Mercer International (MERC) 10-K 16 Feb 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 14, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document and Entity Information
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	merc
Entity Registrant Name	MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1,333,274
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		65,017,288
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Public Float			$ 714,200,000
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 1,169,145	$ 931,623	$ 1,033,204
Costs and expenses
Operating costs, excluding depreciation and amortization	867,519	701,875	753,523
Operating depreciation and amortization	84,893	71,476	67,761
Selling, general and administrative expenses	49,679	44,529	46,236
Operating income	167,054	113,743	165,684
Other income (expenses)
Interest expense	(54,796)	(51,575)	(53,891)
Loss on settlement of debt (Note 7(a))	(10,696)	(454)	0
Other income (expenses)	2,373	(2,250)	(6,842)
Total other expenses	(63,119)	(54,279)	(60,733)
Income before provision for income taxes	103,935	59,464	104,951
Provision for income taxes	33,452	24,521	29,449
Net income	$ 70,483	$ 34,943	$ 75,502
Net income per common share
Net income per common share, basic	$ 1.09	$ 0.54	$ 1.17
Net income per common share, diluted	1.08	0.54	1.17
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.47	$ 0.46	$ 0.23

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 70,483	$ 34,943	$ 75,502
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes
Foreign currency translation adjustment (net of tax effect of $nil in all years)	120,509	(14,369)	(122,955)
Change in unrecognized losses and prior service costs related to defined benefit plan (net of tax effect of $nil in all years)	5,763	675	3,949
Change in unrealized gains/losses on marketable securities (net of tax effect of $nil in all years)	(4)	(1)	(127)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	126,268	(13,695)	(119,133)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$ 196,751	$ 21,248	$ (43,631)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COM4

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax effect	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Change in unrecognized losses and prior service costs related to defined benefit plan, tax effect	0	0	0
Change in unrealized gains/losses on marketable securities, tax effect	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 143,299	$ 136,569
Restricted cash to redeem senior notes (Note 7(a))	317,439	0
Restricted cash (Note 14)	0	4,327
Accounts receivable	206,027	123,892
Inventories	176,601	133,451
Prepaid expenses and other	8,973	3,612
Total current assets	852,339	401,851
Property, plant and equipment, net	844,848	738,276
Intangible and other assets	26,147	7,591
Deferred income tax	1,376	10,990
Total assets	1,724,710	1,158,708
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other	133,557	92,133
Pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations	985	1,037
Senior notes to be redeemed with restricted cash (Note 7(a))	295,924	0
Total current liabilities	430,466	93,170
Debt	662,997	617,545
Pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations	21,156	25,084
Capital leases and other	27,464	26,467
Deferred income tax	31,961	17,314
Total liabilities	1,174,044	779,580
Shareholders' equity
Common shares	64,974	64,656
Additional paid-in capital	338,695	333,673
Retained earnings	205,998	166,068
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(59,001)	(185,269)
Total shareholders' equity	550,666	379,128
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,724,710	1,158,708
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	65,017,000	64,694,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	65,017,000	64,694,000
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 1	$ 1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Shares [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings (Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 438,880	$ 64,156	$ 326,951	$ 100,214	$ (52,441)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		64,274
Shares issued on grants of restricted shares	0	$ 78	(78)	0	0
Shares issued on grants of restricted shares (in shares)		38
Shares issued on grants of performance share units	0	$ 160	(160)	0	0
Shares issued on grants of performance share units (in shares)		160
Shares issued on exercise of stock options	0	$ 30	(30)	0	0
Shares issued on exercise of stock options (in shares)		30
Stock compensation expense	2,563	$ 0	2,563	0	0
Net Income	75,502	0	0	75,502	0
Dividends declared	(14,836)	0	0	(14,836)	0
Other comprehensive loss	(119,133)	0	0	0	(119,133)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	382,976	$ 64,424	329,246	160,880	(171,574)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		64,502
Shares issued on grants of restricted shares	0	$ 78	(78)	0	0
Shares issued on grants of restricted shares (in shares)		38
Shares issued on grants of performance share units	0	$ 154	(154)	0	0
Shares issued on grants of performance share units (in shares)		154
Stock compensation expense	4,659	$ 0	4,659	0	0
Net Income	34,943	0	0	34,943	0
Dividends declared	(29,755)	0	0	(29,755)	0
Other comprehensive loss	(13,695)	0	0	0	(13,695)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 379,128	$ 64,656	333,673	166,068	(185,269)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	64,694	64,694
Shares issued on grants of restricted shares	$ 0	$ 38	(38)	0	0
Shares issued on grants of restricted shares (in shares)		43
Shares issued on grants of performance share units	0	$ 280	(280)	0	0
Shares issued on grants of performance share units (in shares)		280
Stock compensation expense	2,890	$ 0	2,890	0	0
Net Income	70,483	0	0	70,483	0
Dividends declared	(30,553)	0	0	(30,553)	0
Other comprehensive loss	126,268	0	0	0	126,268
Settlement of short-swing trade profit claim	2,450	0	2,450	0	0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 550,666	$ 64,974	$ 338,695	$ 205,998	$ (59,001)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017	65,017	65,017

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities
Net Income	$ 70,483	$ 34,943	$ 75,502
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	85,294	71,984	68,333
Deferred income tax provision	22,056	16,809	17,515
Loss on settlement of debt	10,696	454	0
Defined benefit pension plan and other post-retirement benefit plan expense	2,179	1,955	2,162
Stock compensation expense	2,890	4,659	2,409
Other	2,497	4,582	8,635
Defined benefit pension plan and other post-retirement benefit plan contributions	(2,031)	(2,316)	(2,349)
Changes in working capital
Accounts receivable	(64,949)	9,466	(11,256)
Inventories	(19,994)	6,844	(13,235)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	37,170	(10,274)	9,665
Other	(4,365)	1,676	1,839
Net cash from (used in) operating activities	141,926	140,782	159,220
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(57,915)	(42,526)	(46,536)
Purchase of intangible assets	(1,777)	(1,844)	(3,809)
Acquisition of Friesau Facility (Note 2)	(61,627)	0	0
Other	(232)	67	528
Net cash from (used in) investing activities	(121,551)	(44,303)	(49,817)
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities
Repurchase of notes and repayment of debt	(234,945)	(23,079)	(10,763)
Proceeds from issuance of notes	550,000	0	0
Proceeds from (repayment of) revolving credit facilities, net	22,281	0	(23,058)
Dividend payments	(29,866)	(29,733)	(7,418)
Payment of interest rate derivative liability	(6,887)	(10,883)	(13,530)
Payment of debt issuance costs	(11,620)	0	(326)
Other	(212)	1,318	(1,569)
Net cash from (used in) financing activities	288,751	(62,377)	(56,664)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	10,716	(2,065)	(7,338)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	319,842	32,037	45,401
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year	140,896	108,859	63,458
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year	460,738	140,896	108,859
Cash paid during the year for
Cash paid for interest	45,908	50,159	51,975
Cash paid for income taxes	$ 10,866	$ 13,352	$ 8,784

Acquisition

Acquisition	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	Acquisition On April 12, 2017, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary MTP acquired the Friesau Facility, a German sawmill and bio-mass power plant near Friesau, Germany, for $61,627 cash. The acquisition of the Friesau Facility presents the Company with the opportunity to expand into the German lumber market and grow its bio-mass energy profile. The following summarizes the Company's allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: Purchase Price Allocation Inventories $ 6,917 Property, plant and equipment 37,392 Amortizable intangible assets (a) 17,780 Total assets acquired 62,089 Liabilities assumed - accounts payable and other 462 Net assets acquired $ 61,627 (a) Amortizable intangible assets relate to an energy sales agreement, which has an estimated fair value of $15,970 and is being amortized on a straight line basis over 11 years and enterprise resource planning software, which has an estimated fair value of $1,810 and is being amortized on a straight line basis over five years. The Friesau Facility is a business under GAAP, accordingly the Company began consolidating the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of the Friesau Facility in the Consolidated Financial Statements as of the acquisition date. The amount of the Friesau Facility's revenues and net income included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $97,430 and $1,601 , respectively. In the year ended December 31, 2017, $868 of acquisition related costs were recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The following unaudited pro forma information represents the Company's results of operations as if the acquisition of the Friesau Facility had occurred on January 1, 2016. This pro forma information does not purport to be indicative of the results that would have occurred for the periods presented or that may be expected in the future. For the Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 Revenues $ 1,212,509 $ 1,085,145 Net income $ 73,048 $ 39,625 The unaudited pro forma information includes additional interest expense related to debt issued to finance the acquisition and adjustments related to acquisition costs and depreciation and amortization. The adjustments were immaterial and the nonrecurring items are included in the earliest period presented.

The Company And Summary Of Sign

The Company And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
The Company And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Background Mercer International Inc. (“Mercer Inc.”) is a Washington corporation and its shares of common stock are quoted and listed for trading on the NASDAQ Global Market and the Toronto Stock Exchange. Mercer Inc. operates three pulp manufacturing facilities, one in Canada and two in Germany, and is one of the largest producers of market northern bleached softwood kraft (“NBSK”) pulp in the world. On April 12, 2017, the Company through its wholly owned subsidiary, Mercer Timber Products GmbH, referred to as "MTP" acquired substantially all of the assets of a German sawmill, and a bio-mass power plant, near Friesau, Germany (the "Friesau Facility"). In these consolidated financial statements, unless otherwise indicated, all amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars (“$”). The symbol “€” refers to euros and the symbol “C$” refers to Canadian dollars. Basis of Presentation These consolidated financial statements contained herein include the accounts of Mercer Inc. and all of its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. Use of Estimates Preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant management judgment is required in determining the accounting for, among other things, pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations, deferred income taxes (valuation allowance and permanent reinvestment), depreciation and amortization, future cash flows associated with impairment testing for long-lived assets, the allocation of the purchase price in a business combination to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, legal liabilities and contingencies. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates, and changes in these estimates are recorded when known. Significant Accounting Policies Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash and cash equivalents include cash held in bank accounts and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Restricted cash is comprised of cash deposits that are designated for the settlement of debt or which cannot be withdrawn without prior notice or penalty. Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are recorded at cost, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company reviews the collectability of receivables at each reporting date. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts at an amount estimated to cover the potential losses on certain uninsured receivables. Any amounts that are determined to be uncollectible and uninsured are offset against the allowance. The allowance is based on the Company’s evaluation of numerous factors, including the payment history and financial position of the debtors. For certain customers the Company receives a letter of credit prior to shipping its product. Inventories Inventories of raw materials, finished goods and work in progress are valued at the lower of cost, using the weighted-average cost method, or net realizable value. Spare parts and other materials are valued at the lower of cost and replacement cost. Cost includes labor, materials and production overhead and is determined by using the weighted average cost method. Raw materials inventories include pulp logs, sawlogs and wood chips. These inventories are located both at the mills and at various offsite locations. In accordance with industry practice, physical inventory counts utilize standardized techniques to estimate quantities of pulp logs, sawlogs and wood chip inventory volumes. These techniques historically have provided reasonable estimates of such inventories. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of buildings and production equipment is based on the estimated useful lives of the assets and is computed using the straight-line method. Buildings are depreciated over 10 to 50 years and production and other equipment primarily over 25 years. The costs of major rebuilds, replacements and those expenditures that substantially increase the useful lives of existing property, plant, and equipment are capitalized, as well as interest costs associated with major capital projects until ready for their intended use. The cost of repairs and maintenance as well as planned shutdown maintenance performed on manufacturing facilities, composed of labor, materials and other incremental costs, is recognized as an expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as incurred. Leases which transfer to the Company substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the leased item are capitalized at the present value of the minimum lease payments. Capital leases are depreciated over the lease term. Operating lease payments are recognized as an expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company provides for asset retirement obligations when there is a legislated or contractual basis for those obligations. An obligation is recorded as a liability at fair value in the period in which the Company incurs a legal obligation associated with the retirement of an asset. The associated costs are capitalized as part of the carrying value of the related asset and amortized over its remaining useful life. The liability is accreted using a credit adjusted risk-free interest rate. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company reviews its long-lived assets, consisting of property, plant and equipment and finite-life intangibles, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. To determine recoverability, the Company compares the carrying value of the assets to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets held for use is based on the fair value of the asset. Government Grants The Company records investment grants from federal and state governments when the conditions of their receipt are complied with and there is reasonable assurance that the grants will be received. Grants related to assets are government grants whose primary condition is that the company qualifying for them should purchase, construct or otherwise acquire long-term assets. Secondary conditions may also be attached, including restricting the type or location of the assets and/or other conditions that must be met. Grants related to assets are deducted from the cost of the assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Grants related to income are government grants which are either unconditional, related to reduced environmental emissions or related to the Company’s normal business operations, and are reported as a reduction of related expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations when the conditions of their receipt are complied with and there is reasonable assurance that the grants will be received. The Company is required to pay certain fees based on wastewater emissions at its German mills. Accrued fees can be reduced upon the mills’ demonstration of reduced wastewater emissions. The fees are expensed as incurred and the fee reduction is recognized once the Company has reasonable assurance that the German regulators will accept the reduced level of wastewater emissions. There may be a significant period of time between recognition of the wastewater expense and recognition of the wastewater fee reduction. Pension Plans The Company maintains a defined benefit pension plan for its salaried employees at its Celgar mill which is funded and non-contributory. The cost of the benefits earned by the salaried employees is determined using the projected benefit method prorated on services. The pension expense reflects the current service cost, the interest on the unfunded liability and the amortization over the estimated average remaining service life of the employees of (i) prior service costs, and (ii) the net actuarial gain or loss that exceeds 10% of the greater of the accrued benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets as at the beginning of the year. The Company recognizes the net funded status of the plan. In addition, hourly-paid employees at the Celgar mill are covered by a multiemployer pension plan for which contributions are charged against earnings in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Foreign Operations and Currency Translation The Company determines its foreign subsidiaries’ functional currency by reviewing the currency of the primary economic environment in which the foreign subsidiaries operate, which is normally the currency of the environment in which the foreign subsidiaries generate and expend cash. The Company translates assets and liabilities of its non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiaries into U.S. dollars using the rate in effect at the balance sheet date and revenues and expenses are translated at the average rate of exchange throughout the period. Foreign currency translation gains and losses are recognized within accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders’ equity. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the respective functional currencies of each operation using exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the reporting date are translated to the functional currency using the exchange rate at that date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated to the functional currency using historical exchange rates. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions related to operating activities are included in costs and expenses while those related to non-operating activities are included in other income (expenses) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Where intercompany loans are of a long-term investment nature, exchange rate changes are included as a foreign currency translation adjustment within accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders’ equity. Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue for pulp, lumber, wood products and chemical sales when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fixed or determinable, title of ownership and risk of loss have passed to the customer and collectability is reasonably assured. Title of ownership and risk of loss depends on the shipping mode specified in the sales contract. For European sales sent by truck or train from the mills directly to the customer, the contracted sales terms are such that title and ownership transfers once the truck/train leaves the mill. For orders that are sent by ocean freighter, the contract terms state that title and ownership transfers at the time the product passes the ships rail. For certain of our North American sales shipped by truck or train, our contracts state that ownership transfers once the truck or train has arrived at the customer’s location. The sales price is included in the sales contract and is net of customer discounts, rebates and other selling concessions. Energy revenues are recognized as the electricity is consumed by customers and when collection is reasonably assured. These revenues include an estimate of the value of electricity transferred to customers in the period but billed subsequent to period-end. Customer bills are based on agreed upon rates and meter readings that indicate electricity consumption. Value added, sales and other taxes the Company collects concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenues. Shipping and Handling Costs Amounts charged to customers for shipping and handling costs are recognized as revenue in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Shipping and handling costs incurred by the Company are included in operating costs in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Stock-Based Compensation The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense over an award’s requisite service period based on the award’s fair value in selling, general, and administrative expenses within the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Company issues new shares upon the exercise of stock-based compensation awards. For performance share units (“PSUs”) which have the same grant and service inception date, the fair value is based upon the targeted number of shares to be awarded and the quoted market price of the Company’s shares at that date. For PSUs where the service inception date precedes the grant date, the fair value is based upon the targeted number of shares awarded and the quoted price of the Company’s shares at each reporting date up to the grant date. The target number of shares is determined using management’s best estimate. The final determination of the number of shares to be granted is made by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company estimates forfeitures of PSUs based on management’s expectations and recognizes compensation cost only for those awards expected to vest. Estimated forfeitures are adjusted to actual experience at each balance sheet date. The fair value of restricted shares is determined based upon the number of shares granted and the quoted price of the Company’s shares on the date of grant. Deferred Income Taxes Deferred income taxes are recognized using the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Valuation allowances are provided if, after considering both positive and negative available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the net deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred income taxes are determined separately for each tax-paying component of the Company. For each tax-paying component, all deferred tax liabilities and assets are offset and presented as a single net amount. Derivative Financial Instruments The Company occasionally enters into derivative financial instruments to manage certain market risks. These derivative instruments are not designated as hedging instruments and accordingly, are recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheet with the changes in fair value recognized in other income (expenses) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Periodically, the Company enters into derivative contracts to supply materials for its own use and as such are exempt from mark-to-market accounting. Fair Value Measurements The fair value methodologies and, as a result, the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments are determined based on the fair value hierarchy provided in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification, and are as follows: Level 1 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. Level 2 – Valuations based on observable inputs in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted commodity prices or interest or currency exchange rates. Level 3 – Valuations based on significant unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity, such as discounted cash flow methodologies based on internal cash flow forecasts. The financial instrument’s fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Net Income Per Common Share Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the period. Diluted net income per common share is calculated to give effect to all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding by applying the “Treasury Stock” and “If-Converted” methods. Instruments that could have a potentially dilutive effect on the Company's weighted average shares outstanding include all or a portion of outstanding stock options, restricted shares, restricted share units, performance shares and PSUs. New Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Pronouncements Implemented In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory ("ASU 2015-11") which requires that inventory within the scope of this update, including inventory stated at average cost, be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. This update is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of ASU 2015-11 did not impact the Company’s financial position. In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU 2016-09") which simplifies several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, classification on the statement of cash flows and accounting for forfeitures. This update is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not impact the Company’s financial position. Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Implemented In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue Recognition – Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09") that requires companies to recognize revenue when a customer obtains control rather than when companies have transferred substantially all risks and rewards of a good or service. In 2016 the FASB issued the following Accounting Standards which further affect the guidance of ASU 2014-09: • March 2016: ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net); • April 2016: ASU 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing; • May 2016: ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients; and • December 2016: ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. These standards are effective for annual reporting periods after December 15, 2017 . The Company will adopt this standard as at January 1, 2018 using the modified retroactive method. The Company has completed its assessment of the impact of these standards on the Company's financial position and believes the new standards will not have a material impact. The majority of the Company's revenue arises from contracts with customers in which the sale of goods is the main performance obligation under the customer contract. Accordingly, revenue will be recognized at a point in time when control of the asset is transferred to the customer which is generally consistent with the Company's current accounting policies. In addition, the Company does not provide significant discounts or volume-based incentives that could be a source of variable consideration. Any pricing discounts offered are known at the time the order is placed and the price is agreed to with the customer. ASU 2014-09 provides presentation and disclosure requirements which are more detailed than under current GAAP. The Company has therefore developed internal controls and procedures to collect the required information to comply with the additional required financial statement disclosures. In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases ("ASU 2016-02") which requires lessees to recognize virtually all of their leases on the balance sheet, by recording a right-of-use asset and liability. This update is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted at the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company is currently assessing the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory ("ASU 2016-16") which eliminates the deferral of the tax effects of intra-entity asset transfers other than inventory until the transferred assets are sold to a third party or recovered through use. This update is effective on a modified retrospective approach for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company believes this new standard will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business ("ASU 2017-01") which revises the definition of a business. When substantially all of the fair value of gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single asset (or a group of similar assets), the asset acquired would not represent a business. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company believes this new standard will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Post-Retirement Benefit Cost ("ASU 2017-07") which requires that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company believes this new standard will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASU 2017-12") which expands and refines hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early application is permitted in any interim period and all transition requirements and elections should be applied to hedging relationships existing on the date of adoption. The Company believes this new standard will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Accounts Receivables

Accounts Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivables	Accounts Receivable December 31, 2017 2016 Trade, net of allowance of $18 (2016 – $18) $ 186,008 $ 118,434 Other 20,019 5,458 $ 206,027 $ 123,892

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories December 31, 2017 2016 Raw materials $ 49,137 $ 50,056 Finished goods 58,364 33,510 Spare parts and other 69,100 49,885 $ 176,601 $ 133,451

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment December 31, 2017 2016 Land $ 44,834 $ 27,139 Buildings 187,738 156,110 Production and other equipment 1,556,242 1,326,046 1,788,814 1,509,295 Less: accumulated depreciation (943,966 ) (771,019 ) $ 844,848 $ 738,276 As at December 31, 2017 , property, plant and equipment was net of $243,164 of unamortized government investment grants ( 2016 – $233,186 ). As at December 31, 2017 , included in production and other equipment is equipment under capital leases which had gross amounts of $35,648 ( 2016 – $31,916 ), and accumulated depreciation of $13,954 ( 2016 – $9,712 ). During the year ended December 31, 2017 , production and other equipment totaling $145 was acquired under capital lease obligations ( 2016 – $17,792 ; 2015 – $70 ). The Company maintains industrial landfills on its premises for the disposal of waste, primarily from the mills’ pulp processing activities. The mills have obligations under their landfill permits to decommission these disposal facilities pursuant to certain regulations. As at December 31, 2017 , the Company had recorded $5,278 ( 2016 – $4,716 ) of asset retirement obligations in capital leases and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Accounts Payable and Other

Accounts Payable and Other	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Other	Accounts Payable and Other December 31, 2017 2016 Trade payables $ 36,151 $ 28,815 Accrued expenses 67,528 39,903 Interest payable 10,093 3,916 Interest rate derivative liability — 6,522 Dividends payable 8,126 7,440 Other 11,659 5,537 $ 133,557 $ 92,133

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt December 31, 2017 2016 2022 Senior Notes, unsecured, $400,000 face value (a) $ 394,565 $ 393,460 2024 Senior Notes, unsecured, $250,000 face value (a) 245,398 — 2026 Senior Notes, unsecured, $300,000 face value (a) 293,773 — 2019 Senior Notes (a) — 224,085 Revolving credit facilities €75.0 million (b) — — C$40.0 million (c) — — €70.0 million (d) 25,185 — €5.0 million (e) — — $ 958,921 $ 617,545 As at December 31, 2017 , the maturities of the principal portion of debt are as follows: 2018 $ 300,000 2019 — 2020 — 2021 — 2022 125,185 Thereafter 550,000 $ 975,185 Certain of the Company’s debt instruments were issued under agreements which, among other things, may limit its ability and the ability of its subsidiaries to make certain payments, including dividends. These limitations are subject to specific exceptions. As at December 31, 2017 , the Company is in compliance with the terms of its debt agreements. (a) On December 20, 2017, the Company issued $300,000 in aggregate principal amount of 5.50% senior notes which mature on January 15, 2026 ("2026 Senior Notes"). The 2026 Senior Notes were issued at a price of 100% of their principal amount. The net proceeds of the offering were $293,749 , after deducting the underwriter's discount and offering expenses. In January 2018, the Company used the net proceeds, together with cash on hand, to purchase $300,000 in aggregate principal amount of 2022 Senior Notes (herein defined below). In connection with this purchase the Company incurred a loss on settlement of debt of $21,515 in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. As at December 31, 2017, the total cash used to purchase the 2022 Senior Notes was classified as restricted cash and the carrying value of the 2022 Senior Notes was classified as a current liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. On February 3, 2017, the Company issued $225,000 in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% senior notes which mature on February 1, 2024 ("2024 Senior Notes") and on March 16, 2017, the Company issued an additional $25,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 2024 Senior Notes. The 2024 Senior Notes were issued at a price of 100.00% of their principal amount. The net proceeds of the offerings were $244,711 , after deducting the underwriter's discount and offering expenses. The net proceeds, together with cash on hand, were used to finance the Company's acquisition of the Friesau Facility, to purchase $227,000 of remaining aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2019 Senior Notes (herein defined below) and for general working capital purposes. In connection with the debt purchase the Company recorded a loss on settlement of debt of $10,696 in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. On November 26, 2014 , the Company issued $650,000 of senior notes consisting of $250,000 in aggregate principal amount of 7.00% senior notes which were to mature on December 1, 2019 (“2019 Senior Notes”) and $400,000 in aggregate principal amount of 7.75% senior notes which mature on December 1, 2022 (“2022 Senior Notes” and collectively with the 2019 Senior Notes, the “2019 and 2022 Senior Notes” and collectively with the 2024 Senior Notes and 2026 Senior Notes, the "Senior Notes"). The 2019 and 2022 Senior Notes were issued at a price of 100% of their principal amount. The net proceeds of the offering were $635,949 , after deducting the underwriter's discount and offering expenses. The Senior Notes are general unsecured senior obligations of the Company. They rank equal in right of payment with all existing and future unsecured senior indebtedness of the Company and are senior in right of payment to any current or future subordinated indebtedness of the Company. The Senior Notes are effectively junior in right of payment to all existing and future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the assets securing such indebtedness, and all indebtedness and liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries. The Company may redeem all or a part of the 2026 Senior Notes, upon not less than 10 days ’ or more than 60 days ’ notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) discussed below, plus accrued and unpaid interest to (but not including) the applicable redemption date. The Company may redeem all or a part of the 2024 Senior Notes or 2022 Senior Notes, upon not less than 30 days ’ or more than 60 days ’ notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) discussed below, plus accrued and unpaid interest to (but not including) the applicable redemption date. The 2026 Senior Notes redemption prices are equal to 102.750% for the twelve month period beginning on January 15, 2021, 101.375% for the twelve month period beginning on January 15, 2022, and 100.000% beginning on January 15, 2023 and at any time thereafter. The 2024 Senior Notes redemption prices are equal to 103.250% for the twelve month period beginning on February 1, 2020, 101.625% for the twelve month period beginning on February 1, 2021, and 100.000% beginning on February 1, 2022 and at any time thereafter. The 2022 Senior Notes redemption prices are equal to 105.813% for the twelve month period beginning on December 1, 2017, 103.875% for the twelve month period beginning on December 1, 2018, 101.938% for the twelve month period beginning on December 1, 2019, and 100.000% beginning on December 1, 2020 and at any time thereafter. In March 2016 , the Company purchased $23,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 2019 Senior Notes. In connection with this purchase the Company recorded a loss on settlement of debt of $454 in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. (b) A €75.0 million revolving credit facility at the Stendal mill that matures in October 2019 . Borrowings under the facility are collateralized by the mill’s inventory and accounts receivable and bear interest at Euribor plus 3.50% . As at December 31, 2017 , approximately €75.0 million ( $89,948 ) was available. (c) A C$40.0 million revolving credit facility at the Celgar mill that matures in May 2019 . Borrowings under the facility are collateralized by the mill’s inventory and accounts receivable and are restricted by a borrowing base calculated on the mill’s inventory and accounts receivable. Canadian dollar denominated amounts bear interest at bankers acceptance plus 1.50% or Canadian prime . U.S. dollar denominated amounts bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.50% or U.S. base . As at December 31, 2017 , approximately C$1.7 million ( $1,354 ) was supporting letters of credit and approximately C$38.3 million ( $30,531 ) was available. (d) In April 2017, in connection with the acquisition of the Friesau Facility, the Company replaced the €25.0 million revolving credit facility with a new €70.0 million joint revolving credit facility that matures in April 2022 . The Rosenthal mill has full access to the available amount under the facility and MTP has access to a maximum of €45.0 million . Borrowings under the facility are collateralized by the borrowers' inventory and accounts receivable and bear interest at Euribor plus 2.95% . As at December 31, 2017 , approximately €21.0 million ( $25,185 ) of this facility was drawn and accruing interest at a rate of 2.95% and approximately €9.0 million ( $10,819 ) of this facility was supporting bank guarantees leaving approximately €40.0 million ( $47,947 ) available. (e) A €5.0 million revolving credit facility at the Rosenthal mill that matures in December 2018 . Borrowings under this facility bear interest at the rate of the three-month Euribor plus 2.50% and are secured by certain land at the Rosenthal mill. As at December 31, 2017 approximately €3.1 million ( $3,708 ) of this facility was supporting bank guarantees leaving approximately €1.9 million ( $2,288 ) available. (f) In 2018, the Company's wholly owned German subsidiary engaged in wood procurement and logistics, Mercer Holz GmbH, referred to as "Mercer Holz", entered into a €25.0 million revolving credit facility that matures in February 2020 . Borrowings under this facility bear interest at Euribor plus 3.30% and are secured by Mercer Holz's inventory and accounts receivable.

Pension and Other Post-Retireme

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure	Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Obligations Defined Benefit Plans Included in pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations are amounts related to the Company’s Celgar and Rosenthal mills. The largest component of these obligations is with respect to the Celgar mill which maintains a defined benefit pension plan and other post-retirement benefit plans for certain employees (the “Celgar Defined Benefit Plans”). Pension benefits are based on employees’ earnings and years of service. The Celgar Defined Benefit Plans are funded by contributions from the Company based on actuarial estimates and statutory requirements. Information about the Celgar Defined Benefit Plans, in aggregate for the year ended December 31, 2017 was as follows: 2017 Pension Other Post- Retirement Benefits Total Change in benefit obligation Benefit obligation, December 31, 2016 $ 35,125 $ 23,928 $ 59,053 Service cost 95 584 679 Interest cost 1,339 947 2,286 Benefit payments (2,222 ) (706 ) (2,928 ) Actuarial losses (gains) 1,499 (5,484 ) (3,985 ) Foreign currency exchange rate changes 2,494 1,519 4,013 Benefit obligation, December 31, 2017 38,330 20,788 59,118 Reconciliation of fair value of plan assets Fair value of plan assets, December 31, 2016 33,011 — 33,011 Actual returns 2,564 — 2,564 Contributions 1,325 706 2,031 Benefit payments (2,222 ) (706 ) (2,928 ) Foreign currency exchange rate changes 2,379 — 2,379 Fair value of plan assets, December 31, 2017 37,057 — 37,057 Funded status, December 31, 2017 (1) $ (1,273 ) $ (20,788 ) $ (22,061 ) Components of the net benefit cost recognized Service cost $ 95 $ 584 $ 679 Interest cost 1,339 947 2,286 Expected return on plan assets (2,012 ) — (2,012 ) Amortization of unrecognized items 1,074 152 1,226 Net benefit costs $ 496 $ 1,683 $ 2,179 (1) The total of $22,141 on the Consolidated Balance Sheet also includes pension liabilities of $80 relating to employees at the Company’s Rosenthal mill. Information about the Celgar Defined Benefit Plans, in aggregate for the year ended December 31, 2016 was as follows: 2016 Pension Other Post- Retirement Benefits Total Change in benefit obligation Benefit obligation, December 31, 2015 $ 34,426 $ 21,278 $ 55,704 Service cost 91 483 574 Interest cost 1,396 894 2,290 Benefit payments (2,329 ) (633 ) (2,962 ) Actuarial losses 479 1,278 1,757 Foreign currency exchange rate changes 1,062 628 1,690 Benefit obligation, December 31, 2016 35,125 23,928 59,053 Reconciliation of fair value of plan assets Fair value of plan assets, December 31, 2015 29,446 — 29,446 Actual returns 3,342 — 3,342 Contributions 1,683 633 2,316 Benefit payments (2,329 ) (633 ) (2,962 ) Foreign currency exchange rate changes 869 — 869 Fair value of plan assets, December 31, 2016 33,011 — 33,011 Funded status, December 31, 2016 (1) $ (2,114 ) $ (23,928 ) $ (26,042 ) Components of the net benefit cost recognized Service cost $ 91 $ 483 $ 574 Interest cost 1,396 894 2,290 Expected return on plan assets (1,926 ) — (1,926 ) Amortization of unrecognized items 1,169 (152 ) 1,017 Net benefit costs $ 730 $ 1,225 $ 1,955 (1) The total of $26,121 on the Consolidated Balance Sheet also includes pension liabilities of $79 relating to employees at the Company’s Rosenthal mill. The amortization of unrecognized items relates to net actuarial losses and prior service costs. The Company expects to recognize approximately $1,435 of net actuarial losses and prior service costs in 2018. The Celgar Defined Benefit Plans do not have any net transition asset or obligation recognized as a reclassification adjustment of other comprehensive income. There are no plan assets that are expected to be returned to the Company in 2018. The Company anticipates that it will make contributions to the Celgar Defined Benefit Plans of approximately $26 in 2018. Estimated future benefit payments under the Celgar Defined Benefit Plans are as follows: Pension Other Post-Retirement Benefits 2018 $ 2,458 $ 726 2019 2,475 775 2020 2,458 820 2021 2,427 863 2022 2,412 905 2023 - 2027 11,637 5,150 Weighted Average Assumptions The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations at the measurement dates and the net benefit costs were as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Benefit obligations Discount rate 3.50 % 3.80 % 4.00 % Rate of compensation increase 2.50 % 2.50 % 2.50 % Net benefit cost for year ended Discount rate 3.80 % 4.00 % 3.75 % Rate of compensation increase 2.50 % 2.50 % 2.50 % Expected rate of return on plan assets 6.00 % 6.40 % 6.40 % The discount rate assumption is adjusted annually to reflect the rates available on high-quality debt instruments, with a duration that is expected to match the timing of expected pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations. High-quality debt instruments are corporate bonds with a rating of “AA” or better. The expected rate of return on plan assets is a management estimate based on, among other factors, historical long-term returns, expected asset mix and active management premium. The expected rate of compensation increase is a management estimate based on, among other factors, historical compensation increases and promotions, while considering current industry conditions, the terms of collective bargaining agreements with employees and the outlook for the industry. The assumed health care cost trend rates used to determine the other post-retirement benefit obligations were as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 6.00 % 6.00 % Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline to (ultimate trend rate) 4.50 % 4.50 % Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2021 2020 The expected health care cost trend rates are based on historical trends for these costs, as well as recently enacted health care legislation. The Company also compares health care cost trend rates to those of the industry. A one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rate would have the following effect on other post-retirement benefit obligations: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 1% Increase 1% Decrease 1% Increase 1% Decrease Effect on total service and interest rate components $ 32 $ (34 ) $ 32 $ (34 ) Effect on other post-retirement benefit obligations $ 601 $ (583 ) $ 578 $ (564 ) Investment Objective and Asset Allocation The investment objective for the defined benefit pension plan is to sufficiently diversify invested plan assets to maintain a reasonable level of risk without imprudently sacrificing the return on the invested funds, and ultimately to achieve a long-term total rate of return, net of fees and expenses, at least equal to the long-term interest rate assumptions used for funding actuarial valuations. To achieve this objective, the Company’s overall investment strategy is to maintain an investment allocation mix of long-term growth investments (equities) and fixed income investments (debt securities). Investment allocation targets have been established by asset class after considering the nature of the liabilities, long-term return expectations, the risks associated with key asset classes, inflation and interest rates and related management fees and expenses. In addition, the defined benefit pension plan’s investment strategy seeks to minimize risk beyond legislated requirements by constraining the investment managers’ investment options. There are a number of specific constraints based on investment type, but they all have the general purpose of ensuring that the investments are fully diversified and that risk is appropriately managed. For example, there are constraints on the book value of assets that can be invested in any one entity or group, and all equity holdings must be listed on a public exchange. Reviews of the investment objectives, key assumptions and the independent investment managers are performed periodically. Pension De-Risking Actions During 2017 the Company initiated a pension de-risking strategy. The first step of the strategy resulted in changing the target investment mix to 80% debt securities, to more effectively hedge the plan liabilities for inactive members, and 20% equity securities, to consider the inflationary effect of future salary increases for the remaining active members. The following table presents the defined benefit pension plan's assets fair value measurements as at December 31, 2017 under the fair value hierarchy: Fair value measurements as at December 31, 2017 using: Asset Category Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Equity securities $ 7,625 $ — $ — $ 7,625 Debt securities 29,432 — — 29,432 Total assets $ 37,057 $ — $ — $ 37,057 Concentrations of Risk in the Defined Benefit Pension Plan's Assets The Company has reviewed the defined benefit pension plan's investments and determined that they are allocated based on the specific investment manager’s stated investment strategy with only slight over- or under-weightings within any specific category, and that those investments are within the constraints that have been set by the Company. Those constraints include a limitation on the value that can be invested in any one entity or group and the investment category targets noted above. In addition, we have two independent investment managers. The Company has concluded that there are no significant concentrations of risk. Defined Contribution Plan Effective December 31, 2008, the Celgar Defined Benefit Plans were closed to new members. In addition, the defined benefit service accrual ceased on December 31, 2008, and members began to receive pension benefits, at a fixed contractual rate, under a new defined contribution plan effective January 1, 2009. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company made contributions of $959 ( 2016 – $743 ; 2015 – $646 ), to this plan. Multiemployer Plan The Company participates in a multiemployer plan for the hourly-paid employees at the Celgar mill. The contributions to the plan are determined based on a percentage of pensionable earnings pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement. The Company has no current or future contribution obligations in excess of the contractual contributions. Contributions during the year ended December 31, 2017 totaled $1,969 ( 2016 – $1,944 ; 2015 – $1,390 ). Plan details are included in the following table: Provincially Registered Plan Number Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement Are the Company’s Contributions Greater Than 5% of Total Contributions? Legal name 2017 2016 2015 The Pulp and Paper Industry Pension Plan P085324 April 30, 2021 No No No

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income before provision for income taxes by taxing jurisdiction was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 U.S. $ (41,635 ) $ (32,511 ) $ (27,788 ) Foreign 145,570 91,975 132,739 $ 103,935 $ 59,464 $ 104,951 The net income tax provision recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was related to foreign tax jurisdictions. The Company’s effective income tax rate can be affected by many factors, including but not limited to, changes in the mix of earnings in tax jurisdictions with differing statutory rates, changes in corporate structure, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, the result of audit examinations of previously filed tax returns and changes in tax laws and rates. The asset and liability approach is used to recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. The Company and/or one or more of its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S., Germany and Canada. Currently, the Company does not anticipate that the expiration of the statute of limitations or the completion of audits in the next fiscal year will result in liabilities for uncertain income tax positions that are materially different than the amounts accrued or disclosed as at December 31, 2017 . However, this could change as tax years are examined by taxing authorities, the timing of which are uncertain at this time. The German tax authorities have completed examinations up to and including the 2013 tax year for all but one German entity. For this entity the German tax authorities have completed examinations up to and including the 2007 tax year. The Company is generally not subject to U.S. or Canadian income tax examinations for tax years before 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company believes that it has adequately provided for any reasonable foreseeable outcomes related to its tax audits and that any settlement will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated results. The liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheet related to unrecognized tax benefits was $nil as at December 31, 2017 ( 2016 – $nil ). The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company recognized $nil in interest and penalties ( 2016 – $nil ; 2015 – $nil ). Differences between the U.S. Federal Statutory and the Company’s effective rates are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 U.S. Federal statutory rate 35% 35% 35% U.S. Federal statutory rate on income before provision for income taxes $ (36,377 ) $ (20,812 ) $ (36,972 ) Tax differential on foreign income 10,398 5,822 9,330 Effect of foreign earnings (3,584 ) (13,850 ) (5,290 ) Change in undistributed earnings 13,297 (13,297 ) — Change in tax rate (26,627 ) — — Valuation allowance 5,750 9,188 (2,765 ) Tax benefit of partnership structure 4,937 4,933 5,217 Non-taxable foreign subsidies 2,735 2,118 2,281 True-up of prior year taxes (3,685 ) (980 ) 5,073 Foreign exchange on valuation allowance 1,953 632 (5,005 ) Foreign exchange on settlement of debt 1,342 3,150 — Other (3,591 ) (1,425 ) (1,318 ) $ (33,452 ) $ (24,521 ) $ (29,449 ) Comprised of: Current income tax provision $ (11,396 ) $ (7,712 ) $ (11,934 ) Deferred income tax provision (22,056 ) (16,809 ) (17,515 ) $ (33,452 ) $ (24,521 ) $ (29,449 ) Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are composed of the following: December 31, 2017 2016 German tax loss carryforwards $ 52,415 $ 65,582 U.S. tax loss carryforwards and credits 47,028 62,202 Canadian tax loss carryforwards 5,672 2,033 Basis difference between income tax and financial reporting with respect to operating pulp mills (73,665 ) (56,723 ) Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiary — (13,297 ) Long-term debt (7,655 ) (5,996 ) Payable and accrued expenses 4,167 3,102 Deferred pension liability 6,122 6,877 Capital leases 5,879 5,640 Research and development expense pool 3,170 2,904 Other 1,971 2,791 45,104 75,115 Valuation allowance (75,689 ) (81,439 ) Net deferred income tax liability $ (30,585 ) $ (6,324 ) Comprised of: Deferred income tax asset $ 1,376 $ 10,990 Deferred income tax liability (31,961 ) (17,314 ) Net deferred income tax liability $ (30,585 ) $ (6,324 ) The following table details the scheduled expiration dates of the Company’s net operating loss, interest and income tax credit carryforwards as at December 31, 2017 : Amount Expiration Date Germany Net operating loss $ 176,300 Indefinite Interest $ 99,800 Indefinite U.S. Net operating loss $ 190,000 2025 – 2037 Income tax credits $ 7,100 2020 – 2027 Canada Net operating loss $ 21,000 2029 – 2036 Scientific research and experimental development tax credits $ 4,300 2030 – 2036 At each reporting period, the Company assesses whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized, based on the review of all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, estimates of future taxable income, past operating results and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. The carrying value of the Company's deferred tax assets reflects its expected ability to generate sufficient future taxable income in certain tax jurisdictions to utilize these deferred income tax benefits. Significant judgment is required when evaluating this positive and negative evidence. The following table summarizes the changes in valuation allowances related to net deferred tax assets: 2017 2016 Balance as at January 1 $ 81,439 $ 90,627 Additions (reversals) U.S. (3,060 ) (16,043 ) Canada (4,643 ) 6,223 The impact of changes in foreign exchange rates 1,953 632 Balance as at December 31 $ 75,689 $ 81,439 As at December 31, 2017 , the Company has fully recognized all deferred tax assets for its German entities and has a full valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets for its U.S. and Canadian entities. The Company has not recognized a tax liability on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries as at December 31, 2017 because these earnings are expected to be permanently reinvested outside the U.S. or repatriated without incurring a tax liability. As at December 31, 2017 , the cumulative amount of undistributed earnings upon which U.S. income taxes have not been provided was approximately $443,000 . The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Act”) was signed into law making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. Changes include, but are not limited to, a corporate tax rate decrease from 35% to 21% effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the transition of U.S international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system, and a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings as at December 31, 2017. The Company has calculated its best estimate of the impact of the Act in its year end income tax provision in accordance with its understanding of the Act and guidance available as of the date of this filing. On December 22, 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Act enactment date for companies to complete the accounting under ASC 740, Income Taxes . In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. To the extent that a company’s accounting for certain income tax effects of the Act is incomplete but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate in the financial statements. As a result of the reduction of the corporate tax rate, the Company revalued its U.S. net deferred tax asset balance, excluding after tax credits, as at December 31, 2017. Based on this revaluation, the net deferred tax asset was reduced by $27,445 and the Company recorded an offsetting reduction to the valuation allowance as the Company has a full valuation allowance against its U.S. deferred tax assets. The amount related to the one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings was $3,584 based on cumulative foreign earnings of $23,116 . The Company has loss carryforwards which will be used to offset the tax.

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Shareholders’ Equity Dividends During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 the Company’s Board of Directors declared the following quarterly dividends: Date Declared Dividend Per Common Share Amount February 9, 2017 $ 0.115 $ 7,472 April 27, 2017 0.115 7,477 July 27, 2017 0.115 7,477 October 26, 2017 0.125 8,127 $ 0.470 $ 30,553 Date Declared Dividend Per Amount February 11, 2016 $ 0.115 $ 7,435 April 28, 2016 0.115 7,440 July 28, 2016 0.115 7,440 October 27, 2016 0.115 7,440 $ 0.460 $ 29,755 Dividends are paid in the quarter subsequent to the quarter in which they were declared. In February 2018 , the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.125 per common share. Payment of the dividend will be made on April 4, 2018 to all shareholders of record on March 28, 2018 . Future dividends are subject to approval by the Board of Directors and may be adjusted as business and industry conditions warrant. Share Capital Preferred shares The Company has authorized 50,000,000 preferred shares ( 2016 – 50,000,000 ) with $1 par value issuable in series, of which 2,000,000 shares have been designated as Series A. The preferred shares may be issued in one or more series. Designations and preferences for each series shall be stated in the resolutions providing for the designation and issuance of each such series adopted by the Company's Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is authorized by the Company’s articles of incorporation to determine the voting, dividend, redemption and liquidation preferences pertaining to each such series. As at December 31, 2017 , no preferred shares had been issued by the Company. Stock Based Compensation In June 2010, the Company adopted a stock incentive plan which provides for options, restricted stock rights, restricted shares, performance shares, PSUs and stock appreciation rights to be awarded to employees, consultants and non-employee directors. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , there were no issued and outstanding options, restricted stock rights, performance shares or stock appreciation rights. As at December 31, 2017 , after factoring in all allocated shares, there remain approximately 3.2 million common shares available for grant. PSUs PSUs comprise rights to receive common shares at a future date that are contingent on the Company and the grantee achieving certain performance objectives. The performance objective period is generally three years. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company recognized an expense of $2,437 related to PSUs ( 2016 – $4,210 ; 2015 – $1,819 ). The following table summarizes PSU activity during the year: Number of PSUs Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Unit Outstanding as at January 1, 2017 2,068,174 $ 8.63 Granted 542,788 12.00 Vested and issued (279,515 ) 9.48 Forfeited (464,289 ) 9.44 Outstanding as at December 31, 2017 1,867,158 $ 9.28 The weighted-average grant date fair value per unit of all PSUs granted in 2016 and 2015 was $6.04 and $12.95 , respectively. The total fair value of PSUs vested and issued in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was $3,445 , $1,382 and $2,031 , respectively. Restricted Shares Restricted shares generally vest at the end of one year. Expense recognized for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $453 ( 2016 – $449 ; 2015 – $590 ). As at December 31, 2017 , the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted shares amounted to approximately $215 which will be amortized over the remaining vesting periods. The following table summarizes restricted share activity during the year: Number of Restricted Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Outstanding as at January 1, 2017 38,000 $ 9.41 Granted 43,635 11.80 Vested and issued (38,000 ) 9.41 Outstanding as at December 31, 2017 43,635 $ 11.80 The weighted-average grant date fair value per share of all restricted shares granted in 2016 and 2015 was $9.41 and $14.48 , respectively. The total fair value of restricted shares vested and issued in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was $437 , $697 and $1,096 , respectively. Settlement of Short Swing Profit Claim In March 2017, the Company and a shareholder entered into a settlement agreement pursuant to which the shareholder paid $3,000 (net $2,450 after costs) to the Company to settle a claim by the Company for short swing profits under Section 16(b) in the Exchange Act. The net settlement was classified as additional paid-in-capital.

Net Income Per Common Share

Net Income Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Common Share	Net Income Per Common Share Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Net income Basic and diluted $ 70,483 $ 34,943 $ 75,502 Net income per common share Basic $ 1.09 $ 0.54 $ 1.17 Diluted $ 1.08 $ 0.54 $ 1.17 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: Basic (1) 64,915,955 64,631,491 64,380,565 Effect of dilutive shares: PSUs 458,236 447,465 335,922 Restricted shares 18,914 19,309 56,453 Stock options — — 3,852 Diluted 65,393,105 65,098,265 64,776,792 (1) For the year ended December 31, 2017 , the basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding excludes 43,635 restricted shares which have been issued, but have not vested as at December 31, 2017 ( 2016 – 38,000 restricted shares; 2015 – 78,000 restricted shares). The calculation of diluted net income per common share does not assume the exercise of any instruments that would have an anti-dilutive effect on net income per common share. There were no anti-dilutive instruments for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 .

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Defined Benefit Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Items Unrealized Gains / Losses on Marketable Securities Total Balance as at December 31, 2015 $ (156,223 ) $ (15,338 ) $ (13 ) $ (171,574 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (14,369 ) (342 ) (1 ) (14,712 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 1,017 — 1,017 Other comprehensive income (loss) (14,369 ) 675 (1 ) (13,695 ) Balance as at December 31, 2016 (170,592 ) (14,663 ) (14 ) (185,269 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 120,509 4,537 (4 ) 125,042 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 1,226 — 1,226 Other comprehensive income (loss) 120,509 5,763 (4 ) 126,268 Balance as at December 31, 2017 $ (50,083 ) $ (8,900 ) $ (18 ) $ (59,001 )

Business Segment Information

Business Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	Business Segment Information The Company is managed based on the primary products it manufactures: pulp and wood products. Accordingly, the Company's three pulp mills are aggregated into the pulp business segment, and the Friesau Facility is a separate reportable business segment, wood products. None of the income or loss items following operating income in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations are allocated to the segments, since those items are reviewed separately by management. Revenues between segments are accounted for at prices that approximate fair value. These include revenues from the sale of residual fiber from the wood products segment to the pulp segment for use in the pulp production process and from the sale of residual fuel from the pulp segment to the wood products segment for use in energy production. Information about certain segment data for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, was as follows: December 31, 2017 Pulp Wood Products Corporate and Other Elimination Adjustment Consolidated Revenues from external customers $ 1,071,715 $ 97,430 $ — $ — $ 1,169,145 Revenues from other segments $ 1,350 $ 12,697 $ — $ (14,047 ) $ — Operating income (loss) $ 169,779 $ 5,610 $ (8,335 ) $ — $ 167,054 Depreciation and amortization $ 80,833 $ 4,060 $ 401 $ — $ 85,294 Purchase of property, plant and equipment $ 54,534 $ 3,197 $ 184 $ — $ 57,915 Total assets $ 1,253,545 $ 116,320 $ 354,845 $ — $ 1,724,710 December 31, 2016 Pulp Wood Products Corporate and Other Elimination Adjustment Consolidated Revenues from external customers $ 931,623 $ — $ — $ — $ 931,623 Operating income (loss) $ 123,213 $ — $ (9,470 ) $ — $ 113,743 Depreciation and amortization $ 71,476 $ — $ 508 $ — $ 71,984 Purchase of property, plant and equipment $ 42,462 $ — $ 64 $ — $ 42,526 Total assets $ 1,066,854 $ — $ 91,854 $ — $ 1,158,708 December 31, 2015 Pulp Wood Products Corporate and Other Elimination Adjustment Consolidated Revenues from external customers $ 1,033,204 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,033,204 Operating income (loss) $ 170,607 $ — $ (4,923 ) $ — $ 165,684 Depreciation and amortization $ 67,761 $ — $ 572 $ — $ 68,333 Purchase of property, plant and equipment $ 46,536 $ — $ — $ — $ 46,536 The pulp segment includes revenues from the sale of pulp and energy and chemical by-products. The wood products segment includes revenues from the sale of lumber and energy and other wood residual by-products. The Company's revenues from external customers by product are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Pulp $ 979,645 $ 847,328 $ 946,237 Lumber 82,176 — — Wood residuals 6,382 — — Energy and chemical 100,942 84,295 86,967 Total revenues $ 1,169,145 $ 931,623 $ 1,033,204 The following table presents net sales to external customers by geographic area based on location of the customer: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Germany $ 469,041 $ 401,802 $ 420,619 China 292,231 221,773 266,632 U.S. 43,632 26,985 15,453 Other countries 364,241 281,063 330,500 $ 1,169,145 $ 931,623 $ 1,033,204 The following table presents total long-lived assets by geographic area based on location of the asset: December 31, 2017 2016 Germany $ 681,141 $ 593,237 Canada 163,707 145,039 $ 844,848 $ 738,276 In 2017 , one customer for the pulp segment through several of their operations accounted for 13% of the Company’s total revenues ( 2016 – two customers through several of their operations accounted for 19% and 10% ; 2015 – one customer through several of their operations accounted for 16% ).

Derivative Transactions

Derivative Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	Derivative Transactions The Company is exposed to certain market risks relating to its ongoing business. The Company seeks to manage these risks through internal risk management policies as well as, from time to time, the use of derivatives. The derivatives are measured at fair value with changes in fair value immediately recognized in other income (expenses) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Interest Rate Swaps During 2002, the Company entered into certain variable-to-fixed interest rate swaps in connection with the Stendal mill's senior project finance facility, which was settled in November 2014. Under the terms of the interest rate swaps, the Company paid a fixed rate and received a floating rate with the derivative payments being calculated on a notional amount. The swap matured in October 2017 . As at December 31, 2016, the contract had a fair value $6,522 which was classified as current within accounts payable and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company had pledged as collateral cash in the amount of 67% of the fair value of the interest rate swap up to €8.5 million to the derivative counterparty. The calculation to determine the collateral was performed semi-annually, with the final calculation in October 2017. As at December 31, 2016, the collateral was $4,327 . This cash was classified as restricted cash in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Credit Risk The Company’s credit risk is primarily attributable to cash held in bank accounts and accounts receivable. The Company maintains cash balances in foreign financial institutions in excess of insured limits. The Company limits its credit exposure on cash held in bank accounts by periodically investing cash in excess of short-term operating requirements and debt obligations in low risk government bonds, or similar debt instruments. The Company’s credit risk associated with the sale of pulp, lumber and other wood residuals is managed through setting credit limits, the purchase of credit insurance and for certain customers a letter of credit is received prior to shipping the product. Concentrations of credit risk on the sale of pulp, lumber and other wood residuals are with customers and agents based primarily in Germany, China and Italy. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents of $143,299 , restricted cash of $317,439 and accounts receivable of $206,027 recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, net of any allowances for losses, represents the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk.

Fair Value Measurement and Disc

Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Due to their short-term maturity, the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable and other approximates their fair value. The fair value of the interest rate derivative liability classified as Level 2 was determined using a discounted cash flow model that uses as its basis readily observable market inputs, such as forward interest rates and yield curves observable at specified intervals. The observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, including the Euribor rate provided by the counterparty to the interest rate derivative. The fair value of the Senior Notes classified as Level 2 was determined using quoted prices in a dealer market, or using recent market transactions. The following tables present a summary of the Company’s outstanding financial instruments and their estimated fair values under the fair value hierarchy: Fair value measurements as at December 31, 2017 using: Description Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Revolving credit facility $ — $ 25,185 $ — $ 25,185 Senior notes — 989,125 — 989,125 $ — $ 1,014,310 $ — $ 1,014,310 Fair value measurements as at December 31, 2016 using: Description Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Interest rate derivative liability $ — $ 6,522 $ — $ 6,522 Senior notes — 654,378 — 654,378 $ — $ 660,900 $ — $ 660,900

Lease Commitments

Lease Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Lease Commitments	Lease Commitments Minimum lease payments, primarily for various vehicles, and plant and equipment under capital and non-cancellable operating leases and the present value of net minimum payments as at December 31, 2017 are as follows: Capital Leases Operating Leases 2018 $ 3,756 $ 1,876 2019 4,821 1,205 2020 2,274 154 2021 2,132 — 2022 1,956 — Thereafter 11,917 — Total 26,856 $ 3,235 Less: imputed interest 4,461 Total present value of minimum capitalized payments 22,395 Less: current portion of capital lease obligations 2,880 Long-term capital lease obligations $ 19,515 The current portion of the capital lease obligations was included in accounts payable and other and the long-term portion was included in capital leases and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Rent expense under operating leases was $1,697 for the year ended December 31, 2017 ( 2016 – $1,393 ; 2015 – $2,271 ).

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Commitments and Contingencies (a) The Company is involved in legal actions and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of any legal actions and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of management that the outcome of any such claims which are pending or threatened, either individually or on a combined basis, will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity of the Company. (b) The Company is subject to regulations that require the handling and disposal of asbestos in a prescribed manner if a property undergoes a major renovation or demolition. Otherwise, the Company is not required to remove asbestos from its facilities. Generally asbestos is found on steam and condensate piping systems as well as certain cladding on buildings and in building insulation throughout older facilities. The Company’s obligation for the proper removal and disposal of asbestos products from the Company’s mills is a conditional asset retirement obligation. As a result of the longevity of the Company’s mills, due in part to the maintenance procedures and the fact that the Company does not have plans for major changes that require the removal of asbestos, the timing of the asbestos removal is indeterminate. As a result, the Company is currently unable to reasonably estimate the fair value of its asbestos removal and disposal obligation. The Company will recognize a liability in the period in which sufficient information is available to reasonably estimate its fair value.

The Company And Summary Of Si26

The Company And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Background	Background Mercer International Inc. (“Mercer Inc.”) is a Washington corporation and its shares of common stock are quoted and listed for trading on the NASDAQ Global Market and the Toronto Stock Exchange. Mercer Inc. operates three pulp manufacturing facilities, one in Canada and two in Germany, and is one of the largest producers of market northern bleached softwood kraft (“NBSK”) pulp in the world. On April 12, 2017, the Company through its wholly owned subsidiary, Mercer Timber Products GmbH, referred to as "MTP" acquired substantially all of the assets of a German sawmill, and a bio-mass power plant, near Friesau, Germany (the "Friesau Facility"). In these consolidated financial statements, unless otherwise indicated, all amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars (“$”). The symbol “€” refers to euros and the symbol “C$” refers to Canadian dollars.
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation These consolidated financial statements contained herein include the accounts of Mercer Inc. and all of its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates Preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant management judgment is required in determining the accounting for, among other things, pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations, deferred income taxes (valuation allowance and permanent reinvestment), depreciation and amortization, future cash flows associated with impairment testing for long-lived assets, the allocation of the purchase price in a business combination to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, legal liabilities and contingencies. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates, and changes in these estimates are recorded when known.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash and cash equivalents include cash held in bank accounts and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Restricted cash is comprised of cash deposits that are designated for the settlement of debt or which cannot be withdrawn without prior notice or penalty.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are recorded at cost, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company reviews the collectability of receivables at each reporting date. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts at an amount estimated to cover the potential losses on certain uninsured receivables. Any amounts that are determined to be uncollectible and uninsured are offset against the allowance. The allowance is based on the Company’s evaluation of numerous factors, including the payment history and financial position of the debtors. For certain customers the Company receives a letter of credit prior to shipping its product.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories of raw materials, finished goods and work in progress are valued at the lower of cost, using the weighted-average cost method, or net realizable value. Spare parts and other materials are valued at the lower of cost and replacement cost. Cost includes labor, materials and production overhead and is determined by using the weighted average cost method. Raw materials inventories include pulp logs, sawlogs and wood chips. These inventories are located both at the mills and at various offsite locations. In accordance with industry practice, physical inventory counts utilize standardized techniques to estimate quantities of pulp logs, sawlogs and wood chip inventory volumes. These techniques historically have provided reasonable estimates of such inventories.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of buildings and production equipment is based on the estimated useful lives of the assets and is computed using the straight-line method. Buildings are depreciated over 10 to 50 years and production and other equipment primarily over 25 years. The costs of major rebuilds, replacements and those expenditures that substantially increase the useful lives of existing property, plant, and equipment are capitalized, as well as interest costs associated with major capital projects until ready for their intended use. The cost of repairs and maintenance as well as planned shutdown maintenance performed on manufacturing facilities, composed of labor, materials and other incremental costs, is recognized as an expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as incurred. Leases which transfer to the Company substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the leased item are capitalized at the present value of the minimum lease payments. Capital leases are depreciated over the lease term. Operating lease payments are recognized as an expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company provides for asset retirement obligations when there is a legislated or contractual basis for those obligations. An obligation is recorded as a liability at fair value in the period in which the Company incurs a legal obligation associated with the retirement of an asset. The associated costs are capitalized as part of the carrying value of the related asset and amortized over its remaining useful life. The liability is accreted using a credit adjusted risk-free interest rate.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company reviews its long-lived assets, consisting of property, plant and equipment and finite-life intangibles, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. To determine recoverability, the Company compares the carrying value of the assets to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets held for use is based on the fair value of the asset.
Government Grants	Government Grants The Company records investment grants from federal and state governments when the conditions of their receipt are complied with and there is reasonable assurance that the grants will be received. Grants related to assets are government grants whose primary condition is that the company qualifying for them should purchase, construct or otherwise acquire long-term assets. Secondary conditions may also be attached, including restricting the type or location of the assets and/or other conditions that must be met. Grants related to assets are deducted from the cost of the assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Grants related to income are government grants which are either unconditional, related to reduced environmental emissions or related to the Company’s normal business operations, and are reported as a reduction of related expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations when the conditions of their receipt are complied with and there is reasonable assurance that the grants will be received. The Company is required to pay certain fees based on wastewater emissions at its German mills. Accrued fees can be reduced upon the mills’ demonstration of reduced wastewater emissions. The fees are expensed as incurred and the fee reduction is recognized once the Company has reasonable assurance that the German regulators will accept the reduced level of wastewater emissions. There may be a significant period of time between recognition of the wastewater expense and recognition of the wastewater fee reduction.
Pension Plans	Pension Plans The Company maintains a defined benefit pension plan for its salaried employees at its Celgar mill which is funded and non-contributory. The cost of the benefits earned by the salaried employees is determined using the projected benefit method prorated on services. The pension expense reflects the current service cost, the interest on the unfunded liability and the amortization over the estimated average remaining service life of the employees of (i) prior service costs, and (ii) the net actuarial gain or loss that exceeds 10% of the greater of the accrued benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets as at the beginning of the year. The Company recognizes the net funded status of the plan. In addition, hourly-paid employees at the Celgar mill are covered by a multiemployer pension plan for which contributions are charged against earnings in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Foreign Operations and Currency Translation	Foreign Operations and Currency Translation The Company determines its foreign subsidiaries’ functional currency by reviewing the currency of the primary economic environment in which the foreign subsidiaries operate, which is normally the currency of the environment in which the foreign subsidiaries generate and expend cash. The Company translates assets and liabilities of its non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiaries into U.S. dollars using the rate in effect at the balance sheet date and revenues and expenses are translated at the average rate of exchange throughout the period. Foreign currency translation gains and losses are recognized within accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders’ equity. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the respective functional currencies of each operation using exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the reporting date are translated to the functional currency using the exchange rate at that date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated to the functional currency using historical exchange rates. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions related to operating activities are included in costs and expenses while those related to non-operating activities are included in other income (expenses) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Where intercompany loans are of a long-term investment nature, exchange rate changes are included as a foreign currency translation adjustment within accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders’ equity.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue for pulp, lumber, wood products and chemical sales when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fixed or determinable, title of ownership and risk of loss have passed to the customer and collectability is reasonably assured. Title of ownership and risk of loss depends on the shipping mode specified in the sales contract. For European sales sent by truck or train from the mills directly to the customer, the contracted sales terms are such that title and ownership transfers once the truck/train leaves the mill. For orders that are sent by ocean freighter, the contract terms state that title and ownership transfers at the time the product passes the ships rail. For certain of our North American sales shipped by truck or train, our contracts state that ownership transfers once the truck or train has arrived at the customer’s location. The sales price is included in the sales contract and is net of customer discounts, rebates and other selling concessions. Energy revenues are recognized as the electricity is consumed by customers and when collection is reasonably assured. These revenues include an estimate of the value of electricity transferred to customers in the period but billed subsequent to period-end. Customer bills are based on agreed upon rates and meter readings that indicate electricity consumption. Value added, sales and other taxes the Company collects concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenues.
Shipping and Handling Costs	Shipping and Handling Costs Amounts charged to customers for shipping and handling costs are recognized as revenue in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Shipping and handling costs incurred by the Company are included in operating costs in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense over an award’s requisite service period based on the award’s fair value in selling, general, and administrative expenses within the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Company issues new shares upon the exercise of stock-based compensation awards. For performance share units (“PSUs”) which have the same grant and service inception date, the fair value is based upon the targeted number of shares to be awarded and the quoted market price of the Company’s shares at that date. For PSUs where the service inception date precedes the grant date, the fair value is based upon the targeted number of shares awarded and the quoted price of the Company’s shares at each reporting date up to the grant date. The target number of shares is determined using management’s best estimate. The final determination of the number of shares to be granted is made by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company estimates forfeitures of PSUs based on management’s expectations and recognizes compensation cost only for those awards expected to vest. Estimated forfeitures are adjusted to actual experience at each balance sheet date. The fair value of restricted shares is determined based upon the number of shares granted and the quoted price of the Company’s shares on the date of grant.
Deferred Income Taxes	Deferred Income Taxes Deferred income taxes are recognized using the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Valuation allowances are provided if, after considering both positive and negative available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the net deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred income taxes are determined separately for each tax-paying component of the Company. For each tax-paying component, all deferred tax liabilities and assets are offset and presented as a single net amount.
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments The Company occasionally enters into derivative financial instruments to manage certain market risks. These derivative instruments are not designated as hedging instruments and accordingly, are recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheet with the changes in fair value recognized in other income (expenses) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Periodically, the Company enters into derivative contracts to supply materials for its own use and as such are exempt from mark-to-market accounting.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements The fair value methodologies and, as a result, the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments are determined based on the fair value hierarchy provided in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification, and are as follows: Level 1 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. Level 2 – Valuations based on observable inputs in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted commodity prices or interest or currency exchange rates. Level 3 – Valuations based on significant unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity, such as discounted cash flow methodologies based on internal cash flow forecasts. The financial instrument’s fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Net Income Per Common Share	Net Income Per Common Share Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the period. Diluted net income per common share is calculated to give effect to all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding by applying the “Treasury Stock” and “If-Converted” methods. Instruments that could have a potentially dilutive effect on the Company's weighted average shares outstanding include all or a portion of outstanding stock options, restricted shares, restricted share units, performance shares and PSUs.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Pronouncements Implemented In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory ("ASU 2015-11") which requires that inventory within the scope of this update, including inventory stated at average cost, be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. This update is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of ASU 2015-11 did not impact the Company’s financial position. In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU 2016-09") which simplifies several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, classification on the statement of cash flows and accounting for forfeitures. This update is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not impact the Company’s financial position. Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Implemented In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue Recognition – Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09") that requires companies to recognize revenue when a customer obtains control rather than when companies have transferred substantially all risks and rewards of a good or service. In 2016 the FASB issued the following Accounting Standards which further affect the guidance of ASU 2014-09: • March 2016: ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net); • April 2016: ASU 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing; • May 2016: ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients; and • December 2016: ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. These standards are effective for annual reporting periods after December 15, 2017 . The Company will adopt this standard as at January 1, 2018 using the modified retroactive method. The Company has completed its assessment of the impact of these standards on the Company's financial position and believes the new standards will not have a material impact. The majority of the Company's revenue arises from contracts with customers in which the sale of goods is the main performance obligation under the customer contract. Accordingly, revenue will be recognized at a point in time when control of the asset is transferred to the customer which is generally consistent with the Company's current accounting policies. In addition, the Company does not provide significant discounts or volume-based incentives that could be a source of variable consideration. Any pricing discounts offered are known at the time the order is placed and the price is agreed to with the customer. ASU 2014-09 provides presentation and disclosure requirements which are more detailed than under current GAAP. The Company has therefore developed internal controls and procedures to collect the required information to comply with the additional required financial statement disclosures. In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases ("ASU 2016-02") which requires lessees to recognize virtually all of their leases on the balance sheet, by recording a right-of-use asset and liability. This update is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted at the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company is currently assessing the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory ("ASU 2016-16") which eliminates the deferral of the tax effects of intra-entity asset transfers other than inventory until the transferred assets are sold to a third party or recovered through use. This update is effective on a modified retrospective approach for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company believes this new standard will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business ("ASU 2017-01") which revises the definition of a business. When substantially all of the fair value of gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single asset (or a group of similar assets), the asset acquired would not represent a business. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company believes this new standard will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Post-Retirement Benefit Cost ("ASU 2017-07") which requires that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company believes this new standard will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASU 2017-12") which expands and refines hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early application is permitted in any interim period and all transition requirements and elections should be applied to hedging relationships existing on the date of adoption. The Company believes this new standard will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Acquisition (Tables)

Acquisition (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	The following summarizes the Company's allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: Purchase Price Allocation Inventories $ 6,917 Property, plant and equipment 37,392 Amortizable intangible assets (a) 17,780 Total assets acquired 62,089 Liabilities assumed - accounts payable and other 462 Net assets acquired $ 61,627 (a) Amortizable intangible assets relate to an energy sales agreement, which has an estimated fair value of $15,970 and is being amortized on a straight line basis over 11 years and enterprise resource planning software, which has an estimated fair value of $1,810 and is being amortized on a straight line basis over five years.
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	The following unaudited pro forma information represents the Company's results of operations as if the acquisition of the Friesau Facility had occurred on January 1, 2016. This pro forma information does not purport to be indicative of the results that would have occurred for the periods presented or that may be expected in the future. For the Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 Revenues $ 1,212,509 $ 1,085,145 Net income $ 73,048 $ 39,625

Accounts Receivables (Tables)

Accounts Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Receivables	December 31, 2017 2016 Trade, net of allowance of $18 (2016 – $18) $ 186,008 $ 118,434 Other 20,019 5,458 $ 206,027 $ 123,892

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Components of Inventory	December 31, 2017 2016 Raw materials $ 49,137 $ 50,056 Finished goods 58,364 33,510 Spare parts and other 69,100 49,885 $ 176,601 $ 133,451

Property, Plant And Equipment (

Property, Plant And Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2017 2016 Land $ 44,834 $ 27,139 Buildings 187,738 156,110 Production and other equipment 1,556,242 1,326,046 1,788,814 1,509,295 Less: accumulated depreciation (943,966 ) (771,019 ) $ 844,848 $ 738,276

Accounts Payable and Other (Tab

Accounts Payable and Other (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Other	December 31, 2017 2016 Trade payables $ 36,151 $ 28,815 Accrued expenses 67,528 39,903 Interest payable 10,093 3,916 Interest rate derivative liability — 6,522 Dividends payable 8,126 7,440 Other 11,659 5,537 $ 133,557 $ 92,133

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Debt	December 31, 2017 2016 2022 Senior Notes, unsecured, $400,000 face value (a) $ 394,565 $ 393,460 2024 Senior Notes, unsecured, $250,000 face value (a) 245,398 — 2026 Senior Notes, unsecured, $300,000 face value (a) 293,773 — 2019 Senior Notes (a) — 224,085 Revolving credit facilities €75.0 million (b) — — C$40.0 million (c) — — €70.0 million (d) 25,185 — €5.0 million (e) — — $ 958,921 $ 617,545 (a) On December 20, 2017, the Company issued $300,000 in aggregate principal amount of 5.50% senior notes which mature on January 15, 2026 ("2026 Senior Notes"). The 2026 Senior Notes were issued at a price of 100% of their principal amount. The net proceeds of the offering were $293,749 , after deducting the underwriter's discount and offering expenses. In January 2018, the Company used the net proceeds, together with cash on hand, to purchase $300,000 in aggregate principal amount of 2022 Senior Notes (herein defined below). In connection with this purchase the Company incurred a loss on settlement of debt of $21,515 in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. As at December 31, 2017, the total cash used to purchase the 2022 Senior Notes was classified as restricted cash and the carrying value of the 2022 Senior Notes was classified as a current liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. On February 3, 2017, the Company issued $225,000 in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% senior notes which mature on February 1, 2024 ("2024 Senior Notes") and on March 16, 2017, the Company issued an additional $25,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 2024 Senior Notes. The 2024 Senior Notes were issued at a price of 100.00% of their principal amount. The net proceeds of the offerings were $244,711 , after deducting the underwriter's discount and offering expenses. The net proceeds, together with cash on hand, were used to finance the Company's acquisition of the Friesau Facility, to purchase $227,000 of remaining aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2019 Senior Notes (herein defined below) and for general working capital purposes. In connection with the debt purchase the Company recorded a loss on settlement of debt of $10,696 in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. On November 26, 2014 , the Company issued $650,000 of senior notes consisting of $250,000 in aggregate principal amount of 7.00% senior notes which were to mature on December 1, 2019 (“2019 Senior Notes”) and $400,000 in aggregate principal amount of 7.75% senior notes which mature on December 1, 2022 (“2022 Senior Notes” and collectively with the 2019 Senior Notes, the “2019 and 2022 Senior Notes” and collectively with the 2024 Senior Notes and 2026 Senior Notes, the "Senior Notes"). The 2019 and 2022 Senior Notes were issued at a price of 100% of their principal amount. The net proceeds of the offering were $635,949 , after deducting the underwriter's discount and offering expenses. The Senior Notes are general unsecured senior obligations of the Company. They rank equal in right of payment with all existing and future unsecured senior indebtedness of the Company and are senior in right of payment to any current or future subordinated indebtedness of the Company. The Senior Notes are effectively junior in right of payment to all existing and future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the assets securing such indebtedness, and all indebtedness and liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries. The Company may redeem all or a part of the 2026 Senior Notes, upon not less than 10 days ’ or more than 60 days ’ notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) discussed below, plus accrued and unpaid interest to (but not including) the applicable redemption date. The Company may redeem all or a part of the 2024 Senior Notes or 2022 Senior Notes, upon not less than 30 days ’ or more than 60 days ’ notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) discussed below, plus accrued and unpaid interest to (but not including) the applicable redemption date. The 2026 Senior Notes redemption prices are equal to 102.750% for the twelve month period beginning on January 15, 2021, 101.375% for the twelve month period beginning on January 15, 2022, and 100.000% beginning on January 15, 2023 and at any time thereafter. The 2024 Senior Notes redemption prices are equal to 103.250% for the twelve month period beginning on February 1, 2020, 101.625% for the twelve month period beginning on February 1, 2021, and 100.000% beginning on February 1, 2022 and at any time thereafter. The 2022 Senior Notes redemption prices are equal to 105.813% for the twelve month period beginning on December 1, 2017, 103.875% for the twelve month period beginning on December 1, 2018, 101.938% for the twelve month period beginning on December 1, 2019, and 100.000% beginning on December 1, 2020 and at any time thereafter. In March 2016 , the Company purchased $23,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 2019 Senior Notes. In connection with this purchase the Company recorded a loss on settlement of debt of $454 in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. (b) A €75.0 million revolving credit facility at the Stendal mill that matures in October 2019 . Borrowings under the facility are collateralized by the mill’s inventory and accounts receivable and bear interest at Euribor plus 3.50% . As at December 31, 2017 , approximately €75.0 million ( $89,948 ) was available. (c) A C$40.0 million revolving credit facility at the Celgar mill that matures in May 2019 . Borrowings under the facility are collateralized by the mill’s inventory and accounts receivable and are restricted by a borrowing base calculated on the mill’s inventory and accounts receivable. Canadian dollar denominated amounts bear interest at bankers acceptance plus 1.50% or Canadian prime . U.S. dollar denominated amounts bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.50% or U.S. base . As at December 31, 2017 , approximately C$1.7 million ( $1,354 ) was supporting letters of credit and approximately C$38.3 million ( $30,531 ) was available. (d) In April 2017, in connection with the acquisition of the Friesau Facility, the Company replaced the €25.0 million revolving credit facility with a new €70.0 million joint revolving credit facility that matures in April 2022 . The Rosenthal mill has full access to the available amount under the facility and MTP has access to a maximum of €45.0 million . Borrowings under the facility are collateralized by the borrowers' inventory and accounts receivable and bear interest at Euribor plus 2.95% . As at December 31, 2017 , approximately €21.0 million ( $25,185 ) of this facility was drawn and accruing interest at a rate of 2.95% and approximately €9.0 million ( $10,819 ) of this facility was supporting bank guarantees leaving approximately €40.0 million ( $47,947 ) available. (e) A €5.0 million revolving credit facility at the Rosenthal mill that matures in December 2018 . Borrowings under this facility bear interest at the rate of the three-month Euribor plus 2.50% and are secured by certain land at the Rosenthal mill. As at December 31, 2017 approximately €3.1 million ( $3,708 ) of this facility was supporting bank guarantees leaving approximately €1.9 million ( $2,288 ) available. (f) In 2018, the Company's wholly owned German subsidiary engaged in wood procurement and logistics, Mercer Holz GmbH, referred to as "Mercer Holz", entered into a €25.0 million revolving credit facility that matures in February 2020 . Borrowings under this facility bear interest at Euribor plus 3.30% and are secured by Mercer Holz's inventory and accounts receivable.
Principal Maturities Of Debt	As at December 31, 2017 , the maturities of the principal portion of debt are as follows: 2018 $ 300,000 2019 — 2020 — 2021 — 2022 125,185 Thereafter 550,000 $ 975,185

Pension And Other Post-Retire33

Pension And Other Post-Retirement Benefit Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Reconciliation of Fair Value of Plan Assets, and Components of Net Benefit Costs	Information about the Celgar Defined Benefit Plans, in aggregate for the year ended December 31, 2017 was as follows: 2017 Pension Other Post- Retirement Benefits Total Change in benefit obligation Benefit obligation, December 31, 2016 $ 35,125 $ 23,928 $ 59,053 Service cost 95 584 679 Interest cost 1,339 947 2,286 Benefit payments (2,222 ) (706 ) (2,928 ) Actuarial losses (gains) 1,499 (5,484 ) (3,985 ) Foreign currency exchange rate changes 2,494 1,519 4,013 Benefit obligation, December 31, 2017 38,330 20,788 59,118 Reconciliation of fair value of plan assets Fair value of plan assets, December 31, 2016 33,011 — 33,011 Actual returns 2,564 — 2,564 Contributions 1,325 706 2,031 Benefit payments (2,222 ) (706 ) (2,928 ) Foreign currency exchange rate changes 2,379 — 2,379 Fair value of plan assets, December 31, 2017 37,057 — 37,057 Funded status, December 31, 2017 (1) $ (1,273 ) $ (20,788 ) $ (22,061 ) Components of the net benefit cost recognized Service cost $ 95 $ 584 $ 679 Interest cost 1,339 947 2,286 Expected return on plan assets (2,012 ) — (2,012 ) Amortization of unrecognized items 1,074 152 1,226 Net benefit costs $ 496 $ 1,683 $ 2,179 (1) The total of $22,141 on the Consolidated Balance Sheet also includes pension liabilities of $80 relating to employees at the Company’s Rosenthal mill.	Information about the Celgar Defined Benefit Plans, in aggregate for the year ended December 31, 2016 was as follows: 2016 Pension Other Post- Retirement Benefits Total Change in benefit obligation Benefit obligation, December 31, 2015 $ 34,426 $ 21,278 $ 55,704 Service cost 91 483 574 Interest cost 1,396 894 2,290 Benefit payments (2,329 ) (633 ) (2,962 ) Actuarial losses 479 1,278 1,757 Foreign currency exchange rate changes 1,062 628 1,690 Benefit obligation, December 31, 2016 35,125 23,928 59,053 Reconciliation of fair value of plan assets Fair value of plan assets, December 31, 2015 29,446 — 29,446 Actual returns 3,342 — 3,342 Contributions 1,683 633 2,316 Benefit payments (2,329 ) (633 ) (2,962 ) Foreign currency exchange rate changes 869 — 869 Fair value of plan assets, December 31, 2016 33,011 — 33,011 Funded status, December 31, 2016 (1) $ (2,114 ) $ (23,928 ) $ (26,042 ) Components of the net benefit cost recognized Service cost $ 91 $ 483 $ 574 Interest cost 1,396 894 2,290 Expected return on plan assets (1,926 ) — (1,926 ) Amortization of unrecognized items 1,169 (152 ) 1,017 Net benefit costs $ 730 $ 1,225 $ 1,955 (1) The total of $26,121 on the Consolidated Balance Sheet also includes pension liabilities of $79 relating to employees at the Company’s Rosenthal mill.
Estimated future benefit payments	Estimated future benefit payments under the Celgar Defined Benefit Plans are as follows: Pension Other Post-Retirement Benefits 2018 $ 2,458 $ 726 2019 2,475 775 2020 2,458 820 2021 2,427 863 2022 2,412 905 2023 - 2027 11,637 5,150
Summary of Key Assumptions	The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations at the measurement dates and the net benefit costs were as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Benefit obligations Discount rate 3.50 % 3.80 % 4.00 % Rate of compensation increase 2.50 % 2.50 % 2.50 % Net benefit cost for year ended Discount rate 3.80 % 4.00 % 3.75 % Rate of compensation increase 2.50 % 2.50 % 2.50 % Expected rate of return on plan assets 6.00 % 6.40 % 6.40 %
Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates	The assumed health care cost trend rates used to determine the other post-retirement benefit obligations were as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 6.00 % 6.00 % Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline to (ultimate trend rate) 4.50 % 4.50 % Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2021 2020
Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates	A one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rate would have the following effect on other post-retirement benefit obligations: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 1% Increase 1% Decrease 1% Increase 1% Decrease Effect on total service and interest rate components $ 32 $ (34 ) $ 32 $ (34 ) Effect on other post-retirement benefit obligations $ 601 $ (583 ) $ 578 $ (564 )
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	The following table presents the defined benefit pension plan's assets fair value measurements as at December 31, 2017 under the fair value hierarchy: Fair value measurements as at December 31, 2017 using: Asset Category Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Equity securities $ 7,625 $ — $ — $ 7,625 Debt securities 29,432 — — 29,432 Total assets $ 37,057 $ — $ — $ 37,057
Schedule of Multiemployer Plan	Plan details are included in the following table: Provincially Registered Plan Number Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement Are the Company’s Contributions Greater Than 5% of Total Contributions? Legal name 2017 2016 2015 The Pulp and Paper Industry Pension Plan P085324 April 30, 2021 No No No

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	Income before provision for income taxes by taxing jurisdiction was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 U.S. $ (41,635 ) $ (32,511 ) $ (27,788 ) Foreign 145,570 91,975 132,739 $ 103,935 $ 59,464 $ 104,951
Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate	Differences between the U.S. Federal Statutory and the Company’s effective rates are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 U.S. Federal statutory rate 35% 35% 35% U.S. Federal statutory rate on income before provision for income taxes $ (36,377 ) $ (20,812 ) $ (36,972 ) Tax differential on foreign income 10,398 5,822 9,330 Effect of foreign earnings (3,584 ) (13,850 ) (5,290 ) Change in undistributed earnings 13,297 (13,297 ) — Change in tax rate (26,627 ) — — Valuation allowance 5,750 9,188 (2,765 ) Tax benefit of partnership structure 4,937 4,933 5,217 Non-taxable foreign subsidies 2,735 2,118 2,281 True-up of prior year taxes (3,685 ) (980 ) 5,073 Foreign exchange on valuation allowance 1,953 632 (5,005 ) Foreign exchange on settlement of debt 1,342 3,150 — Other (3,591 ) (1,425 ) (1,318 ) $ (33,452 ) $ (24,521 ) $ (29,449 ) Comprised of: Current income tax provision $ (11,396 ) $ (7,712 ) $ (11,934 ) Deferred income tax provision (22,056 ) (16,809 ) (17,515 ) $ (33,452 ) $ (24,521 ) $ (29,449 )
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are composed of the following: December 31, 2017 2016 German tax loss carryforwards $ 52,415 $ 65,582 U.S. tax loss carryforwards and credits 47,028 62,202 Canadian tax loss carryforwards 5,672 2,033 Basis difference between income tax and financial reporting with respect to operating pulp mills (73,665 ) (56,723 ) Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiary — (13,297 ) Long-term debt (7,655 ) (5,996 ) Payable and accrued expenses 4,167 3,102 Deferred pension liability 6,122 6,877 Capital leases 5,879 5,640 Research and development expense pool 3,170 2,904 Other 1,971 2,791 45,104 75,115 Valuation allowance (75,689 ) (81,439 ) Net deferred income tax liability $ (30,585 ) $ (6,324 ) Comprised of: Deferred income tax asset $ 1,376 $ 10,990 Deferred income tax liability (31,961 ) (17,314 ) Net deferred income tax liability $ (30,585 ) $ (6,324 )
Summary of Tax Carryforwards	The following table details the scheduled expiration dates of the Company’s net operating loss, interest and income tax credit carryforwards as at December 31, 2017 : Amount Expiration Date Germany Net operating loss $ 176,300 Indefinite Interest $ 99,800 Indefinite U.S. Net operating loss $ 190,000 2025 – 2037 Income tax credits $ 7,100 2020 – 2027 Canada Net operating loss $ 21,000 2029 – 2036 Scientific research and experimental development tax credits $ 4,300 2030 – 2036
Summary of Valuation Allowance	The following table summarizes the changes in valuation allowances related to net deferred tax assets: 2017 2016 Balance as at January 1 $ 81,439 $ 90,627 Additions (reversals) U.S. (3,060 ) (16,043 ) Canada (4,643 ) 6,223 The impact of changes in foreign exchange rates 1,953 632 Balance as at December 31 $ 75,689 $ 81,439

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Shareholders' Equity [Line Items]
Summary of Dividends Declared	During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 the Company’s Board of Directors declared the following quarterly dividends: Date Declared Dividend Per Common Share Amount February 9, 2017 $ 0.115 $ 7,472 April 27, 2017 0.115 7,477 July 27, 2017 0.115 7,477 October 26, 2017 0.125 8,127 $ 0.470 $ 30,553 Date Declared Dividend Per Amount February 11, 2016 $ 0.115 $ 7,435 April 28, 2016 0.115 7,440 July 28, 2016 0.115 7,440 October 27, 2016 0.115 7,440 $ 0.460 $ 29,755
Performance Share Units [Member]
Shareholders' Equity [Line Items]
Summary Of Share Based Compensation Arrangement Activity	The following table summarizes PSU activity during the year: Number of PSUs Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Unit Outstanding as at January 1, 2017 2,068,174 $ 8.63 Granted 542,788 12.00 Vested and issued (279,515 ) 9.48 Forfeited (464,289 ) 9.44 Outstanding as at December 31, 2017 1,867,158 $ 9.28
Restricted Stock [Member]
Shareholders' Equity [Line Items]
Summary Of Share Based Compensation Arrangement Activity	The following table summarizes restricted share activity during the year: Number of Restricted Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Outstanding as at January 1, 2017 38,000 $ 9.41 Granted 43,635 11.80 Vested and issued (38,000 ) 9.41 Outstanding as at December 31, 2017 43,635 $ 11.80

Net Income Per Common Share (Ta

Net Income Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Net income Basic and diluted $ 70,483 $ 34,943 $ 75,502 Net income per common share Basic $ 1.09 $ 0.54 $ 1.17 Diluted $ 1.08 $ 0.54 $ 1.17 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: Basic (1) 64,915,955 64,631,491 64,380,565 Effect of dilutive shares: PSUs 458,236 447,465 335,922 Restricted shares 18,914 19,309 56,453 Stock options — — 3,852 Diluted 65,393,105 65,098,265 64,776,792 (1) For the year ended December 31, 2017 , the basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding excludes 43,635 restricted shares which have been issued, but have not vested as at December 31, 2017 ( 2016 – 38,000 restricted shares; 2015 – 78,000 restricted shares).

Accumulated Other Comprehensi37

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Defined Benefit Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Items Unrealized Gains / Losses on Marketable Securities Total Balance as at December 31, 2015 $ (156,223 ) $ (15,338 ) $ (13 ) $ (171,574 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (14,369 ) (342 ) (1 ) (14,712 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 1,017 — 1,017 Other comprehensive income (loss) (14,369 ) 675 (1 ) (13,695 ) Balance as at December 31, 2016 (170,592 ) (14,663 ) (14 ) (185,269 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 120,509 4,537 (4 ) 125,042 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 1,226 — 1,226 Other comprehensive income (loss) 120,509 5,763 (4 ) 126,268 Balance as at December 31, 2017 $ (50,083 ) $ (8,900 ) $ (18 ) $ (59,001 )

Business Segment Information (T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Information about certain segment data for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, was as follows: December 31, 2017 Pulp Wood Products Corporate and Other Elimination Adjustment Consolidated Revenues from external customers $ 1,071,715 $ 97,430 $ — $ — $ 1,169,145 Revenues from other segments $ 1,350 $ 12,697 $ — $ (14,047 ) $ — Operating income (loss) $ 169,779 $ 5,610 $ (8,335 ) $ — $ 167,054 Depreciation and amortization $ 80,833 $ 4,060 $ 401 $ — $ 85,294 Purchase of property, plant and equipment $ 54,534 $ 3,197 $ 184 $ — $ 57,915 Total assets $ 1,253,545 $ 116,320 $ 354,845 $ — $ 1,724,710 December 31, 2016 Pulp Wood Products Corporate and Other Elimination Adjustment Consolidated Revenues from external customers $ 931,623 $ — $ — $ — $ 931,623 Operating income (loss) $ 123,213 $ — $ (9,470 ) $ — $ 113,743 Depreciation and amortization $ 71,476 $ — $ 508 $ — $ 71,984 Purchase of property, plant and equipment $ 42,462 $ — $ 64 $ — $ 42,526 Total assets $ 1,066,854 $ — $ 91,854 $ — $ 1,158,708 December 31, 2015 Pulp Wood Products Corporate and Other Elimination Adjustment Consolidated Revenues from external customers $ 1,033,204 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,033,204 Operating income (loss) $ 170,607 $ — $ (4,923 ) $ — $ 165,684 Depreciation and amortization $ 67,761 $ — $ 572 $ — $ 68,333 Purchase of property, plant and equipment $ 46,536 $ — $ — $ — $ 46,536
Schedule Of Revenue By Product [Table Text Block]	The Company's revenues from external customers by product are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Pulp $ 979,645 $ 847,328 $ 946,237 Lumber 82,176 — — Wood residuals 6,382 — — Energy and chemical 100,942 84,295 86,967 Total revenues $ 1,169,145 $ 931,623 $ 1,033,204
Schedule Of Net Sales To External Customers By Geographic Area Based On Location Of The Customer	The following table presents net sales to external customers by geographic area based on location of the customer: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Germany $ 469,041 $ 401,802 $ 420,619 China 292,231 221,773 266,632 U.S. 43,632 26,985 15,453 Other countries 364,241 281,063 330,500 $ 1,169,145 $ 931,623 $ 1,033,204
Schedule Of Total Long-Lived Assets By Geographic Area Based On Location Of The Asset	The following table presents total long-lived assets by geographic area based on location of the asset: December 31, 2017 2016 Germany $ 681,141 $ 593,237 Canada 163,707 145,039 $ 844,848 $ 738,276

Fair Value Measurement and Di39

Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Outstanding Financial Instruments And Estimated Fair Values	The following tables present a summary of the Company’s outstanding financial instruments and their estimated fair values under the fair value hierarchy: Fair value measurements as at December 31, 2017 using: Description Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Revolving credit facility $ — $ 25,185 $ — $ 25,185 Senior notes — 989,125 — 989,125 $ — $ 1,014,310 $ — $ 1,014,310 Fair value measurements as at December 31, 2016 using: Description Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Interest rate derivative liability $ — $ 6,522 $ — $ 6,522 Senior notes — 654,378 — 654,378 $ — $ 660,900 $ — $ 660,900

Lease Commitments (Tables)

Lease Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule Of Minimum Future Payments Under Leases	Minimum lease payments, primarily for various vehicles, and plant and equipment under capital and non-cancellable operating leases and the present value of net minimum payments as at December 31, 2017 are as follows: Capital Leases Operating Leases 2018 $ 3,756 $ 1,876 2019 4,821 1,205 2020 2,274 154 2021 2,132 — 2022 1,956 — Thereafter 11,917 — Total 26,856 $ 3,235 Less: imputed interest 4,461 Total present value of minimum capitalized payments 22,395 Less: current portion of capital lease obligations 2,880 Long-term capital lease obligations $ 19,515

Acquisition (Details)

Acquisition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 12, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Inventories	$ 6,917
Property, plant, and equipment	37,392
Amortizable intangible assets	17,780
Total assets acquired	62,089
Liabilities assumed - accounts payable and other	462
Net assets acquired	61,627
Revenues		$ 1,169,145	$ 931,623	$ 1,033,204
Net Income		70,483	34,943	$ 75,502
Acquisition costs		868
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue		1,212,509	1,085,145
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income		73,048	$ 39,625
Friesau Facility [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues		97,430
Net Income		$ 1,601
Customer Contracts [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets	$ 15,970
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	11 years
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets	$ 1,810
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	5 years

The Company And Summary Of Si42

The Company And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017mill
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of pulp mills	3
Cash and cash equivalents, maturity period	3 months
Net actuarial gain (loss) percent that is exceeded for amortization	10.00%
Production and other equipment [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	25 years
Minimum [Member] | Land and Building [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Land and Building [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	50 years
Canada
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of pulp mills	1
Germany
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of pulp mills	2

Accounts Receivables (Details)

Accounts Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current	$ 206,027	$ 123,892
Trade accounts receivable [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance	18	18
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current	186,008	118,434
Other non-trade receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current	$ 20,019	$ 5,458

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 49,137	$ 50,056
Finished goods	58,364	33,510
Spare parts and other	69,100	49,885
Inventories	$ 176,601	$ 133,451

Property, Plant And Equipment45

Property, Plant And Equipment (Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 1,788,814	$ 1,509,295
Less: Accumulated Depreciation	(943,966)	(771,019)
Property, plant and equipment, net	844,848	738,276
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	44,834	27,139
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	187,738	156,110
Production and other equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 1,556,242	$ 1,326,046

Property, Plant And Equipment46

Property, Plant And Equipment (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Unamortized government investment grants	$ 243,164	$ 233,186
Capital leases, gross amounts	35,648	31,916
Capital leases, accumulated depreciation	(13,954)	(9,712)
Acquisition of production and other equipment under capital lease obligations	145	17,792	$ 70
Asset retirement obligation	$ 5,278	$ 4,716

Accounts Payable and Other (Det

Accounts Payable and Other (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Trade payables	$ 36,151	$ 28,815
Accrued expenses	67,528	39,903
Interest payable	10,093	3,916
Interest rate derivative liability	0	6,522
Dividends payable	8,126	7,440
Other	11,659	5,537
Accounts payable and other	$ 133,557	$ 92,133

Debt (Schedule Of Debt) (Detail

Debt (Schedule Of Debt) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017CAD	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 20, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Nov. 26, 2014USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt			$ 958,921,000			$ 617,545,000
2022 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt			394,565,000			393,460,000
Debt, face amount			400,000,000				$ 400,000,000
2024 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt			245,398,000			0
Debt, face amount			250,000,000
2026 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt			293,773,000	$ 293,749,000		0
Debt, face amount			300,000,000	$ 300,000,000
2019 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt			0			224,085,000
Debt, face amount							$ 250,000,000
Stendal Credit Facility - EUR 75.0 Million [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt			0			0
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity | €		€ 75,000,000
Celgar Credit Facility - C$40.0 Million [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt			0			0
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity | CAD	CAD 40,000,000
Rosenthal Credit Facility - EUR 70.0 Million [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		21,000,000	25,185,000			0
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity | €		70,000,000
Rosenthal Credit Facility - EUR 5.0 Million [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt			$ 0			$ 0
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity | €		€ 5,000,000
Rosenthal Credit Facility - EUR 25.0 Million [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity | €					€ 25,000,000

Debt (Schedule of Debt Footnote

Debt (Schedule of Debt Footnotes) (Details)

Jan. 05, 2018USD ($)

Dec. 20, 2017USD ($)

Feb. 03, 2017USD ($)

Nov. 26, 2014USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)

Feb. 05, 2018USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2017CAD

Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)

Mar. 16, 2017USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)

Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt

$ 958,921,000

$ 617,545,000

Loss on settlement of debt

$ 10,696,000

$ 454,000

$ 0

2019 Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, maturity date

Dec. 1, 2019

Debt, face amount

$ 250,000,000

Debt, interest rate

7.00%

Debt

0

224,085,000

Debt, repurchase date

Mar. 7, 2016

Debt, repurchase amount

$ 227,000,000

23,000,000

Loss on settlement of debt

$ (10,696,000)

$ (454,000)

2022 Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, maturity date

Dec. 1, 2022

Debt, face amount

$ 400,000,000

400,000,000

Debt, interest rate

7.75%

Debt

394,565,000

393,460,000

2022 Senior Notes [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, repurchase amount

$ 300,000,000

Loss on settlement of debt

$ (21,515,000)

2024 Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, maturity date

Feb. 1, 2024

Debt, face amount

$ 225,000,000

$ 25,000,000

Debt, interest rate

6.50%

Debt, issued price percentage of principal amount

100.00%

Debt

$ 244,711,000

2026 Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, maturity date

Jan. 15, 2026

Debt, face amount

$ 300,000,000

300,000,000

Debt, interest rate

5.50%

Debt, issued price percentage of principal amount

100.00%

Debt

$ 293,749,000

293,773,000

0

Senior Notes, redemption notice minimum days

10 days

Senior Notes, redemption notice maximum days

60 days

Senior Notes 2019 and 2022 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, offering date

Nov. 26, 2014

Debt, face amount

$ 650,000,000

Debt, issued price percentage of principal amount

100.00%

Debt

$ 635,949,000

Senior Notes 2022 and 2024 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Senior Notes, redemption notice minimum days

30 days

Senior Notes, redemption notice maximum days

60 days

Stendal Credit Facility - EUR 75.0 Million [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, maturity date

Oct. 1, 2019

Debt

0

0

Debt, description of variable basis spread

Euribor

Debt, variable basis spread

3.50%

Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity | €

€ 75,000,000

Line of credit, remaining borrowing capacity

75,000,000

89,948,000

Celgar Credit Facility - C$40.0 Million [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, maturity date

May 1, 2019

Debt

0

0

Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity | CAD

CAD 40,000,000

Line of credit, letters of credit outstanding, amount

1,700,000

1,354,000

Line of credit, remaining borrowing capacity

CAD 38,300,000

30,531,000

Celgar Credit Facility - C$40.0 Million [Member] | Canadian Dollar Borrowings Rate Option 1 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, description of variable basis spread

bankers acceptance

Debt, variable basis spread

1.50%

Celgar Credit Facility - C$40.0 Million [Member] | Canadian Dollar Borrowings Rate Option 2 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, description of variable basis spread

Canadian prime

Celgar Credit Facility - C$40.0 Million [Member] | US Dollar Borrowings Rate Option 1 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, description of variable basis spread

LIBOR

Debt, variable basis spread

1.50%

Celgar Credit Facility - C$40.0 Million [Member] | US Dollar Borrowings Rate Option 2 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, description of variable basis spread

U.S. base

Rosenthal Credit Facility - EUR 25.0 Million [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity | €

€ 25,000,000

Rosenthal Credit Facility - EUR 5.0 Million [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, maturity date

Dec. 1, 2018

Debt

0

0

Debt, description of variable basis spread

three-month Euribor

Debt, variable basis spread

2.50%

Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity | €

5,000,000

Line of credit, remaining borrowing capacity

1,900,000

2,288,000

Debt, amount of debt supporting bank guarantees

€ 3,100,000

$ 3,708,000

Rosenthal Credit Facility - EUR 70.0 Million [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, maturity date

Apr. 1, 2022

Debt, interest rate

2.95%

2.95%

2.95%

Debt

€ 21,000,000

$ 25,185,000

$ 0

Debt, description of variable basis spread

Euribor

Debt, variable basis spread

2.95%

Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity | €

70,000,000

Line of credit, remaining borrowing capacity

40,000,000

47,947,000

Debt, amount of debt supporting bank guarantees

9,000,000

$ 10,819,000

Wood Procurement - EUR 25.0 Million [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, maturity date

Feb. 1, 2020

Debt, description of variable basis spread

Euribor

Debt, variable basis spread

3.30%

Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity

$ 25,000,000

Twelve month period beginning December 1, 2017 [Member] | 2022 Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, redemption price, percentage

105.813%

Twelve month period beginning December 1, 2018 [Member] | 2022 Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, redemption price, percentage

103.875%

Twelve month period beginning December 1, 2019 [Member] | 2022 Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, redemption price, percentage

101.938%

Twelve month period beginning December 1, 2020 and at any time thereafter [Member] | 2022 Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, redemption price, percentage

100.00%

Twelve month period beginning February 1, 2020 [Member] | 2024 Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, redemption price, percentage

103.25%

Twelve month period beginning February 1, 2021 [Member] | 2024 Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, redemption price, percentage

101.625%

Twelve month period beginning February 1, 2022 [Member] | 2024 Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, redemption price, percentage

100.00%

Twelve month period beginning January 15, 2021 [Member] | 2026 Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, redemption price, percentage

102.75%

Twelve month period beginning January 15, 2022 [Member] | 2026 Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, redemption price, percentage

101.375%

Twelve month period beginning January 15, 2023 [Member] | 2026 Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt, redemption price, percentage

100.00%

Mercer Timber [Member] | Rosenthal Credit Facility - EUR 70.0 Million [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity | €

€ 45,000,000

Debt (Principal Maturities Of D

Debt (Principal Maturities Of Debt) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2,018	$ 300,000
2,019	0
2,020	0
2,021	0
2,022	125,185
Thereafter	550,000
Total debt	$ 975,185

Pension And Other Post-Retire51

Pension And Other Post-Retirement Benefit Obligations (Plan Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, ending balance	$ 37,057
Pension liabilities	22,141	$ 26,121
Rosenthal [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension liabilities	80	79
Celgar [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation, beginning balance	59,053	55,704
Service cost	679	574
Interest cost	2,286	2,290
Benefit payments	(2,928)	(2,962)
Actuarial gains (losses)	(3,985)	1,757
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	4,013	1,690
Benefit obligation, ending balance	59,118	59,053
Fair value of plan assets, beginning balance	33,011	29,446
Actual returns	2,564	3,342
Contributions	2,031	2,316
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	2,379	869
Fair value of plan assets, ending balance	37,057	33,011
Funded status	(22,061)	(26,042)
Expected return on plan assets	(2,012)	(1,926)
Amortization of unrecognized items	1,226	1,017
Net benefit costs	2,179	1,955
Celgar [Member] | Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation, beginning balance	35,125	34,426
Service cost	95	91
Interest cost	1,339	1,396
Benefit payments	(2,222)	(2,329)
Actuarial gains (losses)	1,499	479
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	2,494	1,062
Benefit obligation, ending balance	38,330	35,125
Fair value of plan assets, beginning balance	33,011	29,446
Actual returns	2,564	3,342
Contributions	1,325	1,683
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	2,379	869
Fair value of plan assets, ending balance	37,057	33,011
Funded status	(1,273)	(2,114)
Expected return on plan assets	(2,012)	(1,926)
Amortization of unrecognized items	1,074	1,169
Net benefit costs	496	730
Celgar [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation, beginning balance	23,928	21,278
Service cost	584	483
Interest cost	947	894
Benefit payments	(706)	(633)
Actuarial gains (losses)	(5,484)	1,278
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	1,519	628
Benefit obligation, ending balance	20,788	23,928
Fair value of plan assets, beginning balance	0	0
Actual returns	0	0
Contributions	706	633
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	0	0
Fair value of plan assets, ending balance	0	0
Funded status	(20,788)	(23,928)
Expected return on plan assets	0	0
Amortization of unrecognized items	152	(152)
Net benefit costs	$ 1,683	$ 1,225

Pension and Other Post-Retire52

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Obligations (Estimated Future Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
2,018	$ 2,458
2,019	2,475
2,020	2,458
2,021	2,427
2,022	2,412
2023 - 2027	11,637
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
2,018	726
2,019	775
2,020	820
2,021	863
2,022	905
2023 - 2027	$ 5,150

Pension and Other Post-Retire53

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Obligations (Summary Of Key Assumptions) (Details) - Celgar [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Benefit obligations, discount rate	3.50%	3.80%	4.00%
Benefit obligations, rate of compensation increase	2.50%	2.50%	2.50%
Net benefit cost, discount rate	3.80%	4.00%	3.75%
Net benefit cost, rate of compensation increase	2.50%	2.50%	2.50%
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Net benefit cost, expected rate of return on plan assets	6.00%	6.40%	6.40%

Pension and Other Post-Retire54

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Obligations (Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates) (Details) - Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed, Next Fiscal Year	6.00%	6.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate	4.50%	4.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Year Health Care Cost Trend Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate	2,021	2,020

Pension And Other Post-Retire55

Pension And Other Post-Retirement Benefit Obligations (A One Percentage Point Change in Assumed Health Cost Trend Effect) (Details) - Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Effect on total service and interest rate components, 1% increase	$ 32	$ 32
Effect on total service and interest rate components, 1% decrease	(34)	(34)
Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation, 1% increase	601	578
Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation, 1% decrease	$ (583)	$ (564)

Pension And Other Post-Retire56

Pension And Other Post-Retirement Benefit Obligations (Fair Value Measurements) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurements	$ 37,057
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurements	7,625
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurements	29,432
Fair Value, Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurements	37,057
Fair Value, Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurements	7,625
Fair Value, Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurements	29,432
Fair Value, Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurements	0
Fair Value, Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurements	0
Fair Value, Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurements	0
Fair Value, Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurements	0
Fair Value, Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurements	0
Fair Value, Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value measurements	$ 0

Pension and Other Post-Retire57

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Obligations (Multiemployer Plan Details) (Details) - The Pulp and Paper Industry Pension Plan [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Provincially registered plan number	P085324
Expiration date of collective bargaining agreement	Apr. 30, 2021
Are the Company's contributions greater than 5% of total contributions	false	false	false

Pension and Other Post-Retire58

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Obligations Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Obligations (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets Expected to be Returned to Employer, Description	0
Celgar [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization, Next Fiscal Year	$ 1,435
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year	26
Celgar [Member] | The Pulp and Paper Industry Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Multiemployer Plan, Contributions by Employer	1,969	$ 1,944	$ 1,390
Pension Plan [Member] | Celgar [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Contributions	$ 959	$ 743	$ 646
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage	0.2
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage	0.8

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Narr

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cumulative undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries		$ 23,116,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits		0	$ 0
Recognized interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefit		0	0	$ 0
Effect of foreign earnings		3,584,000	13,850,000	5,290,000
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries		443,000,000
Change in tax rate		$ (26,627,000)	$ 0	$ 0
U.S. Federal statutory rate		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Subsequent Event [Member]
U.S. Federal statutory rate	21.00%
UNITED STATES
Change in tax rate		$ 27,445,000

Income Taxes (Income Before Inc

Income Taxes (Income Before Income Taxes By Taxing Jurisdiction) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, U.S.	$ (41,635)	$ (32,511)	$ (27,788)
Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign	145,570	91,975	132,739
Income before income taxes	$ 103,935	$ 59,464	$ 104,951

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Effective Tax Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. Federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
U.S. Federal statutory rate on income before provision for income taxes	$ (36,377)	$ (20,812)	$ (36,972)
Tax differential on foreign income	10,398	5,822	9,330
Effect of foreign earnings	(3,584)	(13,850)	(5,290)
Change in undistributed earnings	13,297	(13,297)	0
Change in tax rate	(26,627)	0	0
Valuation allowance	5,750	9,188	(2,765)
Tax benefit of partnership structure	4,937	4,933	5,217
Non-taxable foreign subsidies	2,735	2,118	2,281
True-up of prior year taxes	(3,685)	(980)	5,073
Foreign exchange on valuation allowance	1,953	632	(5,005)
Foreign exchange on settlement of debt	1,342	3,150	0
Other	(3,591)	(1,425)	(1,318)
Total income tax provision	(33,452)	(24,521)	(29,449)
Current income tax provision	(11,396)	(7,712)	(11,934)
Deferred income tax provision	$ (22,056)	$ (16,809)	$ (17,515)

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Asse

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
German tax loss carryforwards	$ 52,415	$ 65,582
U.S. tax loss carryforwards and credits	47,028	62,202
Canadian tax loss carryfowards	5,672	2,033
Basis difference between income tax and financial reporting with respect to operating pulp mills	(73,665)	(56,723)
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiary	0	(13,297)
Long-term debt	(7,655)	(5,996)
Payable and accrued expenses	4,167	3,102
Deferred pension liability	6,122	6,877
Capital leases	5,879	5,640
Research and development expense pool	3,170	2,904
Other	1,971	2,791
Total gross deferred tax asset	45,104	75,115
Valuation allowance	(75,689)	(81,439)	$ (90,627)
Net deferred tax liability	(30,585)	(6,324)
Deferred income tax asset	1,376	10,990
Deferred income tax liability	$ (31,961)	$ (17,314)

Income Taxes (Tax Carryforwards

Income Taxes (Tax Carryforwards) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Germany
Income Taxes Disclosures [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 176,300
Interest carryforwards	$ 99,800
Tax Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Year	Indefinite
Other Tax Carryforward, Expiration Year	Indefinite
United States
Income Taxes Disclosures [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 190,000
Tax credits carryforwards	$ 7,100
Tax Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Year	2025 – 2037
Tax Credits Carryforward, Expiration Year	2020 – 2027
Canada
Income Taxes Disclosures [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 21,000
Scientific research and experimental development tax credits carryforwards	$ 4,300
Tax Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Year	2029 – 2036
Tax Credits Carryforward, Expiration Year	2030 – 2036

Income Taxes (Valuation Allowan

Income Taxes (Valuation Allowance) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Valuation allowance, beginning of period	$ 81,439	$ 90,627
Valuation allowance - the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates	1,953	632
Valuation allowance, end of period	75,689	81,439
UNITED STATES
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Valuation Allowance - increase (decrease) amount	(3,060)	(16,043)
Canada
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Valuation Allowance - increase (decrease) amount	$ (4,643)	$ 6,223

Shareholders' Equity (Narrative

Shareholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Preferred shares, authorized		50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred shares, par value		$ 1	$ 1
Preferred shares, issued		0
Common shares available for grant		3,200,000
Net Proceeds From Short Swing Profits Exchange Act 16b	$ 2,450,000	$ 2,450,000
Gross Proceeds From Short Swing Profits Exchange Act 16b	$ 3,000,000
Series A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Preferred shares, authorized		2,000,000
Restricted Stock Rights [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted		0
Shares outstanding		0
Performance Share Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted		542,788
Shares outstanding		1,867,158	2,068,174
Vesting period		3 years
Expense recognized		$ 2,437,000	$ 4,210,000	$ 1,819,000
Weighted-average grant date fair value of awards granted		$ 12	$ 6.04	$ 12.95
Fair value of vested and issued shares or units		$ 3,445,000	$ 1,382,000	$ 2,031,000
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted		0
Shares outstanding		0
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted		43,635
Shares outstanding		43,635	38,000
Vesting period		1 year
Expense recognized		$ 453,000	$ 449,000	$ 590,000
Weighted-average grant date fair value of awards granted		$ 11.80	$ 9.41	$ 14.48
Fair value of vested and issued shares or units		$ 437,000	$ 697,000	$ 1,096,000
Unrecognized compensation cost		$ 215,000
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted		0
Shares outstanding		0
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted		0
Shares outstanding		0

Shareholders' Equity (Summary o

Shareholders' Equity (Summary of Dividends Declared) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Feb. 08, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends declared per common share		$ 0.125	$ 0.115	$ 0.115	$ 0.115	$ 0.115	$ 0.115	$ 0.115	$ 0.115	$ 0.47	$ 0.46	$ 0.23
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash		$ 8,127	$ 7,477	$ 7,477	$ 7,472	$ 7,440	$ 7,440	$ 7,440	$ 7,435	$ 30,553	$ 29,755	$ 14,836
Dividend Declared [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.125
Dividends Payable, Date Declared	Feb. 10, 2018
Dividends Payable, Date of Record	Mar. 28, 2018
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid	Apr. 4, 2018

Shareholders' Equity (Summary67

Shareholders' Equity (Summary Of Share Activity - PSU's) (Details) - Performance Share Units [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding - Beginning	2,068,174
Granted	542,788
Vested and issued	(279,515)
Forfeited	(464,289)
Outstanding - Ending	1,867,158	2,068,174
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Outstanding - Beginning	$ 8.63
Granted	12	$ 6.04	$ 12.95
Vested and issued	9.48
Forfeited	9.44
Outstanding - Ending	$ 9.28	$ 8.63

Shareholders' Equity (Summary68

Shareholders' Equity (Summary Of Share Activity - Restricted Shares) (Details) - Restricted Stock [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding - Beginning	38,000
Granted	43,635
Vested	(38,000)
Outstanding - Ending	43,635	38,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Outstanding - Beginning	$ 9.41
Granted	11.80	$ 9.41	$ 14.48
Vested and issued	9.41
Outstanding - Ending	$ 11.80	$ 9.41

Net Income Per Common Share (De

Net Income Per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net Income Per Common Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Net income - basic and diluted	$ 70,483	$ 34,943	$ 75,502
Net income per common share, basic	$ 1.09	$ 0.54	$ 1.17
Net income per common share, diluted	$ 1.08	$ 0.54	$ 1.17
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	64,915,955	64,631,491	64,380,565
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	65,393,105	65,098,265	64,776,792
Performance Share Units [Member]
Net Income Per Common Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Effect of dilutive instruments	458,236	447,465	335,922
Restricted Stock [Member]
Net Income Per Common Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Effect of dilutive instruments	18,914	19,309	56,453
Contingently issuable shares excluded from the basic weighted average shares outstanding	43,635	38,000	78,000
Stock Options [Member]
Net Income Per Common Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Effect of dilutive instruments	0	0	3,852

Net Income Per Share Attributab

Net Income Per Share Attributable to Common Shareholders (Anti-dilutive Instruments) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0	0	0

Accumulated Other Comprehensi71

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning balance	$ (185,269)	$ (171,574)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	125,042	(14,712)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,226	1,017
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	126,268	(13,695)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, ending balance	(59,001)	(185,269)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning balance	(170,592)	(156,223)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	120,509	(14,369)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	120,509	(14,369)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, ending balance	(50,083)	(170,592)
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Items
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning balance	(14,663)	(15,338)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	4,537	(342)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,226	1,017
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	5,763	675
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, ending balance	(8,900)	(14,663)
Unrealized Gains / Losses on Marketable Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning balance	(14)	(13)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(4)	(1)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	(4)	(1)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, ending balance	$ (18)	$ (14)

Business Segment Information (N

Business Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017millcustomer	Dec. 31, 2016customer	Dec. 31, 2015customer
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Number of pulp mills | mill	3
Number of customers accounting for 10% or more of sales | customer	1	2	1
Customer 1 [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue major customer percentage	13.00%	19.00%	16.00%
Customer 2 [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue major customer percentage		10.00%

Business Segment Information Bu

Business Segment Information Business Segment Information (Schedule of Results by Segment) (Details) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,169,145	$ 931,623	$ 1,033,204
Intersegment sales	0
Operating income (loss)	167,054	113,743	165,684
Depreciation and amortization	85,294	71,984	68,333
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	57,915	42,526	46,536
Assets	1,724,710	1,158,708
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0	0
Intersegment sales	0
Operating income (loss)	(8,335)	(9,470)	(4,923)
Depreciation and amortization	401	508	572
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	184	64	0
Assets	354,845	91,854
Market Pulp [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,071,715	931,623	1,033,204
Intersegment sales	1,350
Operating income (loss)	169,779	123,213	170,607
Depreciation and amortization	80,833	71,476	67,761
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	54,534	42,462	46,536
Assets	1,253,545	1,066,854
Wood Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	97,430	0	0
Intersegment sales	12,697
Operating income (loss)	5,610	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	4,060	0	0
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	3,197	0	0
Assets	116,320	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0	0
Intersegment sales	(14,047)
Operating income (loss)	0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	0	0	$ 0
Assets	$ 0	$ 0

Business Segment Information 74

Business Segment Information Business Segment Information (Schedule of Revenue by Product) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,169,145	$ 931,623	$ 1,033,204
Pulp [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues	979,645	847,328	946,237
Lumber [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues	82,176	0	0
Wood residuals [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues	6,382	0	0
Energy and chemical [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 100,942	$ 84,295	$ 86,967

Business Segment Information (S

Business Segment Information (Schedule Of Net Sales To External Customers By Geographic Area) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,169,145	$ 931,623	$ 1,033,204
Germany
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	469,041	401,802	420,619
China
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	292,231	221,773	266,632
UNITED STATES
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	43,632	26,985	15,453
Other Countries [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 364,241	$ 281,063	$ 330,500

Business Segment Information 76

Business Segment Information (Schedule Of Long Lived Assets By Geographic Area) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 844,848	$ 738,276
Germany
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	681,141	593,237
Canada
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 163,707	$ 145,039

Derivative Transactions (Narrat

Derivative Transactions (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands, € in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative, Maturity Date	Oct. 1, 2017
Interest rate derivative liability, total			$ 6,522
Percentage of fair value of interest rate swap collaterized	67.00%	67.00%
Maximum amount of collateral for interest rate swap | €	€ 8.5
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents		$ 0	4,327
Cash and cash equivalents, at carrying value		143,299	136,569
Restricted cash		317,439	0
Accounts receivables, at carrying value		$ 206,027	$ 123,892

Fair Value Measurement and Di78

Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure (Outstanding Financial Instruments and Estimated Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate derivative liability		$ 6,522
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 1,014,310	660,900
Fair Value, Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate derivative liability		0
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate derivative liability		6,522
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,014,310	660,900
Fair Value, Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate derivative liability		0
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt fair value	25,185
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Fair Value, Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt fair value	0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Fair Value, Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt fair value	25,185
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Fair Value, Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt fair value	0
Senior Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt fair value	989,125	654,378
Senior Notes [Member] | Fair Value, Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt fair value	0	0
Senior Notes [Member] | Fair Value, Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt fair value	989,125	654,378
Senior Notes [Member] | Fair Value, Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt fair value	$ 0	$ 0

Lease Commitments (Details)

Lease Commitments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Capital lease, 2018	$ 3,756
Capital lease, 2019	4,821
Capital lease, 2020	2,274
Capital lease, 2021	2,132
Capital lease, 2022	1,956
Capital lease, Thereafter	11,917
Capital Leases, Total	26,856
Less: imputed interest	4,461
Total present value of minimum capitalized payments	22,395
Less: current portion of capital lease obligations	2,880
Long-term capital lease obligations	19,515
Operating leases, 2018	1,876
Operating leases, 2019	1,205
Operating leases, 2020	154
Operating leases, 2021	0
Operating leases, 2022	0
Operating leases, Thereafter	0
Operating leases, Total	$ 3,235

Lease Commitments (Narrative) (

Lease Commitments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Rent expense	$ 1,697	$ 1,393	$ 2,271