Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011 American Plast S.A.	Sep. 30, 2012 American Plast S.A.	Sep. 30, 2011 American Plast S.A.	Sep. 30, 2011 Dixie Toga Ltda	Sep. 30, 2012 Dixie Toga Ltda	Sep. 30, 2011 Dixie Toga Ltda
Noncontrolling interests
Purchase of remaining shares owned by the noncontrolling interest of subsidiary			$ 0	$ 89.7	$ 0.4			$ 90.0
Net income attributable to Bemis Company, Inc.	47.4	55.9	133.7	161.3
Decrease in Bemis Company Inc.'s capital in excess of par value due to purchase of noncontrolling interest			0	(48.4)		0	(0.2)		0	(48.2)
Change from net income attributable to Bemis Company, Inc. and transfers to noncontrolling interests			$ 133.7	$ 112.9