Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock	Retained Earnings	Trust For Savings Restoration Plan	Foreign Currency Translation	Gain (Loss) On Derivative Financial Instruments	Pension and other post-retirement benefit adjustments
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 396,907	$ 14,357	$ 463,278	$ (1,343)	$ 11,693	$ (406)	$ (90,672)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011		32,057,281
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	28,251		28,251
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(11,562)				(11,562)
Derivative financial instruments adjustment	1,399					1,399
Net gains (losses) and prior service costs	(19,285)						(19,285)
Amortization of prior service costs and net gains or losses	6,486						6,486
Cash dividends declared	(30,782)		(30,782)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures		78,299
Share Based Compensation Expense, Value	2,516	2,516
Issued upon exercise of stock options & other	2,031	2,031
Issued upon exercise of stock options (including related income tax benefits) & other, shares		143,366
Shares received from the sale of Falling Springs, LLC	3,709	3,709
Shares received from the sale of Falling Springs, LLC, shares		209,576
Tredegar common stock purchased by trust for savings restoration plan	0		58	(58)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	372,252	15,195	460,805	(1,401)	131	993	(103,471)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012		32,069,370
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	21,947		21,947
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(19,336)				(19,336)
Derivative financial instruments adjustment	(228)					(228)
Net gains (losses) and prior service costs	22,203						22,203
Amortization of prior service costs and net gains or losses	9,420						9,420
Cash dividends declared	(9,040)		(9,040)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures		72,125
Share Based Compensation Expense, Value	2,572	2,572
Issued upon exercise of stock options & other	2,874	2,874
Issued upon exercise of stock options (including related income tax benefits) & other, shares		163,650
Tredegar common stock purchased by trust for savings restoration plan	0		17	(17)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	402,664	20,641	473,729	(1,418)	(19,205)	765	(71,848)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013		32,305,145
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	36,879		36,879
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(28,065)				(28,065)
Derivative financial instruments adjustment	(109)					(109)
Net gains (losses) and prior service costs	(38,730)						(38,730)
Amortization of prior service costs and net gains or losses	6,997						6,997
Cash dividends declared	(11,007)		(11,007)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures		85,129
Share Based Compensation Expense, Value	3,224	3,224
Shareholder Rights Agreement Redemption	(323)		(323)
Issued upon exercise of stock options & other	499	499
Issued upon exercise of stock options (including related income tax benefits) & other, shares		31,808
Tredegar common stock purchased by trust for savings restoration plan	0		22	(22)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 372,029	$ 24,364	$ 499,300	$ (1,440)	$ (47,270)	$ 656	$ (103,581)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014		32,422,082