Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Shares	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)	Non-controlling Interest
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		126,773,097
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 1,575,151	$ 702,598	$ 790,697	$ (4,825)	$ 86,681
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	43,941		46,165		(2,224)
Dividends	(124,943)		(124,943)
Issuance of shares under incentive stock plans (shares)		205,219
Issuance of shares under incentive stock plans	2,117	$ 2,117
Stock-based compensation	4,484	4,484
Tax deficiency on stock-based compensation	(250)	$ (250)
Repurchase of common shares (in shares)		(4,208,099)
Repurchase of common shares	(100,122)	$ (122)	(100,000)
Net gain from pension and postretirement plans	2,933			2,933
Adjustments to Rayonier Advanced Materials	841		841
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(32,451)			(21,567)	(10,884)
Cash flow hedges	(9,961)			(10,044)	83
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		122,770,217
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	1,361,740	$ 708,827	612,760	(33,503)	73,656
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	15,058		14,472		586
Dividends	(30,691)		(30,691)
Issuance of shares under incentive stock plans (shares)		11,232
Issuance of shares under incentive stock plans	18	$ 18
Stock-based compensation	839	$ 839
Repurchase of common shares (in shares)		(38,874)
Repurchase of common shares	(706)	$ (16)	(690)
Net gain from pension and postretirement plans	617			617
Foreign currency translation adjustment	2,804			(210)	3,014
Cash flow hedges	(13,774)			(13,923)	149
Recapitalization of New Zealand Joint Venture	3,438	(5,398)		3,438	1,960
Recapitalization costs	(124)	$ (96)			(28)
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2016		122,742,575
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2016	$ 1,335,780	$ 704,174	$ 595,851	$ (43,581)	$ 79,336