Consolidated Statement Of Shareholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Trust For Savings Restoration Plan [Member]	Foreign Currency Translation [Member]	Gain (Loss) On Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]	Pension & Other Post-retirement Benefit Adjust. [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$ 10,724	$ 444,173	$ (1,332)	$ 23,572	$ 280	$ (59,871)	$ 417,546
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income		25,107					25,107
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment (net of tax benefit of $940)				(1,780)			(1,780)
Derivative financial instruments adjustment (net of tax benefit of $336)					(546)		(546)
Amortization of prior service costs and net gains or losses (net of tax of $1,646)						2,925	2,925
Comprehensive income							25,706
Cash dividends declared ($.135 per share)		(4,319)					(4,319)
Stock-based compensation expense	2,176						2,176
Issued upon exercise of stock options (including related income tax benefits of $110) & other	234						234
Tredegar common stock purchased by trust for savings restoration plan		8	(8)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2011	$ 13,134	$ 464,969	$ (1,340)	$ 21,792	$ (266)	$ (56,946)	$ 441,343