Restructuring and Asset Impairment - Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges/ (Credits), Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2018	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 01, 2018	Jul. 02, 2017
Restructuring/Asset impairment:
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	$ 3,567	$ 7,897	$ 6,630	$ 12,008
Income tax benefit	(1,046)	(2,338)	(1,731)	(3,636)
Less: Costs attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	(15)	(12)	(20)	(14)
Restructuring/asset impairment charges attributable to Sonoco, net of tax	2,506	5,547	4,879	8,358
2018 Actions
Restructuring/Asset impairment:
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	2,708	0	4,915	0
2017 Actions
Restructuring/Asset impairment:
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	1,017	3,884	1,422	6,188
2016 and Earlier Actions
Restructuring/Asset impairment:
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	(158)	3,675	293	5,482
Other asset impairments
Restructuring/Asset impairment:
Restructuring/Asset impairment charges	$ 0	$ 338	$ 0	$ 338