EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income	$ 28,803	$ 40,624	$ 94,659	$ 167,261	$ 217,770
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	4,115	1,269	9,968	3,613
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO RAYONIER INC.	$ 24,688	$ 39,355	$ 84,691	$ 163,648
Shares used for determining basic earnings per common share (in shares)	128,610,696	122,597,927	126,934,003	122,574,094
Dilutive effect of:
Stock options (in shares)	84,380	113,849	94,528	88,594
Performance and restricted shares (in shares)	270,704	170,857	315,475	120,212
Shares used for determining diluted earnings per common share (in shares)	128,965,780	122,882,633	127,344,006	122,782,900
Basic earnings per common share attributable to Rayonier Inc. (in dollars per share)	$ 0.19	$ 0.32	$ 0.67	$ 1.34
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Rayonier Inc. (in dollars per share)	$ 0.19	$ 0.32	$ 0.67	$ 1.33