ACQUISITIONS AND JOINT VENTURES (Pro Forma Information on Consolidated Results Operations Related to Acquisitions) (Details) (Temple Inland Inc [Member], USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Temple Inland Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 21,050
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (a)	567	[1]
Net earnings (loss) (a)	$ 602	[1]
Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share (a)	$ 1.29	[1]
Diluted net earnings (loss) per common share (a)	$ 1.37	[1]

[1] Attributable to International Paper Company common shareholders.