Earnings Per Share Computations (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Numerator
Net income attributable to Bemis Company, Inc. (in dollars)	$ 43,970	$ 51,210
Income allocated to participating securities (in dollars)	(537)	(759)
Net income available to common shareholders (in dollars)	$ 43,433	$ 50,451
Denominator
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding	103,077	107,142
Dilutive shares	631	353
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding - diluted	103,708	107,495
Per common share income
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.42	$ 0.47
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.42	$ 0.47
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding	103,077	107,142
Basic weighted-average common shares, outstanding and participating securities	104,352	108,753
Percentage allocated to common shareholders	98.80%	98.50%
Antidilutive stock options and stock awards	117,997