CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Partners Capital And Distributions [Line Items]
Net income	$ 67,866	$ 59,712	$ 177,750	$ 158,946	$ 226,835	$ 211,107	$ 195,409
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(47,645)	20,324	(46,543)	(20,236)	(103,447)	(29,147)	25,022
Changes in defined benefit plans, net of tax	4,386	7,782	11,903	20,507	(130,664)	144,754	(43,753)
Change in derivative financial instruments, net of tax	(1,229)	1,462	80	4,352	(5,700)	6,465	1,460
Other comprehensive (loss)/income	(44,488)	29,568	(34,560)	4,623	(239,811)	122,072	(17,271)
Comprehensive (loss)/income	23,378	89,280	143,190	163,569	(12,976)	333,179	178,138
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(810)	(185)	(858)	103	(919)	(1,282)	(110)
Other comprehensive loss/(income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	250	(32)	115	595	829	922	(505)
Comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Sonoco	$ 22,818	$ 89,063	$ 142,447	$ 164,267	$ (13,066)	$ 332,819	$ 177,523