Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders' Equity - 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2016 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	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.
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 272,748	$ 29,467	$ 453,467	$ (1,467)	$ (112,807)	$ (373)	$ (95,539)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	7,281		7,281
Foreign currency translation adjustment (net of tax of $40)	12,579				12,579
Derivative financial instruments adjustment (net of tax of $156)	262					262
Amortization of prior service costs and net gains or losses (net of tax of $855)	2,482						2,482
Cash dividends declared ($0.11 per share)	(3,606)		(3,606)
Stock-based compensation expense	297	297
Tredegar common stock purchased by trust for savings restoration plan			7	(7)
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2016	$ 291,469	$ 29,190	$ 457,149	$ (1,474)	$ (100,228)	$ (111)	$ (93,057)