CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2021	Mar. 29, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income/(loss)	$ 72,293	$ 80,236
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(32,541)	(95,212)
Changes in defined benefit plans, net of tax	5,385	5,780
Changes in derivative financial instruments, net of tax	958	(4,555)
Other comprehensive loss:	(26,198)	(93,987)
Comprehensive income/(loss):	46,095	(13,751)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	4	209
Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	520	1,637
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Sonoco	$ 46,619	$ (11,905)