previously disclosed, the Company received a draft Notice of Proposed Adjustment (“NOPA”) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in February 2017 proposing an adjustment to income for the 2013 tax year based on the IRS's recharacterization of a distribution of an intercompany note made in 2012, and the subsequent repayment of the note over the course of 2013, as if it were a cash distribution made in 2013. In March 2017, the Company received a draft NOPA proposing penalties of $18,000 associated with the IRS’s recharacterization, as well as an Information Document Request (“IDR”) requesting the Company’s analysis of why such penalties should not apply. The Company responded to this IDR in April 2017. At the time the distribution was paid in 2012, it was characterized as a dividend to the extent of earnings and profits, with the remainder as a tax free return of basis and taxable capital gain. As the IRS proposes to recharacterize the distribution, the entire distribution would be characterized as a dividend. The incremental tax liability associated with the income adjustment proposed in the NOPA would be approximately $84,000 , excluding interest and the previously referenced penalties. Should a final NOPA be issued, the Company intends to file a protest to the proposed deficiency with the IRS, which will cause the matter to be referred to the Appeals Division of the IRS. The Company strongly believes the position of the IRS with regard to this matter is inconsistent with applicable tax laws and existing Treasury regulations, and that the Company's previously reported income tax provision for the year in question is appropriate. However, there can be no assurance that this matter will be resolved in the Company's favor. Regardless of whether the matter is resolved in the Company's favor, the final resolution of this matter could be expensive and time consuming to defend and/or settle. While the Company believes that the amount of tax originally paid with respect to this distribution is correct, and accordingly has not provided additional reserve for tax uncertainty, there is still a possibility that an adverse outcome of the matter could have a material effect on its results of operations and financial condition.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017
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); extruded and injection-molded plastic products; printed flexible packaging; global brand artwork management; and metal and peelable membrane ends and closures. This segment also included blow-molded plastic bottles and jars through November 7, 2016, when the Company completed the sale of its rigid plastics blow molding operations. The Display and Packaging segment includes the following products and services: point-of-purchase displays; supply chain management services; retail packaging, including printed backer cards, thermoformed blisters and heat sealing equipment; and paperboard specialties, 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. SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION Three Months Ended April 2, April 3, Net sales: Consumer Packaging $ 482,181 $ 527,338 Display and Packaging 114,635 144,267 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 442,502 423,074 Protective Solutions 133,006 131,597 Consolidated $ 1,172,324 $ 1,226,276 Intersegment sales: Consumer Packaging $ 1,223 $ 1,332 Display and Packaging 750 497 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 28,373 26,381 Protective Solutions 399 586 Consolidated $ 30,745 $ 28,796 Income before interest and income taxes: Segment operating profit: Consumer Packaging $ 58,010 $ 62,865 Display and Packaging 3,183 3,281 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 24,723 33,299 Protective Solutions 10,861 12,026 Restructuring/Asset impairment charges (4,111 ) (9,228 ) Other, net (2,693 ) (411 ) Consolidated $ 89,973 $ 101,832

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017
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 In January 2017, U.S. Paper Mills Corp. (U.S. Mills), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, obtained Court approval of a final settlement of cost recovery claims made by Appvion, Inc. for $3,334 . The settlement, as well as related legal and professional fees totaling $315 , were funded during the first quarter of 2017. As a result of the settlement becoming final, the Company and U.S. Mills have resolved all pending or threatened legal proceedings related to the Fox River matter, as well as any such proceedings known to be contemplated by government authorities. Spartanburg In connection with its acquisition of Tegrant in November 2011, the Company identified potential environmental contamination at a site in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The total remediation cost of the Spartanburg site was estimated to be $17,400 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 $701 on remediation of the Spartanburg site. During previous years, the Company has increased its reserves for this site by a total of $117 in order to reflect its best estimate of what it is likely to pay in order to complete the remediation. At April 2, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company's accrual for environmental contingencies related to the Spartanburg site totaled $16,816 and $16,821 , 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. 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 April 2, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company (and its subsidiaries) had accrued $20,828 and $24,515 , 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
	Apr. 02, 2017
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2017-07, “ Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cos t,” which requires an employer to report service cost in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost as defined are required to be presented separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented, or disclosed. This update also allows only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable and is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The amendments should be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the components of net benefit cost in the income statement and prospectively for the capitalization of the service cost component. T he Company does not expect the implementation of ASU 2017-07 to have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations. In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, “ Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets, ” which defined the term "in-substance nonfinancial asset" and clarified that an entity should identify each distinct nonfinancial asset or in-substance nonfinancial asset promised to a counterparty who is a noncustomer and derecognize each asset when a counterparty obtains control of it. The update also clarifies the applicable accounting treatment for certain transactions involving a partial sale of a nonfinancial asset (or in-substance nonfinancial asset) and the exchange or retaining of noncontrolling interests. This update is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and should be applied at the same time as the amendments in ASU 2014-09, which is discussed later in this Note. The Company does not expect the implementation of ASU 2017-05 to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “ Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ,” eliminating the requirement to determine the fair value of individual assets and liabilities of a reporting unit to measure goodwill impairment. Under ASU 2017-04, goodwill impairment testing will be performed by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The new standard is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and should be applied on a prospective basis. T he Company does not expect the implementation of ASU 2017-04 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, " Clarifying the Definition of a Business, " providing guidance to entities to assist with evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities (collectively, the "set") is a business and provides a screen to determine when a set is not a business. Under the new guidance, when substantially all of the fair value of gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset, or group of similar assets, the assets acquired would not represent a business. Also, to be considered a business, an acquisition would have to include an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to produce outputs. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and should be applied on a prospective basis to any transactions occurring within the period of adoption. T he Company does not expect the implementation of ASU 2017-01 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, " Restricted Cash," requiring that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in ASU 2016-18 do not provide a definition of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017, on a retrospective basis. The Company does not expect the implementation of ASU 2016-18 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, "Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory" as part of its simplification initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards. This update requires that an entity should recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017 on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company does not expect the implementation of ASU 2016-16 to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments," providing clarification on eight cash flow classification issues, including 1) debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, 2) settlement of relatively insignificant debt instruments, 3) contingent consideration payments, 4) insurance claim settlements, 5) life insurance settlements, 6) distributions received from equity method investees, 7) beneficial interests in securitization transactions, and 8) separately identifiable cash flows. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not expect the implementation of ASU 2016-15 to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, " Financial Instruments - Credit Losses ," which requires measurement and recognition of expected versus incurred credit losses for financial assets held. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company does not expect the implementation of ASU 2016-13 to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, " Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ," which impacts several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including among others, the classification of excess tax benefits in the statements of income and cash flows and accounting for forfeitures. The Company's adoption of this update effective January 1, 2017 resulted in the recognition of $1,632 of excess tax benefits in the income statement during the quarter ended April 2, 2017. In accordance with the provisions of this ASU, excess tax benefits have also been recognized on a prospective basis within the operating section of the consolidated statement of cash flows for the period ended April 2, 2017, rather than the financing section. Pursuant to adoption of the new ASU, the Company recorded a cumulative charge to retained earning of $318 for the elimination of estimated forfeitures associated with the Company's share-based compensation. The Company has elected to recognize forfeitures prospectively as they occur beginning January 1, 2017. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, " Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) ," which provides guidance on recording revenue on a gross basis versus a net basis based on the determination of whether an entity is a principal or an agent when another party is involved in providing goods or services to a customer. The amendments in this Update affect the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09 and are effective in the same time frame as ASU 2014-09 as discussed below. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, which changes accounting for leases and requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities arising from all leases, including those classified as operating leases under previous accounting guidance on the balance sheet and requires disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements to increase transparency and comparability among organizations. The accounting for lessors does not fundamentally change except for changes to conform and align guidance to the lessee guidance. The guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years and requires retrospective application. The Company is still assessing the impact of ASU 2016-02 on its consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue From Contracts With Customers," which changes the definitions/criteria used to determine when revenue should be recognized from being based on risks and rewards to being based on control. Among other changes, ASU 2014-09 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, 2017. Although the Company will not complete its final assessment and quantification of the impact of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements until adoption, it expects the adoption to have the effect of accelerating the timing of revenue recognition compared to current standards for those arrangements under which the Company is producing customer-specific products without alternative use and would be entitled to payment for work completed, including a reasonable margin. The Company plans to adopt ASU 2014-09 in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 following the modified retrospective transition method . During the three -month period ended April 2, 2017 , 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 April 2, 2017 , there were no other pronouncements pending adoption that are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with acquisition	The provisional fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the acquisition of Packaging Holdings are as follows: Trade accounts receivable $ 14,535 Inventories 42,428 Property plant and equipment 77,267 Goodwill 60,018 Other intangible assets 54,000 Trade accounts payable (21,655 ) Other net tangible assets /(liabilities) (5,176 ) Net assets $ 221,417

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data) : Three Months Ended April 2, April 3, Numerator: Net income attributable to Sonoco $ 53,733 $ 59,914 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 100,112 101,628 Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation 868 701 Diluted 100,980 102,329 Net income attributable to Sonoco per common share: Basic $ 0.54 $ 0.59 Diluted $ 0.53 $ 0.59
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	The average number of stock appreciation rights that were not dilutive and therefore not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share during the three -month periods ended April 2, 2017 and April 3, 2016 was as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended April 2, April 3, Anti-dilutive stock appreciation rights 356 1,430

Restructuring and Asset Impai23

Restructuring and Asset Impairment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017
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: Three Months Ended April 2, 2017 April 3, 2016 Restructuring/Asset impairment: 2017 Actions $ 2,304 $ — 2016 Actions 1,155 6,413 2015 and Earlier Actions 652 2,815 Restructuring/Asset impairment charges $ 4,111 $ 9,228 Income tax benefit (1,298 ) (2,920 ) Less: Costs attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax (2 ) (7 ) Restructuring/asset impairment charges attributable to Sonoco, net of tax $ 2,811 $ 6,301
Actions and Related Expenses by Segment and by Type Incurred and Estimated for Given Years	Below is a summary of 2017 Actions and related expenses by segment and by type incurred and estimated to be incurred through completion. 2017 Actions First Quarter 2017 Estimated Severance and Termination Benefits Consumer Packaging $ 967 $ 1,467 Display and Packaging 106 106 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 541 630 Protective Solutions 75 75 Corporate 456 456 Other Costs Consumer Packaging 159 159 Paper and Industrial Converted Products — 6 Total Charges and Adjustments $ 2,304 $ 2,899 Below is a summary of 2016 Actions and related expenses by segment and by type incurred and estimated to be incurred through completion. 2016 Actions First Quarter 2017 First Quarter 2016 Total Incurred Estimated Severance and Termination Benefits Consumer Packaging $ 1 $ 965 $ 2,408 $ 2,408 Display and Packaging (13 ) 1,376 4,291 4,291 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 98 2,411 5,985 6,183 Protective Solutions (1 ) 322 677 677 Corporate — 1,429 1,550 1,550 Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets Consumer Packaging $ — (306 ) (306 ) (306 ) Display and Packaging 96 — 2,808 2,808 Paper and Industrial Converted Products — — 13,300 13,300 Other Costs Consumer Packaging $ — 198 731 731 Display and Packaging 229 — 515 515 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 690 18 1,988 2,188 Protective Solutions 55 — 205 205 Total Charges and Adjustments $ 1,155 $ 6,413 $ 34,152 $ 34,550 Below is a summary of expenses/(income) incurred by segment for 2015 and Earlier Actions for the three month periods ended April 2, 2017 and April 3, 2016 . 2015 and Earlier Actions First Quarter 2017 First Quarter 2016 Consumer Packaging $ (27 ) $ 2,155 Display and Packaging 83 6 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 565 603 Protective Solutions 24 51 Corporate 7 — Total Charges and Adjustments $ 652 $ 2,815
Restructuring Accrual Activity for Given Years	The following table sets forth the activity in the 2017 Actions restructuring accrual included in “Accrued expenses and other” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets: 2017 Actions Severance Termination Asset Impairment/ Disposal Other Costs Total Accrual Activity Liability at December 31, 2016 $ — $ — $ — $ — 2017 charges 2,145 — 159 2,304 Cash payments (1,147 ) — (159 ) (1,306 ) Asset write downs/disposals — — — — Foreign currency translation — — — — Liability at April 2, 2017 $ 998 $ — $ — $ 998 The following table sets forth the activity in the 2016 Actions restructuring accrual included in “Accrued expenses and other” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets: 2016 Actions Severance Asset Other Total Accrual Activity 2017 Year to Date Liability at December 31, 2016 $ 3,558 $ — $ 640 $ 4,198 2017 charges 85 96 974 1,155 Adjustments — — — — Cash payments (1,661 ) — (945 ) (2,606 ) Asset write downs/disposals — (96 ) (318 ) (414 ) Foreign currency translation 2 — 6 8 Liability at April 2, 2017 $ 1,984 $ — $ 357 $ 2,341

Accumulated Other Comprehensi24

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017
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 April 2, 2017 and April 3, 2016 : Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Defined Benefit Pension Items Foreign Currency Items Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 1,939 $ (453,821 ) $ (286,498 ) $ (738,380 ) Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications (2,626 ) 4,924 30,156 32,454 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (365 ) 6,375 — 6,010 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to fixed assets 42 — — 42 Other comprehensive income/(loss) (2,949 ) 11,299 30,156 38,506 Balance at April 2, 2017 $ (1,010 ) $ (442,522 ) $ (256,342 ) $ (699,874 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (5,152 ) $ (444,244 ) $ (253,137 ) $ (702,533 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 411 — 30,828 31,239 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income 1,514 5,948 — 7,462 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to fixed assets (25 ) — — (25 ) Other comprehensive income 1,900 5,948 30,828 38,676 Balance at April 3, 2016 $ (3,252 ) $ (438,296 ) $ (222,309 ) $ (663,857 )
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 reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three -month periods ended April 2, 2017 and April 3, 2016 : Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Three Months Ended Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components April 2, April 3, Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income Gains and losses on cash flow hedges Foreign exchange contracts $ 1,040 $ (2,240 ) Net sales Foreign exchange contracts (725 ) 1,045 Cost of sales Commodity contracts 248 (1,511 ) Cost of sales 563 (2,706 ) Total before tax (198 ) 1,192 Tax benefit $ 365 $ (1,514 ) Net of tax Defined benefit pension items Amortization of defined benefit pension items (a) $ (7,588 ) $ (7,143 ) Cost of sales Amortization of defined benefit pension items (a) (2,529 ) (2,381 ) Selling, general and (10,117 ) (9,524 ) Total before tax 3,742 3,576 Tax benefit $ (6,375 ) $ (5,948 ) Net of tax Total reclassifications for the period $ (6,010 ) $ (7,462 ) Net of tax (a) See Note 10 for additional details.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Three months ended April 2, 2017 Three months ended April 3, 2016 Before Tax Amount Tax (Expense) Benefit After Tax Amount Before Tax Amount Tax (Expense) Benefit After Tax Amount Foreign currency items $ 30,156 $ — $ 30,156 $ 30,828 $ — $ 30,828 Defined benefit pension items: Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications (147 ) 5,071 4,924 — — — Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) to net income 10,117 (3,742 ) 6,375 9,524 (3,576 ) 5,948 Net other comprehensive income/(loss) from defined benefit pension items 9,970 1,329 11,299 9,524 (3,576 ) 5,948 Gains and losses on cash flow hedges: Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications (4,048 ) 1,422 (2,626 ) 601 (190 ) 411 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) to net income (563 ) 198 (365 ) 2,706 (1,192 ) 1,514 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) to fixed assets 42 — 42 (25 ) — (25 ) Net other comprehensive income/(loss) from cash flow hedges (4,569 ) 1,620 (2,949 ) 3,282 (1,382 ) 1,900 Other comprehensive income/(loss) $ 35,557 $ 2,949 $ 38,506 $ 43,634 $ (4,958 ) $ 38,676

Goodwill and Other Intangible25

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017
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 April 2, 2017 is as follows: Consumer Packaging Display and Packaging Paper and Industrial Converted Products Protective Solutions Total Goodwill at December 31, 2016 $ 435,590 $ 203,414 $ 221,983 $ 231,228 $ 1,092,215 Acquisitions 58,924 — — 161 59,085 Foreign currency translation 3,157 — 2,113 104 5,374 Goodwill at April 2, 2017 $ 497,671 $ 203,414 $ 224,096 $ 231,493 $ 1,156,674
Summary of Other Intangible Assets	A summary of other intangible assets as of April 2, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is as follows: April 2, December 31, Other Intangible Assets, gross: Patents $ 28,165 $ 13,164 Customer lists 400,545 362,162 Trade names 23,924 19,902 Proprietary technology 20,729 20,721 Land use rights 290 288 Other 1,711 1,701 Other Intangible Assets, gross $ 475,364 $ 417,938 Accumulated Amortization: Patents (5,112 ) (5,647 ) Customer lists (180,622 ) (172,292 ) Trade names (2,892 ) (2,733 ) Proprietary technology (11,719 ) (11,236 ) Land use rights (42 ) (41 ) Other (1,083 ) (1,031 ) Total Accumulated Amortization $ (201,470 ) $ (192,980 ) Other Intangible Assets, net $ 273,894 $ 224,958

Financial Instruments and Der26

Financial Instruments and Derivatives (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017
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. April 2, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 1,177,188 $ 1,286,950 $ 1,020,698 $ 1,116,336
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 2017. The net positions of these contracts at April 2, 2017 were as follows (in thousands): Currency Action Quantity Colombian peso purchase 1,553,369 Mexican peso purchase 448,498 Canadian dollar purchase 42,831 Russian ruble purchase 11,964 Turkish lira purchase 6,318 British pound purchase 2,254 New Zealand dollar sell (510 ) Australian dollar sell (654 ) Polish zloty sell (2,142 ) Euro sell (5,244 )
Net Positions of Other Derivatives Contract	The net positions of these contracts at April 2, 2017 , were as follows (in thousands): Currency Action Quantity Colombian peso purchase 2,260,800 Mexican peso purchase 231,676 Canadian dollar purchase 11,911
Location and Fair Values of Derivative Instruments	The following table sets forth the location and fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments at April 2, 2017 and December 31, 2016 : Description Balance Sheet Location April 2, December 31, Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Commodity Contracts Prepaid expenses $ 1,973 $ 3,240 Commodity Contracts Other assets $ 209 $ 527 Commodity Contracts Accrued expenses and other $ (51 ) $ (89 ) Commodity Contracts Other liabilities $ (208 ) $ (42 ) Foreign Exchange Contracts Prepaid expenses $ 197 $ 761 Foreign Exchange Contracts Accrued expenses and other $ (3,231 ) $ (946 ) Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign Exchange Contracts Prepaid expenses $ 53 $ 194 Foreign Exchange Contracts Accrued expenses and other $ (686 ) $ (890 )
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Financial Performance	Description Gain or (Loss) Recognized The following tables set forth the effect of the Company’s derivative instruments on financial performance for the three months ended April 2, 2017 and April 3, 2016 : Description Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion) Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI Into Income (Effective Portion) Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI Into Income (Effective Portion) Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion) Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion) Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships: Three months ended April 2, 2017 Foreign Exchange Contracts $ (2,692 ) Net sales $ 1,040 Net sales $ — Cost of sales $ (725 ) Commodity Contracts $ (1,356 ) Cost of sales $ 248 Cost of sales $ (335 ) Three months ended April 3, 2016 Foreign Exchange Contracts $ 2,317 Net sales $ (2,240 ) Net sales $ — Cost of sales $ 1,045 Commodity Contracts $ (1,766 ) Cost of sales $ (1,511 ) Cost of sales $ 110 Description Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income Statement Gain or (Loss) Recognized Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments: Three months ended April 2, 2017 Foreign Exchange Contracts Cost of sales $ — Selling, general and administrative $ (567 ) Three months ended April 3, 2016 Foreign Exchange Contracts Cost of sales $ — Selling, general and administrative $ (498 )

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017
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 April 2, Assets measured at NAV Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Hedge derivatives, net: Commodity contracts $ 1,923 $ — $ — $ 1,923 $ — Foreign exchange contracts $ (3,034 ) $ — $ — $ (3,034 ) $ — Non-hedge derivatives, net: Foreign exchange contracts $ (633 ) $ — $ — $ (633 ) $ — Deferred compensation plan assets $ 364 $ — $ 364 $ — $ — Description December 31, Assets measured at NAV Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Hedge derivatives, net: Commodity contracts $ 3,636 $ — $ — $ 3,636 $ — Foreign exchange contracts $ (185 ) $ — $ — $ (185 ) $ — Non-hedge derivatives, net: Foreign exchange contracts $ (696 ) $ — $ — $ (696 ) $ — Deferred compensation plan assets $ 349 $ — $ 349 $ — $ —

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	The components of net periodic benefit cost include the following: Three Months Ended April 2, April 3, Retirement Plans Service cost $ 4,712 $ 5,023 Interest cost 14,701 15,326 Expected return on plan assets (20,838 ) (22,044 ) Amortization of prior service cost 231 193 Amortization of net actuarial loss 10,168 9,596 Net periodic benefit cost $ 8,974 $ 8,094 Retiree Health and Life Insurance Plans Service cost 84 85 Interest cost 120 130 Expected return on plan assets (414 ) (404 ) Amortization of prior service credit (127 ) (128 ) Amortization of net actuarial gain (155 ) (137 ) Net periodic benefit income $ (492 ) $ (454 )

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Financial Information	SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION Three Months Ended April 2, April 3, Net sales: Consumer Packaging $ 482,181 $ 527,338 Display and Packaging 114,635 144,267 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 442,502 423,074 Protective Solutions 133,006 131,597 Consolidated $ 1,172,324 $ 1,226,276 Intersegment sales: Consumer Packaging $ 1,223 $ 1,332 Display and Packaging 750 497 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 28,373 26,381 Protective Solutions 399 586 Consolidated $ 30,745 $ 28,796 Income before interest and income taxes: Segment operating profit: Consumer Packaging $ 58,010 $ 62,865 Display and Packaging 3,183 3,281 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 24,723 33,299 Protective Solutions 10,861 12,026 Restructuring/Asset impairment charges (4,111 ) (9,228 ) Other, net (2,693 ) (411 ) Consolidated $ 89,973 $ 101,832

New Accounting Pronouncements -

New Accounting Pronouncements - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Excess tax benefit	$ 1,632
Retained Earnings | ASU 2016-09
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect if new accounting pronouncement		$ (318)

Acquisitions - Narrative (Detai

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 14, 2017USD ($)facility	Apr. 02, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 03, 2016USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred		$ 221,417	$ 0
Acquisition related costs		4,325	$ 326
Packaging Holdings, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred	$ 221,417
Number of manufacturing facilities | facility	5
Plastic Packaging Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Adjustment to intangibles		1,400
Adjustment to PP&E		400
Adjustment to deferred tax liability		(706)
Goodwill accounting adjustments		(1,094)
Laminar Medica
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Adjustment to PP&E		(161)
Goodwill accounting adjustments		$ 161
Loans Payable
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of debt	$ 150,000
Debt term	3 years
United States | Packaging Holdings, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of manufacturing facilities | facility	4
Mexico | Packaging Holdings, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of manufacturing facilities | facility	1

Acquisitions - Fair Value of As

Acquisitions - Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 02, 2017	Mar. 14, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	[1]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 1,156,674		$ 1,092,215
Packaging Holdings, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Trade accounts receivable		$ 14,535
Inventories		42,428
Property plant and equipment		77,267
Goodwill		60,018
Other intangible assets		54,000
Trade accounts payable		(21,655)
Other net tangible assets /(liabilities)		(5,176)
Net assets		$ 221,417
[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.

Shareholders' Equity - Earnings

Shareholders' Equity - Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017	Apr. 03, 2016
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Sonoco	$ 53,733	$ 59,914
Denominator:
Basic (in shares)	100,112	101,628
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation (in shares)	868	701
Diluted (in shares)	100,980	102,329
Reported net income attributable to Sonoco per common share:
Basic (in usd per share)	$ 0.54	$ 0.59
Diluted (in usd per share)	$ 0.53	$ 0.59

Shareholders' Equity - Addition

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Apr. 20, 2017	Feb. 08, 2017	Apr. 02, 2017	Apr. 03, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Feb. 10, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of securities excluded from computation of dilutive earning per share			356,000	1,430,000
Number of shares authorized for repurchase						5,000,000
Number of shares repurchased			0		2,030,000
Cost of shares repurchased					$ 100,000
Number of shares available for repurchase			2,970,000
Dividend declared date		Feb. 8, 2017
Dividend declared and payable (in usd per share)		$ 0.37
Dividend payable date		Mar. 10, 2017
Dividend payable date of record		Feb. 22, 2017
Tax Withholding Obligations
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares repurchased			105,000	87,000
Cost of shares repurchased			$ 5,539	$ 3,613
Subsequent Event
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividend declared date	Apr. 19, 2017
Dividend declared and payable (in usd per share)	$ 0.39
Dividend payable date	Jun. 9, 2017
Dividend payable date of record	May 12, 2017

Restructuring and Asset Impai35

Restructuring and Asset Impairment - Restructuring and Asset Impairment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017	Apr. 03, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	$ 4,111	$ 9,228
Income tax benefit	(1,298)	(2,920)
Less: Costs attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	(2)	(7)
Restructuring/asset impairment charges attributable to Sonoco, net of tax	2,811	6,301
2017 Actions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	2,304	0
2016 Actions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	1,155	6,413
2015 and Earlier Actions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	$ 652	$ 2,815

Restructuring and Asset Impai36

Restructuring and Asset Impairment - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017USD ($)position	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)facility
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected future charges associated with previous restructuring on earnings | $	$ 1,500
United States
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of facilities closed		1
Canada
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of facilities closed		1
Ecuador
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of facilities closed		1
Switzerland
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of facilities closed		1
2017 Actions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Elimination of positions due to realign in cost structure | position	32
2016 Actions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Elimination of positions due to realign in cost structure | position	180
2015 and Earlier Actions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected future charges associated with previous restructuring on earnings | $	$ 500
Remaining restructuring accrual | $	$ 1,992	$ 3,608

Restructuring and Asset Impai37

Restructuring and Asset Impairment - Actions and Related Expenses by Segment and by Type Incurred and Estimated for Given Years (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017	Apr. 03, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	$ 4,111	$ 9,228
2017 Actions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	2,304	0
Estimated Total Cost	2,899
2017 Actions | Other Costs | Consumer Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	159
Estimated Total Cost	159
2017 Actions | Other Costs | Paper And Industrial Converted Products
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	0
Estimated Total Cost	6
2016 Actions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	1,155	6,413
Total Incurred to Date	34,152
Estimated Total Cost	34,550
2016 Actions | Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets | Consumer Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	0	(306)
Total Incurred to Date	(306)
Estimated Total Cost	(306)
2016 Actions | Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets | Display and Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	96	0
Total Incurred to Date	2,808
Estimated Total Cost	2,808
2016 Actions | Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets | Paper And Industrial Converted Products
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	0	0
Total Incurred to Date	13,300
Estimated Total Cost	13,300
2016 Actions | Other Costs | Consumer Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	0	198
Total Incurred to Date	731
Estimated Total Cost	731
2016 Actions | Other Costs | Display and Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	229	0
Total Incurred to Date	515
Estimated Total Cost	515
2016 Actions | Other Costs | Paper And Industrial Converted Products
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	690	18
Total Incurred to Date	1,988
Estimated Total Cost	2,188
2016 Actions | Other Costs | Protective Solutions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	55	0
Total Incurred to Date	205
Estimated Total Cost	205
2015 and Earlier Actions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	652	2,815
Operating Segments | 2017 Actions | Severance and Termination Benefits | Consumer Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	967
Estimated Total Cost	1,467
Operating Segments | 2017 Actions | Severance and Termination Benefits | Display and Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	106
Estimated Total Cost	106
Operating Segments | 2017 Actions | Severance and Termination Benefits | Paper And Industrial Converted Products
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	541
Estimated Total Cost	630
Operating Segments | 2017 Actions | Severance and Termination Benefits | Protective Solutions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	75
Estimated Total Cost	75
Operating Segments | 2016 Actions | Severance and Termination Benefits | Consumer Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	1	965
Total Incurred to Date	2,408
Estimated Total Cost	2,408
Operating Segments | 2016 Actions | Severance and Termination Benefits | Display and Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	(13)	1,376
Total Incurred to Date	4,291
Estimated Total Cost	4,291
Operating Segments | 2016 Actions | Severance and Termination Benefits | Paper And Industrial Converted Products
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	98	2,411
Total Incurred to Date	5,985
Estimated Total Cost	6,183
Operating Segments | 2016 Actions | Severance and Termination Benefits | Protective Solutions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	(1)	322
Total Incurred to Date	677
Estimated Total Cost	677
Operating Segments | 2015 and Earlier Actions | Consumer Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	(27)	2,155
Operating Segments | 2015 and Earlier Actions | Display and Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	83	6
Operating Segments | 2015 and Earlier Actions | Paper And Industrial Converted Products
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	565	603
Operating Segments | 2015 and Earlier Actions | Protective Solutions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	24	51
Corporate | 2017 Actions | Severance and Termination Benefits
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	456
Estimated Total Cost	456
Corporate | 2016 Actions | Severance and Termination Benefits
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	0	1,429
Total Incurred to Date	1,550
Estimated Total Cost	1,550
Corporate | 2015 and Earlier Actions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	$ 7	$ 0

Restructuring and Asset Impai38

Restructuring and Asset Impairment - Restructuring Accrual Activity for Given Years (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017USD ($)
2017 Actions
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, Beginning Balance	$ 0
Current year charges	2,304
Cash receipts/(payments)	(1,306)
Asset write downs/disposals	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Liability, Ending Balance	998
2016 Actions
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, Beginning Balance	4,198
Current year charges	1,155
Adjustments	0
Cash receipts/(payments)	(2,606)
Asset write downs/disposals	(414)
Foreign currency translation	8
Liability, Ending Balance	2,341
Severance and Termination Benefits | 2017 Actions
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, Beginning Balance	0
Current year charges	2,145
Cash receipts/(payments)	(1,147)
Foreign currency translation	0
Liability, Ending Balance	998
Severance and Termination Benefits | 2016 Actions
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, Beginning Balance	3,558
Current year charges	85
Adjustments	0
Cash receipts/(payments)	(1,661)
Foreign currency translation	2
Liability, Ending Balance	1,984
Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets | 2017 Actions
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, Beginning Balance	0
Current year charges	0
Cash receipts/(payments)	0
Asset write downs/disposals	0
Liability, Ending Balance	0
Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets | 2016 Actions
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, Beginning Balance	0
Current year charges	96
Adjustments	0
Cash receipts/(payments)	0
Asset write downs/disposals	(96)
Liability, Ending Balance	0
Other Asset Impairment [Member] | 2016 Actions
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Asset write downs/disposals	(318)
Other Costs | 2017 Actions
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, Beginning Balance	0
Current year charges	159
Cash receipts/(payments)	(159)
Foreign currency translation	0
Liability, Ending Balance	0
Other Costs | 2016 Actions
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, Beginning Balance	640
Current year charges	974
Adjustments	0
Cash receipts/(payments)	(945)
Foreign currency translation	6
Liability, Ending Balance	$ 357

Accumulated Other Comprehensi39

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Apr. 02, 2017	Apr. 03, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	[1]	$ 1,554,705
Other comprehensive income		39,186	$ 38,676
Ending Balance		1,608,867
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		1,939	(5,152)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications		(2,626)	411
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		(365)	1,514
Other comprehensive income		(2,949)	1,900
Ending Balance		(1,010)	(3,252)
Defined Benefit Pension Items
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		(453,821)	(444,244)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications		4,924	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		6,375	5,948
Other comprehensive income		11,299	5,948
Ending Balance		(442,522)	(438,296)
Foreign Currency Items
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		(286,498)	(253,137)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications		30,156	30,828
Other comprehensive income		30,156	30,828
Ending Balance		(256,342)	(222,309)
AOCI Attributable to Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		(738,380)	(702,533)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications		32,454	31,239
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		6,010	7,462
Other comprehensive income		38,506	38,676
Ending Balance		(699,874)	(663,857)
Fixed Assets | Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		42	(25)
Fixed Assets | AOCI Attributable to Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		$ 42	$ (25)
[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 Comprehensi40

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017USD ($)
Subsidiaries [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	$ 5,071

Accumulated Other Comprehensi41

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Effects on Net Income of Significant Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017	Apr. 03, 2016
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,172,324	$ 1,226,276
Cost of sales	(952,102)	(981,023)
Selling, general and administrative	(126,138)	(134,193)
Income before income taxes	77,915	88,045
Tax benefit	(25,539)	(29,194)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income before equity in earnings of affiliates	(6,010)	(7,462)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	563	(2,706)
Tax benefit	(198)	1,192
Income before equity in earnings of affiliates	365	(1,514)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges | Foreign Exchange Contracts
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net sales	1,040	(2,240)
Cost of sales	(725)	1,045
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges | Commodity Contracts
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of sales	248	(1,511)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Defined Benefit Pension Items
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of sales	(7,588)	(7,143)
Selling, general and administrative	(2,529)	(2,381)
Income before income taxes	(10,117)	(9,524)
Tax benefit	3,742	3,576
Income before equity in earnings of affiliates	$ (6,375)	$ (5,948)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi42

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017	Apr. 03, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$ 30,836	$ 30,828
Defined benefit pension items:
Net other comprehensive income (loss) from defined benefit pension items, after tax	11,299	5,948
Gains and losses on cash flow hedges:
Net other comprehensive income (loss) from cash flow hedges, after tax	(2,949)	1,900
AOCI Attributable to Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency items, before tax	30,156	30,828
Foreign currency items, tax (expense) benefit	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	30,156	30,828
Defined benefit pension items:
Other comprehensive (income) loss, before tax	(147)	0
Other comprehensive (income) loss, tax (expense) benefit	5,071	0
Other comprehensive (income) loss after tax	4,924	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net income, before tax	10,117	9,524
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net income, tax (expense) benefit	(3,742)	(3,576)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net income, after tax	6,375	5,948
Net other comprehensive income (loss) from defined benefit pension items, before tax	9,970	9,524
Net other comprehensive income (loss) from defined benefit pension items, tax (expense) benefit	1,329	(3,576)
Net other comprehensive income (loss) from defined benefit pension items, after tax	11,299	5,948
Gains and losses on cash flow hedges:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, before tax	(4,048)	601
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, tax (expense) benefit	1,422	(190)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, after tax	(2,626)	411
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	(563)	2,706
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), tax (expense) benefit	198	(1,192)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), after tax	(365)	1,514
Net other comprehensive income (loss) from cash flow hedges, before tax	(4,569)	3,282
Net other comprehensive income (loss) from cash flow hedges, tax (expense) benefit	1,620	(1,382)
Net other comprehensive income (loss) from cash flow hedges, after tax	(2,949)	1,900
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	35,557	43,634
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax (expense) benefit	2,949	(4,958)
Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax	38,506	38,676
Fixed Assets | AOCI Attributable to Parent
Gains and losses on cash flow hedges:
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	42	(25)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), tax (expense) benefit	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), after tax	$ 42	$ (25)

Goodwill and Other Intangible43

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Changes in Goodwill by Segment (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 1,092,215	[1]
Acquisitions	59,085
Foreign currency translation	5,374
Goodwill, ending balance	1,156,674
Consumer Packaging
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	435,590
Acquisitions	58,924
Foreign currency translation	3,157
Goodwill, ending balance	497,671
Display and Packaging
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	203,414
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Goodwill, ending balance	203,414
Paper and Industrial Converted Products
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	221,983
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	2,113
Goodwill, ending balance	224,096
Protective Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	231,228
Acquisitions	161
Foreign currency translation	104
Goodwill, ending balance	$ 231,493
[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 Intangible44

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 02, 2017USD ($)customer	Oct. 02, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 03, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 14, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 1,156,674,000				$ 1,092,215,000	[1]
Expected average useful life		9 years 1 month
Aggregate amortization expenses		$ 7,211,000		$ 8,336,000
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2017		33,800,000
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2018		34,700,000
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2019		33,600,000
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2020		31,900,000
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2021		29,900,000
Tubes and Cores/Paper - Brazil Reporting Unit
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		88,073,000
Paper and Industrial Converted Products
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		224,096,000				221,983,000
Goodwill, impairment loss			$ 2,617,000
Other Segments
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, impairment loss		0
Display and Packaging
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		203,414,000				$ 203,414,000
Display and Packaging | Display and Packaging Reporting Unit
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 203,414,000
Number of customers | customer		1
Minimum
Goodwill [Line Items]
Useful lives of other intangible assets		3 years
Maximum
Goodwill [Line Items]
Useful lives of other intangible assets		40 years
Packaging Holdings, Inc.
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill					$ 60,018,000
Intangible assets acquired	$ 54,000,000
Plastic Packaging Inc.
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill accounting adjustments		$ (1,094,000)
Adjustment to intangibles		1,400,000
Laminar Medica
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill accounting adjustments		$ 161,000
[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 Intangible45

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 02, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Intangible Assets, gross:
Other Intangible Assets, gross	$ 475,364	$ 417,938
Accumulated Amortization	(201,470)	(192,980)
Other Intangible Assets, net	273,894	224,958	[1]
Patents
Other Intangible Assets, gross:
Other Intangible Assets, gross	28,165	13,164
Accumulated Amortization	(5,112)	(5,647)
Customer Lists
Other Intangible Assets, gross:
Other Intangible Assets, gross	400,545	362,162
Accumulated Amortization	(180,622)	(172,292)
Trade Names
Other Intangible Assets, gross:
Other Intangible Assets, gross	23,924	19,902
Accumulated Amortization	(2,892)	(2,733)
Proprietary Technology
Other Intangible Assets, gross:
Other Intangible Assets, gross	20,729	20,721
Accumulated Amortization	(11,719)	(11,236)
Land Use Rights
Other Intangible Assets, gross:
Other Intangible Assets, gross	290	288
Accumulated Amortization	(42)	(41)
Other
Other Intangible Assets, gross:
Other Intangible Assets, gross	1,711	1,701
Accumulated Amortization	$ (1,083)	$ (1,031)
[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 Der46

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Carrying Amount and Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 02, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term debt, net of current portion, Carrying Amount	$ 1,177,188	$ 1,020,698	[1]
Long-term debt, net of current portion, Fair Value	$ 1,286,950	$ 1,116,336
[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 Der47

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017USD ($)MMBTUt	Apr. 03, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of commodity cash flow hedges	$ 1,923		$ 3,636
Commodity gain (loss) expected to be reclassified to the income statement during the next 12 months	1,671
Fair value of foreign currency cash flow hedges	(3,034)		(185)
Foreign currency gain (loss) expected to be reclassified to the income statement during the next 12 months	(3,043)
Total fair value of other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	$ (633)		$ (696)
Natural Gas Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Approximate amount of commodity covered by swap contracts outstanding | MMBTU	8.3
Anticipated usage percentage covered by a swap contract for the current fiscal year	92.00%
Anticipated usage percentage covered by a swap contract for the second succeeding fiscal year (less than)	55.00%
Anticipated usage percentage covered by a swap contract for the third succeeding fiscal year (less than)	35.00%
Aluminum Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Anticipated usage percentage covered by a swap contract for the current fiscal year	61.00%
Approximate amount of commodity covered by swap contracts outstanding | t	3,629
AOCI Attributable to Parent
Derivative [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 6,010	$ 7,462
AOCI Attributable to Parent | Fixed Assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 42	$ (25)

Financial Instruments and Der48

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Net Positions of Foreign Contracts (Details) - Apr. 02, 2017 € in Thousands, £ in Thousands, TRY in Thousands, RUB in Thousands, PLN in Thousands, NZD in Thousands, MXN in Thousands, COP in Thousands, CAD in Thousands, AUD in Thousands	AUD	PLN	TRY	RUB	CAD	EUR (€)	COP	GBP (£)	MXN	NZD
Purchase | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Net position					CAD 42,831		COP 1,553,369		MXN 448,498
Cash Flow Hedging | Purchase
Derivative [Line Items]
Net position			TRY 6,318	RUB 11,964				£ 2,254
Cash Flow Hedging | Sell
Derivative [Line Items]
Net position	AUD 654	PLN 2,142				€ 5,244				NZD 510

Financial Instruments and Der49

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Net Positions of Other Derivatives Contract (Details) - Apr. 02, 2017 MXN in Thousands, COP in Thousands, CAD in Thousands	CAD	COP	MXN
Purchase | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivative [Line Items]
Net position	CAD 11,911	COP 2,260,800	MXN 231,676

Financial Instruments and Der50

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Location and Fair Values of Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 02, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Commodity Contracts | Prepaid Expenses
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Prepaid expenses, accrued expenses, and other liabilities	$ 1,973	$ 3,240
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Commodity Contracts | Other Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Prepaid expenses, accrued expenses, and other liabilities	209	527
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Commodity Contracts | Accrued Expenses and Other
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Prepaid expenses, accrued expenses, and other liabilities	51	89
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Commodity Contracts | Other Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Prepaid expenses, accrued expenses, and other liabilities	208	42
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Prepaid Expenses
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Prepaid expenses	197	761
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Accrued Expenses and Other
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Prepaid expenses, accrued expenses, and other liabilities	3,231	946
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Prepaid Expenses
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Prepaid expenses	53	194
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Accrued Expenses and Other
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Prepaid expenses, accrued expenses, and other liabilities	$ 686	$ 890

Financial Instruments and Der51

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Effect of Derivative Instruments on Financial Performance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017	Apr. 03, 2016
Foreign Exchange Contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	$ (2,692)	$ 2,317
Foreign Exchange Contracts | Net Sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI Into Income (Effective Portion)	1,040	(2,240)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	0	0
Foreign Exchange Contracts | Cost of Sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI Into Income (Effective Portion)	(725)	1,045
Commodity Contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	(1,356)	(1,766)
Commodity Contracts | Cost of Sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI Into Income (Effective Portion)	248	(1,511)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	(335)	110
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Cost of Sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain or (Loss) Recognized	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Selling, General and Administrative
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain or (Loss) Recognized	$ (567)	$ (498)

Fair Value Measurements - Asset

Fair Value Measurements - Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 02, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at NAV		$ 0
Deferred compensation plan assets	$ 364	349
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Commodity Contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	1,923	3,636
Assets measured at NAV		0
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	(3,034)	(185)
Assets measured at NAV		0
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	(633)	(696)
Assets measured at NAV		0
Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets	364	349
Level 1 | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Commodity Contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	0	0
Level 1 | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	0	0
Level 1 | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	0	0
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets	0	0
Level 2 | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Commodity Contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	1,923	3,636
Level 2 | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	(3,034)	(185)
Level 2 | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	(633)	(696)
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets	0	0
Level 3 | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Commodity Contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	0	0
Level 3 | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	0	0
Level 3 | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	$ 0	$ 0

Employee Benefit Plans - Additi

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Jul. 02, 2017	Apr. 02, 2017	Apr. 03, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contribution to defined benefit retirement and retiree health and life insurance plans			$ 43,557,000	$ 32,042,000
Retiree Health And Life Insurance Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contribution to defined benefit retirement and retiree health and life insurance plans			29,491,000	18,690,000
Projected contributions to retirement plan			$ 14,000,000
Sonoco Investment And Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer matching contribution, percent of employees' gross pay			4.00%
Employer matching contribution, percent of employees' gross pay in excess of social security			4.00%
Contribution to defined benefit retirement and retiree health and life insurance plans			$ 14,066,000	13,352,000
Projected contributions to retirement plan			0
Recognized expense related to the plan			$ 3,871,000	$ 3,018,000
U.S. Defined Benefit Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Terminated vested participants (as a percent)	15.00%
Election rate (as a percent)			51.00%
U.S. Defined Benefit Plan | Forecast
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Non-cash settlement charge		$ 34,000,000

Employee Benefit Plans - Compon

Employee Benefit Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017	Apr. 03, 2016
Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 4,712	$ 5,023
Interest cost	14,701	15,326
Expected return on plan assets	(20,838)	(22,044)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	231	193
Amortization of net actuarial loss	10,168	9,596
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	8,974	8,094
Retiree Health and Life Insurance Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	84	85
Interest cost	120	130
Expected return on plan assets	(414)	(404)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(127)	(128)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	(155)	(137)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$ (492)	$ (454)

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 02, 2017	Apr. 03, 2016
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Effective tax rate		32.80%	33.20%
Increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax benefit		$ (2,400,000)
Reserves for uncertain tax benefits		0
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Penalties expense	$ 18,000,000
Tax examination, possible loss		$ 84,000,000

Segment Reporting - Additional

Segment Reporting - Additional Information (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	4

Segment Reporting - Segment Fin

Segment Reporting - Segment Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017	Apr. 03, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,172,324	$ 1,226,276
Income before interest and income taxes	89,973	101,832
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	(4,111)	(9,228)
Operating Segments | Consumer Packaging
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	482,181	527,338
Income before interest and income taxes	58,010	62,865
Operating Segments | Display and Packaging
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	114,635	144,267
Income before interest and income taxes	3,183	3,281
Operating Segments | Paper And Industrial Converted Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	442,502	423,074
Income before interest and income taxes	24,723	33,299
Operating Segments | Protective Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	133,006	131,597
Income before interest and income taxes	10,861	12,026
Intersegment Sales
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	30,745	28,796
Intersegment Sales | Consumer Packaging
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,223	1,332
Intersegment Sales | Display and Packaging
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	750	497
Intersegment Sales | Paper And Industrial Converted Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	28,373	26,381
Intersegment Sales | Protective Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	399	586
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	(4,111)	(9,228)
Other, net	$ (2,693)	$ (411)

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	24 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2017	Apr. 02, 2017	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Nov. 08, 2011
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Environmental accrual		$ 20,828		$ 24,515
Tegrant Holding Corporation
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Environmental accrual		16,816		$ 16,821	$ 17,400
Payment towards remediation of sites		701
Increase (decrease) due to revision of estimates			$ 117
Appvion, Inc. | U.S. Mills | Lower Fox River
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Settlement amount against Entity	$ 3,334
Environmental remediation spent		$ 315