Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net Earnings (Loss)	$ 799	$ 1,336	$ 712
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment	(131)	(492)	69
Net gains/losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:
Net gains (losses) arising during the period (less tax of $1, $17 and $9)	15	(43)	23
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net earnings (less tax of $13, $8 and $4)	22	8	(31)
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(838)	(1,176)	256
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(39)	160	968
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5)	(14)	(21)
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	3	(4)	(2)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to International Paper Company	(41)	142	945
U.S. Plans [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Amortization of pension and post-retirement prior service costs and net loss	195	139	114
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments:	(914)	(783)	85
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments:	$ (25)	$ (5)	$ (4)