Summary of Changes in Equity (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 6,636	$ 6,985
Issuance of stock for various plans, net	265	80
Repurchase of stock	(51)	(35)
Common stock dividends ($0.3000 per share in 2013 and $0.2625 per share in 2012)	(136)	(120)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests by subsidiary	(1)	(2)
Noncontrolling interests of acquired entities	29	92
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	0	(2)
Comprehensive income (loss)	392	495
Ending balance	7,134	7,493
Total International Paper shareholders' equity
Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance	6,304	6,645
Issuance of stock for various plans, net	265	80
Repurchase of stock	(51)	(35)
Common stock dividends ($0.3000 per share in 2013 and $0.2625 per share in 2012)	(136)	(120)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests by subsidiary	0	0
Noncontrolling interests of acquired entities	0	0
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	396	491
Ending balance	6,778	7,061
Noncontrolling interests
Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance	332	340
Issuance of stock for various plans, net	0	0
Repurchase of stock	0	0
Common stock dividends ($0.3000 per share in 2013 and $0.2625 per share in 2012)	0	0
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests by subsidiary	(1)	(2)
Noncontrolling interests of acquired entities	29	92
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	0	(2)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(4)	4
Ending balance	$ 356	$ 432