Summary of Changes in Equity (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance			$ 6,636	$ 6,985
Issuance of stock for various plans, net			345	99
Repurchase of stock			(51)	(35)
Common stock dividends ($0.600 per share in 2013 and $0.525 per share in 2012)			(272)	(237)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests by subsidiary			(1)	(3)
Noncontrolling interests of acquired entities			7	92
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests			0	(2)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(31)	(300)	361	195
Ending balance	7,025	7,094	7,025	7,094
Total International Paper shareholders' equity
Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance			6,304	6,645
Issuance of stock for various plans, net			345	99
Repurchase of stock			(51)	(35)
Common stock dividends ($0.600 per share in 2013 and $0.525 per share in 2012)			(272)	(237)
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)			381	203
Ending balance	6,707	6,675	6,707	6,675
Noncontrolling interests
Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance			332	340
Issuance of stock for various plans, net			0	0
Repurchase of stock			0	0
Common stock dividends ($0.600 per share in 2013 and $0.525 per share in 2012)			0	0
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests by subsidiary			(1)	(3)
Noncontrolling interests of acquired entities			7	92
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests			0	(2)
Comprehensive income (loss)			(20)	(8)
Ending balance	$ 318	$ 419	$ 318	$ 419