CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 28, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income/(loss):	$ 54,990	$ 81,286	$ 135,226	$ 155,054
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	32,864	9,745	(62,348)	6,773
Changes in defined benefit plans, net of tax	4,416	1,807	10,196	8,963
Changes in derivative financial instruments, net of tax	1,830	(481)	(2,725)	1,383
Other comprehensive income/(loss):	39,110	11,071	(54,877)	17,119
Comprehensive income:	94,100	92,357	80,349	172,173
Net loss/(income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	221	(127)	430	(232)
Other comprehensive loss/(income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	590	(172)	2,227	(52)
Comprehensive income attributable to Sonoco	$ 94,911	$ 92,058	$ 83,006	$ 171,889