Acquisitions (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Net sales
Net sales, as reported	$ 1,370,220	$ 1,270,215	$ 2,694,648	$ 2,291,944
Net income attributable to Bemis Company, Inc.
Net income attributable to Bemis Company, Inc., as reported	54,252	59,639	105,462	90,422
Diluted earnings per share:
Diluted earnings per share, as reported (in dollars per share)	$ 0.51	$ 0.54	$ 0.98	$ 0.81
Alcan Packaging Food Americas
Net sales
Net sales, pro forma		1,270,215		2,487,858
Net sales, as reported		1,270,215		2,291,944
Net income attributable to Bemis Company, Inc.
Net income attributable to Bemis Company, Inc., pro forma		61,943		97,258
Net income attributable to Bemis Company, Inc., as reported		$ 59,639		$ 90,422
Diluted earnings per share:
Diluted earnings per share, pro forma (in dollars per share)		$ 0.56		$ 0.87
Diluted earnings per share, as reported (in dollars per share)		$ 0.54		$ 0.81