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Document And Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information - shares	Mar. 31, 2012	May 03, 2012
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA
Entity Central Index Key	0000075677
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		98,044,355

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 84,017	$ 156,313
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts and customer deductions of $5,314 and $5,034 as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	348,272	319,988
Inventories	263,283	254,675
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	26,100	18,298
Federal and state income taxes receivable	94,077
Deferred income taxes	49,447	62,789
Total current assets	865,196	812,063
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,477,130	1,476,654
Goodwill	71,682	58,214
Other intangible assets, net	36,490	25,042
Other long-term assets	41,861	40,526
Total assets	2,492,359	2,412,499
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	15,000	15,000
Capital lease obligations	918	718
Accounts payable	153,028	154,855
Dividends payable	24,631	19,680
Accrued interest	4,391	12,584
Federal and state income taxes payable		10,404
Accrued liabilities	122,778	163,259
Total current liabilities	320,746	376,500
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt	789,785	793,448
Capital lease obligations	25,633	21,114
Deferred income taxes	150,830	11,924
Pension and postretirement benefit plans	153,428	148,686
Cellulosic biofuel tax reserve	102,051	102,051
Other long-term liabilities	27,942	29,866
Total long-term liabilities	1,249,669	1,107,089
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 300,000,000 shares authorized, 98,027,922 and 98,324,974 shares issued as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	980	983
Additional paid in capital	361,136	351,804
Retained earnings	648,693	673,960
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized loss on treasury locks, net	(16,053)	(23,289)
Unrealized loss on foreign currency exchange contracts	(408)	(413)
Unfunded employee benefit obligations	(72,404)	(74,076)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	(88,865)	(97,778)
Common stock held in treasury, at cost (2,355 shares as of December 31, 2011)		(59)
Total stockholders' equity	921,944	928,910
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 2,492,359	$ 2,412,499

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and customer deductions	$ 5,314	$ 5,034
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	98,027,922	98,324,974
Common stock held in treasury, shares		2,355

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income And Comprehensive Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 671,357	$ 629,500
Cost of sales	(526,338)	(496,359)
Gross profit	145,019	133,141
Selling and administrative expenses	(51,942)	(47,952)
Corporate overhead	(16,888)	(15,553)
Alternative fuel mixture credits	95,500
Other expense, net	(2,579)	(3,733)
Income from operations	169,110	65,903
Interest expense, net	(9,683)	(6,903)
Income before taxes	159,427	59,000
Provision for income taxes	(141,583)	(21,583)
Net income	$ 17,844	$ 37,417
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	96,598	100,741
Diluted	97,729	101,909
Net income per common share:
Basic	$ 0.18	$ 0.37
Diluted	0.18	0.37
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.25	$ 0.20
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Fair value adjustments to cash flow hedges	$ 7,518	$ 5,683
Reclassification adjustment for cash flow hedges included in net income	(277)	(282)
Amortization of pension and postretirement plans actuarial loss and prior service cost	1,672	951
Other comprehensive income	8,913	6,352
Comprehensive income	$ 26,757	$ 43,769

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 17,844	$ 37,417
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	42,638	39,296
Amortization of financing costs	196	138
Amortization of net gain on treasury lock	(462)	(462)
Share-based compensation expense	2,594	1,750
Deferred income tax provision	4,505	10,760
Cellulosic biofuel producer credit reduction (amended 2009 return)	142,251
Alternative fuel mixture credit increase (amended 2009 return)	(119,239)
Loss on disposals of property, plant and equipment	2,412	3,355
Other, net	5,478	5,491
(Increase) decrease in assets -
Accounts receivable	(21,125)	(15,657)
Inventories	(6,728)	7,226
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(7,662)	(3,536)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities -
Accounts payable	(4,930)	15,551
Accrued liabilities	(22,827)	(37,379)
Net cash provided by operating activities	34,945	63,950
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(34,813)	(64,731)
Acquisition of business	(35,531)
Additions to other long term assets	(1,406)	(2,045)
Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment	11	289
Net cash used for investing activities	(71,739)	(66,487)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Payments on long-term debt	(3,955)	(163)
Settlement of treasury lock		9,910
Common stock dividends paid	(19,665)	(15,351)
Repurchases of common stock	(23,230)	(19,095)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	10,221	3,205
Excess tax benefits from share-based awards	1,127	489
Net cash used for financing activities	(35,502)	(21,005)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(72,296)	(23,542)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	156,313	196,556
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 84,017	$ 173,014

Basis Of Presentation	3 Months Ended
Basis Of Presentation	Mar. 31, 2012
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation	1. Basis of Presentation The condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2012 and 2011 of Packaging Corporation of America ("PCA" or the "Company") and for the three-month periods then ended are unaudited but include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of such financial statements. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with Article 10 of SEC Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete audited financial statements. Operating results for the period ended March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2012. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with PCA's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Summary Of Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
Summary Of Accounting Policies	Mar. 31, 2012
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary Of Accounting Policies	2. Summary of Accounting Policies *Basis of Consolidation* The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of PCA include all majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The Company has one joint venture that is accounted for under the equity method. *Use of Estimates* The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. *Revenue Recognition* The Company recognizes revenue as title to the products is transferred to customers. Shipping and handling billings to a customer are included in net sales. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales. In addition, the Company offers volume rebates to certain of its customers. The total cost of these programs is estimated and accrued as a reduction to net sales at the time of the respective sale. *Segment Information* PCA is engaged in one line of business: the integrated manufacture and sale of packaging materials, boxes and containers for industrial and consumer markets. No single customer accounts for more than 10% of total net sales. *Recent Accounting Pronouncements* In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2011-12, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) – Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05." This ASU effectively defers only those changes in Update 2011-05 as discussed below that relate to the presentation of reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income and gives the FASB additional time to redeliberate the presentation requirements for reclassification adjustments. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company has complied with the provisions of ASU 2011-12 upon its adoption on January 1, 2012. In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, "Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) — Testing Goodwill for Impairment," which simplifies how entities test goodwill for impairment. The amendments in this update provide an entity the option to make a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of goodwill impairment to determine whether it should calculate the fair value of a reporting unit. ASU 2011-08 is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance on January 1, 2012 did not impact the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company will complete its annual goodwill impairment test under this new guidance in the fourth quarter of 2012. In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) — Presentation of Comprehensive Income." The amendments in this ASU require that all nonowner changes in stockholders' equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The provisions in this update should be applied retrospectively and are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company has complied with the additional provisions of ASU 2011-05 upon its adoption on January 1, 2012. See Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for additional information. In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) — Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs." The amendments in this ASU clarify the application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements, which will improve the comparability of fair value measurements presented and disclosed in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. ASU 2011-04 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. See Note 10 for additional information.

Earnings Per Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

3. Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income per common share for the periods presented.


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
(In thousands, except per share data)
Numerator:
Net income	$	17,844	$	37,417
Denominator:
Basic common shares outstanding		96,598		100,741
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options		213		332
Unvested restricted stock		918		836

Diluted common shares outstanding		97,729		101,909

Basic income per common share	$	0.18	$	0.37
Diluted income per common share	$	0.18	$	0.37

All outstanding options to purchase shares for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were included in the computation of diluted common shares outstanding.

Stock-Based Compensation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

4. Stock-Based Compensation

In October 1999, the Company adopted a long-term equity incentive plan, which allows for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and performance awards to directors, officers and employees of PCA, as well as others who engage in services for PCA. The Company has not granted any option awards since 2007. Restricted stock awards granted to officers and employees generally vest at the end of a four-year period, and restricted stock awards granted to directors vest immediately. The plan, which will terminate on October 19, 2014, provides for the issuance of up to 8,550,000 shares of common stock over the life of the plan. As of March 31, 2012, options and restricted stock for 7,656,315 shares have been granted, net of forfeitures. Forfeitures are added back to the pool of shares of common stock available to be granted at a future date.

Compensation expense for restricted stock recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
(In thousands)
Impact on income before income taxes	$	(2,594	)	$	(1,750	)
Income tax benefit		1,009			681

Impact on net income	$	(1,585	)	$	(1,069	)

The fair value of restricted stock is determined based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on the grant date.

A summary of the Company's stock option activity and related information follows:


	Options			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
								(In thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2011		1,224,699		$	21.64
Exercised		(488,961	)		20.90

Outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2012		735,738		$	22.14		1.7	$	5,478

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $4.1 million and $1.5 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2012, there is no unrecognized compensation cost related to stock option awards granted under the Company's equity incentive plan as all outstanding awards have vested.

A summary of the Company's restricted stock activity follows:


	2012						2011
	Shares			Fair Market Value at Date of Grant			Shares			Fair Market Value at Date of Grant
(Dollars in thousands)
Restricted stock at January 1		1,817,745		$	40,655			1,478,000		$	30,600
Granted		—			—			200,000			5,796
Vested		(70,206	)		(2,007	)		(1,970	)		(41	)
Cancellations		(2,940	)		(60	)		(1,150	)		(24	)

Restricted stock at March 31		1,744,599		$	38,588			1,674,880		$	36,331

The Company generally recognizes compensation expense associated with restricted stock awards ratably over their vesting periods. As PCA's Board of Directors has the ability to accelerate vesting of restricted stock upon an employee's retirement, the Company accelerates the recognition of compensation expense for certain employees approaching normal retirement age. As of March 31, 2012, there was $19.1 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to the above restricted stock awards. The Company expects to recognize the cost of these stock awards over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years.

Transfers Of Financial Assets	3 Months Ended
Transfers Of Financial Assets	Mar. 31, 2012
Transfers Of Financial Assets [Abstract]
Transfers Of Financial Assets	8. Transfers of Financial Assets PCA has an on-balance sheet securitization program for its trade accounts receivable that is accounted for as a secured borrowing under ASC 860, "Transfers and Servicing." To effectuate this program, the Company formed a wholly owned, limited-purpose subsidiary, Packaging Credit Company, LLC ("PCC"), which in turn formed a wholly owned, bankruptcy-remote, special-purpose subsidiary, Packaging Receivables Company, LLC ("PRC"), for the purpose of acquiring receivables from PCC. Both of these entities are included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. Under this program, PCC purchases on an ongoing basis substantially all of the receivables of the Company and sells such receivables to PRC. PRC and lenders established a $200.0 million receivables-backed revolving credit facility ("Receivables Credit Facility") through which PRC obtains funds to purchase receivables from PCC. The receivables purchased by PRC are solely the property of PRC. In the event of liquidation of PRC, the creditors of PRC would be entitled to satisfy their claims from PRC's assets prior to any distribution to PCC or the Company. Credit available under the receivables credit facility is on a borrowing-base formula. As a result, the full amount of the facility may not be available at all times. At March 31, 2012, $109.0 million was outstanding and included in "Long-term debt" on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Substantially all accounts receivable at March 31, 2012 have been sold to PRC and are included in "Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts and customer deductions" on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Environmental Liabilities	3 Months Ended
Environmental Liabilities	Mar. 31, 2012
Environmental Liabilities [Abstract]
Environmental Liabilities	11. Environmental Liabilities The potential costs for various environmental matters are uncertain due to such factors as the unknown magnitude of possible cleanup costs, the complexity and evolving nature of governmental laws and regulations and their interpretations, and the timing, varying costs and effectiveness of alternative cleanup technologies. From 1994 through March 31, 2012, remediation costs at PCA's mills and corrugated plants totaled approximately $3.2 million. As of March 31, 2012, the Company maintained an environmental reserve of $10.9 million relating to on-site landfills and surface impoundments as well as ongoing and anticipated remedial projects. Liabilities recorded for environmental contingencies are estimates of the probable costs based upon available information and assumptions. Because of these uncertainties, PCA's estimates may change. As of the date of this filing, the Company believes that it is not reasonably possible that future environmental expenditures for remediation costs and asset retirement obligations above the $10.9 million accrued as of March 31, 2012 will have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Stock Repurchase Program	3 Months Ended
Stock Repurchase Program	Mar. 31, 2012
Stock Repurchase Program [Abstract]
Stock Repurchase Program	12. Stock Repurchase Program On February 22, 2011, PCA announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of $100.0 million of the Company's outstanding common stock, which it completed in the first quarter of 2012. Through March 31, 2012, the Company repurchased 3,996,118 shares of common stock, with 35,563 shares repurchased for $1.0 million, or $29.40 per share, during the first quarter of 2012. All repurchased shares were retired prior to March 31, 2012. On December 14, 2011, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of an additional $150.0 million of the Company's outstanding common stock. During the first quarter 2012, the Company repurchased 745,155 shares of common stock for $22.2 million, or $29.77 per share, under this authorization. All repurchased shares were retired prior to March 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2012, $127.8 million of the $150.0 million authorization remained available for repurchase of the Company's common stock.

Alternative Energy Tax Credits	3 Months Ended
Alternative Energy Tax Credits	Mar. 31, 2012
Alternative Energy Tax Credits [Abstract]
Alternative Energy Tax Credits	13. Alternative Energy Tax Credits The Company generates black liquor as a by-product of its pulp manufacturing process. When black liquor is mixed with diesel, it is considered an alternative fuel that was eligible for a $0.50 per gallon refundable alternative fuel mixture credit through December 31, 2009 or a $1.01 per gallon taxable cellulosic biofuel producer credit for gallons of black liquor produced in 2009. In an IRS memorandum released in 2010, the IRS concluded that a black liquor producer may claim the alternative fuel mixture credit and the cellulosic biofuel producer credit in the same taxable year for different volumes of black liquor (the same gallon of fuel cannot receive both credits but can be claimed as either alternative fuel mixture credit or the cellulosic biofuel producer credit). During the fourth quarter of 2010 the Company determined that its proprietary biofuel process at its Filer City, Michigan mill would likely qualify for the 2009 cellulosic biofuel producer credit. The Company amended the 2009 federal return in December 2010 to claim these gallons, resulting in $107.0 million of cellulosic biofuel producer credits. Due to the unique and proprietary nature of the Filer City mill process, IRS guidelines do not specifically address the process and uncertainty exists. As a result, the Company increased the reserve for uncertain tax positions under ASC 740, "Income Taxes," by $102.0 million, which resulted in a net benefit of $5.0 million recorded during the fourth quarter of 2010. The cellulosic biofuel producer credit is a taxable credit. However, the laws governing the taxability of the alternative fuel mixture credit are not completely defined. The IRS has not issued definitive guidance regarding such taxability. PCA believes that the manner in which the credit was claimed on its 2008 and 2009 federal income tax returns will not subject the Company to federal or state income taxes on such benefits. If it is determined that any of the alternative fuel mixture credits are subject to taxation, PCA will be required to pay those taxes and take a corresponding charge to its income. During the first quarter of 2011, the Company received notification that the IRS would begin its review of the cellulosic biofuel producer tax credits claimed in the 2009 federal income tax return, and such review is under way. On February 3, 2012, PCA amended its 2009 federal income tax return to reduce the gallons claimed as cellulosic biofuel producer credits previously recorded as a tax benefit and to increase the gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits previously recorded as income. The total number of gallons of black liquor remained the same. The increase in gallons claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits resulted in income of $95.5 million recorded in "Alternative fuel mixture credits," and the decrease in gallons claimed as cellulosic biofuel producer credits resulted in a decrease in tax benefits of $118.5 million recorded in "Provision for income taxes" in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of income. The net impact of these changes resulted in a non-cash, after-tax charge of $23.0 million recorded in the first quarter of 2012. As of March 31, 2012, including the reserve for uncertain tax positions, PCA had as much as $144.4 million of alternative energy tax credits to be used to offset future tax payments.

Legal Proceedings	3 Months Ended
Legal Proceedings	Mar. 31, 2012
Legal Proceedings [Abstract]
Legal Proceedings	14. Legal Proceedings During September and October 2010, PCA and eight other U.S. and Canadian containerboard producers were named as defendants in five purported class action lawsuits filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleging violations of the Sherman Act. The lawsuits have been consolidated in a single complaint under the caption Kleen Products LLC v Packaging Corp. of America et al. The consolidated complaint alleges that the defendants conspired to limit the supply of containerboard, and that the purpose and effect of the alleged conspiracy was to artificially increase prices of containerboard products during the period of August 2005 to the time of filing of the complaints. The complaint was filed as a purported class action suit on behalf of all purchasers of containerboard products during such period. The complaint seeks treble damages and costs, including attorney's fees. The defendants' motions to dismiss the complaint were denied by the court in April 2011. PCA believes the allegations are without merit and will defend this lawsuit vigorously. However, as the lawsuit is in the early stages of discovery, PCA is unable to predict the ultimate outcome or estimate a range of reasonably possible losses.

Valdosta Mill Fire Insurance Recovery	3 Months Ended
Valdosta Mill Fire Insurance Recovery	Mar. 31, 2012
Valdosta Mill Fire Insurance Recovery [Abstract]
Valdosta Mill Fire Insurance Recovery	15. Valdosta Mill Fire Insurance Recovery On April 4, 2011, the Company's Valdosta, Georgia mill had a fire in the turbine generator room. The fire resulted in production and sales volume losses of 11,000 tons and significant repair and demolition expenses to affected buildings and equipment. PCA is insured for the lost production, replacement value of destroyed assets, and related expenses, subject to a $3.0 million deductible. The Company filed an insurance claim for the total cost of the fire and received $9.4 million, net of the $3.0 million deductible, for losses incurred and capital expenditures during 2011. During the first quarter of 2012, the Company received an additional $0.6 million in insurance proceeds for capital expenditures which is included in net cash used for investing activities based on the nature of the reimbursement. PCA expects to receive additional insurance proceeds for capital expenditures as work is completed.

Acquisition	3 Months Ended
Acquisition	Mar. 31, 2012
Acquisition [Abstract]
Acquisition	16. Acquisition On April 14, 2011, the Company acquired Field Packaging Group, a corrugated products manufacturer located in Chicago, Illinois, for $26.9 million. Sales and total assets of the acquisition were not material to the Company's overall sales and total assets prior to the acquisition. Operating results of the acquisition subsequent to April 14, 2011 are included in the Company's operating results. The Company has allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, of which $11.5 million has been allocated to goodwill (which is deductible for tax purposes), $9.5 million to customer relationships (to be amortized over a life of ten years) and $0.2 million to other intangibles assets ( to be amortized over a life of three years). On September 10, 2011, the Company acquired Packaging Materials Company, a corrugated products manufacturer located near Huntsville, Alabama, for $8.6 million. Sales and total assets of the acquisition were not material to the Company's overall sales and total assets prior to the acquisition. Operating results of the acquisition subsequent to September 10, 2011 are included in the Company's operating results. The Company has allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, of which $1.5 million has been allocated to goodwill (which is deductible for tax purposes). On November 30, 2011, PCA acquired Colorado Container, a corrugated products manufacturer located in Denver, Colorado, for $21.8 million. Sales and total assets of the acquisition were not material to PCA's overall sales and total assets prior to the acquisition. Operating results of the acquisition subsequent to November 30, 2011 are included in the Company's operating results. The Company has allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on preliminary estimates, of which $5.8 million has been allocated to goodwill (which is deductible for tax purposes), $5.8 million to customer relationships (to be amortized over a life of ten years) and $0.2 million to other intangibles assets (to be amortized over a life of three years). On March 16, 2012, PCA acquired Packaging Specialists, a corrugated products manufacturer located near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for $35.5 million. Sales and total assets of the acquisition were not material to PCA's overall sales and total assets prior to the acquisition. The Company has preliminarily allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, pending valuations of fixed assets and customer relationships acquired.

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Mar. 31, 2012
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	17. Subsequent Events The Company has disclosed the following subsequent event in accordance with ASC 855, "Subsequent Events". Subsequent events have been evaluated through the filing date of this Form 10-Q. On April 5, 2012, PCA's application for a U.S. Treasury Section 1603 Grant for Specified Energy property was approved. The Company received the grant proceeds of $57.4 million on April 11, 2012.

Summary Of Accounting Policies (Policy)	3 Months Ended
Summary Of Accounting Policies (Policy)	Mar. 31, 2012
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis Of Consolidation	*Basis of Consolidation* The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of PCA include all majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The Company has one joint venture that is accounted for under the equity method.
Use Of Estimates	*Use of Estimates* The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition	*Revenue Recognition* The Company recognizes revenue as title to the products is transferred to customers. Shipping and handling billings to a customer are included in net sales. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales. In addition, the Company offers volume rebates to certain of its customers. The total cost of these programs is estimated and accrued as a reduction to net sales at the time of the respective sale.
Segment Information	*Segment Information* PCA is engaged in one line of business: the integrated manufacture and sale of packaging materials, boxes and containers for industrial and consumer markets. No single customer accounts for more than 10% of total net sales.

Summary Of Accounting Policies (Details)	3 Months Ended
Summary Of Accounting Policies (Details)	Mar. 31, 2012
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of joint ventures under equity method	1
Percent of net sales threshold used to determine major customers	10.00%

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($) yr shares	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Option awards granted	0
Long-term equity incentive plan, termination date	October 19, 2014
Number of shares authorized under plan	8,550,000
Options and restricted stock granted, net of forfeitures	7,656,315
Total intrinsic value of options exercised \| $	$ 4.1	$ 1.5
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of equity awards granted to employees, years	4 years
Unrecognized compensation cost related to stock option awards granted under the equity incentive plan \| $	$ 19.1
Expected weighted-average period to recognize the cost of stock awards (in years) \| yr	2.4

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Option Activity) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Options, Outstanding, Beginning Balance \| shares	1,224,699
Options, Exercised \| shares	(488,961)
Options, Outstanding and exercisable, Ending Balance \| shares	735,738
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, Beginning Balance \| $ / shares	$ 21.64
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised \| $ / shares	20.90
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding and exercisable, Ending Balance \| $ / shares	$ 22.14
ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm	1.7
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding and exercisable, Ending Balance \| $	$ 5,478

Inventories (Components Of Inventories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Inventories [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 124,969	$ 126,489
Work in process	8,875	7,610
Finished goods	78,729	74,391
Supplies and materials	116,766	115,541
Inventories at FIFO or average cost	329,339	324,031
Excess of FIFO or average cost over LIFO cost	(66,056)	(69,356)
Inventories, net	$ 263,283	$ 254,675

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Balance as of December 31, 2011	$ 58,214
Acquisition	14,098
Adjustments related to purchase accounting	(630)
Balance at March 31, 2012	$ 71,682

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Components Of Other Intangible Assets) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($) yr	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 44,856	$ 32,869
Accumulated Amortization	$ 8,366	7,827
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life (years) \| yr	18.2
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 44,161	32,520
Accumulated Amortization	$ 8,273	7,771
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life (years) \| yr	3.0
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 695	349
Accumulated Amortization	$ 93	$ 56

Employee Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Employee Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]
Company's expected contribution to pension plan in fiscal year 2012	$ 37.2
Company's contribution to pension plan	$ 3.9

Employee Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits (Components Of Net Pension Costs) (Details) - Net Pension Costs [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost for benefits earned during the year	$ 5,606	$ 4,952
Interest cost on accumulated benefit obligation	3,700	3,368
Expected return on assets	(3,027)	(3,385)
Net amortization of unrecognized amounts, Prior service cost	1,498	1,445
Net amortization of unrecognized amounts, Actuarial loss	1,229	103
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 9,006	$ 6,483

Transfers Of Financial Assets (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Transfers Of Financial Assets [Abstract]
Receivables-backed revolving credit facility	$ 200.0
Receivables credit facility outstanding	$ 109.0

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Payment received upon settlement		$ 9,910
Term of debt securities (in years)	10
Outstanding senior notes	$ 400,000
Senior notes, maturity year	2013
Foreign currency forward contracts settled for a loss, amount	$ 700
U.S. Treasury Note, maturity term (in years)	10
Number of foreign currency forward contracts outstanding	0
Fair value of outstanding treasury locks liability	$ 36,500
Notional amount of interest rate protection agreement outstanding	$ 400,000
Interest rate contracts, expected year of maturity	2012
Net amount of settlement gains or losses on derivative instruments included in accumulated OCI, net gain amortized	$ 1,800
Net amount of settlement gains or losses on derivative instruments included in accumulated OCI, net gain realized after tax	1,200
2003 Interest Rate Protection Agreement [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Payment received upon settlement	22,800
2008 Interest Rate Protection Agreement [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Payment received upon settlement	4,400
2010 Interest Rate Protection Agreement [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Payment received upon settlement	$ 9,900

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Long-term debt, carrying value	$ 804.8	$ 808.4
Long-term debt, fair value	839.5	856.9
Capital lease obligation, carrying value	$ 26.6	$ 21.8

Fair Value Measurements (Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Treasury lock	$ 36,500
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	499	$ 499
Money market funds	83,518	155,814
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member] \| Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	499	499
Money market funds	83,518	155,814
Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Treasury lock	36,538	48,829
Accrued Liabilities [Member] \| Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Treasury lock	$ 36,538	$ 48,829

Environmental Liabilities (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
Environmental Liabilities (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Environmental Liabilities [Abstract]
Remediation costs	$ 3.2
Environmental reserve	$ 10.9

Stock Repurchase Program (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions			3 Months Ended
	Dec. 14, 2011	Feb. 22, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012
Stock Repurchase Program [Line Items]
Common stock repurchase authorized amount		$ 100.0
Total stock repurchased, shares			3,996,118
Common stock repurchased and retired, shares			35,563
Common stock repurchased and retired, value			$ 1.0
Common stock repurchase price per share			$ 29.40
Stock Repurchase Program Additional Authorization [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program [Line Items]
Common stock repurchase authorized amount	$ 150.0
Common stock repurchased and retired, shares			745,155
Common stock repurchased and retired, value			$ 22.2
Common stock repurchase price per share			$ 29.77
Common stock repurchase authorization amount available			$ 127.8

Alternative Energy Tax Credits (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
Alternative Energy Tax Credits (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Alternative Energy Tax Credits [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes	$ 141,583,000	$ 21,583,000
Uncertain tax positions			$ 102,000,000
Tax credits used to offset future cash tax payment	144,400,000
Alternative Fuel Mixture Credits [Member]
Alternative Energy Tax Credits [Line Items]
Refundable tax credit per gallon				$ 0.50
Alternative energy tax credits	95,500,000
Cellulosic Biofuel Tax Credits [Member]
Alternative Energy Tax Credits [Line Items]
Refundable tax credit per gallon				$ 1.01
Alternative energy tax credits	23,000,000		5,000,000
Provision for income taxes	$ 118,500,000
Amended 2009 Federal Return [Member]
Alternative Energy Tax Credits [Line Items]
Cellulosic biofuel producer credits			$ 107,000,000

Legal Proceedings (Details)	2 Months Ended
Legal Proceedings (Details)	Oct. 31, 2010
Legal Proceedings [Abstract]
Number of lawsuits filed by the plaintiffs	5
Number of other U.S. and Canadian containerboard producers	PCA and eight other U.S. and Canadian containerboard producers were named as defendants

Valdosta Mill Fire Insurance Recovery (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($) T	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Valdosta Mill Fire Insurance Recovery [Abstract]
Sale volume losses, in tons \| T	11,000
Insurance deductible		$ 3.0
Insurance claim, net of deductible		$ 9.4
Received additional insurance proceeds for capital expenditures	$ 0.6

Acquisition (Details) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
Acquisition (Details) $ in Millions	Nov. 30, 2011 USD ($) yr	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($) yr	Mar. 16, 2012 USD ($)	Sep. 10, 2011 USD ($)	Apr. 14, 2011 USD ($)
Field Packaging Group [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition date		April 14, 2011
Business acquisition, cost of acquired entity					$ 26.9
Purchase price allocation to goodwill		$ 11.5
Packaging Materials Company [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition date		September 10, 2011
Business acquisition, cost of acquired entity				$ 8.6
Purchase price allocation to goodwill				$ 1.5
Colorado Container [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition date		November 30, 2011
Business acquisition, cost of acquired entity	$ 21.8
Purchase price allocation to goodwill	5.8
Packaging Specialists [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition date		March 16, 2012
Business acquisition, cost of acquired entity			$ 35.5
Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset, useful life, in years \| yr		18.2
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Field Packaging Group [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation to intangible assets		$ 9.5
Intangible asset, useful life, in years \| yr		10
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Colorado Container [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation to intangible assets	$ 5.8
Intangible asset, useful life, in years \| yr	10
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset, useful life, in years \| yr		3.0
Other Intangible Assets [Member] \| Field Packaging Group [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation to intangible assets		$ 0.2
Intangible asset, useful life, in years \| yr		3
Other Intangible Assets [Member] \| Colorado Container [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation to intangible assets	$ 0.2
Intangible asset, useful life, in years \| yr	3

Subsequent Events (Details) $ in Millions	Apr. 11, 2012 USD ($)
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Grant proceeds received from U.S. Treasury	$ 57.4