Restructuring and Asset Impairment - Restructuring and Asset Impairment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017	Apr. 03, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	$ 4,111	$ 9,228
Income tax benefit	(1,298)	(2,920)
Less: Costs attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	(2)	(7)
Restructuring/asset impairment charges attributable to Sonoco, net of tax	2,811	6,301
2017 Actions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	2,304	0
2016 Actions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	1,155	6,413
2015 and Earlier Actions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	$ 652	$ 2,815