Consolidated Statements 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, 2012	$ 15,195	$ 460,805	$ (1,401)	$ 131	$ 993	$ (103,471)	$ 372,252
Net income		12,545					12,545
Foreign currency translation adjustment (net of tax of $16)				(12,543)			(12,543)
Derivative financial instruments adjustment (net of tax benefit of $174)					(304)		(304)
Amortization of prior service costs and net gains or losses (net of tax of $4,083)						7,066	7,066
Cash dividends declared ($.21 per share)		(6,780)					(6,780)
Stock-based compensation expense	2,072						2,072
Issued upon exercise of stock options (including related income tax benefits of $134) & other	2,397						2,397
Tredegar common stock purchased by trust for savings restoration plan		13	(13)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$ 19,664	$ 466,583	$ (1,414)	$ (12,412)	$ 689	$ (96,405)	$ 376,705