Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders' Equity - 6 months ended Jun. 30, 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	10,690		10,690
Foreign currency translation adjustment (net of tax benefit of $230)	23,648				23,648
Derivative financial instruments adjustment (net of tax of $598)	1,017					1,017
Amortization of prior service costs and net gains or losses (net of tax of $2,066)	4,607						4,607
Cash dividends declared ($0.22 per share)	(7,213)		(7,213)
Stock-based compensation expense	766	766
Issued upon exercise of stock options & other	(573)	(573)
Tredegar common stock purchased by trust for savings restoration plan			15	(15)
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2016	$ 305,690	$ 29,660	$ 456,959	$ (1,482)	$ (89,159)	$ 644	$ (90,932)