Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$ 39,804			$ 38,829
Joint venture cash flow hedges	(3,074)	[1]		(3,628)	[1]
Unrecognized losses of employee benefit plans, net of tax	(139,611)	[2]		(144,580)	[2]
Total	(102,881)			(109,379)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications - Foreign currency translation gains	975
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications - New Zealand joint venture cash flow hedge	554	[1]
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications - Unrecognized components of employee benefit plans, net of tax	530	[2]
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications - Total	2,059
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income - Foreign currency translation gains	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income - New Zealand joint venture cash flow hedges	0	[1]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income - Unrecognized components of employee benefit plans, net of tax	4,439	[2]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income - Total	4,439
Net other comprehensive income - Foreign currency translation adjustment	975		5,825	4,352
Net other comprehensive income - New Zealand joint venture cash flow hedges	554		1,205	213
Net other comprehensive income - Gain from pension and postretirement plans, net of income tax	4,969		3,140	(496)
Net other comprehensive income, net of tax	$ 6,498		$ 10,170

[1] Rayonier records its proportionate share of the JV’s cash flow hedges as increases or decreases to "Investment in Joint Venture" with corresponding adjustments to "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

[2] See Note 13 — Employee Benefit Plans for additional information.