Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of states reporting raw forest product prices	11
Timber agreement termination clause	MeadWestvaco can terminate the Timber Agreements prior to the expiration of the initial term if CatchMark Timber Trust replaces Forest Resource Consultants, Inc. ("FRC") as the forest manager without the prior written consent of MeadWestvaco, except pursuant to an internalization of the company's management functions. CatchMark Timber Trust can terminate the Timber Agreements if MeadWestvaco (1) ceases to operate the Mahrt mill for a period that exceeds 12 consecutive months, (2) fails to purchase a specified tonnage of timber for two consecutive years, subject to certain limited exceptions or (3) fails to make payments when due (and fails to cure within 30 days). In addition, either party can terminate the Timber Agreements if the other party commits a material breach (and fails to cure within 60 days) or becomes insolvent.
Operating agreement, term of extension option	1 year
Operating agreement, notice of termination option	120 days
Timber Properties
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Land held in leasehold interests	28,600
Property Subject to Operating Lease | Timberland
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Land held in leasehold interests	20,500
Quarterly base rate rental payment (per acre)	3.10
Adjusted rental payment rate (per acre)	21.22
MeadWestvaco Corporation | Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	34.00%	60.00%	54.00%
Waycross - Panola properties | Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	2.00%