Summary of Changes in Equity (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Equity [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			$ 6,985	$ 7,125
Issuance of stock for various plans, net			144	81
Repurchase of stock			(35)	(30)
Common stock dividends ($0.7875 per share in 2012 and $0.7125 per share in 2011)			(353)	(312)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests by subsidiary			(4)	(4)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests			(2)	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	415	(313)	610	741
Ending Balance	7,345	7,601	7,345	7,601
Total International Paper Shareholders' Equity
Equity [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			6,645	6,875
Issuance of stock for various plans, net			144	81
Repurchase of stock			(35)	(30)
Common stock dividends ($0.7875 per share in 2012 and $0.7125 per share in 2011)			(353)	(312)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests by subsidiary			0	0
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests			0	0
Comprehensive income (loss)			605	727
Ending Balance	7,006	7,341	7,006	7,341
Noncontrolling Interests
Equity [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			340	250
Issuance of stock for various plans, net			0	0
Repurchase of stock			0	0
Common stock dividends ($0.7875 per share in 2012 and $0.7125 per share in 2011)			0	0
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests by subsidiary			(4)	(4)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests			(2)	0
Comprehensive income (loss)			5	14
Ending Balance	$ 339	$ 260	$ 339	$ 260