Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Total other comprehensive income
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Bemis Company, Inc.	$ 90,454	$ 34,017	$ 177,009	$ 43,135
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noncontrolling interests	2,683	1,488	4,985	2,579
Total comprehensive income	93,137	35,505	181,994	45,714
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Foreign currency translation	306,960		306,960		243,344
Pension liability adjustment, net of deferred tax effect	(144,691)		(144,691)		(152,885)
Deferred tax effect of pension liability	87,653		87,653		92,154
Unrecognized gain on derivative, net of deferred tax effect	395		395		658
Deferred tax effect of unrecognized gain on derivative	168		168		420
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)	$ 162,664		$ 162,664		$ 91,117