Acquisitions And Joint Ventures (Pro Forma Information On Consolidated Results Of Operations Related To Acquisitions) (Details) (Temple-Inland Inc. [Member], USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Temple-Inland Inc. [Member]
Net sales	$ 29,946		$ 28,921		$ 26,891
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	1,177	[1]	649	[1]	661	[1]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 1,226	[1]	$ 649	[1]	$ 661	[1]
Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share	$ 2.69	[1]	$ 1.49	[1]	$ 1.54	[1]
Diluted net earnings (loss) per common share	$ 2.81	[1]	$ 1.49	[1]	$ 1.54	[1]

[1] Attributable to International Paper Company common shareholders