Summary of Changes in Equity (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Equity [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			$ 6,985	$ 7,125
Issuance of stock for various plans, net			99	73
Repurchase of stock			(35)	(30)
Common stock dividends ($0.525 per share in 2012 and $0.450 per share in 2011)			(237)	(197)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests by subsidiary			(3)	(3)
Noncontrolling interests of acquired entities			92	0
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests			(2)	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	(300)	445	195	1,054
Ending Balance	7,094	8,022	7,094	8,022
Total International Paper Shareholders' Equity
Equity [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			6,645	6,875
Issuance of stock for various plans, net			99	73
Repurchase of stock			(35)	(30)
Common stock dividends ($0.525 per share in 2012 and $0.450 per share in 2011)			(237)	(197)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests by subsidiary			0	0
Noncontrolling interests of acquired entities			0	0
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests			0	0
Comprehensive income (loss)			203	1,038
Ending Balance	6,675	7,759	6,675	7,759
Noncontrolling Interests
Equity [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			340	250
Issuance of stock for various plans, net			0	0
Repurchase of stock			0	0
Common stock dividends ($0.525 per share in 2012 and $0.450 per share in 2011)			0	0
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests by subsidiary			(3)	(3)
Noncontrolling interests of acquired entities			92	0
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests			(2)	0
Comprehensive income (loss)			(8)	16
Ending Balance	$ 419	$ 263	$ 419	$ 263