Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative [Table]
Derivative [Table]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Component [Domain]
Equity Component [Domain]
AOCI Attributable to Parent
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Balance Sheet Location [Domain]
Balance Sheet Location [Domain]
Fixed Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Derivative Instrument [Axis]
Derivative Instrument [Axis]
Derivative Contract [Domain]
Derivative Contract [Domain]
Natural Gas Swaps
Natural Gas Swaps [Member]
Natural gas swaps.
Aluminum Swaps
Aluminum Swaps [Member]
Aluminum swaps.
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative [Line Items]
Approximate amount of commodity covered by swap contracts outstanding
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Energy Measure
Anticipated usage percentage covered by a swap contract for the current fiscal year
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Percent of Required Need, Coverage
Anticipated usage percentage covered by a swap contract for the second succeeding fiscal year (less than)
Derivative Nonmonetary Notional Amount Percent Of Required Need Coverage Year Two
The percentage of expected requirements covered by the aggregate notional amount of derivative contracts expressed in nonmonetary units in the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year.
Anticipated usage percentage covered by a swap contract for the third succeeding fiscal year (less than)
son_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmountPercentOfRequiredNeedCoverageYearThree
son_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmountPercentOfRequiredNeedCoverageYearThree
Approximate amount of commodity covered by swap contracts outstanding
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Mass
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
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax
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
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
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
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other Intangible Assets, gross:
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract]
Other Intangible Assets, gross
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross
Accumulated Amortization
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization
Other Intangible Assets, net
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
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
Changes in derivative financial instruments, net of tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax
Other comprehensive income
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Other comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Comprehensive income attributable to Sonoco
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, number of shares authorized
Common Stock, Shares Authorized
Common stock, number of shares issued
Common Stock, Shares, Issued
Common stock, number of shares outstanding
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table]
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Member]
Tax Withholding Obligations
Tax Withholding Obligations [Member]
Tax withholding obligations.
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of securities excluded from computation of dilutive earning per share
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount
Number of shares authorized for repurchase
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased
Number of shares repurchased
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares
Cost of shares repurchased
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value
Number of shares available for repurchase
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased
Dividend declared date
Dividends Payable, Date Declared
Dividend declared and payable (in usd per share)
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared
Dividend payable date
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid
Dividend payable date of record
Dividends Payable, Date of Record
Schedule of Goodwill [Table]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table]
Segments [Axis]
Segments [Axis]
Segments [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
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]
Goodwill, beginning balance
Goodwill
Acquisitions
Goodwill, Acquired During Period
Foreign currency translation
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)
Goodwill, ending balance
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with acquisition
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Interim Presentation
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Total Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges Net
Restructuring And Asset Impairment Charges Table [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of restructuring and asset impairment charges.
Actions and Related Expenses by Segment and by Type Incurred and Estimated for Given Years
Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]
Restructuring Accrual Activity for Given Years
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table]
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table]
Consolidation Items [Axis]
Consolidation Items [Axis]
Consolidation Items [Domain]
Consolidation Items [Domain]
Operating Segments
Operating Segments [Member]
Corporate
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Restructuring Plan [Axis]
Restructuring Plan [Axis]
Restructuring Plan [Domain]
Restructuring Plan [Domain]
2017 Actions
Actions Two Thousand Seventeen [Member]
Actions Two Thousand Seventeen [Member]
2016 Actions
Actions Two Thousand Sixteen [Member]
Actions two thousand sixteen.
2015 and Earlier Actions
Actions Two Thousand Fifteen And Earlier [Member]
Actions Two Thousand Fifteen And Earlier [Member]
Restructuring Type [Axis]
Restructuring Type [Axis]
Type of Restructuring [Domain]
Type of Restructuring [Domain]
Severance and Termination Benefits
Employee Severance [Member]
Asset Impairment / Disposal of Assets
Asset Impairment Disposal Of Assets [Member]
Asset impairment disposal of assets.
Other Costs
Other Restructuring [Member]
Paper And Industrial Converted Products
Paper And Industrial Converted Products [Member]
Paper and industrial converted products.
Protective Solutions
Protective Solutions [Member]
Protective Solutions [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges
Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges
Total Incurred to Date
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date
Estimated Total Cost
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table]
Retained Earnings
Retained Earnings [Member]
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Type of Adoption [Domain]
Type of Adoption [Domain]
ASU 2016-09
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Excess tax benefit
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Share-based Compensation, Excess Tax Benefit, Amount
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Share-based Compensation, Excess Tax Benefit, Amount
Cumulative effect if new accounting pronouncement
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
New Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]
Shareholders' Equity
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]
Cash Flow Hedging
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Position [Axis]
Position [Axis]
Position [Domain]
Position [Domain]
Purchase
Long [Member]
Sell
Short [Member]
Hedging Relationship [Axis]
Hedging Relationship [Axis]
Hedging Relationship [Domain]
Hedging Relationship [Domain]
Cash Flow Hedging
Net position
Derivative, Notional Amount
Hedging Designation [Axis]
Hedging Designation [Axis]
Hedging Designation [Domain]
Hedging Designation [Domain]
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments
Number of Reportable Segments
Other Asset Impairment [Member]
Other Asset Impairment [Member]
Other Asset Impairment [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability, Beginning Balance
Restructuring Reserve, Current
Current year charges
Restructuring Charges
Adjustments
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment
Cash receipts/(payments)
Payments for Restructuring
Asset write downs/disposals
Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash
Foreign currency translation
Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)
Liability, Ending Balance
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Effects on Net Income of Significant Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Numerator:
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Sonoco
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Denominator:
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Basic (in shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation (in shares)
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements
Diluted (in shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted
Reported net income attributable to Sonoco per common share:
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Basic (in usd per share)
Earnings Per Share, Basic
Diluted (in usd per share)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]
Segment Financial Information
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table]
Geographical [Axis]
Geographical [Axis]
Geographical [Domain]
Geographical [Domain]
United States
UNITED STATES
Canada
CANADA
Ecuador
ECUADOR
Switzerland
SWITZERLAND
Expected future charges associated with previous restructuring on earnings
Effect on Future Earnings, Amount
Elimination of positions due to realign in cost structure
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated, Inception to Date
Number of facilities closed
Number of Facilities Closed
Number of Facilities Closed
Remaining restructuring accrual
Restructuring Reserve
Long-term debt, net of current portion, Carrying Amount
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Long-term debt, net of current portion, Fair Value
Long-term Debt, Fair Value
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges
Income tax benefit
Restructuring Income Tax Expense Benefit
Income tax expense (benefit).
Less: Costs attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax
Restructuring Costs Attributable To Noncontrolling Interests Net Of Tax
Costs attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax.
Restructuring/asset impairment charges attributable to Sonoco, net of tax
Restructuring Asset Impairment Charges Net Of Tax
Total impact of restructuring asset impairment charges, net of tax.
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis]
Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain]
Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain]
Retirement Plans
Pension Plan [Member]
Retiree Health and Life Insurance Plans
Postretirement Life Insurance [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost
Interest cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost
Expected return on plan assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan 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)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]
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
Asset Impairment Charges
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Share-based compensation expense
Share-based Compensation
Equity in earnings of affiliates
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments
Cash dividends from affiliated companies
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions
Net (gain) on disposition of assets
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment
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 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 Income Taxes Payable, Net of Income Taxes Receivable
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
Proceeds from the sale of assets
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets
Investment in affiliates and other, net
Payments for (Proceeds from) Businesses and Interest in Affiliates
Net cash used in 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 change in commercial paper
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Commercial Paper
Net increase in outstanding checks
Increase (Decrease) in Outstanding Checks, Financing Activities
Excess tax benefit of share-based compensation
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities
Cash dividends
Payments of Dividends
Shares acquired
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock
Shares issued
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock
Net cash used in 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
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Contingency [Table]
Income Tax Contingency [Table]
Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis]
Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis]
Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain]
Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain]
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Effective tax rate
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent
Increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax benefit
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease)
Reserves for uncertain tax benefits
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit
Penalties expense
Income Tax Examination, Penalties Expense
Tax examination, possible loss
Income Tax Examination, Estimate of Possible Loss
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments
Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [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]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]
Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table]
Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table]
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Commodity Contracts
Commodity Contract [Member]
Foreign Exchange Contracts
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Prepaid Expenses
Prepaid Expenses [Member]
Prepaid expenses.
Other Assets
Other Assets [Member]
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]
Prepaid expenses, accrued expenses, and other liabilities
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability
Prepaid expenses
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset
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]
Legal Entity [Axis]
Legal Entity [Axis]
Entity [Domain]
Entity [Domain]
U.S. Mills
Us Mills [Member]
U.S. mills.
Tegrant Holding Corporation
Tegrant Holding Corporation [Member]
Tegrant holding corporation.
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]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Settlement amount against Entity
Litigation Settlement, Amount
Environmental remediation spent
Payments for Environmental Liabilities
Environmental accrual
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies
Payment towards remediation of sites
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Payments
Increase (decrease) due to revision of estimates
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Revision in Estimates
Earnings Per Share
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]
Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis]
Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis]
Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain]
Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain]
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]
Foreign Currency Items
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Ending Balance
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 Postretirement Benefit Plans, before Reclassification Adjustments, Tax
Other comprehensive (income) loss after tax
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net income, before tax
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, before Tax
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net income, tax (expense) benefit
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net income, after tax
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax
Net other comprehensive income (loss) from defined benefit pension items, before tax
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax
Net other comprehensive income (loss) from defined benefit pension items, tax (expense) benefit
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax
Net other comprehensive income (loss) from defined benefit pension items, after tax
Gains and losses on cash flow hedges:
Effect of Cash Flow Hedges on Results of Operations [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, before tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, tax (expense) benefit
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, after tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), tax (expense) benefit
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), after tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax
Net other comprehensive income (loss) from cash flow hedges, before tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax
Net other comprehensive income (loss) from cash flow hedges, tax (expense) benefit
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax
Net other comprehensive income (loss) from cash flow hedges, after tax
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax (expense) benefit
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax
Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax
Other Comprehensive Income, Other, Net of Tax
Income Statement [Abstract]
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
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
Net income
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to Sonoco
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Diluted (in shares)
Net income attributable to Sonoco:
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Cash dividends (usd per share)
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table]
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Income Statement Location [Axis]
Income Statement Location [Axis]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
Net Sales
Sales [Member]
Cost of Sales
Cost of Sales [Member]
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling General And Administrative Expense [Member]
Selling, general and administrative expense.
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
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
Income Taxes
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
U.S. Defined Benefit Plan
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan of US Entity [Member]
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Forecast
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Name [Axis]
Defined Contribution Plan Name [Axis]
Defined Contribution Plan Name [Domain]
Defined Contribution Plan Name [Domain]
Retiree Health And Life Insurance Plans
Retiree Health And Life Insurance Plans [Member]
Retiree health and life insurance plans.
Sonoco Investment And Retirement Plan
Sonoco Investment And Retirement Plan [Member]
Sonoco investment and retirement plan.
Employer matching contribution, percent of employees' gross pay
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay
Employer matching contribution, percent of employees' gross pay in excess of social security
Defined Contribution Plan, Additional Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay In Excess of Social Security
Defined Contribution Plan, Additional Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay In Excess of Social Security
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 rate (as a percent)
Defined Benefit Plan, Election Rates, Percent
Defined Benefit Plan, Election Rates, Percent
Non-cash settlement charge
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation
Contribution to defined benefit retirement and retiree health and life insurance plans
Projected contributions to retirement plan
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount
Recognized expense related to the plan
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized
Segment Reporting
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Intersegment Sales
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Decrease due to revision of estimates
Income before interest and income taxes
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges
Other, net
Other Cost and Expense, Operating
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table]
Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis]
Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis]
Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]
Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]
Level 1
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Level 2
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Level 3
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
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]
Derivatives
Derivative, Fair Value, Net
Assets measured at NAV
Alternative Investments, Fair Value Disclosure
Deferred compensation plan assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets
Restructuring and Asset Impairment
Restructuring, Impairment, and Other Activities Disclosure [Text Block]
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
Packaging Holdings, Inc.
Packaging Holdings, Inc. [Member]
Packaging Holdings, Inc. [Member]
Plastic Packaging Inc.
Plastic Packaging Inc. [Member]
Plastic Packaging Inc. [Member]
Laminar Medica
Laminar Medica [Member]
Laminar Medica [Member]
Range [Axis]
Range [Axis]
Range [Domain]
Range [Domain]
Minimum
Minimum [Member]
Maximum
Maximum [Member]
Other Segments
Other Segments [Member]
Subsegments [Axis]
Subsegments [Axis]
Subsegments [Domain]
Subsegments [Domain]
Display and Packaging Reporting Unit
Display And Packaging Reporting Unit [Member]
Display And Packaging Reporting Unit [Member]
Tubes and Cores/Paper - Brazil Reporting Unit
Paper and Industrial Converted Products - Europe Reporting Unit [Member]
Paper and Industrial Converted Products - Europe Reporting Unit [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill accounting adjustments
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments
Goodwill, impairment loss
Goodwill, Impairment Loss
Number of customers
Number of Customers
Number of Customers
Intangible assets acquired
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired
Adjustment to intangibles
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Purchase Accounting Adjustments
Expected average useful life
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life
Useful lives of other intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life
Aggregate amortization expenses
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2020
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four
Amortization expense on other intangible assets in 2021
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five
Subsidiaries [Member]
Subsidiaries [Member]
Assets
Assets [Abstract]
Current Assets
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances
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
Other Intangible Assets, Net
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
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, Net of Current Portion
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]
Authorized 300,000 shares 99,384 and 99,193 shares issued and outstanding at April 2, 2017 and December 31, 2016, 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
Total Liabilities and Equity
Liabilities and Equity
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Trade accounts receivable
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables
Inventories
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory
Property plant and equipment
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Other intangible assets
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill
Trade accounts payable
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable
Other net tangible assets /(liabilities)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Tangible, Net
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Tangible, Net
Net assets
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net
Changes in Goodwill by Segment
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]
Summary of Other Intangible Assets
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]
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 Filer Category
Entity Filer Category
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Mexico
MEXICO
Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Long-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Long-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Loans Payable
Loans Payable [Member]
Consideration transferred
Number of manufacturing facilities
Number of Manufacturing Facilities
Number of Manufacturing Facilities
Proceeds from issuance of debt
Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt
Debt term
Debt Instrument, Term
Adjustment to intangibles
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles
Adjustment to PP&E
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Adjustment to deferred tax liability
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Liabilities
Acquisition related costs
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs
Acquisitions
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]
New Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table]
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
Selling, general and administrative
Income before income taxes
Tax benefit
Income before equity in earnings of affiliates
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Financial Instruments and Derivatives
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]