ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Total other comprehensive income
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Bemis Company, Inc.	$ (9,444)	$ 223,771
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noncontrolling interests	5,283	7,730
Total comprehensive income	(4,161)	231,501	343,618
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Foreign currency translation	128,813	243,344	220,297
Pension and other postretirement liability adjustment, net of deferred tax effect	(219,689)	(152,885)	(149,025)
Deferred tax effect of pension liability adjustment	130,058	92,154	90,009
Unrecognized gain on derivative, net of deferred tax effect	132	658	1,185
Deferred tax effect of unrecognized gain on derivative	85	421	758
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (90,744)	$ 91,117	$ 72,457