Timber and Timberlands (Schedule of Future Payments Due Under Timber Cutting Contracts) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Timber And Timberlands [Abstract]
2017	$ 6,741
2018	5,275
2019	1,604
2020	32
2021	275
Total	$ 13,927

Payments under timber cutting contracts, due next twelve months

No definition available.

Name:	pch_PaymentsUnderTimberCuttingContractsDueNextTwelveMonths
Namespace Prefix:	pch_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant