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)	167,261		163,648		3,613
Dividends	(92,122)		(92,122)
Issuance of shares under incentive stock plans (shares)		149,666
Issuance of shares under incentive stock plans	889	$ 889
Stock-based compensation	3,894	$ 3,894
Repurchase of common shares (in shares)		(43,848)
Repurchase of common shares	(829)	$ (139)	(690)
Net gain from pension and postretirement plans	1,881			1,881
Foreign currency translation adjustment	28,046			20,527	7,519
Cash flow hedges	(22,055)			(22,731)	676
Recapitalization of New Zealand Joint Venture	3,438	(5,398)		3,438	1,960
Recapitalization costs	(124)	$ (96)			(28)
Ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2016		122,876,035
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 1,448,581	$ 707,977	$ 683,596	$ (30,388)	$ 87,396