Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Income taxes paid Income Taxes Paid, Net Segment Reporting [Abstract] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Real estate - resort/residential Resort and Residential Real Estate [Member] Resort and Residential Real Estate [Member] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Total revenues Revenues Segment losses Costs and Expenses Mineral resources Mineral Resources [Member] Mineral Resources [Member] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Oil and gas Oil and Gas [Member] Oil and gas. Water sales Water Sales [Member] Water Sales [Member] Rock aggregate Rock Aggregate [Member] Rock Aggregate [Member] Cement Cement [Member] Cement [Member] Land lease for oil exploration Land Lease for Oil Exploration [Member] Land Lease for Oil Exploration [Member] Reimbursable costs Reimbursable Costs [Member] Reimbursable Costs Commercial/industrial revenues Income (loss) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Fair market value of investment securities exceeds cost basis Available for Sale Securities, Fair Market Value Exceeds Cost Basis, by Amount Available for sale securities, fair market value exceeds cost basis, by amount. Changes in unrealized gains on available for sale securities, taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax Estimated taxes of change in value of available-for-sale securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax Gross unrealized holding gains Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Gross unrealized holding losses Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Term Notes Medium-term Notes [Member] Revolving line of credit Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Promissory note agreement Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Selected LIBOR rate Selected LIBOR Rate [Member] Selected LIBOR Rate [Member] LIBOR for a fixed rate term Fixed Term LIBOR [Member] Fixed Term LIBOR [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Maximum Maximum [Member] Minimum Minimum [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of credit amount Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Commitment fee percentage Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Long-term debt Long-term Debt Interest rate on line of credit, variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Interest pay rate Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Periodic payments, interest only period Debt Instrument, Periodic Payments, Interest Only Period Debt Instrument, Periodic Payments, Interest Only Period Number of debt covenants Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance, Number of Covenants Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance, Number of Covenants Debt equity ratio Debt Covenant Compliance, Debt Equity Ratio Debt Covenant Compliance, Debt Equity Ratio Debt service coverage ratio Debt Covenant Compliance, Debt Service Coverage Ratio Debt Covenant Compliance, Debt Service Coverage Ratio Minimum liquid assets Debt Covenant Compliance, Liquid Assets, Minimum Debt Covenant Compliance, Liquid Assets, Minimum Debt instrument face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Stated interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Periodic principal and interest payments Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Stock Compensation - Restricted Stock and Performance Share Grants Stock Compensation Restricted Stock and Performance Share Grants [Text Block] Stock compensation restricted stock and performance share grants. Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract] Other Liabilities Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Pension plan Pension Plan [Member] SERP Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Cost components: Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Service cost-benefits earned during the period Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost on projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Net amortization and deferral Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Total net periodic pension cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Real Estate [Abstract] Real Estate Real Estate Disclosure [Text Block] Marketable Securities Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Retirement Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale by Asset Type [Axis] Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale by Asset Type [Axis] Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale, Name [Domain] Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale, Name [Domain] Transferable water Transferable Water [Member] Transferable water. Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] DMB DMB Pacific LLC [Member] DMB Pacific LLC [Member] West CFD West Community Facilities Districts [Member] West community facilities districts. East CFD East Community Facilities Districts [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Standby letter of credit Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Antelope Valley Groundwater Cases Antelope Valley Groundwater Cases [Member] Antelope Valley Groundwater Cases [Member] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Settled Litigation Settled Litigation [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Tejon-Castac Water District Tejon-Castac Water District [Member] Tejon-Castac Water District [Member] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Kern Water Bank Authority Kern Water Bank Authority [Member] Kern Water Bank Authority [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Future minimum payments due Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Payments on water contracts Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Contract renewal optional term Long Term Water Assets, Contract Renewal Optional Term Long Term Water Assets, Contract Renewal Optional Term Long-term water assets (volume) Long-term Water Assets (Volume) Long-term Water Assets (Volume) Estimated future payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Minimum Payments Number of community facility districts Number of Community Facility Districts Number of Community Facility Districts Acres of land related to land liens Acres of Land Related to Land Liens Acres of land related to land liens. Bond debt sold by TRPFFA Long-term Line of Credit Letters of credit outstanding amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Additional bond debt authorized to be sold in future Letter of credit period Letter of credit period Letter of credit period. Letter of credit renewal period Letter of Credit Renewal Period Letter of credit renewal period. Annual cost related to letter of credit Debt Issuance Cost Additional reimbursement funds Additional Reimbursement Funds Additional reimbursement funds. Payments for (proceeds from) communities facilities district and other investing activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities, Business Three Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities, Business Three Special taxes paid Taxes, Other Number of parties in agreement for settlement Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Percentage of current water usage with the adjudication boundary (more than) Loss Contingency, Settlement, Percent of Water Use Within the Adjudication Boundary Loss Contingency, Settlement, Percent of Water Use Within the Adjudication Boundary Percentage of interest rate held Percentage of Interest Rate Held Percentage of interest rate held. Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Schedule of Accrued Liabilities Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Marketable securities - available-for-sale Available-for-sale Securities, Current Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventories Inventory, Net Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Real estate and improvements - held for lease, net Inventory, Real Estate, Improvements Real estate development (includes $87,217 at June 30, 2016 and $84,194 at December 31, 2015, attributable to Centennial Founders, LLC, Note 15) Inventory, Real Estate, Land and Land Development Costs Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Long-term water assets Long Term Assets Held for Future Use or Sale Long term assets held for future use or sale. Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent TOTAL ASSETS Assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Trade accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued liabilities and other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Deferred income Deferred Revenue, Current Revolving line of credit Line of Credit, Current Current maturities of long-term debt Debt, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt, less current portion Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term deferred gains Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Tejon Ranch Co. Stockholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock, $.50 par value per share: Authorized shares - 30,000,000, Issued and outstanding shares - 20,725,851 at June 30, 2016 and 20,688,154 at December 31, 2015 Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total Tejon Ranch Co. Stockholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Non-controlling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity Components of net periodic pension cost Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Schedule of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Table] Schedule of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Table] AVEK Antelope Valley East Kern Water Agency [Member] Antelope valley east kern water agency. Affiliated Entity Affiliated Entity [Member] Wheeler Ridge Maricopa Water Storage District Wheeler Ridge Maricopa Water Storage District [Member] Wheeler Ridge Maricopa Water Storage District [Member] Long-term Water Assets [Line Items] Long-term Water Assets [Line Items] Long-term Water Assets [Line Items] Banked water and water for future delivery Long-term Water Assets, Banked Water and Water Contract Rights [Abstract] Long-term Water Assets, Banked Water and Water Contract Rights [Abstract] AVEK water bank Long-term Water Assets, Banked Water Held at Agency Owned Water Bank (Volume) Long-term Water Assets, Banked Water Held at Agency Owned Water Bank (Volume) Company water bank Long-term Water Assets, Banked Water Held at Company Owned Water Bank (Volume) Long-term Water Assets, Banked Water Held at Company Owned Water Bank (Volume) AVEK water for future delivery Long-term Water Assets, Water Contract Rights for Future Delivery (Volume) Long-term Water Assets, Water Contract Rights for Future Delivery (Volume) Banked water and water for future delivery Long-term Water Assets, Banked Water and Water Contract Rights (Volume) Long-term Water Assets, Banked Water and Water Contract Rights (Volume) Transferable water Long-term Water Assets, Transferrable Water (Volume) Long-term Water Assets, Transferrable Water (Volume) Water contracts and purchased water Long-term Water Assets, Water Contracts (Volume) Long-term Water Assets, Water Contracts (Volume) Total purchased water - third parties Total purchased and contracted water sources in acre feet Long Term Water Assets, Contracts with Company Long Term Water Assets, Contracts with Company Water returned (in acre feet) Long Term Water Assets, Transferable Water, Water Returned (Volume) Long Term Water Assets, Transferable Water, Water Returned (Volume) Transferable water with AVEK multiple Long-term Water Assets, Transferrable Water Factor Long-term Water Assets, Transferrable Water Factor Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Hedge ineffectiveness Derivative, Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain (Loss) Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Liabilities Other Liabilities [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Weighted Average Interest Rate Fair Value Derivative Liability Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Accrued vacation Accrued Vacation, Current Accrued paid personal leave Accrued Paid Personal Leave, Current Accrued Paid Personal Leave, Current Accrued bonus Accrued Bonuses, Current Other Other Employee Related Liabilities, Current Total Line of Credit and Long-Term Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Investment in Unconsolidated and Consolidated Joint Ventures Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives [Table Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Schedule of weighted average number of shares outstanding Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Ranch operations Ranch Operations [Member] Ranch Operations [Member] Game management Game Management [Member] Game Management [Member] Grazing Grazing Leases [Member] Grazing leases. Filming and other Filming and Other [Member] Filming and Other [Member] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Real estate - commercial/industrial Commercial and Industrial [Member] Commercial and industrial. Farming Segment Farming Segment [Member] Farming Segment [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Components of segment revenues Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Interest Rate Swap Liability Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Accrued Liabilities and Other Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Performance share grants Performance Shares [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Summary of stock grant activity: Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Stock grants outstanding beginning of the year at target achievement Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number New stock grants/additional shares due to maximum achievement Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested grants Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Expired/forfeited grants Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Stock grants outstanding June 30, 2016 at target achievement Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Certificates of deposit Certificates of Deposit [Member] U.S. Treasury and agency notes US Treasury and Government Short-term Debt Securities [Member] Corporate notes Corporate Note Securities [Member] Municipal notes Municipal Bonds [Member] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Summary of available-for-sale securities Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract] Unrecognized losses for less than 12 months, Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss Unrecognized losses for more than 12 months, Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss Unrecognized gains, Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss), before Tax Available-for-sale securities, Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss Unrecognized losses for less than 12 months, Estimated Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value Unrecognized losses for more than 12 months, Estimated Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value Unrecognized gains, Estimated Fair value Available for Sale Securities, Unrealized Gain (Loss), Fair Value Available for sale securities, unrealized gain (loss), fair value. Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value Schedule of Real Estate Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract] Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Amortization of premium/discount of marketable securities Accretion (Amortization) of Discounts and Premiums, Investments Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Non-cash retirement plan expense Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Stock compensation expense Share-based Compensation Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Receivables, inventories and other assets, net Increase (Decrease) in Operating Assets Current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Operating Liabilities Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Maturities and sales of marketable securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities Funds invested in marketable securities Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Property and equipment expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Communities Facilities District and other reimbursements Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures Payments to Acquire Interest in Joint Venture Distribution of equity from unconsolidated joint ventures Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Borrowings of short-term debt Proceeds from Short-term Debt Repayments of short-term debt Repayments of Short-term Debt Repayments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Taxes on vested stock grants Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Supplemental cash flow information Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Accrued capital expenditures included in current liabilities Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Class of Warrant or Right [Axis] Class of Warrant or Right [Axis] Class of Warrant or Right [Domain] Class of Warrant or Right [Domain] Warrant Warrant [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Aggregate number of warrants Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right Common stock, par value per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Number of securities called by warrants Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights Exercise price (in dollars per share) Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Pastoria Energy Facility Lease PEF Lease [Member] PEF Lease [Member] Commercial leases Commercial Leases [Member] Commercial leases. Communication leases Communication Leases [Member] Communication Leases [Member] Landscaping and other Landscaping and Other [Member] Landscaping and Other [Member] Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures, net Total commercial/industrial revenues and equity in earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures Revenues and Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Revenues and Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Net income from commercial/industrial and unconsolidated joint ventures Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and entity information. Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Petro Travel Plaza Holdings Petro Travel Holdings Llc Plaza [Member] Petro travel holdings llc plaza. Five West Parcel LLC Five West Parcel Llc [Member] Five west parcel llc. 18-19 West LLC Eighteen Nineteen West Llc [Member] Eighteen nineteen west llc. TRCC/Rock Outlet Center TRCC/Rock Outlet Center [Member] TRCC/Rock Outlet Center [Member] Centennial-VIE Centennial Founders LLC [Member] Centennial Founders LLC Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Primary Beneficiary Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Statement of Operations Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Net income (loss) Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gross Profit (Loss) Net (loss) income Partner’s share of net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Allocated to Limited Partners Net income attributable to parent Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Equity in earnings (loss) Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Balance Sheet Information Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information [Abstract] Current assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Assets Current assets, consolidated Real Estate Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Real Estate, consolidated Other assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Other Assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Other Assets Other assets, consolidated Other Assets Long-term debt Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Long-Term Debt Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Long-Term Debt Long-term debt, consolidated Other liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Other Liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Other Liabilities Other liabilities, consolidated Other Liabilities Net assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets Net assets Net Assets Rental income Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Rental Income (Loss) Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Rental Income (Loss) Non-cash tenant allowance amortization Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Tenant Allowance Amortization Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Tenant Allowance Amortization Accounting Policies [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Revenue Sales [Member] Expense Operating Expense [Member] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Prior period reclassification adjustment Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Term Note Secured Debt [Member] Promissory note Notes Payable to Banks [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Long-term debt consists of: Long-term Debt, by Current and Noncurrent [Abstract] Less: line-of-credit and current maturities of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Less: deferred loan costs Deferred Finance Costs, Net Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Centennial Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Real estate developments Common stock, authorized shares Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, issued shares Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, outstanding shares Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Business Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Other Liabilities Other Liabilities [Abstract] Pension and supplemental executive retirement plan liability Pension and Other Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Interest rate swap liability Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Other Other Sundry Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] 1998 Plan Stock Incentive Plan 1998 [Member] Stock incentive plan. NDSI Plan Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan [Member] Non-employee director stock incentive plan. Stock compensation costs, expensed Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Stock compensation costs, capitalized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount Total Stock Compensation Costs Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Accelerated Compensation Cost Almonds Almonds [Member] Almonds [Member] Pistachios Pistachios [Member] Pistachios [Member] Hay and other Hay [Member] Hay [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Name of Property [Axis] Name of Property [Axis] Name of Property [Domain] Name of Property [Domain] Mountain Village Tejon Mountain Village Llc [Member] Tejon mountain village llc. Grapevine Grapevine [Member] Grapevine [Member] Tejon Ranch Commerce Center Tejon Ranch Commerce Center [Member] Tejon Ranch Commerce Center [Member] Rancho Santa Fe and Other Rancho Santa Fe and Other [Member] Rancho Santa Fe and Other [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Real estate and improvements - held for lease Inventory, Real Estate, Improvements, Gross Inventory, Real Estate, Improvements, Gross Less accumulated depreciation Inventory, Real Estate, Improvements, Accumulated Depreciation Inventory, Real Estate, Improvements, Accumulated Depreciation Real estate and improvements - held for lease, net Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities Unrealized (loss) gain on interest rate swap Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax Other comprehensive (loss) income before taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Benefit (provision) from income taxes related to other comprehensive income (loss) items Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Other comprehensive (loss) income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive (loss) income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to common stockholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Summary of maturities, at par, of marketable securities Available for Sale Securities, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Available for sale securities, fiscal year maturity. 2016 Available for Sale Securities Maturities Year One at Par Available for sale securities maturities, year one, at par. 2017 Available for Sale Securities Maturities, Year Two, at Par Available for sale securities maturities, year two, at par. 2018 Available for Sale Securities Maturities, Year Three, at Par Available for sale securities maturities, year three, at par. 2019 Available for Sale Securities Maturities, Year Four, at Par Available for sale securities maturities, year four, at par. Total Available for Sale Securities Maturities at Par Available for sale securities maturities, at par. Number of types of stock grant awards Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Number of Award Types Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Number of Award Types Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Additional Paid-In Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Total compensation cost not yet recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Total compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Modified share-based awards Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Modified Share-based Awards Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Modified Share-based Awards Long-Term Water Assets Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Other Liabilities Other Liabilities [Table Text Block] Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Below threshold performance Performance Awards Granted with Performance Conditions, Number of Shares to be Issued, Below Threshold Performance Performance Awards Granted with Performance Conditions, Number of Shares to be Issued, Below Threshold Performance Threshold performance Performance Awards Granted with Performance Conditions, Minimum Number of Shares to be Issued, at Threshold Performance Performance Awards Granted with Performance Conditions, Minimum Number of Shares to be Issued, at Threshold Performance Target performance Performance Awards Granted with Performance Conditions, Number of Shares to be Issued, at Target Performance Performance Awards Granted with Performance Conditions, Number of Shares to be Issued, at Target Performance Maximum performance Performance Awards Granted with Performance Conditions, Maximum Number of Shares to be Issued, at Maximum Performance Performance Awards Granted with Performance Conditions, Maximum Number of Shares to be Issued, at Maximum Performance Components of water assets Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Table Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Total Stockholders' Equity Parent [Member] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance (in shares) Shares, Outstanding Beginning Balance, value Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive loss Restricted stock issuance (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Restricted stock issuance Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Stock compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Shares withheld for taxes and tax benefit of vested shares (in shares) Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation Shares withheld for taxes and tax benefit of vested shares Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Ending Balance (in shares) Ending Balance, value Summary of available-for-sale securities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Summary of maturities, at par, of marketable securities by year Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Basis of Presentation Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Corporate expenses Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Farming Farming and Agriculture [Member] Farming and agriculture. Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Costs and Expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Total expenses Operating loss Operating Income (Loss) Other Income: Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Investment income Investment Income, Net Other income Other Nonoperating Income Total other income Nonoperating Income (Expense) (Loss) income from operations before equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures (Loss) income before income tax expense Income tax (benefit) expense Net (loss) income Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders Net (loss) income per share attributable to common stockholders, basic, in dollars per share Earnings Per Share, Basic Net (loss) income per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted, in dollars per share Earnings Per Share, Diluted SWP water contracts State Water Project Contracts [Member] State water project contracts. PEF Pastoria Energy Facility, LLC [Member] Pastoria Energy Facility, LLC [Member] Ranchcorp Subsidiaries [Member] Long Lived Assets Held For Sale [Line Items] Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items] Consumer price per acre Cost of Purchased Water, Area Cost of Purchased Water, Area Annual fee increase, percent Long Term Water Assets, Purchased, Annual Fee Increase, Percent Long Term Water Assets, Purchased, Annual Fee Increase, Percent Water assets, volume available for purchase in 2016 (up to) Long-term Water Assets (Volume), Amount in Year One Long-term Water Assets (Volume), Amount in Year One Water assets, volume available for purchase from 2017-2030 (up to) Long-term Water Assets (Volume), Amount After Year One Long-term Water Assets (Volume), Amount After Year One Annual option payment, percent Long Term Water Assets, Purchased, Annual Option Payment, Percent Long Term Water Assets, Purchased, Annual Option Payment, Percent Water assets sales price Long Term Water Assets, Sold, Sales Price Long Term Water Assets, Sold, Sales Price Water sold (volume) Long Term Water Assets, Water Sold (Volume) Long Term Water Assets, Water Sold (Volume) Cost of purchased water Cost of Purchased Water Amortization expense Amortization of Water Contracts Amortization of Water Contracts Condensed statements of operations and balance sheet information of consolidated and unconsolidated joint ventures Schedule of Condensed Income Statement and Balance Sheet Related to Joint Ventures [Table Text Block] Schedule of condensed income statement and balance sheet related to joint ventures. Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Common stock Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Common stock equivalents-stock options, grants Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Diluted shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Components of long-term debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Equities Equity Funds [Member] Treasury/Corporate Notes Debt Securities [Member] Money market funds Money Market Funds [Member] Service period Defined Benefit Plan, Average Service Period Defined Benefit Plan, Average Service Period Estimated contribution to the pension plan Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year Current investment policy targets: Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract] Current investment policy target Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Current investment policy target percentage of fluctuation Defined Benefit Plan Assets, Target Allocation Period Increase (Decrease) Percentage Defined benefit plan assets, target allocation period increase (decrease) percentage. Current investment policy target, maximum Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum Current investment policy target, minimum Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum Current investment mix Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations Assumptions used in determining periodic pension cost: Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Building Development Building Improvements [Member] Petro Travel Plaza Holdings LLC Rockefeller Joint Ventures Rockefeller Joint Ventures [Member] Rockefeller joint ventures. TRCC-East TRCC-East [Member] TRCC-East [Member] Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Equity in earnings (loss) Unconsolidated joint ventures, voting rights Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage Unconsolidated joint ventures, ownership interest Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures Equity Method Investments Number of joint venture contracts Number of Joint Venture Contracts Number of joint venture contracts. Number of acres for development Development of Building Development of building. Development of land in TRCC including pursuing foreign trade zone (up to) Area of Land Area of building owned and leased Lease of Building Lease of building. Number of acres for development Contribution for Joint Venture for Future Development Contribution for joint venture for future development. Construction loan percent of costs Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures, Construction Loan Costs, Percent Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures, Construction Loan Costs, Percent Equity contributions, percent Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures, Equity Contributions, Percent Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures, Equity Contributions, Percent Number of members Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures, Number of Members Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures, Number of Members Summarized financial information, maximum borrowing capacity Equity Method investment, Summarized Financial Information, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Equity Method investment, Summarized Financial Information, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Summarized financial information, long-term debt Consolidated joint venture, ownership interest Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Banked water and water for future delivery Banked Water and Water for Future Delivery [Member] Banked water and water for future delivery. Water contracts Components of water assets Long-Lived Assets Held-for-Sale [Abstract] Long-lived assets held for sale. Total long-term assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets less: Current portion Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Summary of performance share grants with performance conditions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Performance Share Awards Granted, by Performance Conditions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Performance Share Awards Granted, by Performance Conditions [Table Text Block] Summary of stock grant activity Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of stock compensation costs for Employee and NDSI Plans Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block]