Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Total other comprehensive income
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Bemis Company, Inc.	$ (109,445)	$ 129,442	$ 67,564	$ 172,577
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	298	3,170	5,283	5,749
Total comprehensive income	(109,147)	132,612	72,847	178,326
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Foreign currency translation	149,618		149,618		243,344
Pension liability adjustment, net of deferred tax effect	(140,775)		(140,775)		(152,885)
Deferred tax effect of pension liability	85,403		85,403		92,154
Unrecognized gain on derivative, net of deferred tax effect	263		263		658
Deferred tax effect of unrecognized gain on derivative	252		252		420
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 9,106		$ 9,106		$ 91,117