Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Net Earnings (Loss)	$ 238	$ 465	$ 567	$ 1,051
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax:
Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment	114	(764)	(161)	(370)
Net gains/losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:
Net gains (losses) arising during the period	7	(59)	13	(49)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net earnings (loss)	4	6	17	1
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	177	(778)	43	(310)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	415	(313)	610	741
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1)	3	(8)	(10)
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(12)	(1)	3	(4)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to International Paper Company	402	(311)	605	727
U.S. Plans
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax:
Amortization of pension and post-retirement prior service costs and net loss	48	35	146	104
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments	4	0	28	0
Non U.S. Plans
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax:
Amortization of pension and post-retirement prior service costs and net loss	$ 0	$ 4	$ 0	$ 4