Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Shares	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)	Non-controlling Interest
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		126,773,097
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 1,575,151	$ 702,598	$ 790,697	$ (4,825)	$ 86,681
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	43,941		46,165		(2,224)
Dividends	(124,943)		(124,943)
Issuance of shares under incentive stock plans (shares)		205,219
Issuance of shares under incentive stock plans	2,117	$ 2,117
Stock-based compensation	4,484	4,484
Tax deficiency on stock-based compensation	(250)	$ (250)
Repurchase of common shares (in shares)		(4,208,099)
Repurchase of common shares	(100,122)	$ (122)	(100,000)
Net gain from pension and postretirement plans	2,933			2,933
Adjustments to Rayonier Advanced Materials	841		841
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(32,451)			(21,567)	(10,884)
Cash flow hedges	(9,961)			(10,044)	83
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		122,770,217
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	1,361,740	$ 708,827	612,760	(33,503)	73,656
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	126,637		124,293		2,344
Dividends	(61,409)		(61,409)
Issuance of shares under incentive stock plans (shares)		138,514
Issuance of shares under incentive stock plans	644	$ 644
Stock-based compensation	2,839	$ 2,839
Repurchase of common shares (in shares)		(43,821)
Repurchase of common shares	(829)	$ (139)	(690)
Net gain from pension and postretirement plans	1,249			1,249
Foreign currency translation adjustment	16,023			10,732	5,291
Cash flow hedges	(26,250)			(26,773)	523
Recapitalization of New Zealand Joint Venture	3,438	(5,398)		3,438	1,960
Recapitalization costs	(124)	$ (96)			(28)
Ending balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2016		122,864,910
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2016	$ 1,420,520	$ 706,677	$ 674,954	$ (44,857)	$ 83,746