Capital Expenditures for Environmental Matters

No definition available.

Name:	swm_CapitalExpendituresForEnvironmentalMatters
Namespace Prefix:	swm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Expected Capital Expenditures for Environmental Matters Due In Two Years

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	swm_ExpectedCapitalExpendituresForEnvironmentalMattersDueInTwoYears
Namespace Prefix:	swm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Expected Capital Expenditures for Environmental Matters In the Next Fiscal Year

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	swm_ExpectedCapitalExpendituresForEnvironmentalMattersInNextFiscalYear
Namespace Prefix:	swm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power, Due Within One Year

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	swm_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDueWithinOneYear
Namespace Prefix:	swm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The number of assessments from the tax authorities of the State of Rio de Janeiro for unpaid Imposto sobre circulacao de Mercadorias e Servicos (or ICMS) taxes, a form of value-added tax in Brazil.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	swm_NumberOfAssessmentsFromTaxAuthoritiesRegardingIcmsTaxes
Namespace Prefix:	swm_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number of the tax assessments by the State of Rio de Janeiro that are for periods prior to the acquisition of Pirahy and are covered, in part, by an indemnification from the sellers.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	swm_NumberOfTaxAssessmentsRelatedToPeriodsThatPredatedAcquisitionAndAreCoveredByIndemnification
Namespace Prefix:	swm_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The portion of the estimated loss that is covered by the indemnification of the prior owners as part of the purchase.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	swm_PortionOfLossCoveredByIndemnification
Namespace Prefix:	swm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of rent expense incurred for leased assets, including but not limited to, furniture and equipment, that is not directly or indirectly associated with the manufacture, sale or creation of a product or product line.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Estimated annual cost to purchase electricity under a long-term contract from a production plant constructed and financed by a public utility district, cooperative, or other organization.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 980

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 10.D)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6499423&loc=d3e659339-123030

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 10

-Section D

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerEstimatedAnnualCost
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The minimum amount the entity agreed to spend under the long-term purchase commitment.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The estimated maximum amount of possible loss from the contingency.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 450

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25496072&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 450

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 9

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25496072&loc=d3e14557-108349

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LossContingencyRangeOfPossibleLossMaximum
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of required minimum rental payments for leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 840

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6453985&loc=d3e41502-112717

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 840

-SubTopic 10

-Section 55

-Paragraph 40

-Subparagraph (Note 3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584154&loc=d3e38371-112697

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of required minimum rental payments for operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable lease term in excess of one year due in the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of required minimum rental payments for operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable lease term in excess of one year due in the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of required minimum rental payments for operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable lease term in excess of one year due in the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of required minimum rental payments for operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable lease term in excess of one year due in the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of required minimum rental payments for operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable lease term in excess of one year due in the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of required minimum rental payments for operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable lease term in excess of one year due after the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Minimum amount to be expended to satisfy the terms of arrangements in which the entity has agreed to expend funds to procure goods or services, excluding long-term purchase commitments or unconditional purchase obligations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 25

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 19

-Article 7

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 17

-Article 9

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.17)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.(a)(19))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PurchaseCommitmentRemainingMinimumAmountCommitted
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=swm_FrenchMillsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=swm_LtriAndPdmSubsidiariesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=swm_SwmBBrazilianMillMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis=us-gaap_UnfavorableRegulatoryActionMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PurchaseCommitmentExcludingLongtermCommitmentAxis=swm_CalciumCarbonateMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PurchaseCommitmentExcludingLongtermCommitmentAxis=swm_CalciumCarbonateThrough2024Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PurchaseCommitmentExcludingLongtermCommitmentAxis=swm_OtherFibersMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2000 assessment
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$ 2.9
2016	2.8
2017	2.1
2018	1.6
2019	1.5
Thereafter	0.5
Total	11.4
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	6.1us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense	5.3us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense	5.3us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Capital Expenditures for Environmental Matters	1.4
Expected Capital Expenditures for Environmental Matters In the Next Fiscal Year (less than)	2.0
Expected Capital Expenditures for Environmental Matters Due In Two Years (less than)	1.0
Unfavorable Regulatory Action [Member] \| Raw Materials Assessment [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of assessments from the tax authorities regarding ICMS taxes				2
Number of tax assessments related to periods that predated acquisition and are covered by indemnification				1
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum	38.0
Portion covered by indemnification	17
Unfavorable Regulatory Action [Member] \| Electricity Assessment One And Two [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum	14.0
Unfavorable Regulatory Action [Member] \| Electricity Assessment Three [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum	18.0
LTRI and PdM Subsidiaries [Member] \| Energy Cogeneration Steam Supply Agreement [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount	4
SWM-B Brazilian Mill [Member] \| Transmission and Distribution of Energy Agreement [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power, Estimated Annual Cost	4
French Mills [Member] \| Transmission and Distribution of Energy Agreement [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power, Due Within One Year	16
Other Fibers [Member] \| Paper [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed	3
Calcium Carbonate [Member] \| PdM Subsidiary [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed	2
Calcium Carbonate, Through 2024 [Member] \| PdM Subsidiary [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed	$ 18