Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) In Thousands, except Per Share data	Jul. 03, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Sonoco Shareholders' Equity
Common stock, par value	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	[1]
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000	300,000	[1]
Common stock, shares issued	99,883	100,510	[1]
Common stock, shares outstanding	99,883	100,510	[1]

[1] The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles.