RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES Table (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other charges	$ 1	$ 0
Sale of investment in Arizona Chemical [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other charges	(8)
Net gain on sale of Carolina Coated Bristols brand and the Riegelwood mill conversion costs [member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other charges	$ 9

Amount charged against earnings in the period for incurred and estimated costs, excluding asset retirement obligations, associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a program that is planned and controlled by management, and materially changes either the scope of a business undertaken by an entity, or the manner in which that business is conducted. Also includes expenses charged against earnings in the period of an event that is infrequent in occurrence or unusual in nature.

No definition available.

Name:	ip_RestructuringAndOtherRelatedCharges
Namespace Prefix:	ip_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration