Sonoco Products (SON) 10-Q 31 Oct 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 19, 2018
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	SON
Entity Registrant Name	SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY
Entity Central Index Key	91,767
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		99,809,098

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 250,424	$ 254,912	[1],[2]
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances	775,054	725,251	[1],[2]
Other receivables	93,470	64,561	[1],[2]
Inventories, net:
Finished and in process	157,920	196,204	[1],[2]
Materials and supplies	309,319	277,859	[1],[2]
Prepaid expenses	64,318	44,849	[1],[2]
Total Current Assets	1,650,505	1,563,636	[1],[2]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	1,140,113	1,169,377	[1],[2]
Goodwill	1,285,368	1,241,875	[2]
Other Intangible Assets, Net	340,824	331,295	[1],[2]
Deferred Income Taxes	50,059	62,053	[1],[2]
Other Assets	191,765	189,485	[1],[2]
Total Assets	4,658,634	4,557,721	[1],[2]
Current Liabilities
Payable to suppliers	583,054	548,309	[1],[2]
Accrued expenses and other	321,842	283,355	[1],[2]
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	73,899	159,327	[1],[2]
Accrued taxes	15,589	8,979	[1],[2]
Total Current Liabilities	994,384	999,970	[1],[2]
Long-term Debt, Net of Current Portion	1,312,678	1,288,002	[1]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	335,379	355,187	[1],[2]
Deferred Income Taxes	85,473	74,073	[1],[2]
Other Liabilities	97,790	110,429	[1],[2]
Common stock, no par value
Authorized 300,000 shares 99,650 and 99,414 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively	7,175	7,175	[1],[2]
Capital in excess of stated value	333,853	330,157	[1],[2]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(681,865)	(666,272)	[1],[2]
Retained earnings	2,151,658	2,036,006	[1],[2]
Total Sonoco Shareholders’ Equity	1,810,821	1,707,066	[1],[2]
Noncontrolling Interests	22,109	22,994	[1],[2]
Total Equity	1,832,930	1,730,060	[1],[2]
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 4,658,634	$ 4,557,721	[1],[2]
[1]	The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
[2]	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 BALANC_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) (Parenthetical) - shares	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	99,650,000	99,414,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	99,650,000	99,414,000

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,364,762	$ 1,324,634	$ 4,035,322	$ 3,737,632
Cost of sales	1,105,126	1,071,755	3,248,624	3,023,397
Gross profit	259,636	252,879	786,698	714,235
Selling, general and administrative expenses	136,002	129,136	414,474	379,645
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	22,061	511	28,691	12,519
Operating profit	101,573	123,232	343,533	322,071
Non-operating pension costs/(income)	(25)	3,150	197	41,246
Interest expense	15,989	14,741	47,001	41,649
Interest income	1,487	1,094	4,017	3,152
Income before income taxes	87,096	106,435	300,352	242,328
Provision for income taxes	18,325	35,545	71,974	78,251
Income before equity in earnings of affiliates	68,771	70,890	228,378	164,077
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of tax	4,049	2,521	9,012	7,320
Net income	72,820	73,411	237,390	171,397
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(405)	(599)	(1,508)	(1,727)
Net income attributable to Sonoco	$ 72,415	$ 72,812	$ 235,882	$ 169,670
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	100,640	100,275	100,534	100,214
Diluted (in shares)	101,040	100,684	100,993	100,793
Net income attributable to Sonoco:
Basic (in usd per share)	$ 0.72	$ 0.73	$ 2.35	$ 1.69
Diluted (in usd per share)	0.72	0.72	2.34	1.68
Cash dividends (in usd per share)	$ 0.41	$ 0.39	$ 1.21	$ 1.15

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 72,820	$ 73,411	$ 237,390	$ 171,397
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,186	27,445	(40,418)	87,807
Changes in defined benefit plans, net of tax	6,961	10,301	22,200	58,311
Changes in derivative financial instruments, net of tax	1,659	(186)	394	(3,653)
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	9,806	37,560	(17,824)	142,465
Comprehensive income	82,626	110,971	219,566	313,862
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(405)	(599)	(1,508)	(1,727)
Other comprehensive (income)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	730	(517)	2,407	(1,038)
Comprehensive income attributable to Sonoco	$ 82,951	$ 109,855	$ 220,465	$ 311,097

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018		Oct. 01, 2017
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 237,390		$ 171,397
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Asset impairment	2,627		1,486
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	176,895		159,130
Share-based compensation expense	9,442		9,028
Equity in earnings of affiliates	(9,012)		(7,320)
Cash dividends from affiliated companies	5,203		5,467
Net loss on disposition of assets	7,022		833
Pension and postretirement plan expense	25,736		66,245
Pension and postretirement plan contributions	(27,339)		(52,549)
Net increase/(decrease) in deferred taxes	6,097		(2,126)
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions, dispositions, and foreign currency adjustments:
Trade accounts receivable	(58,187)		(70,908)
Inventories	(8,938)		(14,965)
Payable to suppliers	45,038		29,321
Prepaid expenses	(5,126)		(2,504)
Accrued expenses	35,353		1,229
Income taxes payable and other income tax items	(13,050)		(1,886)
Other assets and liabilities	22,365		(10,873)
Net cash provided by operating activities	451,516		281,005
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(135,420)		(144,738)
Cost of acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(150,995)		(383,358)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	23,444		3,743
Investment in affiliates and other, net	899		2,843
Net cash used in investing activities	(262,072)		(521,510)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	202,460		436,335
Principal repayment of debt	(157,911)		(196,198)
Net change in commercial paper	(100,000)		98,000
Net (decrease)/increase in outstanding checks	(6,416)		500
Cash dividends	(120,651)		(114,368)
Shares acquired	(6,987)		(5,942)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	(189,505)		218,327
Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	(4,427)		12,860
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(4,488)		(9,318)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	254,912	[1],[2]	257,226
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 250,424		$ 247,908
[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.
[2]	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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Interim Presentation	Basis of Interim Presentation In the opinion of the management of Sonoco Products Company (the “Company” or “Sonoco”), the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, unless otherwise stated) necessary to state fairly the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods reported herein. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2018. 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, 2017.With respect to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial information of the Company for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and October 1, 2017 included in this Form 10-Q, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP reported that they have applied limited procedures in accordance with professional standards for a review of such information. However, their separate report dated October 31, 2018 appearing herein, states that they did not audit and they do not express an opinion on that unaudited financial information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on their report on such information should be restricted in light of the limited nature of the review procedures applied. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 for their report on the unaudited financial information because that report is not a “report” or a “part” of a registration statement prepared or certified by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2 018-15, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other Internal-Use Software: Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract," which provides guidance on capitalizing implementation cost associated with arrangements that contain a license. The Company will implement this ASU using the prospective method effective October 1, 2018. The adoption of the standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2 017-12, "Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities," which expands and refines hedge accounting for both financial and non-financial risk components, aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of hedging instruments and hedge items in the financial statements, and includes certain targeted improvements to ease the application of current guidance related to the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The update to the standard is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted in any interim period after issuance of this update. T he Company implemented this ASU effective January 1, 2018, and recorded a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings of $176 as of that date in order to remove previously recognized ineffectiveness losses on contracts outstanding as of the date of adoption. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost,” 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 are to 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 implemented this ASU effective January 1, 2018, modifying its income statement presentation of the components of net benefit cost accordingly, including the retrospective application to previously reported results. As a result of the retrospective application, the amounts previously reported in "Cost of sales" and "Selling, general and administrative expenses" for the three months ended October 1, 2017, were reduced by $2,006 and $1,144, respectively, and "Operating profit" increased by $3,150, in order to conform to the current presentation. The comparable changes for the nine months ended October 1, 2017, were $7,273, $33,973, and $41,246, for "Cost of sales," "Selling, general and administrative expenses," and "Operating profit," respectively. No change was required to the Company's historical policy regarding the capitalization of such costs. 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 is 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, with early adoption permitted, and should be applied on a prospective basis. The Company elected early adoption of the standard effective January 1, 2018. Any future goodwill impairment, should it occur, will be determined in accordance with this ASU. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, "Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory," which requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset upon transfer other than inventory, eliminating the current recognition exception. Prior to this ASU, GAAP prohibited the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for intra-entity asset transfers until the asset was sold to an outside party. The recognition prohibition was an exception to the principle of comprehensive recognition of current and deferred income taxes in GAAP. This guidance became effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, and did not 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. This guidance, which applies to both interim and annual periods, became effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. As a result of the retrospective application, insurance proceeds totaling $1,104 received during the nine months ended October 1, 2017 previously reported in "Cash Flows from Operating Activities" were reclassified to "Cash Flows from Investing Activities." Otherwise, adoption of the standard did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements, as the Company either did not realize any cash flows from these types of activities, such amounts were immaterial, or the prescribed guidance did not differ from its current practice. 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 effect 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, "Leases" (“ASU 2016-02”) which primarily requires lessees to recognize on the balance sheet a right-of-use asset and lease liability for all long-term leases. ASU 2016-02 also 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 and the newly adopted revenue recognition standard. The Company has elected to adopt the standard using the modified retrospective transition approach with a January 1, 2019 effective date of initial application. Under the modified retrospective transition method, we will recognize a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the effective date in the period of adoption. Consequently, comparative financial information and disclosures provided for dates and periods before January 1, 2019 will not be updated in the Company’s future filings. The Company established a cross-functional team to implement certain software solutions as part of its newly integrated enterprise-wide lease management system. The team is progressing through the implementation plan and developing business processes, accounting systems, and internal controls to ensure the Company meets the reporting and disclosure requirements of the new standard. The Company is still assessing the impact on its consolidated financial statements, but expects the adoption of ASU 2016-02 to have a material impact on its consolidated balance sheet for the initial recognition of the right-of-use asset and lease liability associated with operating leases that are not currently recognized on the balance sheet under present U.S. GAAP. The impact on the Company’s consolidated statement of income continues to be evaluated. 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. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 in the first quarter of 2018 following the modified retrospective transition method and, as such, recorded a cumulative adjustment of $1,721 to beginning retained earnings for the period. The most significant impacts to the Company's financial statements from the adoption of this ASU are the acceleration of revenue recognition compared to prior standards for 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, and the recognition of material customer contract rights for certain agreed-upon future price concessions. During the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, 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 September 30, 2018, there were no other pronouncements pending adoption that are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Changes in Accounting Policy

Changes in Accounting Policy	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Changes in Accounting Policy	Changes in Accounting Policy Except for the changes below, the Company has consistently applied the accounting policies to all periods presented in these condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted ASC 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," effective January 1, 2018. As a result, the Company has changed its accounting policy for revenue recognition as detailed in Note 14. The Company applied ASC 606 using the cumulative effect method by recognizing the cumulative effect of initially applying ASC 606 as an adjustment to the opening balance of equity at January 1, 2018. Therefore, the comparative information has not been adjusted and continues to be reported under ASC 605. The details of the significant changes and quantitative impact of the changes are set out below. December 31, 2017 As Reported Adjustments January 1, 2018 Adjusted Assets Current Assets Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances $ 725,251 $ 3,636 $ 728,887 Other receivables 64,561 41,351 105,912 Inventories: Finished and in process 196,204 (37,447) 158,757 Total Assets $ 4,557,721 $ 7,540 $ 4,565,261 Liabilities and Equity Current Liabilities Accrued expenses and other 283,355 5,215 288,570 999,970 5,215 1,005,185 Deferred Income Taxes 74,073 604 74,677 Sonoco Shareholders’ Equity Retained earnings 2,036,006 1,721 2,037,727 Total Sonoco Shareholders’ Equity 1,707,066 1,721 1,708,787 Total Equity 1,730,060 1,721 1,731,781 Total Liabilities and Equity $ 4,557,721 $ 7,540 $ 4,565,261 The following table summarizes the impact of the adoption of ASC 606 on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2018: September 30, 2018 as reported Adjustments Balances without Assets Current Assets Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances $ 775,054 (5,744) $ 769,310 Other receivables 93,470 (44,698) 48,772 Inventories: Finished and in process 157,920 42,051 199,971 Total Assets $ 4,658,634 $ (8,391) $ 4,650,243 Liabilities and Equity Current Liabilities Accrued expenses and other 321,842 (5,998) 315,844 994,384 (5,998) 988,386 Deferred Income Taxes 85,473 (622) 84,851 Sonoco Shareholders' Equity Retained earnings 2,151,658 (1,771) 2,149,887 Total Sonoco Shareholders’ Equity 1,810,821 (1,771) 1,809,050 Total Equity 1,832,930 (1,771) 1,831,159 Total Liabilities and Equity $ 4,658,634 $ (8,391) $ 4,650,243 The following table summarizes the impact of the adoption of ASC 606 on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the three- and nine-months ending September 30, 2018: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Adjustments Balances September 30, 2018 Adjustments Balances Net sales $ 1,364,762 $ (648) $ 1,364,114 $ 4,035,322 $ (4,673) $ 4,030,649 Cost of sales 1,105,126 (1,731) 1,103,395 3,248,624 (4,605) 3,244,019 Gross profit 259,636 1,083 260,719 786,698 (68) 786,630 Operating profit 101,573 1,083 102,656 343,533 (68) 343,465 Income before income taxes 87,096 1,083 88,179 300,352 (68) 300,284 Provision for income taxes 18,325 281 18,606 71,974 (18) 71,956 Income before equity in earnings of affiliates 68,771 802 69,573 228,378 (50) 228,328 Net income 72,820 802 73,622 237,390 (50) 237,340 Net income attributable to Sonoco $ 72,415 $ 802 $ 73,217 $ 235,882 $ (50) $ 235,832 The following table summarizes the impact of the adoption of ASC 606 on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the three- and nine-month periods ending September 30, 2018: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Adjustments Balances September 30, 2018 Adjustments Balances Net income $ 72,820 $ 802 $ 73,622 $ 237,390 $ (50) $ 237,340 Other comprehensive income/(loss): Foreign currency translation adjustments 1,186 (30) 1,156 (40,418) 13 (40,405) Other comprehensive income 9,806 (30) 9,776 (17,824) 13 (17,811) Comprehensive income 82,626 772 83,398 219,566 (37) 219,529 Comprehensive income attributable to Sonoco $ 82,951 $ 772 $ 83,723 $ 220,465 $ (37) $ 220,428 The following table summarizes the impact of the adoption of ASC 606 on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Adjustments Balances without Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net income $ 237,390 $ (50) $ 237,340 Trade accounts receivable (58,187) 2,108 (56,079) Inventories (8,938) (4,604) (13,542) Other assets and liabilities 22,365 3,347 25,712 Accrued expenses 35,353 (783) 34,570 Income taxes payable and other income tax items (13,050) (18) (13,068) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 451,516 $ — $ 451,516

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions On April 12, 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of Highland Packaging Solutions ("Highland"). Total consideration for this acquisition was $148,539, including cash paid at closing of $141,305, a contingent purchase liability of $7,500, and a final working capital settlement completed in the third quarter in which the Company received $266. The contingent purchase liability is based upon a sales metric which the Company expects to meet and is payable in two installments. The first installment of $5,000 is to be paid one year after the closing date and the second installment of $2,500 is to be paid two years after the closing date. The liability for these two payments has been recognized in full on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2018, with the first installment included in "Accrued expenses and other" and the second in "Other Liabilities." Highland manufactures thermoformed plastic packaging for fresh produce and dairy products from a single production facility in Plant City, Florida, providing total packaging solutions for customers that include sophisticated engineered containers, flexographic printed labels, and inventory management through distribution warehouses in the Southeast and West Coast of the United States. The Company financed the acquisition with proceeds from a new $100,000 term loan, along with proceeds from existing credit facilities. See Note 9 for additional information. The preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the Highland acquisition are as follows: Trade accounts receivable $ 6,072 Inventories 27,225 Property, plant and equipment 29,080 Goodwill 47,193 Other intangible assets 45,624 Trade accounts payable (6,006) Other net tangible assets /(liabilities) (649) Net assets $ 148,539 Factors comprising goodwill, all 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. Highland's financial results are included in the Company's Consumer Packaging segment and the business will operate within the Company's global plastics division. The allocation of the purchase price of Highland to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed was based on the Company's preliminary estimates of their fair value, based on information currently available. Management is continuing to finalize its valuation of certain assets and liabilities including, but not limited to: inventory; property, plant and equipment; other intangible assets; and trade accounts receivable, and expects to complete its valuations within one year of the date of acquisition. The Company has accounted for its acquisitions as business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting, in accordance with the business combinations subtopic of the Accounting Standards Codification and has included their results of operations in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income from their respective dates of acquisition. The Company does not believe the Highland acquisition is an individually material transaction subject to the supplemental pro-forma information required by ASC 805. However, the prior year acquisitions of Packaging Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries, including Peninsula Packaging LLC ("Packaging Holdings"), acquired March 14, 2017, and Clear Lam Packaging, Inc. ("Clear Lam"), acquired July 24, 2017, were considered material on a combined basis. The following table presents the Company's estimated unaudited pro forma consolidated results for the three- and nine-month periods ended October 1, 2017, assuming both acquisitions had occurred on January 1, 2016. This pro forma information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisitions had been completed as of the beginning of 2016, nor are they necessarily indicative of future consolidated results. (unaudited) Pro Forma Supplemental Information Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Consolidated October 1, 2017 October 1, 2017 Net sales $ 1,332,532 $ 3,844,048 Net income attributable to Sonoco 73,284 172,470 Earnings per share: Pro forma basic $0.73 $1.72 Pro forma diluted $0.73 $1.71 The pro forma information above does not project the Company’s expected results of any future period and gives no effect for any future synergistic benefits that may result from consolidating these subsidiaries or costs from integrating their operations with those of the Company. Pro forma information includes adjustments to depreciation, amortization, interest expense, income taxes, and acquisition-related costs. The following table presents the aggregate, unaudited financial results for Packaging Holdings and Clear Lam from their respective dates of acquisition: (unaudited) Aggregate Supplemental Information Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Packaging Holdings and Clear Lam October 1, 2017 October 1, 2017 Actual net sales $ 77,764 $ 145,983 Actual net income 1,976 2,160 During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company finalized its valuations of the assets and liabilities acquired in conjunction with the 2017 acquisition of Clear Lam, based on information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. As a result, measurement period adjustments were made to the previously disclosed provisional fair values of Clear Lam's net assets that decreased property, plant and equipment by $1,168, decreased other intangible assets by $1,300, increased other long-term liabilities by $1,385, increased goodwill by $3,168, and increased other net tangibles assets by $685. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company finalized its valuations of the assets and liabilities acquired in conjunction with the 2017 acquisition of Packaging Holdings, based on information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. As a result, measurement period adjustments were made to the previously disclosed provisional fair values of Packaging Holding's net assets that increased inventory by $2,381, decreased deferred tax assets by $7,057, increased long-term debt by $664, and increased goodwill by $5,340. The adjustments were primarily related to a reduction in the Company’s valuation of acquired tax loss carryforwards, and the fair values of spare parts inventories and capital lease obligations. Acquisition-related costs of $401 and $945 were incurred during the three months ended September 30, 2018 and October 1, 2017, respectively, and $4,037 and $5,270 during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and October 1,2017, 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. On October 1, 2018, subsequent to the end of the third quarter, the Company completed the acquisition of the remaining 70 percent interest in Conitex Sonoco (BVI), Ltd. ("Conitex Sonoco") from Texpack, Inc. for total consideration of approximately $133,000 in cash. Final consideration will be subject to a post-closing adjustment for the change in working capital to the date of closing. The Conitex Sonoco joint venture was formed in 1998 with Texpack, Inc., a Spanish-based global provider of paperboard and paper-based packaging products. Conitex Sonoco produces uncoated recycled paperboard and tubes and cones for the global spun yarn industry, as well as adhesives, flexible intermediate bulk containers and corrugated pallets. Conitex Sonoco has approximately 1,250 employees across 13 manufacturing locations in 10 countries, including four paper mills and seven cone and tube converting operations and two other production facilities. Also on October 1, 2018, the Company acquired from Texpack, Inc. a rigid paper facility in Spain for $9,956, the full amount of which was pre-funded on September 28, 2018. As these acquisitions were completed subsequent to the end of the quarter, the preliminary assessment of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed has not been completed. Accordingly, such amounts cannot yet be provided.

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Shareholders' Equity Earnings per Share The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 October 1, September 30, 2018 October 1, Numerator: Net income attributable to Sonoco $ 72,415 $ 72,812 $ 235,882 $ 169,670 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 100,640 100,275 100,534 100,214 Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation 400 409 459 579 Diluted 101,040 100,684 100,993 100,793 Net income attributable to Sonoco per common share: Basic $ 0.72 $ 0.73 $ 2.35 $ 1.69 Diluted $ 0.72 $ 0.72 $ 2.34 $ 1.68 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 SARs may become dilutive in the future if the market price of the Company's common stock appreciates. The average number of SARs that were not dilutive and, therefore, not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and October 1,2017 was as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 October 1, September 30, 2018 October 1, 2017 Anti-dilutive stock appreciation rights 895 531 892 473 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 were purchased in 2016. No shares were repurchased under this authorization during 2017 or during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Accordingly, a total of 2,970 shares remain available for repurchase at September 30, 2018. 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 135 shares in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 at a cost of $6,987, and 113 shares in the nine months ended October 1, 2017 at a cost of $5,942. Dividend Declarations On July 18, 2018, the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.41 per share. This dividend was paid on September 10, 2018 to all shareholders of record as of August 10, 2018. On October 16, 2018, the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.41 per share. This dividend is payable on December 10, 2018 to all shareholders of record as of November 9, 2018.

Restructuring and Asset Impairm

Restructuring and Asset Impairment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 2018 and 2017 are reported as “2018 Actions” and “2017 Actions,” respectively. Actions initiated prior to 2017, all of which were substantially complete at September 30, 2018, are reported as “2016 and Earlier Actions.” Following are the total restructuring and asset impairment charges, net of adjustments, recognized by the Company during the periods presented: 2018 2017 Third Quarter Nine Months Third Quarter Nine Months Restructuring/Asset impairment: 2018 Actions $ 19,348 $ 24,263 $ — $ — 2017 Actions 3,184 4,606 1,610 7,798 2016 and Earlier Actions (471) (178) (1,301) 4,181 Other asset impairments — — 202 540 Restructuring/Asset impairment charges 22,061 28,691 511 12,519 Income tax benefit (5,465) (7,196) (445) (4,081) Less: Costs attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax (28) (48) (21) (35) Restructuring/asset impairment charges attributable to Sonoco, net of tax $ 16,568 $ 21,447 $ 45 $ 8,403 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 $3,900 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 2018. The Company continually evaluates its cost structure, including its manufacturing capacity, and additional restructuring actions are likely to be undertaken. 2018 Actions During 2018, the Company announced the closures of a flexible packaging plant in North Carolina, a global brand management facility in Canada, and a thermoformed packaging plant in California (all part of the Consumer Packaging segment), two tube and core plants, one in Alabama and one in Canada (both part of the Paper and Industrial Converted Products segment), and a protective packaging plant in North Carolina (part of the Protective Solutions segment). Restructuring actions in the Display and Packaging segment included charges associated with exiting a single-customer contract at a packaging center near Atlanta, Georgia. In addition, approximately 100 positions were eliminated in the first nine months of 2018 in conjunction with the Company's ongoing organizational effectiveness efforts. Below is a summary of 2018 Actions and related expenses by segment and by type incurred and estimated to be incurred through completion. 2018 Actions Third Quarter 2018 Total Estimated Severance and Termination Benefits Consumer Packaging $ 1,154 $ 2,848 $ 4,148 Display and Packaging 1,134 1,865 1,865 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 608 $ 1,900 1,900 Protective Solutions 232 1,008 1,008 Corporate — 243 243 Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets Consumer Packaging 305 380 380 Display and Packaging 4,517 4,517 4,517 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 70 70 70 Protective Solutions — (243) (243) Other Costs Consumer Packaging 361 366 866 Display and Packaging 9,729 9,732 9,732 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 1,250 1,543 1,643 Protective Solutions — 46 46 Corporate (12) (12) (12) Total Charges and Adjustments $ 19,348 $ 24,263 $ 26,163 The following table sets forth the activity in the 2018 Actions restructuring accrual included in “Accrued expenses and other” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets: 2018 Actions Severance Asset Impairment/ Other Total Accrual Activity Liability at December 31, 2017 $ — $ — $ — $ — 2018 charges 7,864 4,724 11,675 24,263 Cash receipts/(payments) (4,166) 24,217 (11,385) 8,666 Asset write downs/disposals — (28,941) — (28,941) Foreign currency translation (17) — 2 (15) Liability at September 30, 2018 $ 3,681 $ — $ 292 $ 3,973 Included in "Asset Impairment/Disposal of Assets" above are losses totaling $4,516 from the disposition of certain assets as a result of exiting a single-customer contract associated with a packaging center near Atlanta, Georgia. The Company received proceeds of $22,163 in conjunction with the sale of fixed assets and inventory with net book values of $24,869 and $1,810, respectively. Also included in "Asset Impairment/Disposal of Assets" is a net gain of $272 resulting from the sale of a building and land relating to the closure of a protective packaging plant in North Carolina. The Company received proceeds of $2,019 from the sale and wrote off assets of $1,747. "Other costs" include a contract termination fee of $9,600 related to exiting the single-customer contract as well as 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 2018 Actions restructuring costs by the end of 2018 using cash generated from operations. 2017 Actions During 2017, the Company announced the closure of an expanded foam protective packaging plant in the United States (part of the Protective Solutions segment) and five tubes and cores plants - three in the United States, one in Belgium, and one in China (all part of the Paper and Industrial Converted Products segment). In addition, approximately 255 positions were eliminated throughout 2017 in conjunction with the Company's 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. 2018 2017 Total Estimated 2017 Actions Third Quarter Nine Months Third Quarter Nine Months Severance and Termination Benefits Consumer Packaging $ 2,397 $ 3,453 $ 60 $ 1,376 $ 7,644 $ 8,744 Display and Packaging — (15) — 172 726 726 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 4 6 748 2,952 4,024 4,024 Protective Solutions (149) 163 83 1,057 1,561 1,561 Corporate — — (4) 452 452 452 Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets Consumer Packaging — — 126 126 351 351 Display and Packaging — 193 — — 193 193 Paper and Industrial Converted Products — (1,264) 13 13 (1,359) (1,359) Protective Solutions 93 93 55 832 964 964 Other Costs Consumer Packaging 406 958 37 288 1,837 2,037 Display and Packaging 213 (13) — — 776 1,076 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 131 772 62 100 1,773 1,973 Protective Solutions 89 260 430 430 1,002 1,102 Corporate — — — — (9) (9) Total Charges and Adjustments $ 3,184 $ 4,606 $ 1,610 $ 7,798 $ 19,935 $ 21,835 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 Asset Other Total Accrual Activity Liability at December 31, 2017 $ 3,889 $ — $ 213 $ 4,102 2018 charges 3,607 (978) 1,977 4,606 Cash receipts/(payments) (5,714) 1,841 (2,173) (6,046) Asset write downs/disposals — (863) — (863) Foreign currency translation (8) — (10) (18) Liability at September 30, 2018 $ 1,774 $ — $ 7 $ 1,781 Included in "Asset Impairment/Disposal of Assets" above are gains totaling $1,373 related to the sales of the land and buildings associated with two previously closed tube and core facilities. The Company received proceeds of $1,833 from these sales and wrote off assets with a book value totaling $460. “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 2017 Actions restructuring costs by the end of 2018 using cash generated from operations. 2016 and Earlier Actions 2016 and Earlier Actions are comprised of a number of plant closures and workforce reductions initiated prior to 2017. Charges for these actions in both 2018 and 2017 primarily relate to the cost of plant closures including severance, equipment removal, plant security, property taxes and insurance. The Company expects to recognize future pretax charges of approximately $100 associated with 2016 and Earlier Actions. Below is a summary of expenses/(income) incurred by segment for 2016 and Earlier Actions for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and October 1, 2017. 2018 2017 2016 and Earlier Actions Third Quarter Nine Months Third Quarter Nine Months Consumer Packaging $ (292) $ 41 $ (1,334) $ 1,259 Display and Packaging — (23) (2) 549 Paper and Industrial Converted Products (198) (251) (32) 2,196 Protective Solutions 19 55 53 156 Corporate — — 14 21 Total (credits)/charges, net of adjustments $ (471) $ (178) $ (1,301) $ 4,181 The accrual for 2016 and Earlier Actions totaled $1,177 and $3,044 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, and is included in “Accrued expenses and other” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The majority of the liability associated with 2016 and Earlier Actions relates to unpaid severance and building lease termination costs and is expected to be paid by the end of 2018 using cash generated from operations. Other asset impairments As a result of the continued devaluation of the Venezuelan Bolivar, the Company recognized impairment charges against inventories and certain long-term nonmonetary assets in the second and third quarters of 2017 totaling $540. The assets were deemed to be impaired as the U.S. dollar value of the projected cash flows from these assets was no longer sufficient to recover their U.S. dollar carrying values.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss and the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax as applicable, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and October 1, 2017: Gains and Defined Foreign Accumulated Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (641) $ (467,136) $ (198,495) $ (666,272) Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications 583 1,221 (38,011) (36,207) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (325) 20,979 — 20,654 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to fixed assets 136 — — 136 Other comprehensive income/(loss) 394 22,200 (38,011) (15,417) Amounts reclassified from retained earnings to accumulated other comprehensive loss (176) $ — $ — (176) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ (423) $ (444,936) $ (236,506) $ (681,865) Balance at December 31, 2016 1,939 (453,821) (286,498) (738,380) Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications (654) 22,337 86,769 108,452 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (2,984) 35,974 — 32,990 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to fixed assets (15) — — (15) Other comprehensive income/(loss) (3,653) 58,311 86,769 141,427 Balance at October 1, 2017 $ (1,714) $ (395,510) $ (199,729) $ (596,953) "Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications" during the nine months ended October 1, 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- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and October 1,2017: Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Details about Accumulated Other September 30, 2018 October 1, September 30, 2018 October 1, 2017 Affected Line Item in Gains and losses on cash flow hedges Foreign exchange contracts $ 614 $ 4,814 $ 1,184 $ 8,097 Net sales Foreign exchange contracts (260) (2,766) (613) (4,808) Cost of sales Commodity contracts (153) 656 (143) 1,367 Cost of sales 201 2,704 428 4,656 Income before income taxes (58) (977) (103) (1,672) Provision for income taxes $ 143 $ 1,727 $ 325 $ 2,984 Net income Defined benefit pension items Effect of curtailment loss ( a) $ (97) $ — $ (97) $ — Non-operating pension (income)/cost Effect of settlement loss (a) $ — $ (476) $ (645) $ (31,550) Non-operating pension (income)/cost Amortization of defined benefit pension items (a) (9,068) (9,540) (27,352) (29,325) Non-operating pension (income)/cost (9,165) (10,016) (28,094) (60,875) Income before income taxes 2,357 3,935 7,115 24,901 Provision for income taxes $ (6,808) $ (6,081) $ (20,979) $ (35,974) Net income Total reclassifications for the period $ (6,665) $ (4,354) $ (20,654) $ (32,990) Net income (a) See Note 12 for additional details. The following table summarizes the before and after tax amounts for the various components of other comprehensive income/(loss) for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and October 1,2017: Three months ended September 30, 2018 Three months ended October 1, 2017 Before Tax Tax After Tax Before Tax Tax After Tax Foreign currency items $ 1,916 $ — $ 1,916 $ 26,928 $ — $ 26,928 Defined benefit pension items: Other comprehensive income/(loss) before 184 (31) 153 6,634 (2,414) 4,220 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other 9,165 (2,357) 6,808 10,016 (3,935) 6,081 Net other comprehensive income/(loss) from 9,349 (2,388) 6,961 16,650 (6,349) 10,301 Gains and losses on cash flow hedges: Other comprehensive income/(loss) before 2,415 (693) 1,722 2,425 (859) 1,566 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other (201) 58 (143) (2,704) 977 (1,727) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other 80 — 80 (25) — (25) Net other comprehensive income/(loss) from 2,294 (635) 1,659 (304) 118 (186) Other comprehensive income/(loss) $ 13,559 $ (3,023) $ 10,536 $ 43,274 $ (6,231) $ 37,043 The following table summarizes the before and after tax amounts for the various components of other comprehensive income/(loss) for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and October 1,2017: Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Nine months ended October 1, 2017 Before Tax Tax After Tax Before Tax Tax After Tax Foreign currency items $ (38,011) $ — $ (38,011) $ 86,769 $ — $ 86,769 Defined benefit pension items: Other comprehensive income/(loss) before 1,674 (453) 1,221 25,655 (3,318) 22,337 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other 28,094 (7,115) 20,979 60,875 (24,901) 35,974 Net other comprehensive income/(loss) from 29,768 (7,568) 22,200 86,530 (28,219) 58,311 Gains and losses on cash flow hedges: Other comprehensive income/(loss) before 784 (201) 583 (1,021) 367 (654) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other (428) 103 (325) (4,656) 1,672 (2,984) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other 136 — 136 (15) — (15) Net other comprehensive income/(loss) from 492 (98) 394 (5,692) 2,039 (3,653) Other comprehensive income/(loss) $ (7,751) $ (7,666) $ (15,417) $ 167,607 $ (26,180) $ 141,427

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill A summary of the changes in goodwill by segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is as follows: Consumer Display Paper and Protective Total Goodwill at December 31, 2017 $ 572,716 $ 203,414 $ 233,778 $ 231,967 $ 1,241,875 2018 Acquisitions 47,193 — — — 47,193 Foreign currency translation (7,221) — (4,654) (333) (12,208) Other 8,508 — — — 8,508 Goodwill at September 30, 2018 $ 621,196 $ 203,414 $ 229,124 $ 231,634 $ 1,285,368 The acquisition of Highland in April 2018 resulted in the recognition of $47,193 of goodwill. In addition, measurement period adjustments made in the first nine months of 2018 to finalize the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in the 2017 acquisitions of Packaging Holdings and Clear Lam, resulted in increases in goodwill of $5,340 and $3,168, respectively. These adjustments are reflected above in "Other." See Note 4 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 2018. As part of this testing, the Company analyzed certain qualitative and quantitative factors in determining goodwill impairment. The Company's assessments reflected a number of significant management assumptions and estimates including discount rates, and the Company's forecast of sales volumes and prices, new business, profit margins, income taxes, capital expenditures and changes in working capital requirements. Changes in these assumptions could materially impact the Company's conclusions. Based on its assessments, the Company concluded that there was no impairment of goodwill for any of its reporting units. Although no reporting units failed the assessments noted above, in management’s opinion, the goodwill of the Display and Packaging reporting unit is at risk of impairment in the near term if operating performance does not improve in line with management's expectations, or if there is a negative change in the long-term outlook for the business or in other factors such as the discount rate. Total goodwill associated with this reporting unit was $203,414 at September 30, 2018. In addition, a large portion of projected sales in the Display and Packaging reporting unit is concentrated in several major customers, the loss of any of which could impact the Company's conclusion regarding the likelihood of goodwill impairment for the unit. Other Intangible Assets A summary of other intangible assets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 is as follows: September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Other Intangible Assets, gross: Patents $ 22,114 $ 21,957 Customer lists 537,027 497,634 Trade names 26,990 25,148 Proprietary technology 20,764 20,779 Land use rights 279 298 Other 2,135 1,740 Other Intangible Assets, gross $ 609,309 $ 567,556 Accumulated Amortization: Patents (8,805) (7,187) Customer lists (237,285) (210,212) Trade names (6,405) (4,427) Proprietary technology (14,554) (13,192) Land use rights (48) (47) Other (1,388) (1,196) Total Accumulated Amortization $ (268,485) $ (236,261) Other Intangible Assets, net $ 340,824 $ 331,295 The acquisition of Highland in April 2018 resulted in the addition of $45,624 of intangible assets, the vast majority of which related to customer lists. In addition, measurement period adjustments were made during the first nine months of 2018 to the provisional fair values of the intangible assets acquired in the July 2017 acquisition of Clear Lam resulting in a $1,300 reduction in the value previously attributed to customer lists. See Note 4 for additional information. In the third quarter of 2018 the Company purchased certain intangible assets in Australia, primarily customer lists, for a total of $2,071. The intangibles acquired in the first nine months of 2018 will be amortized over a weighted average useful life of approximately 13 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 $11,664 and $10,117 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and October 1, 2017, respectively, and $34,266 and $26,706 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and October 1, 2017, respectively. Amortization expense on other intangible assets is expected to total approximately $45,900 in 2018, $45,400 in 2019, $43,100 in 2020, $41,600 in 2021 and $39,700 in 2022.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt On April 12, 2018, the Company entered into a $100,000 term loan with Bank of America, N.A. The full amount was drawn from this facility on April 12, 2018, and the proceeds, along with proceeds from existing credit facilities, were used to fund the acquisition of Highland Packaging Solutions. The loan had a 364-day term and the Company had a one -time option to extend the term for an additional 364 days at its sole discretion. Interest was assessed at the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a margin based on a pricing grid that used the Company's cr edit ratings. The LIBOR margin was 110 basis points. There was no required amortization and repayment could be accelerated at any time at the discretion of the Company. The entire $100,000 of the borrowings from this term loan had been repaid as of the end of the third quarter of 2018.

Financial Instruments and Deriv

Financial Instruments and Derivatives	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Financial Instruments and Derivatives	Financial Instruments and Derivatives The following table sets forth the carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s significant financial instruments for which the carrying amount differs from the fair value. September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 1,312,678 $ 1,388,231 $ 1,288,002 $ 1,426,862 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. Adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2017-12 The Company elected to early adopt Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2 017-12, "Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities," as of January 1, 2018 . The impact of the adoption of ASU 2017-12 was the recognition of a $176 increase in the Company's beginning retained earnings with an offsetting change in accumulated other comprehensive loss in order to remove previously recognized ineffectiveness losses on contracts outstanding as of the date of adoption. See Note 2 for additional information. Cash Flow Hedges At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, 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 2020, qualify as cash flow hedges under U.S. GAAP. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings and is presented in the same income statement line item as the earnings effect of the hedged item. 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 September 30, 2018, natural gas swaps covering approximately 8.0 million MMBTUs were outstanding. These contracts represent approximately 74%, 57% and 29% of anticipated U.S. and Canadian usage for the remainder of 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. Additionally, the Company had swap contracts covering 1,769 metric tons of aluminum, representing approximately 51% of anticipated usage for the remainder of 2018. The fair values of the Company’s commodity cash flow hedges netted to a loss position of $(575) at September 30, 2018, and $(1,713) at December 31, 2017. The amount of the loss included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss at September 30, 2018, that is expected to be reclassified to the income statement during the next twelve months is $(320). Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedges The Company has entered into forward contracts to hedge certain anticipated foreign currency denominated sales, purchases, and capital spending forecast to occur in 2018. The net positions of these contracts at September 30, 2018 were as follows (in thousands): Currency Action Quantity Colombian peso purchase 1,921,999 Mexican peso purchase 167,127 Polish zloty purchase 25,763 Canadian dollar purchase 13,123 Russian ruble purchase 9,284 Turkish lira purchase 2,093 British pound purchase 1,326 New Zealand dollar sell (131) Australian dollar sell (355) Euro sell (3,425) The fair value of foreign currency cash flow hedges related to forecasted sales and purchases netted to a gain position of $313 at September 30, 2018 and $950 at December 31, 2017. Gains of $313 are expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to the income statement during the next twelve months. I n addition, the Company has entered into forward contracts to hedge certain foreign currency cash flow transactions related to construction in progress. As of September 30, 2018 and at December 31, 2017, the net position of these contracts was $(235) and $330, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, gains from these hedges totaling $136 were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income and included in the carrying value of the related fixed assets acquired. Losses of $(235) are expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income and included in the carrying value of the related fixed assets acquired during the next twelve months. Other Derivatives The Company routinely enters into forward contracts or swaps to economically hedge the currency exposure of intercompany debt and existing foreign currency denominated receivables and payables. The Company does not apply hedge accounting treatment under ASC 815 for these instruments. As such, changes in fair value are recorded directly to income and expense in the periods that they occur. The net positions of these contracts at September 30, 2018, were as follows (in thousands): Currency Action Quantity Colombian peso purchase 6,196,372 Mexican peso purchase 330,523 Canadian dollar purchase 23,199 Saudi Arabian riyal sell (4,131) South African rand sell (18,784) The fair value of the Company’s other derivatives was a gain position of $471 and a loss position of $(581) at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The following table sets forth the location and fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Description Balance Sheet Location September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Commodity Contracts Prepaid expenses $ 205 $ 149 Commodity Contracts Other assets $ 13 $ — Commodity Contracts Accrued expenses and other $ (577) $ (1,417) Commodity Contracts Other liabilities $ (216) $ (445) Foreign Exchange Contracts Prepaid expenses $ 706 $ 2,232 Foreign Exchange Contracts Accrued expenses and other $ (628) $ (1,282) Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign Exchange Contracts Prepaid expenses $ 496 $ 90 Foreign Exchange Contracts Accrued expenses and other $ (25) $ (671) While certain of the Company’s derivative contract arrangements with its counterparties provide for the ability to settle contracts on a net basis, the Company reports its derivative positions on a gross basis. There are no collateral arrangements or requirements in these agreements. The following tables set forth the effect of the Company’s derivative instruments on financial performance for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and October 1,2017: Description Amount of Gain or Location of Gain Amount of Gain or Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships: Three months ended September 30, 2018 Foreign Exchange Contracts $ 2,550 Net sales $ 614 Cost of sales $ (260) Commodity Contracts $ (135) Cost of sales $ (153) Three months ended October 1, 2017 Foreign Exchange Contracts $ 3,119 Net sales $ 4,814 Cost of sales $ (2,766) Commodity Contracts $ (694) Cost of sales $ 656 Description Gain or (Loss) Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments: Three months ended September 30, 2018 Foreign Exchange Contracts $ — Cost of sales $ (1,008) Selling, general and administrative Three months ended October 1, 2017 Foreign Exchange Contracts $ — Cost of sales $ (3,172) Selling, general and administrative Three months ended September 30, 2018 Three months ended October 1, 2017 Description Revenue Cost of Revenue Cost of Total amount of income and expense line items presented in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income $ 614 $ (413) $ 4,814 $ (2,110) The effects of cash flow hedging: Gain or (loss) on cash flow hedging relationships in Subtopic 815-20: Foreign exchange contracts: Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into net income $ 614 $ (260) $ 4,814 $ (2,766) Commodity contracts: Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into net income $ — $ (153) $ — $ 656 The following tables set forth the effect of the Company’s derivative instruments on financial performance for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and October 1, 2017: Description Amount of Gain or Location of Gain Amount of Gain or Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships: Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Foreign Exchange Contracts $ (211) Net sales $ 1,184 Cost of sales $ (613) Commodity Contracts $ 995 Cost of sales $ (143) Nine months ended October 1, 2017 Foreign Exchange Contracts $ 936 Net sales $ 8,097 Cost of sales $ (4,808) Commodity Contracts $ (1,957) Cost of sales $ 1,367 Description Gain or (Loss) Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments: Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Foreign Exchange Contracts $ — Cost of sales $ 1,016 Selling, general and administrative Nine months ended October 1, 2017 Foreign Exchange Contracts $ — Cost of sales $ (2,074) Selling, general and administrative Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Nine months ended October 1, 2017 Description Revenue Cost of Revenue Cost of Total amount of income and expense line items presented in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income $ 1,184 $ (756) $ 8,097 $ (3,441) The effects of cash flow hedging: Gain or (loss) on cash flow hedging relationships in Subtopic 815-20: Foreign exchange contracts: Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into net income $ 1,184 $ (613) $ 8,097 $ (4,808) Commodity contracts: Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into net income $ — $ (143) $ — $ 1,367

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. A three-tier fair value hierarchy is used to prioritize the inputs in measuring fair value as follows: Level 1 – Observable inputs such as quoted market prices in active markets; Level 2 – Inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities, excluding retirement and postretirement plan assets, measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Description September 30, 2018 Assets measured Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Hedge derivatives, net: Commodity contracts $ (575) $ — $ — $ (575) $ — Foreign exchange contracts $ 78 $ — $ — $ 78 $ — Non-hedge derivatives, net: Foreign exchange contracts $ 471 $ — $ — $ 471 $ — Deferred compensation plan assets $ 290 $ — $ 290 $ — $ — Description December 31, 2017 Assets measured Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Hedge derivatives, net: Commodity contracts $ (1,713) $ — $ — $ (1,713) $ — Foreign exchange contracts $ 950 $ — $ — $ 950 $ — Non-hedge derivatives, net: Foreign exchange contracts $ (581) $ — $ — $ (581) $ — Deferred compensation plan assets $ 268 $ — $ 268 $ — $ — As discussed in Note 10, 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- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Retirement Benefits [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 to certain 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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 October 1, September 30, 2018 October 1, 2017 Retirement Plans Service cost $ 4,532 $ 4,626 $ 13,682 $ 13,835 Interest cost 13,698 13,716 41,249 42,085 Expected return on plan assets (22,740) (20,297) (68,529) (60,833) Amortization of prior service cost 239 228 730 683 Amortization of net actuarial loss 9,241 9,625 27,823 29,585 Effect of curtailment loss 97 — 97 — Effect of settlement loss — 476 645 31,550 Net periodic benefit cost $ 5,067 $ 8,374 $ 15,697 $ 56,905 Retiree Health and Life Insurance Plans Service cost $ 73 $ 70 $ 222 $ 234 Interest cost 115 123 336 347 Expected return on plan assets (222) (408) (912) (1,228) Amortization of prior service credit (124) (124) (373) (374) Amortization of net actuarial gain (288) (189) (828) (569) Net periodic benefit income $ (446) $ (528) $ (1,555) $ (1,590) The Company made aggregate contributions of $13,188 and $38,483 to its defined benefit retirement and retiree health and life insurance plans during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and October 1, 2017, respectively. The Company expects to make additional aggregate contributions of approximately $8,500 to its defined benefit retirement and retiree health and life insurance plans over the remainder of 2018. The Company recognized settlement losses totaling $645 during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 resulting from payments made to certain participants of the Company's Canadian pension plan who elected the lump sum option of distribution upon retirement. Settlement losses in the prior year totaling $31,550 resulted primarily from the Company's initiative to settle the pension obligation of certain terminated vested participants in the U.S. qualified retirement plans, through a lump sum payment or the purchase of an annuity. During the three-month period ended September 30, 2018, the Company recognized a curtailment loss of $97 related to the termination of a small retirement plan in Canada. Sonoco Retirement Contribution (SRC)

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company’s effective tax rate for the three- and nine-month periods ending September 30, 2018, was 21.0% and 24.0%, respectively, and its effective rate for the three- and nine-month periods ending October 1, 2017, was 33.4% and 32.3%, respectively. The rate for the nine-month period ending September 30, 2018 varied from the U.S. statutory rate due primarily to the new international tax regime of the U.S. as part of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Act) as well as the effect of state income taxes and the release of reserves on uncertain tax positions related to the expiration of the statute of limitations. The rate for the three-month period ending September 30, 2018 was impacted by these same items; however, they had the effect of offsetting one another, resulting in an effective tax rate approximately equal to the U.S. statutory rate. The rates for the three- and nine-month periods ending October 1, 2017 varied from the U.S. statutory rate due primarily to the favorable effect of certain international operations that were subject to tax rates generally lower than the U.S. rate, as well as the effect of state income taxes. On December 22, 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations where a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. The Company recognized the provisional tax impacts related to deemed repatriated earnings and the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities and included these amounts in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. The ultimate impact may differ from these provisional amounts, possibly materially, due to, among other things, additional analysis, changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company has made, additional regulatory guidance that may be issued, and actions the Company may take as a result of the Tax Act. Adjustments were made during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, to the provisional amounts recorded in December as necessary to revalue deferred tax assets and liabilities pursuant to the preparation of the 2017 federal income tax return. As of September 30, 2018, the 2017 U.S. federal tax return, as well as various state income tax returns, had not been finalized. Any additional adjustments will be recorded to tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2018. 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 income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2015. The Company has entered the appeals process with the Internal Revenue Service for the 2012 and 2013 tax years. The Company’s reserve for uncertain tax benefits has decreased by approximately $1,000 since December 31, 2017, due primarily to a decrease in reserves related to existing uncertain tax positions. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that the amount reserved for unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 2018 will decrease by approximately $3,200 over the next twelve months. This change includes the anticipated increase in reserves related to existing positions offset by settlements of issues currently under examination and the release of existing reserves due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. 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 the loss of such benefit 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. On October 5, 2017, the Company received two revised draft NOPAs proposing the same adjustments and penalties as in the prior NOPAs. On November 14, 2017, the Company received two final NOPAs proposing the same adjustments and penalties as in the prior draft NOPAs. On November 20, 2017, the Company received a Revenue Agent's Report (“RAR”) that included the same adjustments and penalties as in the NOPAs. At the time of the distribution 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 RAR would be approximately $89,000, excluding interest and the previously referenced penalties. On January 22, 2018, the Company filed a protest to the proposed deficiency with the IRS. The Company received a rebuttal of its protest from the IRS on July 10, 2018, and the matter has now been 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.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company adopted ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," as of January 1, 2018. The impact of the adoption was the recognition of a $1,721 increase in the Company's beginning retained earnings. See impact of adoption in Note 3 and additional discussion in Note 2 to these condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company records revenue when control is transferred to the customer, which is either upon shipment or over time in cases where the Company is entitled to payment for products produced that are customer specific without alternative use. The Company recognizes over time revenue under the output method as goods are produced. Revenue that is recognized at a point in time is recognized when the customer obtains control of the goods. Customers obtain control either when goods are delivered to the customer facility, if the Company is responsible for arranging transportation, or when picked up by the customer's designated carrier. The Company commonly enters into Master Supply Arrangements (MSA) with customers to provide goods and/or services over specific time periods. Customers submit purchase orders with quantities and prices to create a contract for accounting purposes. Shipping and handling expenses are included in "Cost of Sales," and freight charged to customers is included in "Net Sales" in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company has rebate agreements with certain customers. These rebates are recorded as reductions of sales and are accrued using sales data and rebate percentages specific to each customer agreement. Accrued customer rebates are included in "Accrued expenses and other" in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Payment terms under the Company's arrangements are short term in nature, generally no longer than 120 days. The Company does provide prompt payment discounts to certain customers if invoices are paid within a predetermined period. Prompt payment discounts are treated as a reduction of revenue and are determinable within a short period of the sale. The following table sets forth information about receivables, contract assets and liabilities from contracts with customers. The balances of the contract assets and liabilities are located in "Other receivables" and "Accrued expenses and other" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. September 30, 2018 January 1, 2018 Contract Assets $ 50,769 $ 45,877 Contract Liabilities $ (16,135) $ (16,513) Significant changes in the contract assets and liabilities balances during the period were as follows: September 30, 2018 January 1, 2018 Adjusted Contract Contract Contract Contract Beginning Balance $ 45,877 $ (16,513) $ — $ (11,298) Revenue deferred or rebates accrued — (12,240) — Recognized as revenue or rebate paid to customer — 12,618 — — Increases due to rights to consideration for customer specific goods produced, but not billed during the period 50,769 — — — Transferred to receivables from contract assets recognized at the beginning of the period (45,877) — — — Increase as a result of cumulative catch-up arising from changes in the estimate of completion, excluding amounts transferred to receivables during the period — 45,877 (5,215) Impairment of contract asset — — — — Ending Balance $ 50,769 $ (16,135) $ 45,877 $ (16,513) Contract assets and liabilities are generally short in duration given the nature of products produced by the Company. Contract assets represents goods produced without alternative use for which the Company is entitled to payment with margin prior to shipment. Upon shipment, the Company is entitled to bill the customer, and therefore amounts included in contract assets will be reduced with the recording of an account receivable as they represent an unconditional right to payment. Contract liabilities represent revenue deferred due to pricing mechanisms utilized by the Company in certain multi-year arrangements. Generally the Company will defer revenue during the initial term of the arrangement, and will release the deferral over the back half of the contract term. The Company's reportable segments are aligned by product nature as disclosed in Note 15. The following table sets forth information about revenue disaggregated by primary geographic regions, and timing of revenue recognition for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018. The table also includes a reconciliation of disaggregated revenue with reportable segments. Three Months Ended Consumer Display and Paper and Protective Primary Geographical Markets: United States $ 431,216 $ 80,696 $ 274,966 $ 91,093 Europe 101,848 82,906 84,313 6,721 Canada 29,427 — 33,233 — Other 37,663 1,562 71,236 37,882 Total $ 600,154 $ 165,164 $ 463,748 $ 135,696 Timing of Revenue Recognition: Products transferred at a point in time $ 368,709 $ 124,437 $ 438,599 $ 117,608 Products transferred over time 231,445 40,727 25,149 18,088 Total $ 600,154 $ 165,164 $ 463,748 $ 135,696 The following table sets forth information about revenue disaggregated by primary geographic regions, and timing of revenue recognition for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018. The table also includes a reconciliation of disaggregated revenue with reportable segments. Nine Months Ended Consumer Display and Paper and Protective Primary Geographical Markets: United States $ 1,275,775 $ 223,760 $ 820,429 $ 313,341 Europe 310,865 221,228 267,566 20,326 Canada 87,728 — 99,868 — Other 111,700 6,094 210,675 65,967 Total $ 1,786,068 $ 451,082 $ 1,398,538 $ 399,634 Timing of Revenue Recognition: Products transferred at a point in time $ 1,101,125 $ 325,313 $ 1,332,266 $ 339,043 Products transferred over time 684,943 125,769 66,272 60,591 Total $ 1,786,068 $ 451,082 $ 1,398,538 $ 399,634

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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. 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 “Operating profit” excluding restructuring charges, asset impairment charges, acquisition-related costs, and certain other items, if any, the exclusion of which the Company believes improves comparability and analysis of the financial performance of the business. General corporate expenses have been allocated as operating costs to each of the Company’s reportable segments. SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 October 1, September 30, 2018 October 1, 2017 Net sales: Consumer Packaging $ 600,154 $ 565,788 $ 1,786,068 $ 1,569,231 Display and Packaging 165,164 135,560 451,082 365,807 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 463,748 483,376 1,398,538 1,395,075 Protective Solutions 135,696 139,910 399,634 407,519 Consolidated $ 1,364,762 $ 1,324,634 $ 4,035,322 $ 3,737,632 Intersegment sales: Consumer Packaging $ 782 $ 2,173 $ 2,643 $ 4,749 Display and Packaging 1,034 679 2,196 2,253 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 32,828 38,791 100,804 103,844 Protective Solutions 418 518 1,273 1,436 Consolidated $ 35,062 $ 42,161 $ 106,916 $ 112,282 Operating profit: Segment operating profit: Consumer Packaging $ 56,014 $ 68,922 $ 180,772 $ 188,758 Display and Packaging 3,703 1,993 4,865 6,694 Paper and Industrial Converted 53,906 43,696 155,229 115,983 Protective Solutions 10,433 11,323 34,739 33,270 Restructuring/Asset impairment charges (22,061) (511) (28,691) (12,519) Other, net (422) (2,191) (3,381) (10,115) Consolidated $ 101,573 $ 123,232 $ 343,533 $ 322,071

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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. 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 $1,293 on remediation of the Spartanburg site. During previous years, the Company has increased its reserves for this site by a total of $17 in order to reflect its best estimate of what it is likely to pay in order to complete the remediation. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company's accrual for environmental contingencies related to the Spartanburg site totaled $16,124 and $16,504, 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. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company's accrual for these other sites totaled $3,311 and $3,802, respectively. Summary As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company (and its subsidiaries) had accrued $19,435 and $20,306, 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2 018-15, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other Internal-Use Software: Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract," which provides guidance on capitalizing implementation cost associated with arrangements that contain a license. The Company will implement this ASU using the prospective method effective October 1, 2018. The adoption of the standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2 017-12, "Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities," which expands and refines hedge accounting for both financial and non-financial risk components, aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of hedging instruments and hedge items in the financial statements, and includes certain targeted improvements to ease the application of current guidance related to the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The update to the standard is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted in any interim period after issuance of this update. T he Company implemented this ASU effective January 1, 2018, and recorded a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings of $176 as of that date in order to remove previously recognized ineffectiveness losses on contracts outstanding as of the date of adoption. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost,” 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 are to 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 implemented this ASU effective January 1, 2018, modifying its income statement presentation of the components of net benefit cost accordingly, including the retrospective application to previously reported results. As a result of the retrospective application, the amounts previously reported in "Cost of sales" and "Selling, general and administrative expenses" for the three months ended October 1, 2017, were reduced by $2,006 and $1,144, respectively, and "Operating profit" increased by $3,150, in order to conform to the current presentation. The comparable changes for the nine months ended October 1, 2017, were $7,273, $33,973, and $41,246, for "Cost of sales," "Selling, general and administrative expenses," and "Operating profit," respectively. No change was required to the Company's historical policy regarding the capitalization of such costs. 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 is 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, with early adoption permitted, and should be applied on a prospective basis. The Company elected early adoption of the standard effective January 1, 2018. Any future goodwill impairment, should it occur, will be determined in accordance with this ASU. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, "Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory," which requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset upon transfer other than inventory, eliminating the current recognition exception. Prior to this ASU, GAAP prohibited the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for intra-entity asset transfers until the asset was sold to an outside party. The recognition prohibition was an exception to the principle of comprehensive recognition of current and deferred income taxes in GAAP. This guidance became effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, and did not 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. This guidance, which applies to both interim and annual periods, became effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. As a result of the retrospective application, insurance proceeds totaling $1,104 received during the nine months ended October 1, 2017 previously reported in "Cash Flows from Operating Activities" were reclassified to "Cash Flows from Investing Activities." Otherwise, adoption of the standard did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements, as the Company either did not realize any cash flows from these types of activities, such amounts were immaterial, or the prescribed guidance did not differ from its current practice. 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 effect 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, "Leases" (“ASU 2016-02”) which primarily requires lessees to recognize on the balance sheet a right-of-use asset and lease liability for all long-term leases. ASU 2016-02 also 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 and the newly adopted revenue recognition standard. The Company has elected to adopt the standard using the modified retrospective transition approach with a January 1, 2019 effective date of initial application. Under the modified retrospective transition method, we will recognize a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the effective date in the period of adoption. Consequently, comparative financial information and disclosures provided for dates and periods before January 1, 2019 will not be updated in the Company’s future filings. The Company established a cross-functional team to implement certain software solutions as part of its newly integrated enterprise-wide lease management system. The team is progressing through the implementation plan and developing business processes, accounting systems, and internal controls to ensure the Company meets the reporting and disclosure requirements of the new standard. The Company is still assessing the impact on its consolidated financial statements, but expects the adoption of ASU 2016-02 to have a material impact on its consolidated balance sheet for the initial recognition of the right-of-use asset and lease liability associated with operating leases that are not currently recognized on the balance sheet under present U.S. GAAP. The impact on the Company’s consolidated statement of income continues to be evaluated. 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,
Revenue from Contract with Customer	Except for the changes below, the Company has consistently applied the accounting policies to all periods presented in these condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted ASC 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," effective January 1, 2018. As a result, the Company has changed its accounting policy for revenue recognition as detailed in Note 14.
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.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	As discussed in Note 10, 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- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018.
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.

Changes in Accounting Policy (T

Changes in Accounting Policy (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Schedule of effect of new accounting pronouncements	The details of the significant changes and quantitative impact of the changes are set out below. December 31, 2017 As Reported Adjustments January 1, 2018 Adjusted Assets Current Assets Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances $ 725,251 $ 3,636 $ 728,887 Other receivables 64,561 41,351 105,912 Inventories: Finished and in process 196,204 (37,447) 158,757 Total Assets $ 4,557,721 $ 7,540 $ 4,565,261 Liabilities and Equity Current Liabilities Accrued expenses and other 283,355 5,215 288,570 999,970 5,215 1,005,185 Deferred Income Taxes 74,073 604 74,677 Sonoco Shareholders’ Equity Retained earnings 2,036,006 1,721 2,037,727 Total Sonoco Shareholders’ Equity 1,707,066 1,721 1,708,787 Total Equity 1,730,060 1,721 1,731,781 Total Liabilities and Equity $ 4,557,721 $ 7,540 $ 4,565,261 The following table summarizes the impact of the adoption of ASC 606 on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2018: September 30, 2018 as reported Adjustments Balances without Assets Current Assets Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances $ 775,054 (5,744) $ 769,310 Other receivables 93,470 (44,698) 48,772 Inventories: Finished and in process 157,920 42,051 199,971 Total Assets $ 4,658,634 $ (8,391) $ 4,650,243 Liabilities and Equity Current Liabilities Accrued expenses and other 321,842 (5,998) 315,844 994,384 (5,998) 988,386 Deferred Income Taxes 85,473 (622) 84,851 Sonoco Shareholders' Equity Retained earnings 2,151,658 (1,771) 2,149,887 Total Sonoco Shareholders’ Equity 1,810,821 (1,771) 1,809,050 Total Equity 1,832,930 (1,771) 1,831,159 Total Liabilities and Equity $ 4,658,634 $ (8,391) $ 4,650,243 The following table summarizes the impact of the adoption of ASC 606 on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the three- and nine-months ending September 30, 2018: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Adjustments Balances September 30, 2018 Adjustments Balances Net sales $ 1,364,762 $ (648) $ 1,364,114 $ 4,035,322 $ (4,673) $ 4,030,649 Cost of sales 1,105,126 (1,731) 1,103,395 3,248,624 (4,605) 3,244,019 Gross profit 259,636 1,083 260,719 786,698 (68) 786,630 Operating profit 101,573 1,083 102,656 343,533 (68) 343,465 Income before income taxes 87,096 1,083 88,179 300,352 (68) 300,284 Provision for income taxes 18,325 281 18,606 71,974 (18) 71,956 Income before equity in earnings of affiliates 68,771 802 69,573 228,378 (50) 228,328 Net income 72,820 802 73,622 237,390 (50) 237,340 Net income attributable to Sonoco $ 72,415 $ 802 $ 73,217 $ 235,882 $ (50) $ 235,832 The following table summarizes the impact of the adoption of ASC 606 on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the three- and nine-month periods ending September 30, 2018: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Adjustments Balances September 30, 2018 Adjustments Balances Net income $ 72,820 $ 802 $ 73,622 $ 237,390 $ (50) $ 237,340 Other comprehensive income/(loss): Foreign currency translation adjustments 1,186 (30) 1,156 (40,418) 13 (40,405) Other comprehensive income 9,806 (30) 9,776 (17,824) 13 (17,811) Comprehensive income 82,626 772 83,398 219,566 (37) 219,529 Comprehensive income attributable to Sonoco $ 82,951 $ 772 $ 83,723 $ 220,465 $ (37) $ 220,428 The following table summarizes the impact of the adoption of ASC 606 on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Adjustments Balances without Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net income $ 237,390 $ (50) $ 237,340 Trade accounts receivable (58,187) 2,108 (56,079) Inventories (8,938) (4,604) (13,542) Other assets and liabilities 22,365 3,347 25,712 Accrued expenses 35,353 (783) 34,570 Income taxes payable and other income tax items (13,050) (18) (13,068) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 451,516 $ — $ 451,516

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of preliminary fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed	The preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the Highland acquisition are as follows: Trade accounts receivable $ 6,072 Inventories 27,225 Property, plant and equipment 29,080 Goodwill 47,193 Other intangible assets 45,624 Trade accounts payable (6,006) Other net tangible assets /(liabilities) (649) Net assets $ 148,539
Schedule of proforma supplemental information	The following table presents the Company's estimated unaudited pro forma consolidated results for the three- and nine-month periods ended October 1, 2017, assuming both acquisitions had occurred on January 1, 2016. This pro forma information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisitions had been completed as of the beginning of 2016, nor are they necessarily indicative of future consolidated results. (unaudited) Pro Forma Supplemental Information Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Consolidated October 1, 2017 October 1, 2017 Net sales $ 1,332,532 $ 3,844,048 Net income attributable to Sonoco 73,284 172,470 Earnings per share: Pro forma basic $0.73 $1.72 Pro forma diluted $0.73 $1.71 The pro forma information above does not project the Company’s expected results of any future period and gives no effect for any future synergistic benefits that may result from consolidating these subsidiaries or costs from integrating their operations with those of the Company. Pro forma information includes adjustments to depreciation, amortization, interest expense, income taxes, and acquisition-related costs. The following table presents the aggregate, unaudited financial results for Packaging Holdings and Clear Lam from their respective dates of acquisition: (unaudited) Aggregate Supplemental Information Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Packaging Holdings and Clear Lam October 1, 2017 October 1, 2017 Actual net sales $ 77,764 $ 145,983 Actual net income 1,976 2,160

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Earnings per share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 October 1, September 30, 2018 October 1, Numerator: Net income attributable to Sonoco $ 72,415 $ 72,812 $ 235,882 $ 169,670 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 100,640 100,275 100,534 100,214 Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation 400 409 459 579 Diluted 101,040 100,684 100,993 100,793 Net income attributable to Sonoco per common share: Basic $ 0.72 $ 0.73 $ 2.35 $ 1.69 Diluted $ 0.72 $ 0.72 $ 2.34 $ 1.68
Schedule of antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	The average number of SARs that were not dilutive and, therefore, not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and October 1,2017 was as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 October 1, September 30, 2018 October 1, 2017 Anti-dilutive stock appreciation rights 895 531 892 473

Restructuring and Asset Impai_2

Restructuring and Asset Impairment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Total restructuring and asset impairment charges/(credits), net	Following are the total restructuring and asset impairment charges, net of adjustments, recognized by the Company during the periods presented: 2018 2017 Third Quarter Nine Months Third Quarter Nine Months Restructuring/Asset impairment: 2018 Actions $ 19,348 $ 24,263 $ — $ — 2017 Actions 3,184 4,606 1,610 7,798 2016 and Earlier Actions (471) (178) (1,301) 4,181 Other asset impairments — — 202 540 Restructuring/Asset impairment charges 22,061 28,691 511 12,519 Income tax benefit (5,465) (7,196) (445) (4,081) Less: Costs attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax (28) (48) (21) (35) Restructuring/asset impairment charges attributable to Sonoco, net of tax $ 16,568 $ 21,447 $ 45 $ 8,403
Actions and related expenses by segment and by type incurred and estimated for current year	Below is a summary of 2018 Actions and related expenses by segment and by type incurred and estimated to be incurred through completion. 2018 Actions Third Quarter 2018 Total Estimated Severance and Termination Benefits Consumer Packaging $ 1,154 $ 2,848 $ 4,148 Display and Packaging 1,134 1,865 1,865 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 608 $ 1,900 1,900 Protective Solutions 232 1,008 1,008 Corporate — 243 243 Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets Consumer Packaging 305 380 380 Display and Packaging 4,517 4,517 4,517 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 70 70 70 Protective Solutions — (243) (243) Other Costs Consumer Packaging 361 366 866 Display and Packaging 9,729 9,732 9,732 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 1,250 1,543 1,643 Protective Solutions — 46 46 Corporate (12) (12) (12) Total Charges and Adjustments $ 19,348 $ 24,263 $ 26,163
Restructuring accrual activity for current year	The following table sets forth the activity in the 2018 Actions restructuring accrual included in “Accrued expenses and other” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets: 2018 Actions Severance Asset Impairment/ Other Total Accrual Activity Liability at December 31, 2017 $ — $ — $ — $ — 2018 charges 7,864 4,724 11,675 24,263 Cash receipts/(payments) (4,166) 24,217 (11,385) 8,666 Asset write downs/disposals — (28,941) — (28,941) Foreign currency translation (17) — 2 (15) Liability at September 30, 2018 $ 3,681 $ — $ 292 $ 3,973
Actions and related expenses by segment and by type incurred and estimated in prior year	Below is a summary of 2017 Actions and related expenses by segment and by type incurred and estimated to be incurred through completion. 2018 2017 Total Estimated 2017 Actions Third Quarter Nine Months Third Quarter Nine Months Severance and Termination Benefits Consumer Packaging $ 2,397 $ 3,453 $ 60 $ 1,376 $ 7,644 $ 8,744 Display and Packaging — (15) — 172 726 726 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 4 6 748 2,952 4,024 4,024 Protective Solutions (149) 163 83 1,057 1,561 1,561 Corporate — — (4) 452 452 452 Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets Consumer Packaging — — 126 126 351 351 Display and Packaging — 193 — — 193 193 Paper and Industrial Converted Products — (1,264) 13 13 (1,359) (1,359) Protective Solutions 93 93 55 832 964 964 Other Costs Consumer Packaging 406 958 37 288 1,837 2,037 Display and Packaging 213 (13) — — 776 1,076 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 131 772 62 100 1,773 1,973 Protective Solutions 89 260 430 430 1,002 1,102 Corporate — — — — (9) (9) Total Charges and Adjustments $ 3,184 $ 4,606 $ 1,610 $ 7,798 $ 19,935 $ 21,835
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 Asset Other Total Accrual Activity Liability at December 31, 2017 $ 3,889 $ — $ 213 $ 4,102 2018 charges 3,607 (978) 1,977 4,606 Cash receipts/(payments) (5,714) 1,841 (2,173) (6,046) Asset write downs/disposals — (863) — (863) Foreign currency translation (8) — (10) (18) Liability at September 30, 2018 $ 1,774 $ — $ 7 $ 1,781
Actions and related expenses by segment and by type incurred and estimated for given years	Below is a summary of expenses/(income) incurred by segment for 2016 and Earlier Actions for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and October 1, 2017. 2018 2017 2016 and Earlier Actions Third Quarter Nine Months Third Quarter Nine Months Consumer Packaging $ (292) $ 41 $ (1,334) $ 1,259 Display and Packaging — (23) (2) 549 Paper and Industrial Converted Products (198) (251) (32) 2,196 Protective Solutions 19 55 53 156 Corporate — — 14 21 Total (credits)/charges, net of adjustments $ (471) $ (178) $ (1,301) $ 4,181

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss	The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss and the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax as applicable, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and October 1, 2017: Gains and Defined Foreign Accumulated Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (641) $ (467,136) $ (198,495) $ (666,272) Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications 583 1,221 (38,011) (36,207) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (325) 20,979 — 20,654 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to fixed assets 136 — — 136 Other comprehensive income/(loss) 394 22,200 (38,011) (15,417) Amounts reclassified from retained earnings to accumulated other comprehensive loss (176) $ — $ — (176) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ (423) $ (444,936) $ (236,506) $ (681,865) Balance at December 31, 2016 1,939 (453,821) (286,498) (738,380) Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications (654) 22,337 86,769 108,452 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (2,984) 35,974 — 32,990 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to fixed assets (15) — — (15) Other comprehensive income/(loss) (3,653) 58,311 86,769 141,427 Balance at October 1, 2017 $ (1,714) $ (395,510) $ (199,729) $ (596,953)
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- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and October 1,2017: Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Details about Accumulated Other September 30, 2018 October 1, September 30, 2018 October 1, 2017 Affected Line Item in Gains and losses on cash flow hedges Foreign exchange contracts $ 614 $ 4,814 $ 1,184 $ 8,097 Net sales Foreign exchange contracts (260) (2,766) (613) (4,808) Cost of sales Commodity contracts (153) 656 (143) 1,367 Cost of sales 201 2,704 428 4,656 Income before income taxes (58) (977) (103) (1,672) Provision for income taxes $ 143 $ 1,727 $ 325 $ 2,984 Net income Defined benefit pension items Effect of curtailment loss ( a) $ (97) $ — $ (97) $ — Non-operating pension (income)/cost Effect of settlement loss (a) $ — $ (476) $ (645) $ (31,550) Non-operating pension (income)/cost Amortization of defined benefit pension items (a) (9,068) (9,540) (27,352) (29,325) Non-operating pension (income)/cost (9,165) (10,016) (28,094) (60,875) Income before income taxes 2,357 3,935 7,115 24,901 Provision for income taxes $ (6,808) $ (6,081) $ (20,979) $ (35,974) Net income Total reclassifications for the period $ (6,665) $ (4,354) $ (20,654) $ (32,990) Net income (a) See Note 12 for additional details.
Before and after tax amounts for comprehensive income (loss) components	The following table summarizes the before and after tax amounts for the various components of other comprehensive income/(loss) for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and October 1,2017: Three months ended September 30, 2018 Three months ended October 1, 2017 Before Tax Tax After Tax Before Tax Tax After Tax Foreign currency items $ 1,916 $ — $ 1,916 $ 26,928 $ — $ 26,928 Defined benefit pension items: Other comprehensive income/(loss) before 184 (31) 153 6,634 (2,414) 4,220 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other 9,165 (2,357) 6,808 10,016 (3,935) 6,081 Net other comprehensive income/(loss) from 9,349 (2,388) 6,961 16,650 (6,349) 10,301 Gains and losses on cash flow hedges: Other comprehensive income/(loss) before 2,415 (693) 1,722 2,425 (859) 1,566 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other (201) 58 (143) (2,704) 977 (1,727) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other 80 — 80 (25) — (25) Net other comprehensive income/(loss) from 2,294 (635) 1,659 (304) 118 (186) Other comprehensive income/(loss) $ 13,559 $ (3,023) $ 10,536 $ 43,274 $ (6,231) $ 37,043 The following table summarizes the before and after tax amounts for the various components of other comprehensive income/(loss) for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and October 1,2017: Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Nine months ended October 1, 2017 Before Tax Tax After Tax Before Tax Tax After Tax Foreign currency items $ (38,011) $ — $ (38,011) $ 86,769 $ — $ 86,769 Defined benefit pension items: Other comprehensive income/(loss) before 1,674 (453) 1,221 25,655 (3,318) 22,337 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other 28,094 (7,115) 20,979 60,875 (24,901) 35,974 Net other comprehensive income/(loss) from 29,768 (7,568) 22,200 86,530 (28,219) 58,311 Gains and losses on cash flow hedges: Other comprehensive income/(loss) before 784 (201) 583 (1,021) 367 (654) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other (428) 103 (325) (4,656) 1,672 (2,984) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other 136 — 136 (15) — (15) Net other comprehensive income/(loss) from 492 (98) 394 (5,692) 2,039 (3,653) Other comprehensive income/(loss) $ (7,751) $ (7,666) $ (15,417) $ 167,607 $ (26,180) $ 141,427

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in goodwill by segment	A summary of the changes in goodwill by segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is as follows: Consumer Display Paper and Protective Total Goodwill at December 31, 2017 $ 572,716 $ 203,414 $ 233,778 $ 231,967 $ 1,241,875 2018 Acquisitions 47,193 — — — 47,193 Foreign currency translation (7,221) — (4,654) (333) (12,208) Other 8,508 — — — 8,508 Goodwill at September 30, 2018 $ 621,196 $ 203,414 $ 229,124 $ 231,634 $ 1,285,368
Summary of other intangible assets	A summary of other intangible assets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 is as follows: September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Other Intangible Assets, gross: Patents $ 22,114 $ 21,957 Customer lists 537,027 497,634 Trade names 26,990 25,148 Proprietary technology 20,764 20,779 Land use rights 279 298 Other 2,135 1,740 Other Intangible Assets, gross $ 609,309 $ 567,556 Accumulated Amortization: Patents (8,805) (7,187) Customer lists (237,285) (210,212) Trade names (6,405) (4,427) Proprietary technology (14,554) (13,192) Land use rights (48) (47) Other (1,388) (1,196) Total Accumulated Amortization $ (268,485) $ (236,261) Other Intangible Assets, net $ 340,824 $ 331,295

Financial Instruments and Der_2

Financial Instruments and Derivatives (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments	The following table sets forth the carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s significant financial instruments for which the carrying amount differs from the fair value. September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 1,312,678 $ 1,388,231 $ 1,288,002 $ 1,426,862
Net positions of foreign contracts	The net positions of these contracts at September 30, 2018 were as follows (in thousands): Currency Action Quantity Colombian peso purchase 1,921,999 Mexican peso purchase 167,127 Polish zloty purchase 25,763 Canadian dollar purchase 13,123 Russian ruble purchase 9,284 Turkish lira purchase 2,093 British pound purchase 1,326 New Zealand dollar sell (131) Australian dollar sell (355) Euro sell (3,425)
Net positions of other derivatives contracts	The net positions of these contracts at September 30, 2018, were as follows (in thousands): Currency Action Quantity Colombian peso purchase 6,196,372 Mexican peso purchase 330,523 Canadian dollar purchase 23,199 Saudi Arabian riyal sell (4,131) South African rand sell (18,784)
Location and fair values of derivative instruments	The following table sets forth the location and fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Description Balance Sheet Location September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Commodity Contracts Prepaid expenses $ 205 $ 149 Commodity Contracts Other assets $ 13 $ — Commodity Contracts Accrued expenses and other $ (577) $ (1,417) Commodity Contracts Other liabilities $ (216) $ (445) Foreign Exchange Contracts Prepaid expenses $ 706 $ 2,232 Foreign Exchange Contracts Accrued expenses and other $ (628) $ (1,282) Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign Exchange Contracts Prepaid expenses $ 496 $ 90 Foreign Exchange Contracts Accrued expenses and other $ (25) $ (671)
Effect of derivative instruments on financial performance	The following tables set forth the effect of the Company’s derivative instruments on financial performance for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and October 1,2017: Description Amount of Gain or Location of Gain Amount of Gain or Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships: Three months ended September 30, 2018 Foreign Exchange Contracts $ 2,550 Net sales $ 614 Cost of sales $ (260) Commodity Contracts $ (135) Cost of sales $ (153) Three months ended October 1, 2017 Foreign Exchange Contracts $ 3,119 Net sales $ 4,814 Cost of sales $ (2,766) Commodity Contracts $ (694) Cost of sales $ 656 Description Gain or (Loss) Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments: Three months ended September 30, 2018 Foreign Exchange Contracts $ — Cost of sales $ (1,008) Selling, general and administrative Three months ended October 1, 2017 Foreign Exchange Contracts $ — Cost of sales $ (3,172) Selling, general and administrative Three months ended September 30, 2018 Three months ended October 1, 2017 Description Revenue Cost of Revenue Cost of Total amount of income and expense line items presented in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income $ 614 $ (413) $ 4,814 $ (2,110) The effects of cash flow hedging: Gain or (loss) on cash flow hedging relationships in Subtopic 815-20: Foreign exchange contracts: Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into net income $ 614 $ (260) $ 4,814 $ (2,766) Commodity contracts: Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into net income $ — $ (153) $ — $ 656 The following tables set forth the effect of the Company’s derivative instruments on financial performance for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and October 1, 2017: Description Amount of Gain or Location of Gain Amount of Gain or Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships: Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Foreign Exchange Contracts $ (211) Net sales $ 1,184 Cost of sales $ (613) Commodity Contracts $ 995 Cost of sales $ (143) Nine months ended October 1, 2017 Foreign Exchange Contracts $ 936 Net sales $ 8,097 Cost of sales $ (4,808) Commodity Contracts $ (1,957) Cost of sales $ 1,367 Description Gain or (Loss) Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments: Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Foreign Exchange Contracts $ — Cost of sales $ 1,016 Selling, general and administrative Nine months ended October 1, 2017 Foreign Exchange Contracts $ — Cost of sales $ (2,074) Selling, general and administrative
Effect of derivative instruments on income and expense line items in consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income	Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Nine months ended October 1, 2017 Description Revenue Cost of Revenue Cost of Total amount of income and expense line items presented in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income $ 1,184 $ (756) $ 8,097 $ (3,441) The effects of cash flow hedging: Gain or (loss) on cash flow hedging relationships in Subtopic 815-20: Foreign exchange contracts: Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into net income $ 1,184 $ (613) $ 8,097 $ (4,808) Commodity contracts: Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into net income $ — $ (143) $ — $ 1,367

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities, excluding retirement and postretirement plan assets, measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Description September 30, 2018 Assets measured Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Hedge derivatives, net: Commodity contracts $ (575) $ — $ — $ (575) $ — Foreign exchange contracts $ 78 $ — $ — $ 78 $ — Non-hedge derivatives, net: Foreign exchange contracts $ 471 $ — $ — $ 471 $ — Deferred compensation plan assets $ 290 $ — $ 290 $ — $ — Description December 31, 2017 Assets measured Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Hedge derivatives, net: Commodity contracts $ (1,713) $ — $ — $ (1,713) $ — Foreign exchange contracts $ 950 $ — $ — $ 950 $ — Non-hedge derivatives, net: Foreign exchange contracts $ (581) $ — $ — $ (581) $ — Deferred compensation plan assets $ 268 $ — $ 268 $ — $ —

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Components of net periodic benefit cost	The components of net periodic benefit cost include the following: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 October 1, September 30, 2018 October 1, 2017 Retirement Plans Service cost $ 4,532 $ 4,626 $ 13,682 $ 13,835 Interest cost 13,698 13,716 41,249 42,085 Expected return on plan assets (22,740) (20,297) (68,529) (60,833) Amortization of prior service cost 239 228 730 683 Amortization of net actuarial loss 9,241 9,625 27,823 29,585 Effect of curtailment loss 97 — 97 — Effect of settlement loss — 476 645 31,550 Net periodic benefit cost $ 5,067 $ 8,374 $ 15,697 $ 56,905 Retiree Health and Life Insurance Plans Service cost $ 73 $ 70 $ 222 $ 234 Interest cost 115 123 336 347 Expected return on plan assets (222) (408) (912) (1,228) Amortization of prior service credit (124) (124) (373) (374) Amortization of net actuarial gain (288) (189) (828) (569) Net periodic benefit income $ (446) $ (528) $ (1,555) $ (1,590)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Receivables, contracts assets and liabilities from contracts with customers	The following table sets forth information about receivables, contract assets and liabilities from contracts with customers. The balances of the contract assets and liabilities are located in "Other receivables" and "Accrued expenses and other" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. September 30, 2018 January 1, 2018 Contract Assets $ 50,769 $ 45,877 Contract Liabilities $ (16,135) $ (16,513) Significant changes in the contract assets and liabilities balances during the period were as follows: September 30, 2018 January 1, 2018 Adjusted Contract Contract Contract Contract Beginning Balance $ 45,877 $ (16,513) $ — $ (11,298) Revenue deferred or rebates accrued — (12,240) — Recognized as revenue or rebate paid to customer — 12,618 — — Increases due to rights to consideration for customer specific goods produced, but not billed during the period 50,769 — — — Transferred to receivables from contract assets recognized at the beginning of the period (45,877) — — — Increase as a result of cumulative catch-up arising from changes in the estimate of completion, excluding amounts transferred to receivables during the period — 45,877 (5,215) Impairment of contract asset — — — — Ending Balance $ 50,769 $ (16,135) $ 45,877 $ (16,513)
Disaggregation of revenue	The following table sets forth information about revenue disaggregated by primary geographic regions, and timing of revenue recognition for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018. The table also includes a reconciliation of disaggregated revenue with reportable segments. Three Months Ended Consumer Display and Paper and Protective Primary Geographical Markets: United States $ 431,216 $ 80,696 $ 274,966 $ 91,093 Europe 101,848 82,906 84,313 6,721 Canada 29,427 — 33,233 — Other 37,663 1,562 71,236 37,882 Total $ 600,154 $ 165,164 $ 463,748 $ 135,696 Timing of Revenue Recognition: Products transferred at a point in time $ 368,709 $ 124,437 $ 438,599 $ 117,608 Products transferred over time 231,445 40,727 25,149 18,088 Total $ 600,154 $ 165,164 $ 463,748 $ 135,696 The following table sets forth information about revenue disaggregated by primary geographic regions, and timing of revenue recognition for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018. The table also includes a reconciliation of disaggregated revenue with reportable segments. Nine Months Ended Consumer Display and Paper and Protective Primary Geographical Markets: United States $ 1,275,775 $ 223,760 $ 820,429 $ 313,341 Europe 310,865 221,228 267,566 20,326 Canada 87,728 — 99,868 — Other 111,700 6,094 210,675 65,967 Total $ 1,786,068 $ 451,082 $ 1,398,538 $ 399,634 Timing of Revenue Recognition: Products transferred at a point in time $ 1,101,125 $ 325,313 $ 1,332,266 $ 339,043 Products transferred over time 684,943 125,769 66,272 60,591 Total $ 1,786,068 $ 451,082 $ 1,398,538 $ 399,634

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment financial information	SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 October 1, September 30, 2018 October 1, 2017 Net sales: Consumer Packaging $ 600,154 $ 565,788 $ 1,786,068 $ 1,569,231 Display and Packaging 165,164 135,560 451,082 365,807 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 463,748 483,376 1,398,538 1,395,075 Protective Solutions 135,696 139,910 399,634 407,519 Consolidated $ 1,364,762 $ 1,324,634 $ 4,035,322 $ 3,737,632 Intersegment sales: Consumer Packaging $ 782 $ 2,173 $ 2,643 $ 4,749 Display and Packaging 1,034 679 2,196 2,253 Paper and Industrial Converted Products 32,828 38,791 100,804 103,844 Protective Solutions 418 518 1,273 1,436 Consolidated $ 35,062 $ 42,161 $ 106,916 $ 112,282 Operating profit: Segment operating profit: Consumer Packaging $ 56,014 $ 68,922 $ 180,772 $ 188,758 Display and Packaging 3,703 1,993 4,865 6,694 Paper and Industrial Converted 53,906 43,696 155,229 115,983 Protective Solutions 10,433 11,323 34,739 33,270 Restructuring/Asset impairment charges (22,061) (511) (28,691) (12,519) Other, net (422) (2,191) (3,381) (10,115) Consolidated $ 101,573 $ 123,232 $ 343,533 $ 322,071

New Accounting Pronouncements -

New Accounting Pronouncements - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Apr. 01, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Decrease in cost of sales	$ (1,105,126)	$ (1,071,755)	$ (3,248,624)	$ (3,023,397)
Decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses	(136,002)	(129,136)	(414,474)	(379,645)
Increase in operating profit	$ 101,573	123,232	343,533	322,071
Reclassification from Net cash provided by operating activities			(451,516)	(281,005)
Reclassification to Net cash used in investing activities			$ (262,072)	(521,510)
Accounting Standards Update 2017-07
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Decrease in cost of sales		2,006		7,273
Decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses		1,144		33,973
Increase in operating profit		$ 3,150		41,246
Accounting Standards Update 2016-15
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Reclassification from Net cash provided by operating activities				1,104
Reclassification to Net cash used in investing activities				$ 1,104
Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect, increase (decrease)					$ 1,721	$ 1,721
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect | Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2017-12
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect, increase (decrease)						$ 176

Changes in Accounting Policy -

Changes in Accounting Policy - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current Assets
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances	$ 775,054	$ 728,887	$ 725,251	[1],[2]
Other receivables	93,470	105,912	64,561	[1],[2]
Inventories
Finished and in process	157,920	158,757	196,204	[1],[2]
Total Assets	4,658,634	4,565,261	4,557,721	[1],[2]
Current Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other	321,842	288,570	283,355	[1],[2]
Total Current Liabilities	994,384	1,005,185	999,970	[1],[2]
Deferred Income Taxes	85,473	74,677	74,073	[1],[2]
Sonoco Shareholders’ Equity
Retained earnings	2,151,658	2,037,727	2,036,006	[1],[2]
Total Sonoco Shareholders’ Equity	1,810,821	1,708,787	1,707,066	[1],[2]
Total Equity	1,832,930	1,731,781	1,730,060	[1],[2]
Total Liabilities and Equity	4,658,634	4,565,261	4,557,721	[1],[2]
Before Topic 606
Current Assets
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances	769,310		725,251
Other receivables	48,772		64,561
Inventories
Finished and in process	199,971		196,204
Total Assets	4,650,243		4,557,721
Current Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other	315,844		283,355
Total Current Liabilities	988,386		999,970
Deferred Income Taxes	84,851		74,073
Sonoco Shareholders’ Equity
Retained earnings	2,149,887		2,036,006
Total Sonoco Shareholders’ Equity	1,809,050		1,707,066
Total Equity	1,831,159		1,730,060
Total Liabilities and Equity	4,650,243		$ 4,557,721
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Adjustments due to Topic 606
Current Assets
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances	(5,744)	3,636
Other receivables	(44,698)	41,351
Inventories
Finished and in process	42,051	(37,447)
Total Assets	(8,391)	7,540
Current Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other	(5,998)	5,215
Total Current Liabilities	(5,998)	5,215
Deferred Income Taxes	(622)	604
Sonoco Shareholders’ Equity
Retained earnings	(1,771)	1,721
Total Sonoco Shareholders’ Equity	(1,771)	1,721
Total Equity	(1,771)	1,721
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ (8,391)	$ 7,540
[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.
[2]	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.

Changes in Accounting Policy _2

Changes in Accounting Policy - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,364,762	$ 1,324,634	$ 4,035,322	$ 3,737,632
Cost of sales	1,105,126	1,071,755	3,248,624	3,023,397
Gross profit	259,636	252,879	786,698	714,235
Operating profit	101,573	123,232	343,533	322,071
Income before income taxes	87,096	106,435	300,352	242,328
Provision for income taxes	18,325	35,545	71,974	78,251
Income before equity in earnings of affiliates	68,771	70,890	228,378	164,077
Net income	72,820	73,411	237,390	171,397
Net income attributable to Sonoco	72,415	$ 72,812	235,882	$ 169,670
Before Topic 606
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net sales	1,364,114		4,030,649
Cost of sales	1,103,395		3,244,019
Gross profit	260,719		786,630
Operating profit	102,656		343,465
Income before income taxes	88,179		300,284
Provision for income taxes	18,606		71,956
Income before equity in earnings of affiliates	69,573		228,328
Net income	73,622		237,340
Net income attributable to Sonoco	73,217		235,832
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Adjustments due to Topic 606
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net sales	(648)		(4,673)
Cost of sales	(1,731)		(4,605)
Gross profit	1,083		(68)
Operating profit	1,083		(68)
Income before income taxes	1,083		(68)
Provision for income taxes	281		(18)
Income before equity in earnings of affiliates	802		(50)
Net income	802		(50)
Net income attributable to Sonoco	$ 802		$ (50)

Changes in Accounting Policy _3

Changes in Accounting Policy - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net income	$ 72,820	$ 73,411	$ 237,390	$ 171,397
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,186	27,445	(40,418)	87,807
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	9,806	37,560	(17,824)	142,465
Comprehensive income	82,626	110,971	219,566	313,862
Comprehensive income attributable to Sonoco	82,951	$ 109,855	220,465	$ 311,097
Before Topic 606
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net income	73,622		237,340
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,156		(40,405)
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	9,776		(17,811)
Comprehensive income	83,398		219,529
Comprehensive income attributable to Sonoco	83,723		220,428
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Adjustments due to Topic 606
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net income	802		(50)
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(30)		13
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	(30)		13
Comprehensive income	772		(37)
Comprehensive income attributable to Sonoco	$ 772		$ (37)

Changes in Accounting Policy _4

Changes in Accounting Policy - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 72,820	$ 73,411	$ 237,390	$ 171,397
Trade accounts receivable			(58,187)	(70,908)
Inventories			(8,938)	(14,965)
Other assets and liabilities			22,365	(10,873)
Accrued expenses			35,353	1,229
Income taxes payable and other income tax items			(13,050)	(1,886)
Net cash provided by operating activities			451,516	$ 281,005
Adjustments due to Topic 606 | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	802		(50)
Trade accounts receivable			2,108
Inventories			(4,604)
Other assets and liabilities			3,347
Accrued expenses			(783)
Income taxes payable and other income tax items			(18)
Net cash provided by operating activities			0
Before Topic 606
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 73,622		237,340
Trade accounts receivable			(56,079)
Inventories			(13,542)
Other assets and liabilities			25,712
Accrued expenses			34,570
Income taxes payable and other income tax items			(13,068)
Net cash provided by operating activities			$ 451,516

Acquisitions - Additional Infor

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 12, 2020USD ($)	Apr. 12, 2019USD ($)	Oct. 01, 2018USD ($)employeefacilitycountry	Apr. 12, 2018USD ($)installment_payment	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2018USD ($)	Oct. 01, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Oct. 01, 2017USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash consideration								$ 150,995	$ 383,358
Acquisition related costs					$ 401		$ 945	4,037	5,270
Rigid paper facility to be acquired								135,420	$ 144,738
Texpack, Inc. | Subsequent Event
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Rigid paper facility to be acquired			$ 9,956
Conitex Sonoco Holding Bvi Ltd | Subsequent Event
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Approximate number of employees (employee) | employee			1,250
Number of manufacturing facilities (facility) | facility			13
Number of countries in which entity operates (country) | country			10
Conitex Sonoco Holding Bvi Ltd | Paper mill | Subsequent Event
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of manufacturing facilities (facility) | facility			4
Conitex Sonoco Holding Bvi Ltd | Other production | Subsequent Event
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of manufacturing facilities (facility) | facility			2
Conitex Sonoco Holding Bvi Ltd | Cone and tube converting | Subsequent Event
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of manufacturing facilities (facility) | facility			7
Term Loan Facility | Bank of America
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from lines of credit				$ 100,000
Highland Packaging Solution
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration				148,539
Cash consideration				141,305
Contingent purchase liability				$ 7,500
Proceeds received from final working capital settlement					(266)
Number of installment payments (installment payment) | installment_payment				2
Highland Packaging Solution | Forecast
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payment for contingent consideration	$ 2,500	$ 5,000
Clear Lam Packaging, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Decrease to property plant and equipment					1,168
Decrease to other intangible assets					1,300			1,300
Increase to other long-term liabilities					1,385
Increase to goodwill					3,168			$ 3,168
Decrease to other net tangible assets					$ (685)
Plastic Packaging Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Increase to goodwill						$ 5,340
Increase in inventory						2,381
Decrease to deferred tax assets						7,057
Increase to long-term debt						$ 664
Conitex Sonoco Holding Bvi Ltd | Subsequent Event
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Additional interest acquired			70.00%
Cash consideration to acquire remaining interest			$ 133,000

Acquisitions - Schedule of prel

Acquisitions - Schedule of preliminary fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Apr. 12, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	[1]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 1,285,368		$ 1,241,875
Other intangible assets	$ 2,071
Highland Packaging Solution
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Trade accounts receivable		$ 6,072
Inventories		27,225
Property, plant and equipment		29,080
Goodwill		47,193
Other intangible assets		45,624
Trade accounts payable		(6,006)
Other net tangible assets /(liabilities)		(649)
Net assets		$ 148,539
[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.

Acquisitions - Schedule of Prof

Acquisitions - Schedule of Proforma Supplemental Information (Details) - Packaging Holding and Clear Lam - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 01, 2017
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,332,532	$ 3,844,048
Net income attributable to Sonoco	$ 73,284	$ 172,470
Earnings per share:
Pro forma basic (in usd per share)	$ 0.73	$ 1.72
Pro forma diluted (in usd per share)	$ 0.73	$ 1.71
Actual net sales	$ 77,764	$ 145,983
Actual net income	$ 1,976	$ 2,160

Shareholders' Equity - Earnings

Shareholders' Equity - Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Sonoco	$ 72,415	$ 72,812	$ 235,882	$ 169,670
Denominator:
Basic (in shares)	100,640	100,275	100,534	100,214
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation (in shares)	400	409	459	579
Diluted (in shares)	101,040	100,684	100,993	100,793
Net income attributable to Sonoco per common share:
Basic (in usd per share)	$ 0.72	$ 0.73	$ 2.35	$ 1.69
Diluted (in usd per share)	$ 0.72	$ 0.72	$ 2.34	$ 1.68

Shareholders' Equity - Antidilu

Shareholders' Equity - Antidilutive Securities (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Anti-dilutive stock appreciation rights (in shares)	895	531	892	473

Shareholders' Equity - Addition

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Oct. 16, 2018	Jul. 18, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Feb. 10, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for repurchase (in shares)							5,000,000
Number of shares repurchased (in shares)			0		0	2,030,000
Number of shares available for repurchase (in shares)			2,970,000
Dividend declared and payable (in usd per share)		$ 0.41
Subsequent Event
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividend declared and payable (in usd per share)	$ 0.41
Tax Withholding Obligations
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares repurchased (in shares)			135,000	113,000
Cost of shares repurchased			$ 6,987	$ 5,942

Restructuring and Asset Impai_3

Restructuring and Asset Impairment - Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges/ (Credits), Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017
Restructuring/Asset impairment:
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	$ 22,061	$ 511	$ 28,691	$ 12,519
Income tax benefit	(5,465)	(445)	(7,196)	(4,081)
Less: Costs attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	(28)	(21)	(48)	(35)
Restructuring/asset impairment charges attributable to Sonoco, net of tax	16,568	45	21,447	8,403
2018 Actions
Restructuring/Asset impairment:
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	19,348	0	24,263	0
2017 Actions
Restructuring/Asset impairment:
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	3,184	1,610	4,606	7,798
2016 and Earlier Actions
Restructuring/Asset impairment:
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	(471)	(1,301)	(178)	4,181
Other asset impairments
Restructuring/Asset impairment:
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	$ 0	$ 202	$ 0	$ 540

Restructuring and Asset Impai_4

Restructuring and Asset Impairment - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)positionfacility	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)facilityposition
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected future charges associated with previous restructuring on earnings		$ 3,900
Net book value of fixed assets sold		$ 1,140,113	$ 1,169,377	[1],[2]
Other asset impairments	$ 540
2018 Actions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of facilities closed (facility) | facility		2
Number of eliminated positions (position) | position		100
Asset impairment/disposal of assets		$ 24,263
Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets and inventory		(8,666)
Proceeds from sale of building		2,019
Asset write off		$ 1,747
2018 Actions | Alabama
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of facilities closed (facility) | facility		1
2018 Actions | Canada
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of facilities closed (facility) | facility		1
2018 Actions | Atlanta, GA
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Asset impairment/disposal of assets		$ 4,516
Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets and inventory		22,163
Net book value of fixed assets sold		24,869
Net book value of inventory sold		1,810
2018 Actions | Vacated land and building
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Asset impairment/disposal of assets		272
2018 Actions | Other Costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Asset impairment/disposal of assets		11,675
Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets and inventory		11,385
Loss on contract termination		(9,600)
2017 Actions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of facilities closed (facility) | facility			5
Number of eliminated positions (position) | position			255
Asset impairment/disposal of assets		4,606
Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets and inventory		6,046
Proceeds from sale of building		1,833
Asset write off		460
2017 Actions | United States
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of facilities closed (facility) | facility			3
2017 Actions | Belgium
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of facilities closed (facility) | facility			1
2017 Actions | China
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of facilities closed (facility) | facility			1
2017 Actions | Vacated land and building
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Asset impairment/disposal of assets		1,373
2017 Actions | Other Costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Asset impairment/disposal of assets		1,977
Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets and inventory		2,173
2016 and Earlier Actions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected future charges associated with previous restructuring on earnings		100
Restructuring reserve		$ 1,177	$ 3,044
[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.
[2]	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.

Restructuring and Asset Impai_5

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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	$ 22,061	$ 511	$ 28,691	$ 12,519
2018 Actions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	19,348	0	24,263	0
Total Incurred to Date	24,263		24,263
Estimated Total Cost	26,163		26,163
2017 Actions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	3,184	1,610	4,606	7,798
Total Incurred to Date	19,935		19,935
Estimated Total Cost	21,835		21,835
2017 Actions | Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets | Protective Solutions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	93	55	93	832
Total Incurred to Date	964		964
Estimated Total Cost	964		964
2016 and Earlier Actions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	(471)	(1,301)	(178)	4,181
Operating Segments | 2018 Actions | Severance and Termination Benefits | Consumer Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	1,154
Total Incurred to Date	2,848		2,848
Estimated Total Cost	4,148		4,148
Operating Segments | 2018 Actions | Severance and Termination Benefits | Display and Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	1,134
Total Incurred to Date	1,865		1,865
Estimated Total Cost	1,865		1,865
Operating Segments | 2018 Actions | Severance and Termination Benefits | Paper and Industrial Converted Products
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	608
Total Incurred to Date	1,900		1,900
Estimated Total Cost	1,900		1,900
Operating Segments | 2018 Actions | Severance and Termination Benefits | Protective Solutions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	232
Total Incurred to Date	1,008		1,008
Estimated Total Cost	1,008		1,008
Operating Segments | 2018 Actions | Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets | Consumer Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	305
Total Incurred to Date	380		380
Estimated Total Cost	380		380
Operating Segments | 2018 Actions | Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets | Display and Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	4,517
Total Incurred to Date	4,517		4,517
Estimated Total Cost	4,517		4,517
Operating Segments | 2018 Actions | Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets | Paper and Industrial Converted Products
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	70
Total Incurred to Date	70		70
Estimated Total Cost	70		70
Operating Segments | 2018 Actions | Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets | Protective Solutions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	0
Total Incurred to Date	(243)		(243)
Estimated Total Cost	(243)		(243)
Operating Segments | 2018 Actions | Other Costs | Consumer Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	361
Total Incurred to Date	366		366
Estimated Total Cost	866		866
Operating Segments | 2018 Actions | Other Costs | Display and Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	9,729
Total Incurred to Date	9,732		9,732
Estimated Total Cost	9,732		9,732
Operating Segments | 2018 Actions | Other Costs | Paper and Industrial Converted Products
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	1,250
Total Incurred to Date	1,543		1,543
Estimated Total Cost	1,643		1,643
Operating Segments | 2018 Actions | Other Costs | Protective Solutions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	0
Total Incurred to Date	46		46
Estimated Total Cost	46		46
Operating Segments | 2017 Actions | Severance and Termination Benefits | Consumer Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	2,397	60	3,453	1,376
Total Incurred to Date	7,644		7,644
Estimated Total Cost	8,744		8,744
Operating Segments | 2017 Actions | Severance and Termination Benefits | Display and Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	0	0	(15)	172
Total Incurred to Date	726		726
Estimated Total Cost	726		726
Operating Segments | 2017 Actions | Severance and Termination Benefits | Paper and Industrial Converted Products
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	4	748	6	2,952
Total Incurred to Date	4,024		4,024
Estimated Total Cost	4,024		4,024
Operating Segments | 2017 Actions | Severance and Termination Benefits | Protective Solutions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	(149)	83	163	1,057
Total Incurred to Date	1,561		1,561
Estimated Total Cost	1,561		1,561
Operating Segments | 2017 Actions | Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets | Consumer Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	0	126	0	126
Total Incurred to Date	351		351
Estimated Total Cost	351		351
Operating Segments | 2017 Actions | Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets | Display and Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	0	0	193	0
Total Incurred to Date	193		193
Estimated Total Cost	193		193
Operating Segments | 2017 Actions | Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets | Paper and Industrial Converted Products
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	0	13	(1,264)	13
Total Incurred to Date	(1,359)		(1,359)
Estimated Total Cost	(1,359)		(1,359)
Operating Segments | 2017 Actions | Other Costs | Consumer Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	406	37	958	288
Total Incurred to Date	1,837		1,837
Estimated Total Cost	2,037		2,037
Operating Segments | 2017 Actions | Other Costs | Display and Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	213	0	(13)	0
Total Incurred to Date	776		776
Estimated Total Cost	1,076		1,076
Operating Segments | 2017 Actions | Other Costs | Paper and Industrial Converted Products
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	131	62	772	100
Total Incurred to Date	1,773		1,773
Estimated Total Cost	1,973		1,973
Operating Segments | 2017 Actions | Other Costs | Protective Solutions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	89	430	260	430
Total Incurred to Date	1,002		1,002
Estimated Total Cost	1,102		1,102
Operating Segments | 2016 and Earlier Actions | Consumer Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	(292)	(1,334)	41	1,259
Operating Segments | 2016 and Earlier Actions | Display and Packaging
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	0	(2)	(23)	549
Operating Segments | 2016 and Earlier Actions | Paper and Industrial Converted Products
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	(198)	(32)	(251)	2,196
Operating Segments | 2016 and Earlier Actions | Protective Solutions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	19	53	55	156
Corporate | 2018 Actions | Severance and Termination Benefits
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	0
Total Incurred to Date	243		243
Estimated Total Cost	243		243
Corporate | 2018 Actions | Other Costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	(12)
Total Incurred to Date	(12)		(12)
Estimated Total Cost	(12)		(12)
Corporate | 2017 Actions | Severance and Termination Benefits
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	0	(4)	0	452
Total Incurred to Date	452		452
Estimated Total Cost	452		452
Corporate | 2017 Actions | Other Costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	0	0	0	0
Total Incurred to Date	(9)		(9)
Estimated Total Cost	(9)		(9)
Corporate | 2016 and Earlier Actions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/asset impairment charges	$ 0	$ 14	$ 0	$ 21

Restructuring and Asset Impai_6

Restructuring and Asset Impairment - Restructuring Accrual Activity for Given Years (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
2018 Actions
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, beginning balance	$ 0
Current year charges	24,263
Cash receipts/(payments)	8,666
Asset write downs/disposals	(28,941)
Foreign currency translation	(15)
Liability, ending balance	3,973
2017 Actions
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, beginning balance	4,102
Current year charges	4,606
Cash receipts/(payments)	(6,046)
Asset write downs/disposals	(863)
Foreign currency translation	(18)
Liability, ending balance	1,781
Severance and Termination Benefits | 2018 Actions
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, beginning balance	0
Current year charges	7,864
Cash receipts/(payments)	(4,166)
Asset write downs/disposals	0
Foreign currency translation	(17)
Liability, ending balance	3,681
Severance and Termination Benefits | 2017 Actions
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, beginning balance	3,889
Current year charges	3,607
Cash receipts/(payments)	(5,714)
Asset write downs/disposals	0
Foreign currency translation	(8)
Liability, ending balance	1,774
Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets | 2018 Actions
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, beginning balance	0
Current year charges	4,724
Cash receipts/(payments)	24,217
Asset write downs/disposals	(28,941)
Foreign currency translation	0
Liability, ending balance	0
Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets | 2017 Actions
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, beginning balance	0
Current year charges	(978)
Cash receipts/(payments)	1,841
Asset write downs/disposals	(863)
Foreign currency translation	0
Liability, ending balance	0
Other Costs | 2018 Actions
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, beginning balance	0
Current year charges	11,675
Cash receipts/(payments)	(11,385)
Asset write downs/disposals	0
Foreign currency translation	2
Liability, ending balance	292
Other Costs | 2017 Actions
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, beginning balance	213
Current year charges	1,977
Cash receipts/(payments)	(2,173)
Asset write downs/disposals	0
Foreign currency translation	(10)
Liability, ending balance	$ 7

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	[1],[2]			$ 1,730,060
Other comprehensive income/(loss)		$ 9,806	$ 37,560	(17,824)	$ 142,465
Ending Balance		1,832,930		1,832,930
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance				(641)	1,939
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications				583	(654)
Other comprehensive income/(loss)				394	(3,653)
Amounts reclassified from retained earnings to accumulated other comprehensive loss		(176)		(176)
Ending Balance		(423)	(1,714)	(423)	(1,714)
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges | Fixed Assets
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) net of tax				136	(15)
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges | Net Income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) net of tax				(325)	(2,984)
Defined Benefit Pension Items
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance				(467,136)	(453,821)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications				1,221	22,337
Other comprehensive income/(loss)				22,200	58,311
Amounts reclassified from retained earnings to accumulated other comprehensive loss		0		0
Ending Balance		(444,936)	(395,510)	(444,936)	(395,510)
Defined Benefit Pension Items | Fixed Assets
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) net of tax				0	0
Defined Benefit Pension Items | Net Income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) net of tax				20,979	35,974
Foreign Currency Items
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance				(198,495)	(286,498)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications				(38,011)	86,769
Other comprehensive income/(loss)				(38,011)	86,769
Amounts reclassified from retained earnings to accumulated other comprehensive loss		0		0
Ending Balance		(236,506)	(199,729)	(236,506)	(199,729)
Foreign Currency Items | Fixed Assets
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) net of tax				0	0
Foreign Currency Items | Net Income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) net of tax				0	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance				(666,272)	(738,380)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications				(36,207)	108,452
Other comprehensive income/(loss)				(15,417)	141,427
Amounts reclassified from retained earnings to accumulated other comprehensive loss		(176)		(176)
Ending Balance		$ (681,865)	$ (596,953)	(681,865)	(596,953)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Fixed Assets
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) net of tax				136	(15)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Net Income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) net of tax				$ 20,654	$ 32,990
[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.
[2]	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 Comprehensi_4

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017USD ($)
Subsidiaries
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	$ 5,071

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_5

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Effects on Net Income of Significant Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,364,762	$ 1,324,634	$ 4,035,322	$ 3,737,632
Cost of sales	(1,105,126)	(1,071,755)	(3,248,624)	(3,023,397)
Income before income taxes	87,096	106,435	300,352	242,328
Provision for income taxes	(18,325)	(35,545)	(71,974)	(78,251)
Net income	72,820	73,411	237,390	171,397
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income	(6,665)	(4,354)	(20,654)	(32,990)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net sales	614	4,814	1,184	8,097
Cost of sales	(413)	(2,110)	(756)	(3,441)
Income before income taxes	201	2,704	428	4,656
Provision for income taxes	(58)	(977)	(103)	(1,672)
Net income	143	1,727	325	2,984
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Effect of curtailment loss
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Non-operating pension costs	(97)	0	(97)	0
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Effect of settlement loss
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Non-operating pension costs	0	(476)	(645)	(31,550)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Amortization of defined benefit pension items
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Non-operating pension costs	(9,068)	(9,540)	(27,352)	(29,325)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Defined benefit pension items
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	(9,165)	(10,016)	(28,094)	(60,875)
Provision for income taxes	2,357	3,935	7,115	24,901
Net income	(6,808)	(6,081)	(20,979)	(35,974)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Foreign exchange contracts | Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net sales	614	4,814	1,184	8,097
Cost of sales	(260)	(2,766)	(613)	(4,808)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Commodity contracts | Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Cost of sales	$ (153)	$ 656	$ (143)	$ 1,367

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_6

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Before and After Tax Amounts for Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before tax	$ 13,559	$ 43,274	$ (7,751)	$ 167,607
Other comprehensive income/(loss), tax	(3,023)	(6,231)	(7,666)	(26,180)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income	10,536	37,043	(15,417)	141,427
Foreign Currency Items
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before tax	1,916	26,928	(38,011)	86,769
Other comprehensive income/(loss), tax	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive (loss)/income	1,916	26,928	(38,011)	86,769
Defined benefit pension items
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications before tax	184	6,634	1,674	25,655
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications, tax	(31)	(2,414)	(453)	(3,318)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	153	4,220	1,221	22,337
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before tax	9,349	16,650	29,768	86,530
Other comprehensive income/(loss), tax	(2,388)	(6,349)	(7,568)	(28,219)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income	6,961	10,301	22,200	58,311
Defined benefit pension items | Net Income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) before tax	9,165	10,016	28,094	60,875
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), tax	(2,357)	(3,935)	(7,115)	(24,901)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) net of tax	6,808	6,081	20,979	35,974
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications before tax	2,415	2,425	784	(1,021)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications, tax	(693)	(859)	(201)	367
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	1,722	1,566	583	(654)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before tax	2,294	(304)	492	(5,692)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), tax	(635)	118	(98)	2,039
Other comprehensive (loss)/income	1,659	(186)	394	(3,653)
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges | Fixed Assets
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) before tax	80	(25)	136	(15)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), tax	0	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) net of tax	80	(25)	136	(15)
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges | Net Income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) before tax	(201)	(2,704)	(428)	(4,656)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), tax	58	977	103	1,672
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) net of tax	$ (143)	$ (1,727)	$ (325)	$ (2,984)

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Changes in Goodwill by Segment (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 1,241,875	[1]
2018 Acquisitions	47,193
Foreign currency translation	(12,208)
Other	8,508
Goodwill, ending balance	1,285,368
Consumer Packaging
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	572,716
2018 Acquisitions	47,193
Foreign currency translation	(7,221)
Other	8,508
Goodwill, ending balance	621,196
Display and Packaging
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	203,414
2018 Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
Goodwill, ending balance	203,414
Paper and Industrial Converted Products
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	233,778
2018 Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	(4,654)
Other	0
Goodwill, ending balance	229,124
Protective Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	231,967
2018 Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	(333)
Other	0
Goodwill, ending balance	$ 231,634
[1]	The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Goodwill and Other Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Apr. 12, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	[1]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 1,285,368,000		$ 1,285,368,000			$ 1,241,875,000
Goodwill, impairment loss	0
Intangible assets resulting from acquisition	2,071,000		$ 2,071,000
Weighted average useful life			13 years
Aggregate amortization expense	11,664,000	$ 10,117,000	$ 34,266,000	$ 26,706,000
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2018	45,900,000		45,900,000
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2019	45,400,000		45,400,000
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2020	43,100,000		43,100,000
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2021	41,600,000		41,600,000
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2022	39,700,000		$ 39,700,000
Minimum
Goodwill [Line Items]
Useful lives of other intangible assets			3 years
Maximum
Goodwill [Line Items]
Useful lives of other intangible assets			40 years
Display and Packaging Reporting Unit
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	203,414,000		$ 203,414,000
Highland Packaging Solution
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill					$ 47,193,000
Intangible assets resulting from acquisition					$ 45,624,000
Packaging Holdings, Inc.
Goodwill [Line Items]
Increase to goodwill			5,340,000
Clear Lam Packaging, Inc.
Goodwill [Line Items]
Increase to goodwill	3,168,000		3,168,000
Decrease to other intangible assets	$ 1,300,000		$ 1,300,000
[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 Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Intangible Assets, gross:
Other Intangible Assets, gross	$ 609,309	$ 567,556
Total Accumulated Amortization	(268,485)	(236,261)
Other Intangible Assets, net	340,824	331,295	[1],[2]
Patents
Other Intangible Assets, gross:
Other Intangible Assets, gross	22,114	21,957
Total Accumulated Amortization	(8,805)	(7,187)
Customer lists
Other Intangible Assets, gross:
Other Intangible Assets, gross	537,027	497,634
Total Accumulated Amortization	(237,285)	(210,212)
Trade names
Other Intangible Assets, gross:
Other Intangible Assets, gross	26,990	25,148
Total Accumulated Amortization	(6,405)	(4,427)
Proprietary technology
Other Intangible Assets, gross:
Other Intangible Assets, gross	20,764	20,779
Total Accumulated Amortization	(14,554)	(13,192)
Land use rights
Other Intangible Assets, gross:
Other Intangible Assets, gross	279	298
Total Accumulated Amortization	(48)	(47)
Other
Other Intangible Assets, gross:
Other Intangible Assets, gross	2,135	1,740
Total Accumulated Amortization	$ (1,388)	$ (1,196)
[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.
[2]	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.

Debt - Additional Information (

Debt - Additional Information (Details) - Term Loan Facility - Bank of America	Apr. 12, 2018USD ($)extension_option	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 100,000,000
Debt term	364 days
Number of extension options (extension option) | extension_option	1
Additional debt term	364 days
Repayments of borrowings from term loan		$ 100,000,000
LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis points	1.10%

Financial Instruments and Der_3

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Carrying Amount and Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term debt, net of current portion, carrying amount	$ 1,312,678	$ 1,288,002	[1]
Long-term debt, net of current portion, fair value	$ 1,388,231	$ 1,426,862
[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 Der_4

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands, MMBTU in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)MMBTUT	Oct. 01, 2017USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of commodity cash flow hedges, gain (loss)	$ (575)			$ (1,713)
Commodity gain (loss) expected to be reclassified to the income statement during the next 12 months	(320)
Fair value of foreign currency cash flow hedges, gain (loss)	313			950
Foreign currency gain (loss) expected to be reclassified to the income statement during the next 12 months	313
Total fair value of other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	$ 471			(581)
Natural Gas Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Approximate amount of commodity covered by swap contracts outstanding (in MMBTUs) | MMBTU	8
Anticipated usage percentage covered by a swap contract for the current fiscal year	74.00%
Anticipated usage percentage covered by a swap contract for the second succeeding fiscal year	57.00%
Anticipated usage percentage covered by a swap contract for the third succeeding fiscal year	29.00%
Aluminum Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Anticipated usage percentage covered by a swap contract for the current fiscal year	51.00%
Approximate amount of commodity covered by swap contracts outstanding (in tons) | T	1,769
Foreign Exchange Forward For Construction In Progress
Derivative [Line Items]
Net position of contracts	$ (235)			$ 330
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Derivative [Line Items]
Cumulative effect, increase (decrease)	(176)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Fixed Assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 136	$ (15)
Accounting Standards Update 2017-12 | New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect | Retained Earnings
Derivative [Line Items]
Cumulative effect, increase (decrease)			$ 176
Accounting Standards Update 2017-12 | New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Derivative [Line Items]
Cumulative effect, increase (decrease)			$ (176)

Financial Instruments and Der_5

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Net Positions of Foreign Contracts (Details) - Sep. 30, 2018 - Cash Flow Hedging ₽ in Thousands, ₺ in Thousands, € in Thousands, £ in Thousands, zł in Thousands, $ in Thousands, $ in Thousands, $ in Thousands, $ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	RUB (₽)	EUR (€)	PLN (zł)	TRY (₺)	NZD ($)	COP ($)	CAD ($)	MXN ($)	GBP (£)	AUD ($)
purchase
Derivative [Line Items]
Net position, purchase (sell)	₽ 9,284		zł 25,763	₺ 2,093		$ 1,921,999	$ 13,123	$ 167,127	£ 1,326
sell
Derivative [Line Items]
Net position, purchase (sell)		€ 3,425			$ 131					$ 355

Financial Instruments and Der_6

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Net Positions of Other Derivatives Contract (Details) - Sep. 30, 2018 - Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments ر.س in Thousands, R in Thousands, $ in Thousands, $ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	ZAR (R)	COP ($)	CAD ($)	SAR (ر.س)	MXN ($)
purchase
Derivative [Line Items]
Net position		$ 6,196,372	$ 23,199		$ 330,523
sell
Derivative [Line Items]
Net position	R 18,784			ر.س 4,131

Financial Instruments and Der_7

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Location and Fair Values of Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Commodity contracts | Prepaid expenses
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset	$ 205	$ 149
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Commodity contracts | Other assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset	13	0
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Commodity contracts | Accrued expenses and other
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability	(577)	(1,417)
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Commodity contracts | Other liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability	(216)	(445)
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign exchange contracts | Prepaid expenses
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset	706	2,232
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign exchange contracts | Accrued expenses and other
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability	(628)	(1,282)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign exchange contracts | Prepaid expenses
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset	496	90
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign exchange contracts | Accrued expenses and other
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability	$ (25)	$ (671)

Financial Instruments and Der_8

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Effect of Derivative Instruments on Financial Performance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017
Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives	$ 2,550	$ 3,119	$ (211)	$ 936
Foreign exchange contracts | Net sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI Into Income	614	4,814	1,184	8,097
Foreign exchange contracts | Cost of sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI Into Income	(260)	(2,766)	(613)	(4,808)
Foreign exchange contracts | Cost of sales | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain or (Loss) Recognized	0	0	0	0
Foreign exchange contracts | Selling, general and administrative | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain or (Loss) Recognized	(1,008)	(3,172)	1,016	(2,074)
Commodity contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives	(135)	(694)	995	(1,957)
Commodity contracts | Cost of sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI Into Income	$ (153)	$ 656	$ (143)	$ 1,367

Financial Instruments and Der_9

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Reclassification of Gains and Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 1,364,762	$ 1,324,634	$ 4,035,322	$ 3,737,632
Cost of sales	(1,105,126)	(1,071,755)	(3,248,624)	(3,023,397)
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Revenue	614	4,814	1,184	8,097
Cost of sales	(413)	(2,110)	(756)	(3,441)
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Foreign exchange contracts
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Revenue	614	4,814	1,184	8,097
Cost of sales	(260)	(2,766)	(613)	(4,808)
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Commodity contracts
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0	0	0
Cost of sales	$ (153)	$ 656	$ (143)	$ 1,367

Fair Value Measurements - Asset

Fair Value Measurements - Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets	$ 290	$ 268
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Commodity contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	(575)	(1,713)
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign exchange contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	78	950
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign exchange contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	471	(581)
Assets measured at NAV
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets	0	0
Assets measured at NAV | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Commodity contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	0	0
Assets measured at NAV | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign exchange contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	0	0
Assets measured at NAV | 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 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets	290	268
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	(575)	(1,713)
Level 2 | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign exchange contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	78	950
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	471	(581)
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 ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions			$ 13,188,000	$ 38,483,000
Expected contributions for remainder of fiscal year	$ 8,500,000		8,500,000
Settlement losses recognized			645,000		$ 31,550,000
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Settlement losses recognized	0	$ 476,000	645,000	31,550,000
Effect of curtailment loss	97,000	0	97,000	0
Pension Plan | Sonoco Retirement Contribution
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions			14,151,000	14,066,000
Expected contributions for remainder of fiscal year	0		0
Recognized expense related to the plan	3,707,000	$ 3,239,000	$ 11,594,000	$ 10,930,000
Pension Plan | United States | Sonoco Retirement Contribution
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%
Pension Plan | Canada
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Effect of curtailment loss	$ (97,000)

Employee Benefit Plans - Compon

Employee Benefit Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Effect of settlement loss			$ 645		$ 31,550
Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 4,532	$ 4,626	13,682	$ 13,835
Interest cost	13,698	13,716	41,249	42,085
Expected return on plan assets	(22,740)	(20,297)	(68,529)	(60,833)
Amortization of prior service cost	239	228	730	683
Amortization of net actuarial loss	9,241	9,625	27,823	29,585
Effect of curtailment loss	97	0	97	0
Effect of settlement loss	0	476	645	31,550
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	5,067	8,374	15,697	56,905
Retiree Health and Life Insurance Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	73	70	222	234
Interest cost	115	123	336	347
Expected return on plan assets	(222)	(408)	(912)	(1,228)
Amortization of prior service cost	(124)	(124)	(373)	(374)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	(288)	(189)	(828)	(569)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$ (446)	$ (528)	$ (1,555)	$ (1,590)

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	Nov. 20, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Oct. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Oct. 01, 2017	Nov. 14, 2017notice_of_proposed_adjustment	Oct. 05, 2017notice_of_proposed_adjustment
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Effective tax rate			21.00%	33.40%	24.00%	32.30%
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits					$ 1,000
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits that are reasonably possible			$ (3,200)		$ (3,200)
Number of draft notice of proposed adjustments, revised (notice of proposed adjustment) | notice_of_proposed_adjustment								2
Number of notice of proposed adjustments (notice of proposed adjustment) | notice_of_proposed_adjustment							2
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Penalties expense		$ 18,000
Tax examination, possible loss	$ 89,000

Revenue Recognition - Additiona

Revenue Recognition - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Payment terms	120 days
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Retained Earnings
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect, increase (decrease)		$ 1,721	$ 1,721

Revenue Recognition - Receivabl

Revenue Recognition - Receivables, Contract Assets and Liabilities from Contracts with Customer (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Contract Assets	$ 50,769	$ 45,877	$ 45,877
Contract Liabilities	$ (16,135)	$ (16,513)	$ (16,513)

Revenue Recognition - Significa

Revenue Recognition - Significant Changes in the Contract Assets and Liabilities Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 01, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Contract Asset
Beginning Balance	$ 45,877	$ 45,877
Increases due to rights to consideration for customer specific goods produced, but not billed during the period		50,769
Transferred to receivables from contract assets recognized at the beginning of the period		(45,877)
Increase as a result of cumulative catch-up arising from changes in the estimate of completion, excluding amounts transferred to receivables during the period		0
Impairment of contract asset		0
Ending Balance	45,877	50,769
Contract Liability
Beginning Balance	(16,513)	(16,513)
Revenue deferred or rebates accrued		(12,240)
Revenue recognized that was included in the contract liabilities balance at the beginning of the period		(12,618)
Increase as a result of cumulative catch-up arising from changes in the estimate of completion, excluding amounts transferred to receivables during the period
Ending Balance	(16,513)	(16,135)
Previously Reported
Contract Asset
Beginning Balance	0	0
Contract Liability
Beginning Balance	(11,298)	$ (11,298)
Restatement Adjustment
Contract Asset
Increases due to rights to consideration for customer specific goods produced, but not billed during the period	0
Transferred to receivables from contract assets recognized at the beginning of the period	0
Increase as a result of cumulative catch-up arising from changes in the estimate of completion, excluding amounts transferred to receivables during the period	45,877
Impairment of contract asset	0
Ending Balance	45,877
Contract Liability
Revenue deferred or rebates accrued
Revenue recognized that was included in the contract liabilities balance at the beginning of the period	0
Increase as a result of cumulative catch-up arising from changes in the estimate of completion, excluding amounts transferred to receivables during the period	(5,215)
Ending Balance	$ (16,513)

Revenue Recognition - Disaggreg

Revenue Recognition - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 1,364,762	$ 1,324,634	$ 4,035,322	$ 3,737,632
Consumer Packaging
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	600,154		1,786,068
Consumer Packaging | Products transferred at a point in time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	368,709		1,101,125
Consumer Packaging | Products transferred over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	231,445		684,943
Consumer Packaging | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	431,216		1,275,775
Consumer Packaging | Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	101,848		310,865
Consumer Packaging | Canada
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	29,427		87,728
Consumer Packaging | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	37,663		111,700
Display and Packaging
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	165,164		451,082
Display and Packaging | Products transferred at a point in time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	124,437		325,313
Display and Packaging | Products transferred over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	40,727		125,769
Display and Packaging | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	80,696		223,760
Display and Packaging | Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	82,906		221,228
Display and Packaging | Canada
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	0		0
Display and Packaging | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	1,562		6,094
Paper and Industrial Converted Products
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	463,748		1,398,538
Paper and Industrial Converted Products | Products transferred at a point in time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	438,599		1,332,266
Paper and Industrial Converted Products | Products transferred over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	25,149		66,272
Paper and Industrial Converted Products | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	274,966		820,429
Paper and Industrial Converted Products | Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	84,313		267,566
Paper and Industrial Converted Products | Canada
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	33,233		99,868
Paper and Industrial Converted Products | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	71,236		210,675
Protective Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	135,696		399,634
Protective Solutions | Products transferred at a point in time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	117,608		339,043
Protective Solutions | Products transferred over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	18,088		60,591
Protective Solutions | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	91,093		313,341
Protective Solutions | Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	6,721		20,326
Protective Solutions | Canada
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	0		0
Protective Solutions | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 37,882		$ 65,967

Segment Reporting - Additional

Segment Reporting - Additional Information (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments (segment)	4

Segment Reporting - Segment Fin

Segment Reporting - Segment Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 01, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,364,762	$ 1,324,634	$ 4,035,322	$ 3,737,632
Operating profit	101,573	123,232	343,533	322,071
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	(22,061)	(511)	(28,691)	(12,519)
Consumer Packaging
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	600,154		1,786,068
Display and Packaging
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	165,164		451,082
Paper and Industrial Converted Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	463,748		1,398,538
Protective Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	135,696		399,634
Operating Segments | Consumer Packaging
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	600,154	565,788	1,786,068	1,569,231
Operating profit	56,014	68,922	180,772	188,758
Operating Segments | Display and Packaging
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	165,164	135,560	451,082	365,807
Operating profit	3,703	1,993	4,865	6,694
Operating Segments | Paper and Industrial Converted Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	463,748	483,376	1,398,538	1,395,075
Operating profit	53,906	43,696	155,229	115,983
Operating Segments | Protective Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	135,696	139,910	399,634	407,519
Operating profit	10,433	11,323	34,739	33,270
Intersegment Sales
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	35,062	42,161	106,916	112,282
Intersegment Sales | Consumer Packaging
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	782	2,173	2,643	4,749
Intersegment Sales | Display and Packaging
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,034	679	2,196	2,253
Intersegment Sales | Paper and Industrial Converted Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	32,828	38,791	100,804	103,844
Intersegment Sales | Protective Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	418	518	1,273	1,436
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Other, net	$ (422)	$ (2,191)	$ (3,381)	$ (10,115)

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	72 Months Ended	83 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Nov. 30, 2011
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Environmental accrual	$ 20,306	$ 19,435
Spartanburg, South Carolina Site | Tegrant Holding Corporation
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Environmental accrual	16,504	16,124	$ 17,400
Payment towards remediation of sites		1,293
Increase of reserves	17
Multiple Sites
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Environmental accrual	$ 3,802	$ 3,311