Fair Value Measurements Fair Values Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified					3 Months Ended					3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Carrying Value	Dec. 31, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Carrying Value	Mar. 31, 2013 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Level 2	Dec. 31, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Level 2	Mar. 31, 2013 Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Carrying Value	Mar. 31, 2012 Carrying Value	Mar. 31, 2013 Matariki joint venture step acquisition [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Joint venture, increase in ownership percentage										39.00%
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure						$ 1,881	$ 0	$ 1,881	$ 0
Investment in special-purpose entity	$ 2,666	$ 2,671	$ 2,666	$ 2,671
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques					The fair value of the investment in the special-purpose entity is determined by summing the discounted value of future principal and interest payments Rayonier will receive from the special-purpose entity. The interest rate of a similar instrument is used to determine the discounted value of the payments.