Document And Entity Information (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2011	Jul. 03, 2010
Entity Registrant Name	TEMPLE INLAND INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000731939
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float		$ 1,887,700,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	108,649,374
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jul. 02, 2011