<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.6.0.2</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>393</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>623</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>false</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>119</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>9</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0001000 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001000 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1002000 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003000 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003501 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004000 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1005000 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2101100 - Disclosure - Background and Basis of Presentation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentation</Role>
      <ShortName>Background and Basis of Presentation</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2102100 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2103100 - Disclosure - Earnings per Share ("EPS")</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/EarningsPerShareEps</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings per Share ("EPS")</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2104100 - Disclosure - Acquisitions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/Acquisitions</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2105100 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2106100 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/IncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2107100 - Disclosure - Debt</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/Debt</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2108100 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefits</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2109100 - Disclosure - Stock Compensation Plan</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/StockCompensationPlan</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Compensation Plan</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2110100 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/StockholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2111100 - Disclosure - Commitments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/Commitments</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2112100 - Disclosure - Contingencies and Legal Matters</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/ContingenciesAndLegalMatters</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies and Legal Matters</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2113100 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/DiscontinuedOperations</Role>
      <ShortName>Discontinued Operations</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2114100 - Disclosure - Business Segment and Geographic Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/BusinessSegmentAndGeographicInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Business Segment and Geographic Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2115100 - Disclosure - Supplemental Data</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/SupplementalData</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Data</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2116100 - Disclosure - Unaudited Quarterly Data</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/UnauditedQuarterlyData</Role>
      <ShortName>Unaudited Quarterly Data</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2117100 - Schedule - SCHEDULE II SCHEDULE OF VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/ScheduleIiScheduleOfValuationAndQualifyingAccounts</Role>
      <ShortName>SCHEDULE II SCHEDULE OF VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2202201 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2302302 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2303301 - Disclosure - Earnings per Share ("EPS") (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/EarningsPerShareEpsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings per Share ("EPS") (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2304301 - Disclosure - Acquisitions (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/AcquisitionsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2305301 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2306301 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2307301 - Disclosure - Debt (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/DebtTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2308301 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2309301 - Disclosure - Stock Compensation Plans (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/StockCompensationPlansTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Compensation Plans (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2310301 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/StockholdersEquityTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2311301 - Disclosure - Commitments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/CommitmentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2312301 - Disclosure - Contingencies and Legal Matters (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/ContingenciesAndLegalMattersTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies and Legal Matters (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2313301 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Discontinued Operations (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2314301 - Disclosure - Business Segment and Geographic Information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/BusinessSegmentAndGeographicInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Business Segment and Geographic Information (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2315301 - Disclosure - Supplemental Data (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/SupplementalDataTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Data (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2316301 - Disclosure - Unaudited Quarterly Data (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/UnauditedQuarterlyDataTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Unaudited Quarterly Data (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401401 - Disclosure - Background and Basis of Presentation (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Background and Basis of Presentation (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402403 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCashAndCashEquivalentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402404 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property and Depreciation (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPropertyAndDepreciationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property and Depreciation (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402405 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Fair Value Disclosures (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesFairValueDisclosuresDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Fair Value Disclosures (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402406 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402407 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Recently Adopted Accounting Standards (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRecentlyAdoptedAccountingStandardsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Recently Adopted Accounting Standards (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403402 - Disclosure - Earnings per Share ("EPS") Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/EarningsPerShareEpsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings per Share ("EPS") Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403403 - Disclosure - Earnings per Share ("EPS") Schedule of Earnings Per Share Calculations, Basic and Diluted (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/EarningsPerShareEpsScheduleOfEarningsPerShareCalculationsBasicAndDilutedDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings per Share ("EPS") Schedule of Earnings Per Share Calculations, Basic and Diluted (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404402 - Disclosure - Acquisitions (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/AcquisitionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405402 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Changes in carrying value of goodwill (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsChangesInCarryingValueOfGoodwillDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Changes in carrying value of goodwill (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405403 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Other intangible assets (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsOtherIntangibleAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Other intangible assets (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406402 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/IncomeTaxesEffectiveTaxRateReconciliationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406403 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - U.S. and Foreign Components (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/IncomeTaxesUSAndForeignComponentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - U.S. and Foreign Components (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406404 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Asset/Liability (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/IncomeTaxesDeferredTaxAssetLiabilityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Asset/Liability (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406405 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Uncertain Tax Positions (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/IncomeTaxesUncertainTaxPositionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Uncertain Tax Positions (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407402 - Disclosure - Debt - Summary of Long Term Debt (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/DebtSummaryOfLongTermDebtDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt - Summary of Long Term Debt (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407403 - Disclosure - Debt - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/DebtNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407404 - Disclosure - Debt - Summary of Variable Rates (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/DebtSummaryOfVariableRatesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt - Summary of Variable Rates (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407405 - Disclosure - Debt - Principal Payments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/DebtPrincipalPaymentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt - Principal Payments (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408402 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408403 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Summary of Plan Expirations (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsSummaryOfPlanExpirationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Summary of Plan Expirations (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408404 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Benefit Plan Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Net Liability Information (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsBenefitPlanObligationsPlanAssetsFundedStatusAndNetLiabilityInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Benefit Plan Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Net Liability Information (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408405 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Amounts Recognized in AOCI and Disaggregated Information (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsAmountsRecognizedInAociAndDisaggregatedInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Amounts Recognized in AOCI and Disaggregated Information (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>63</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408406 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsComponentsOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>64</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408407 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in OCI (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsOtherChangesInPlanAssetsAndBenefitObligationsRecognizedInOciDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in OCI (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>65</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408408 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedToDetermineBenefitObligationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>66</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408409 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Pension Plan Assets Allocation (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsPensionPlanAssetsAllocationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Pension Plan Assets Allocation (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>67</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408410 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Future Benefit Payments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsFutureBenefitPaymentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Future Benefit Payments (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>68</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408411 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits- Health Care Cost Trends (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsHealthCareCostTrendsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits- Health Care Cost Trends (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>69</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409402 - Disclosure - Stock Compensation Plans - Omnibus Plan (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/StockCompensationPlansOmnibusPlanDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Compensation Plans - Omnibus Plan (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>70</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409403 - Disclosure - Stock Compensation Plans - Outstanding and Exercisable Stock Options (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/StockCompensationPlansOutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Compensation Plans - Outstanding and Exercisable Stock Options (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>71</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409404 - Disclosure - Stock Compensation Plans - Unvested Stock Options and Activity (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/StockCompensationPlansUnvestedStockOptionsAndActivityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Compensation Plans - Unvested Stock Options and Activity (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>72</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409405 - Disclosure - Stock Compensation Plans - Performance Units/RSU (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/StockCompensationPlansPerformanceUnitsRsuDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Compensation Plans - Performance Units/RSU (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>73</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410402 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity 10K (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/StockholdersEquity10KDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity 10K (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>74</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410403 - Disclosure - Stockholder's Equity - Schedule of Other Comprehensive Loss (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/StockholdersEquityScheduleOfOtherComprehensiveLossDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholder's Equity - Schedule of Other Comprehensive Loss (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>75</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410404 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/StockholdersEquityChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>76</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411402 - Disclosure - Commitments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/CommitmentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>77</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R78.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412402 - Disclosure - Contingencies and Legal Matters (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/ContingenciesAndLegalMattersDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies and Legal Matters (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>78</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R79.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413402 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Discontinued Operations (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>79</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R80.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2414402 - Disclosure - Business Segment and Geographic Information (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/BusinessSegmentAndGeographicInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Business Segment and Geographic Information (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>80</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R81.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2414403 - Disclosure - Business Segment and Geographic Information (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/BusinessSegmentAndGeographicInformationDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Business Segment and Geographic Information (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>81</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R82.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415402 - Disclosure - Supplemental Data (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/SupplementalDataDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Data (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>82</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R83.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415403 - Disclosure - Supplemental Data (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/SupplementalDataDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Data (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>83</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R84.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415404 - Disclosure - Supplemental Data (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/SupplementalDataDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Data (Details 3)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>84</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R85.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416402 - Disclosure - Unaudited Quarterly Data (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/UnauditedQuarterlyDataDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Unaudited Quarterly Data (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>85</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="np-20161231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R86.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2417401 - Schedule - SCHEDULE II SCHEDULE OF VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.neenahpaper.com/role/ScheduleIiScheduleOfValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SCHEDULE II SCHEDULE OF VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>86</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>np-20161231.xml</File>
    <File>np-20161231.xsd</File>
    <File>np-20161231_cal.xml</File>
    <File>np-20161231_def.xml</File>
    <File>np-20161231_lab.xml</File>
    <File>np-20161231_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles/>
  <BaseTaxonomies/>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
