Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$ 34,477	[1]	$ 30,931	[1]
New Zealand joint venture cash flow hedges	(3,841)	[2]	(1,468)	[2]
Unrecognized components of employee benefit plans, net of tax	(144,084)	[3]	(97,821)	[3]
Total	(113,448)		(68,358)
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Unrecognized components of employee benefit plans, net of tax	$ (137,334)		$ (92,811)
Statement [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	4.20%		5.25%		5.80%

[1] During the year ended December 31, 2011, the increase in net foreign currency translation adjustments was due to the strengthening of the New Zealand dollar against the U.S. dollar.

[2] Rayonier records its proportionate share of the JV’s cash flow hedges, as increases or decreases to "Investment in Joint Venture" with corresponding adjustments to "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

[3] The increase in the unrecognized components of employee benefit plans was mainly due to actuarial losses resulting from a decrease in the discount rate from 5.25 percent as of December 31, 2010 to 4.20 percent as of December 31, 2011. See Note 20 — Employee Benefit Plans for additional information.