Components of Calculation of Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2012		Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Sep. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2011		Mar. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Net income	$ 29,359	[1]	$ 78,657	[1]	$ 10,580	[1]	$ 32,750	[1]	$ 37,099	[2]	$ 78,756	[2]	$ 51,206	[2]	$ 26,112	[2]	$ 151,346	$ 193,173	$ 144,646
Weighted average number of shares used in:
Basic earnings per share																	69,571	69,996	75,905
Dilutive common stock equivalents:
Stock options and restricted stock units																	318	386	603
Diluted earnings per share																	69,889	70,382	76,508

[1] The first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2012 include rationalization charges of $3.6 million, $0.2 million, $2.0 million and $2.9 million, respectively. The first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2012 include plant start-up costs of $1.0 million, $1.9 million, $1.4 million and $2.1 million, respectively. The second and third quarters of 2012 include costs attributable to announced acquisitions of $0.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively. The second quarter of 2012 includes a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $38.7 million.

[2] The first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2011 include rationalization charges of $1.7 million, $2.4 million, $0.6 million and $2.9 million, respectively. The first quarter of 2011 includes costs attributable to announced acquisitions of $1.8 million. The second quarter of 2011 includes income of $27.0 million for proceeds received as a result of the termination of the merger agreement with Graham Packaging, net of costs associated with certain corporate development activities, and a charge for the resolution of a past product liability dispute of $3.3 million. The third quarter of 2011 includes a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $1.0 million.