Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock	Retained Earnings	Trust for Savings Restoration Plan	Foreign Currency Translation	Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments	Pension & Other Post-retirement Benefit Adjust.
Balance December 31, 2013 at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 402,664	$ 20,641	$ 473,729	$ (1,418)	$ (19,205)	$ 765	$ (71,848)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	8,479		8,479
Foreign currency translation adjustment (net of tax of $125)	5,095				5,095
Derivative financial instruments adjustment (net of tax of $117)	192					192
Amortization of prior service costs and net gains or losses (net of tax of $997)	1,740						1,740
Cash dividends declared ($.07 per share)	(2,261)		(2,261)
Share Based Compensation Expense, Value	634	634
Shareholder Rights Agreement Redemption	(323)		(323)
Issued upon exercise of stock options & other	(50)	(50)
Tredegar common stock purchased by trust for savings restoration plan			5	(5)
Balance March 31, 2014 at Mar. 31, 2014	$ 416,170	$ 21,225	$ 479,629	$ (1,423)	$ (14,110)	$ 957	$ (70,108)