Restructuring and Other Charges (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and other charges	$ 54	$ 252	$ 846

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