| Cover Page | Oct. 13, 2019 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 13, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY |
| Entity File Number | 001-11261 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | SC |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 57-0248420 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1 N. Second St. |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Hartsville |
| Entity Address, State or Province | SC |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 29550 |
| City Area Code | 843 |
| Local Phone Number | 383-7000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | No par value common stock |
| Trading Symbol | SON |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000091767 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
