Leases (Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases Footnotes) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Finance lease, right-of-use asset, accumulated amortization	$ 40

Finance lease, right-of-use asset, accumulated amortization

No definition available.

Name:	ip_Financeleaserightofuseassetaccumulatedamortization
Namespace Prefix:	ip_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant