CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income/(loss)	$ 83,298	$ 92,283	$ 218,524	$ 247,337
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	24,647	(34,428)	(37,701)	(27,655)
Changes in defined benefit plans, net of tax	5,280	(16,850)	15,476	(7,887)
Changes in derivative financial instruments, net of tax	2,285	(93)	(440)	1,290
Other comprehensive income/(loss):	32,212	(51,371)	(22,665)	(34,252)
Comprehensive income:	115,510	40,912	195,859	213,085
Net loss/(income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	151	(219)	581	(451)
Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	27	844	2,254	792
Comprehensive income attributable to Sonoco	$ 115,688	$ 41,537	$ 198,694	$ 213,426