Equity [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss and Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Comprehensive Loss Components Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Allowances for trade accounts receivable Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] RTS Packaging JVCO Rts Packaging Jvco [Member] RTS Packaging JVCO. Cascades Conversion, Inc. Cascades Conversion Inc [Member] Cascades conversion, inc. Cascades Sonoco, Inc. Cascades Sonoco Inc [Member] Cascades Sonoco, inc. Showa Products Company Ltd. Showa Products Company Ltd [Member] Showa products company Ltd. Conitex Sonoco Holding BVI Ltd. Conitex Sonoco Holding Bvi Ltd [Member] Conitex Sonoco Holding BVI Ltd. Weidenhammer New Packaging LLC Weidenhammer New Packaging LLC [Member] Weidenhammer New Packaging LLC [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Ownership interest percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Income Statement [Abstract] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Net Sales Revenue, Net Cost of sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold Gross profit Gross Profit Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Restructuring/Asset impairment charges Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions Gain on disposition of business, net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business, Net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business, Net Income before interest and income taxes Operating Income (Loss) Interest expense Interest Expense Interest income Investment Income, Interest Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income before equity in earnings of affiliates Income (Loss) Before Equity Earnings in Affiliates Income (Loss) Before Equity Earnings in Affiliates Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of tax Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to Sonoco Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Weighted average common shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Assuming exercise of awards Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Diluted outstanding shares Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Net income attributable to Sonoco: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic (usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Cash dividends (usd per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Assets Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances of $10,884 in 2016 and $11,069 in 2015 Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Other receivables Other Receivables Inventories Inventory, Net [Abstract] Finished and in process Inventory, Finished Goods and Work in Process, Net of Reserves Materials and supplies Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Net of Reserves Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Total Current Assets Assets, Current Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Other Intangible Assets, Net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Long-term Deferred Income Taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Other Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total Assets Assets Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Payable to suppliers Accounts Payable, Current Accrued expenses and other Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued wages and other compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt Debt, Current Accrued taxes Accrued Income Taxes, Current Total Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term Debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred Income Taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Other Liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Sonoco Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred shares, no par value Authorized 30,000 shares 0 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common shares, no par value Authorized 300,000 shares 99,193 and 100,944 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital in excess of stated value Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total Sonoco Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling Interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Financial Instruments and Derivatives Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Plastic Packaging Inc. Plastic Packaging Inc. [Member] Plastic Packaging Inc. [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] France FRANCE Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period [Domain] Tax Period [Domain] 2014 to 2019 Two Thousand Fourteen to Two Thousand Nineteen [Member] Two Thousand Fourteen to Two Thousand Nineteen [Member] 2022 to 2034 Two Thousand and Twenty Two and Two Thousand and Thirty Four [Member] Two Thousand and Twenty Two and Two Thousand and Thirty Four [Member] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] U.S. Federal Domestic Tax Authority [Member] Foreign Foreign Tax Authority [Member] State State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Uncertain Items Arising During Year Uncertain Items Arising During Year [Member] Uncertain Items Arising During Year [Member] Uncertain Items Arising During Prior Years Uncertain Items Arising During Prior Years [Member] Uncertain Items Arising During Prior Years [Member] Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Loss carryforwards not subject to expiration Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Not Subject to Expiration Operating loss carryforwards subject to expiration Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration State credit carry forwards Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Operating loss carryforwards, estimated time until use Operating Loss Carryforwards, Estimated Time Until Use Operating Loss Carryforwards, Estimated Time Until Use Increase (decrease) in reserve for uncertain tax positions Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, Other, Amount Undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries total Retained Earnings, Undistributed Earnings from Equity Method Investees Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Accrued for interest Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued Interest expense Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Expense Interest benefit Interest Benefit Resulting From Lapse Of Applicable Statute Of Limitations Interest benefit resulting from lapse of applicable statute of limitations. Interest expense Interest Expense On Unrecognized Tax Benefits Interest expense on unrecognized tax benefits. Reserve for uncertain tax benefits Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit Income tax examination, estimate of possible loss Income Tax Examination, Estimate of Possible Loss Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income Other comprehensive income/(loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Changes in defined benefit plans, net of tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Change in derivative financial instruments, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income/(loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive loss/(income) attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to Sonoco Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Pretax income Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Domestic Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Foreign Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Current Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Total current Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total deferred Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total taxes Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Retiree Health and Life Insurance Plans Postretirement Life Insurance [Member] Retirement Plans Pension Plan [Member] U.S. UNITED STATES U.K. UNITED KINGDOM Canada CANADA Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Equity securities Equity Securities [Member] Debt Securities Debt Securities [Member] Alternative Alternative [Member] Alternative [Member] Cash and short-term investments Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Total Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Consumer Packaging Consumer Packaging Segment [Member] Consumer packaging segment. Display and Packaging Display and Packaging [Member] Display and Packaging segment. Paper And Industrial Converted Products Segment Paper And Industrial Converted Products Segment [Member] Paper and industrial converted products segment. Protective Solutions Protective Packaging Segment [Member] Protective packaging segment. Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Acquisitions Goodwill, Acquired During Period Dispositions Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit Goodwill, Impairment Loss Goodwill, Impairment Loss Other Goodwill, Other Increase (Decrease) Foreign currency translation Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Ending Balance Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Asset impairment Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges Depreciation, depletion and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (Gain)/Loss on adjustment of Fox River environmental reserves Environmental Expense and Liabilities Share-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Equity in earnings of affiliates Cash dividends from affiliated companies Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions (Loss)/Gain on disposition of assets, net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Gain on disposition of business Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Pension and postretirement plan expense Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense Pension and postretirement plan contributions Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions Tax effect of share-based compensation exercises Deferred Tax Expense from Stock Options Exercised Excess tax benefit of share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Net (decrease) increase in deferred taxes Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions, dispositions and foreign currency adjustments Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Trade accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Payable to suppliers Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Prepaid expenses Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense Accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Income taxes payable and other income tax items Increase Decrease In Prepaid Income Taxes And Taxes Payable The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in prepaid income taxes and taxes payable. Fox River environmental reserves Payments for Environmental Liabilities Other assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Purchase of property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Cost of acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Cash paid for disposition of assets Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested Proceeds from the sale of assets Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Investment in affiliates and other Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Net cash used by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from issuance of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Principal repayment of debt Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Net increase in commercial paper borrowings Net Increase Decrease In Commercial Paper Net Increase Decrease In Commercial Paper Net (decrease) increase in outstanding checks Increase (Decrease) in Outstanding Checks, Financing Activities Cash dividends – common Payments of Dividends Excess tax benefit of share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Shares acquired Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Shares issued Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Net cash (used) provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized Interest Paid, Net Income taxes paid, net of refunds Income Taxes Paid, Net Business Combinations [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Geographical [Domain] United States Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Amcor Rigid Plastics USA, LLC Amcor Rigid Plastics USA, LLC [Member] Amcor Rigid Plastics USA, LLC [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Number of production facilities sold Number of Production Facilities Sold Number of Production Facilities Sold Entity number of employees Entity Number of Employees Disposal group, consideration Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Disposal group, net cash proceeds Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash Proceeds, Net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash Proceeds, Net Escrow deposit Escrow Deposit Accounts receivable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net Inventory Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory Accounts payable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable Net fixed assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment Disposal group, net assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities Disposal group, goodwill Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill Disposal group, intangible assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets Disposal costs Business Exit Costs Disposal group, gain on disposition Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation, Eliminations Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Paper and Industrial Converted Products Paper And Industrial Converted Products [Member] Paper and industrial converted products. Protective Solutions Protective Packaging [Member] Protective packaging. Corporate Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Total Revenue Revenues [Abstract] Total Revenue Revenues Intersegment Sales Intersegment Revenues [Abstract] Intersegment Revenues [Abstract] Sales to Unaffiliated Customers Revenue, Net [Abstract] Sales to Unaffiliated Customers Income Before Income Taxes Income before income taxes Identifiable Assets Identifiable Assets Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Cost of Goods Sold, Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract] Capital Expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment [Abstract] Capital Expenditures Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Performance Contingent Restricted Stock Units Performance Contingent Restricted Stock Units [Member] Performance Contingent Restricted Stock Units [Member] Restricted Stock Awards Restricted Stock [Member] Deferred Compensation Plans Deferred Compensation, Share-based Payments [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Nonvested Nonvested [Member] Nonvested [Member] Vested Vested [Member] Vested [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Beginning Balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Performance adjustments Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Period Increase (Decrease) Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Deferred Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Deferred, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Deferred, Number Converted Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Converted In Period Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, equity instruments other than options, converted in period. Cancelled Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Dividend equivalents Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Dividend Equivalents In Period Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, equity instruments other than options, dividend equivalents in period. Ending Balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Beginning Balance, weighted-average grant date fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted, weighted-average grant date fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Performance adjustments, weighted-average grant date fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Performance Adjustment Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Performance Adjustment Converted, weighted-average grant date fair value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Converted In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, equity instruments other than options, converted in period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value. Cancelled, weighted-average grant date fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Dividend equivalents, weighted-average grant date fair value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Dividend Equivalents In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, equity instruments other than options, dividend equivalents in period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value. Ending Balance, weighted-average grant date fair value Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring and Asset Impairment Restructuring, Impairment, and Other Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Scenario, Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Defined Contribution Plan Name [Axis] Defined Contribution Plan Name [Axis] Defined Contribution Plan Name [Domain] Defined Contribution Plan Name [Domain] Sonoco Investment and Retirement Plan Sonoco Investment And Retirement Plan [Member] Sonoco investment and retirement plan. Sonoco Savings Plan Sonoco Savings Plan [Member] Sonoco Savings Plan [Member] Multiemployer Plan, Plan Information [Axis] Multiemployer Plan, Plan Information [Axis] Multiemployer Plan, Plan Information [Domain] Multiemployer Plan, Plan Information [Domain] Plan Changes and Amendments Plan Amendments [Member] Plan amendments. Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Inactive Plan Investment Portfolio In Active Plans [Member] In Active Plans [Member] Active Plan Investment Portfolio Active Plans [Member] Active Plans [Member] Retirement Plans Retirement Plans [Member] Retirement plans. Other Postretirement Benefit Plan, Defined Benefit Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Retiree Health And Life Insurance Plans Retiree Health And Life Insurance Plans [Member] Retiree health and life insurance plans. U.S. Defined Benefit Plans United States Postretirement Benefit Plan of US Entity [Member] United Kingdom Defined Benefit Plan Foreign Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Canada Defined Benefit Plan Other Pension Plan [Member] Defined benefit plans, accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Projected benefit obligation (PBO) with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Projected Benefit Obligation Accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Accumulated Benefit Obligation Fair value of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Fair Value of Plan Assets Percentage of retiree health liability Percentage Of Retiree Health Liability Percentage of retiree health liability. Increasing the assumed trend rate for healthcare costs by one percentage point would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Increasing the assumed trend rate for healthcare costs by one percentage point would increase total service and interest cost compo Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components Decreasing the assumed trend rate for healthcare costs by one percentage point would decrease the APBO Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Decreasing the assumed trend rate for healthcare costs by one percentage point would decrease total service and interest cost component Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components Reduction in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of Plan Amendment on Accumulated Benefit Obligation Amortization period of accumulated postretirement benefit obligation Amortization Period Of Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Amortization period of accumulated postretirement benefit obligation. Terminated vested participants (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Terminated Vested Participants, Percent of Project Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Terminated Vested Participants, Percent of Project Benefit Obligation Election rates (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Election Rates, Percent Defined Benefit Plan, Election Rates, Percent Non-cash settlement charges Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation Total postretirement benefit plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Current target allocation for investment portfolio Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Projected contributions to retirement plan Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Contribution rate of annual eligible earnings under companies investment and retirement plan Contribution Rate Of Annual Eligible Earnings Under Companies Investment And Retirement Plan Contribution rate of annual eligible earnings under companies investment and retirement plan. Contribution rate of annual eligible earnings in excess of social security wage base under companies investment and retirement plan Contribution Rate Of Annual Eligible Earnings In Excess Of Social Security Wage Base Under Companies Investment And Retirement Plan Contribution rate of annual eligible earnings in excess of social security wage base under companies investment and retirement plan. Vesting period (in years) Defined Contribution Plan, Vesting Period Defined Contribution Plan, Vesting Period Age limit of participants Age Limit Of Participants Age limit of participants. Companies expense related to the plan Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Cash contributions to the SIRP Pension Contributions Defined contribution plan contribution percentage, Minimum Defined Contribution Plan Contribution Percentage Minimum Defined contribution plan contribution percentage minimum. Defined contribution plan contribution percentage, Maximum Defined Contribution Plan Contribution Percentage Maximum Defined Contribution Plan Contribution Percentage Maximum. Percentage of participants modified matching contribution to be matched towards safe Harbor under companies savings plan Percentage Of Participants Modified Matching Contribution To Be Matched Towards Safe Harbor Under Companies Savings Plan Percentage of participants modified matching contribution to be matched towards safe Harbor under companies savings plan. Modify matching employee contribution to profit sharing under companies savings plan Modify Matching Employee Contribution To Profit Sharing Under Companies Savings Plan Modify matching employee contribution to profit sharing under companies savings plan. Provision for Taxes on Income Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Deferred Tax Liabilities/(Assets) Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of U.S. Federal Statutory Tax Rate to Actual Consolidated Tax Expense Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Gross Amounts of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Severance and Termination Benefits Severance And Termination Benefits [Member] Severance and termination benefits. Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets Asset Impairment Disposal Of Assets [Member] Asset impairment disposal of assets. Other Costs Other Costs [Member] Other costs. Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] 2016 Actions Actions Two Thousand Sixteen [Member] Actions Two Thousand Sixteen [Member] 2015 Actions Actions Two Thousand Fifteen [Member] Actions two thousand fifteen. 2014 and Earlier Actions Actions Two Thousand Fourteen And Earlier [Member] Actions Two Thousand Fourteen And Earlier [Member] Protective Solutions Protective Solutions [Member] Protective Solutions [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Asset write downs/disposals Restructuring Reserve Asset Write Offs Restructuring reserve asset write offs. Restructuring charge Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost Total incurred to date Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date Estimated total cost Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Foreign exchange contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Commodity contracts Commodity Contract [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Net sales Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Cost of sales Cost of Sales [Member] Selling, general and administrative Selling General And Administrative Expense [Member] Selling, general and administrative expense. Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net Gain or (Loss) Recognized Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] LIFO Inventory Valuation Reserve [Member] Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Opening Balance Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Charged to Costs and Expenses Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Cost and Expense Charged to Other Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Other Accounts Deductions Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Closing Balance Financial Segment Information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Restructuring Asset Impairment and Acquisition Related Costs Restructuring Asset Impairment And Acquisition Related Costs Table [Text Block] Restructuring asset impairment and acquisition related costs. Sales to Unaffiliated Customers and Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Region Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Common stocks Common Stock [Member] Capital in Excess of Stated Value Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Net income AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Non-controlling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Beginning Balance Beginning Balance, Shares Translation loss Defined benefit plan adjustment Derivative financial instruments Dividends Dividends, Common Stock Issuance of stock awards Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Issuance of stock awards, Shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Shares repurchased Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Shares repurchased, Shares Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Non-controlling interest from acquisition Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Ending Balance Ending Balance, Shares Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract] Selected Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Change in Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Benefit obligation at January 1 Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Plan participant contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants Plan amendments Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments Actuarial loss/(gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid Impact of foreign exchange rates Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Gain (Loss) Other Defined Benefit Plan, Other Changes Benefit obligation at December 31 Change in Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Fair value of plan assets at January 1 Actual return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Company contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Impact of foreign exchange rates Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Plan Assets Expenses paid Defined Benefit Plan, Administration Expenses Fair value of plan assets at December 31 Funded status of the plans Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan Paper And Industrial Converted Products Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Liability, beginning balance Restructuring Reserve, Current Restructuring-related charges Restructuring Charges Adjustments Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment Cash receipts/(payments) Payments for Restructuring Foreign currency translation Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Liability, ending balance Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Contingent Consideration by Type [Axis] Contingent Consideration by Type [Axis] Contingent Consideration Type [Domain] Contingent Consideration Type [Domain] Contingent Consideration Due 36 Months after Closing Contingent Consideration Due 36 Months after Closing [Member] Contingent Consideration Due 36 Months after Closing [Member] Contingent Consideration Due 48 Months after Closing Contingent Consideration Due 48 Months after Closing [Member] Contingent Consideration Due 48 Months after Closing [Member] Laminar Medica Laminar Medica [Member] Laminar Medica [Member] AAR Corporation AAR Corporation [Member] AAR Corporation [Member] Australian Tube and Core Business Australian Tube and Core Business [Member] Australian Tube and Core Business [Member] Graffo Paranaense de Embalagens S/A Graffo Paranaense de Embalagens S/A [Member] Graffo Paranaense de Embalagens S/A [Member] Packaging Holdings, Inc. Packaging Holdings, Inc. [Member] Packaging Holdings, Inc. [Member] Wood Plug Business of Smith Family Companies Inc. Wood Plug Business of Smith Family Companies Inc. [Member] Wood Plug Business of Smith Family Companies Inc. [Member] Weidenhammer Packaging Group Weidenhammer Packaging Group [Member] Weidenhammer Packaging Group [Member] Dalton Paper Products Dalton Paper Products [Member] Dalton Paper Products [Member] North Carolina NORTH CAROLINA Mexico MEXICO Germany GERMANY Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Number of acquisitions during period Number Of Acquisitions During Period Number of acquisitions during period. Acquisition cost of entity Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Number of manufacturing facilities Number of Manufacturing Facilities Number of Manufacturing Facilities Net assets, excluding intangibles Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Assets, Excluding Intangibles Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Assets, Excluding Intangibles Intangibles acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Expected value of goodwill to be tax deductible Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Cash paid during acquisition Total consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Consideration transferred, liabilities incurred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Contingent purchase liability Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Number of installments for non-contingent payments Number of Installments for Non-Contingent Payments Number of Installments for Non-Contingent Payments Non-contingent deferred payments, payable in 12 months after closing Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred, Payable in 12 Months after Closing Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred, Payable in 12 Months after Closing Non-contingent deferred payments, payable in 24 months after closing Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred, Payable in 24 Months after Closing Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred, Payable in 24 Months after Closing Number of installments for contingency payments Number of Installments for Contingency Payments Number of Installments for Contingency Payments Percentage of controlling asset acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Contingent consideration, period of payment Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Period of Payment Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Period of Payment Number of employees in facilities operated Minimum Number Of Employees In Facilities Operated By Headquarter Minimum number of employees in facilities operated by headquarter. Number of facilities operated Number Of Facilities Operated By Headquarter Number Of Facilities Operated By Headquarter Debt and other liabilities assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Debt and Other Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Debt and Other Liabilities Cash acquired from acquisition Cash Acquired from Acquisition Acquisition-related costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Adjustments arising during the period: Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax, [Abstract] Net actuarial loss/(gain) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax Prior service cost/(credit) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, before Tax Net settlements/curtailments Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements and Curtailments Reversal of amortization: Defined Benefit Plan, Amount to be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Next Fiscal Year [Abstract] Net actuarial (loss)/gain Projected Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Gains Losses Projected defined benefit plan amortization of gains losses. Prior service (cost)/credit Projected Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Prior Service Cost Credit Projected defined benefit plan amortization of prior service cost credit. Net transition obligation Projected Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Transition Obligations Assets Projected defined benefit plan amortization of transition obligations assets. Total recognized in other comprehensive loss/(income) Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Actuarial Gain (Loss), before Tax Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive loss/(income) Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized In Net Periodic Benefit Cost And Other Comprehensive Loss Income Defined benefit plan amounts recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive loss income. Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Outstanding A/P check Outstanding Accounts Payable Checks [Member] Outstanding accounts payable checks. Outstanding payroll checks Outstanding Payroll Checks [Member] Outstanding payroll checks. Notional Pooling Arrangement Notional Pooling Arrangement [Member] Notional Pooling Arrangement [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items] Outstanding A/P checks Bank Overdrafts Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Gains and losses on cash flow hedges Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Defined benefit pension items Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Cost of sales Tax benefit Income before equity in earnings of affiliates Reclassification from AOCI, before tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Reclassification from AOCI, tax Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Reclassification from AOCI, current period, net of tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Member] Other assets Other Assets [Member] 2014 Actions Actions Two Thousand Fourteen [Member] Actions two thousand fourteen. Paper Mill Paper Mill [Member] Paper Mill [Member] Retail Security Packaging Business Retail Security Packaging Business [Member] Retail Security Packaging Business [Member] Metal Ends and Closures Business Metal Ends and Closures Business [Member] Metal Ends and Closures Business [Member] Recycling Business Recycling Business [Member] Recycling Business [Member] Ecuador ECUADOR Switzerland SWITZERLAND Puerto Rico PUERTO RICO Russia RUSSIAN FEDERATION United Kingdom Ohio OHIO Future additional charges expected in connection with previous restructuring Effect on Future Cash Flows, Amount Number of facilities closed Number of Facilities Closed Number of Facilities Closed Elimination of positions due to realign in cost structure Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated, Inception to Date Gain (loss) on disposition of business Other assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets Goodwill Intangible assets Other asset impairment charges Other Asset Impairment Charges Proceeds from sales of business Proceeds from Sales of Business, Affiliate and Productive Assets Disposal group, net assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Net Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Net Assets Income tax benefit Other asset impairments Asset Impairment Charges Goodwill, impairment loss Impairment of intangible assets (excluding goodwill) Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Future pretax charges Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Restructuring Charges Estimated Fair Values of all SARs Applying Assumptions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Company's Stock Options and SARs Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] Share-based Compensation, Performance Shares Award Unvested Activity Share-based Compensation, Performance Shares Award Unvested Activity [Table Text Block] Activity Related to PCSUs and Restricted Stock Units Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Share-based Compensation, Activity Schedule of Other Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 5.75% debentures due November 2040 Five Point Seven Five Percentage Debentures Due November 2040 [Member] Five point seven five percentage debentures due November 2040. 4.375% debentures due November 2021 Four Point Three Seven Five Percentage Debentures Due November 2021 [Member] Four point three seven five percentage debentures due November 2021. 9.2% debentures due August 2021 Nine Two Percentage Debentures Due August 2021 [Member] Nine two percentage debentures due august 2021. 5.625% debentures due June 2016 Five Point Six Two Five Percentage Debentures Due June 2016 [Member] Five Point Six Two Five Percentage Debentures Due June 2016 [Member] 1.00% foreign loan due May 2021 One Point Zero Percentage Loan Due May 2021 [Member] One Point Zero Percentage Loan Due May 2021 [Member] Term loan, due October 2017 Term Loan Due October 2017 [Member] Term Loan Due October 2017. Commercial paper, average rate of 0.63% in 2016 and 0.39% in 2015 Commercial Paper [Member] Other foreign denominated debt, average rate of 3.8% in 2016 and 4.3% in 2015 Foreign Denominated Debt [Member] Foreign Denominated Debt. Other notes Other Notes [Member] Other notes. Debt Instrument [Line Items] Total debt Long-term Debt Less current portion and short-term notes Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Stated interest rate (percentage) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Weighted average interest rate (percentage) Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Numerator: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Net income attributable to Sonoco Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation Diluted outstanding shares Per common share: Earning Per Share [Abstract] Earning per share. Net income attributable to Sonoco: Net Income [Abstract] Net income attributable to Sonoco. Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expenses [Member] Prepaid expenses. Accrued expenses and other Accrued Expenses And Other [Member] Accrued expenses and other. Other liabilities Other Liabilities [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives as hedging instruments, assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivatives hedging instrument, liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Changes in Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Summary of Other Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Debt Instruments Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Foreign Plans Foreign Pension Plan [Member] Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract] Discount Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Rate of Compensation Increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Discount Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Expected long-term rate of return Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets Rate of Compensation Increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase 2017 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months 2018 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two 2019 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three 2020 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four 2021 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five 2022-2026 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Position [Axis] Position [Axis] Position [Domain] Position [Domain] Long Long [Member] Short Short [Member] Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedges Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Net purchase / (sales) position of derivatives Derivative, Notional Amount Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Statutory tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Tax examinations including change in reserve for uncertain tax positions Change in estimates related to prior years Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Prior Year Income Taxes, Amount Foreign earnings taxed at other than U.S. rates Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Disposition of business Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Disposition of Business, Amount Effect of tax rate changes enacted during the year Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Deduction related to qualified production activities Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Qualified Production Activity, Amount Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] Statutory tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent Tax examinations including change in reserve for uncertain tax positions Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, Other, Percent Change in estimates related to prior years Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Prior Year Income Taxes, Percent Foreign earnings taxed at other than U.S. rates Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Percent Disposition of business Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Disposition of Business, Percent Effect of tax rate changes enacted during the year Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent Deduction related to qualified production activities Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Qualified Production Activity, Percent Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Total taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Multi-Vendor Supply Chain Finance Arrangement Multi-Vendor Supply Chain Finance Arrangement [Member] Multi-Vendor Supply Chain Finance Arrangement [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Chilean tube Chilean Tube [Member] Chilean tube. Finland Small Recycling Business Finland Small Recycling Business [Member] Finland Small Recycling Business [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Equipment Equipment [Member] Buildings Building [Member] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Carrying value of equity investments Equity Method Investments Percentage ownership of investments accounted for under the cost method Largest customer revenue percentage Companys Consolidated Revenue Percent Company's consolidated revenue percent. Single customer percentage of receivable Consolidated Trade Accounts Receivable Percent Consolidated trade accounts receivable percent. Second largest customer revenue percentage Second Largest Customer Revenue Percentage Second largest customer revenue percentage. Consolidated annual sales, percent Concentration Risk, Percentage Research and development costs Research and Development Expense Percentage of LIFO Inventory Percentage of LIFO Inventory LIFO inventory amount LIFO Inventory Amount Property Plant and Equipment, useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Intangible assets, useful life (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Equity [Table] Equity [Table] Equity [Table] Weidenhammer Chile Ltda. Weidenhammer Chile Ltda. [Member] Weidenhammer Chile Ltda. [Member] Tax Withholding Obligations Tax Withholding Obligations [Member] Tax withholding obligations. Buyback Program Buyback Program [Member] Buyback Program [Member] Equity [Line Items] Equity [Line Items] Equity [Line Items] Shares repurchased Cost of shares repurchased Number of shares authorized for repurchase Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Number of shares to be repurchased under authorization plan Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Cash dividends per common share Owned subsidiary, percentage Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Percentage of ownership of Graffo Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Percentage of ownership, small chilean tube and core business accounted Noncontrolling interest, increase from business combination Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Commercial paper program Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Number of banks in contract Number of Banks in Contract Number of Banks in Contract Loan agreement Debt instrument, term (in years) Debt Instrument, Term Unused short-term lines of credit Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Debt maturing, 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months Debt maturing, 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two Debt maturing, 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three Debt maturing, 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four Debt maturing, 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Employee Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Company Held Significant Investment Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Book Overdrafts and Cash Pooling Cash and Cash Equivalents Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Patents Patents [Member] Customer lists Customer Lists [Member] Trade names Trade Names [Member] Proprietary technology Patented Technology [Member] Land use rights Use Rights [Member] Other Intangible Assets Other [Member] Other. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Other Intangible Assets, Gross: Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Other Intangible Assets, gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Other Intangible Assets, Net Defined benefit plan adjustment Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, before Tax, after Reclassification Adjustment, Attributable to Equity Method Investment Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, before Tax, after Reclassification Adjustment, Attributable to Equity Method Investment Percentage of postretirement benefit plan assets comprised of pension plan assets, more than Percentage Of Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets In Companys Pension Plan Assets Percentage of postretirement benefit plan assets in company's pension plan assets. Net actuarial loss/(gain) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax Prior service cost/(credit) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Amount in accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Plans' Obligations and Assets Schedule of Accumulated and Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block] Fair Value of Plan Assets Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Recognized Amounts in Consolidated Balance Sheets Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Component of Net Periodic Pension Cost that are Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Income) Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year [Table Text Block] Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss/(Income) Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss/(Income) Expects to Recognize as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Company's Projected Benefit Payments Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Major Actuarial Assumptions Used in Determining PBO, ABO and Net Periodic Cost Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Health Care Cost Trend Rates Related to U.S. Plan Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Weighted-Average Asset Allocations Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Proprietary technology Developed Technology Rights [Member] Non-compete agreements Noncompete Agreements [Member] Packaging Services Packaging Services [Member] Packaging Services [Member] Thermoforming Paper and Industrial Converted Products - Europe Reporting Unit [Member] Paper and Industrial Converted Products - Europe Reporting Unit [Member] Goodwill, acquired during period Goodwill, dispositions Intangible assets, weighted average useful life (in years) Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Aggregate amortization expenses Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization expense on intangible assets in 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Amortization expense on intangible assets in 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Amortization expense on intangible assets in 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Amortization expense on intangible assets in 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Amortization expense on intangible assets in 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Beginning Balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Vested Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Vested In Period Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award options vested in period. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Forfeited/Expired Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Ending Balance Options and SAR's, number exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Beginning Balance, weighted-average exercise price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted, weighted-average exercise price Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised, weighted-average exercise price Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited/Expired, weighted average exercise price Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Ending Balance, weighted average exercise price Options and SAR's, exercisable, weighted-average exercise price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Land Land Timber resources Timber and Timberlands Buildings Buildings and Improvements, Gross Machinery and equipment Machinery and Equipment, Gross Construction in progress Construction in Progress, Gross Property, plant and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation and depletion Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant and equipment, net Earnings Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Shares Not Included in Computations of Diluted Income Per Share Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Expected dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected stock price volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected life of SARs Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Selected Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Europe Europe [Member] All other Other Countries [Member] Other countries. Sales to Unaffiliated Customers Sales To Unaffiliated Customers And Long Lived Assets By Geographic Region [Abstract] Sales to unaffiliated customers and long-lived assets by geographic region. Long-lived Assets Entity Wide Disclosure On Geographic Areas Long Lived Assets [Abstract] Entity Wide Disclosure On Geographic Areas Long Lived Assets [Abstract] Long-lived Assets Long-Lived Assets Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Executives and Directors Executives and Directors [Member] Executives and Directors [Member] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three [Member] Two Thousand and Sixteen Two Thousand and Sixteen [Member] Two Thousand and Sixteen [Member] Two Thousand and Fifteen Two Thousand and Fifteen [Member] Two Thousand and Fifteen [Member] Two Thousand and Fourteen Two Thousand and Fourteen [Member] Two Thousand and Fourteen [Member] Two Thousand and Thirteen Two Thousand and Thirteen [Member] Two Thousand and Thirteen [Member] Two Thousand And Twelve Two Thousand And Twelve Plan [Member] Two Thousand And Twelve Plan [Member] Two Thousand and Eleven Two Thousand and Eleven [Member] Two Thousand and Eleven [Member] Equity-Based Arrangements, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Axis] Equity-Based Arrangements, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Axis] Equity-Based Arrangements, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Domain] Equity-Based Arrangements, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Domain] After Two Thousand Fifteen After Two Thousand Fifteen [Member] After Two Thousand Fifteen [Member] Prior Two Thousand Fifteen Prior Two Thousand Fifteen [Member] Prior Two Thousand Fifteen [Member] After Two Thousand Fourteen After Two Thousand Fourteen [Member] [Domain] After Two Thousand Fourteen [Member] [Domain] After 2006 After Two Thousand Six [Member] After 2006. Stock Options And Stock Appreciation Rights Sars Stock Options And Stock Appreciation Rights Sars [Member] Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (SARS). Equity Option Equity Option [Member] Performance Shares Performance Shares [Member] Maximum number of shares of common stock issued Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Number of additional shares authorized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized Shares available for grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Compensation cost for share-based payment arrangements Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Related tax benefit recognized in net income Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Additional net excess tax benefit realized Minimum vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Vesting percentage Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested awards Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Weighted-average period Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Aggregate intrinsic value of options and SARs exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Weighted-average fair value of awards granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average remaining contractual life for SAR's, outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms Weighted average remaining contractual life for SAR's, exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms Aggregate intrinsic value for SAR's, outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding Aggregate intrinsic value for SAR's, exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable Fair market value of the Company’s stock used to calculate intrinsic value (per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Exercise Price Cash received on option exercises Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options Vesting at end of 4 years, if performance targets are not met Percentage Of Minimum Number Of Units Awarded And Vest Percentage of minimum number of units awarded and vest. Vesting at end of 5 years, if performance targets are not met Remaining Percentage Of Minimum Number Of Units Awarded And Vest Remaining percentage of minimum number of units awarded and vest. Total performance contingent restricted stock units vested , Minimum shares Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Potential Vest Minimum Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity Instruments other than options potential vest minimum. Total performance contingent restricted stock units, Maximum Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Potential Vest Maximum Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options potential vest, maximum. Vested units in period (in shares) Fair value of vested units Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Noncash stock-based compensation associated performance contingent restricted stock units Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Non Cash Compensation Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options non cash compensation. Compensation deferrals in current year Compensation Deferrals In Current Year Compensation Deferrals in Current Year. Net purchase / (sales) position of derivatives Long-term debt, Carrying Amount Long-term debt, Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Shareholders' Equity and Earnings per Share Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Fixed assets Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] Foreign Currency Items Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Defined Benefit Pension Items Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges AOCI Attributable to Parent Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Other comprehensive income/(loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Amortization of net transition obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Transition Obligations (Assets) Amortization of prior service cost / (credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of net actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Other Defined Benefit Plan, Other Costs Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Document Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Restructuring, asset impairment and acquisition-related costs Restructuring Asset Impairment And Acquisition Related Costs Restructuring, asset impairment and acquisition-related costs. Estimated costs for completion of capital additions under construction Estimated Costs For Completion Of Capital Additions Under Construction Estimated costs for completion of capital additions under construction. Depreciation and depletion expense Depreciation Future minimum rentals under noncancelable operating leases in 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Future minimum rentals under noncancelable operating leases in 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Future minimum rentals under noncancelable operating leases in 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Future minimum rentals under noncancelable operating leases in 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Future minimum rentals under noncancelable operating leases in 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Future minimum rentals under noncancelable operating leases, thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total rental expense under operating leases Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Natural gas swaps Natural Gas Swaps [Member] Natural gas swaps. 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Anticipated usage percentage of natural gas covered by swap contract for the third succeeding fiscal year Anticipated Usage Percentage Of Natural Gas Covered By Swap Contract Year Three Anticipated Usage Percentage Of Natural Gas Covered By Swap Contract Year Three Approximate amount of commodity covered by swap contracts outstanding in metric tons Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Mass Anticipated usage percentage of aluminum covered by a swap contract for the first succeeding fiscal year Anticipated Usage Percentage Of Aluminum Covered By Swap Contract First Succeeding Fiscal Year Anticipated Usage Percentage of Aluminum Covered by Swap Contract First Succeeding Fiscal Year. Anticipated usage percentage of short tons covered by a swap contract for the first succeeding fiscal year Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Percent of Required Need, Coverage Fair value of commodity cash flow hedges Price Risk Cash Flow Hedge Derivative, at Fair Value, Net Commodity gain (loss) expected to be reclassified to the income statement during the next 12 months Price Risk Cash Flow Hedge Unrealized Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months Fair value of foreign currency cash flow hedges Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Derivative at Fair Value, Net Cash flow hedge gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss and netted against the carrying value of the assets Cash Flow Hedge Gain Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss And Netted Against Carrying Value Of Assets Cash flow hedge gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss and netted against the carrying value of the assets. Foreign currency gain (loss) expected to be reclassified to the income statement during the next 12 months Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months Total fair value of other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net Total Recognized Amounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract] Noncurrent assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits, Noncurrent Current liabilities Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities Noncurrent liabilities Net liability Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Gross unrecognized tax benefits, Beginning Balance Unrecognized Tax Benefits Increases in prior years' unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Decreases in prior years' unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Increases in current year unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits from the lapse of statutes of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Gross unrecognized tax benefits, Ending Balance Site Contingency [Table] Site Contingency [Table] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Appvion, Inc. Appvion, Inc. [Member] Appvion, Inc. [Member] Environmental Remediation Site [Axis] Environmental Remediation Site [Axis] Environmental Remediation Site [Domain] Environmental Remediation Site [Domain] Lower Fox River Lower Fox River [Member] Lower Fox River [Member] Operating Units 2 - 5 Operating Units Two To Five [Member] Operating units two to five. U.S. Mills Us Mills [Member] U.S. mills. Tegrant Holding Corporation Tegrant Holding Corporation [Member] Tegrant holding corporation. Site Contingency [Line Items] Site Contingency [Line Items] Settlement amount Litigation Settlement, Amount Increase (decrease) due to revision of estimates Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Revision in Estimates Number of defendants Loss Contingency, Number of Defendants Environmental accrual Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Environmental remediation cumulative spending Environmental Remediation Cumulative Spending Environmental remediation cumulative spending. Loss contingency accrual, period increase (decrease) Loss Contingency Accrual, Period Increase (Decrease) Payment for remediation Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Payments Total future payments Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Payments in 2017 Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due in Next Twelve Months Payments in 2018 Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due in Second Year Payments in 2019 Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due in Third Year Payments in 2020 Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due in Fourth Year Payments in 2021 - 2025 Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due After Fourth Year The aggregate remaining amount of payments due after the fourth year after the balance sheet date to extinguish a recorded unconditional purchase obligation. Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Anti-dilutive options/SARs Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Share-based Compensation Plans Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Gross profit Restructuring/Asset impairment charges Cash dividends (usd per share) Market price - high Common Stock Market Price High Common stock market price high. Market price - low Common Stock Market Price Low Common stock market price low. Number of Reportable Segments Number of Reportable Segments Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Net Positions of Foreign Contracts Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Net Positions of Other Derivatives Contract Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Location and Fair Values of Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Effect of Derivative Instruments on Financial Performance Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Depreciation Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Intangibles Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Retiree health benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax 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Obligation (Asset) Expected amortization of defined benefit plan amounts from AOCI in next fiscal year Defined Benefit Plan, Amount to be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Next Fiscal Year Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Foreign currency items, Before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Foreign currency items, Tax (Expense) Benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Defined benefit pension items: Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), Before Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments and Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), Tax (Expense) Benefit Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other 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Post-age 65 Post Age Sixty Five [Member] Post-age 65. Healthcare Cost Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed for Next Fiscal Year Ultimate Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Year at which the Rate Reaches the Ultimate Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate Other Asset Impairment Other Asset Impairment [Member] Other Asset Impairment [Member] Income tax benefit Restructuring Income Tax Expense Benefit Income tax expense (benefit). Impact of noncontrolling interests, net of tax Restructuring Costs Attributable To Noncontrolling Interests Net Of Tax Costs attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax. Total impact of restructuring/asset impairment charges, net of tax Restructuring Asset Impairment Charges Net Of Tax Total impact of restructuring asset impairment charges, net of tax. 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Fixed income securities Fixed Income Securities [Member] Short-term investments Short-term Investments [Member] Hedge fund of funds Hedge Fund Of Funds [Member] Hedge Fund Of Funds [Member] Real estate funds Real Estate Funds [Member] Cash and accrued income Cash And Accrued Income [Member] Cash and Accrued Income. Fair Value by Asset Class [Domain] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Derivatives Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Deferred compensation plan assets Trading Securities Assets measured at NAV Alternative Investments, Fair Value Disclosure