Restructuring Charges - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other charges	$ (4)	$ 59	$ 21	$ 34	$ 55	$ 55
Restructuring and other charges, after tax	$ (2)	$ 36	$ 13	$ 23

Amount charged against earnings in the period for incurred and estimated costs, excluding asset retirement obligations, associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a program that is planned and controlled by management, and materially changes either the scope of a business undertaken by an entity, or the manner in which that business is conducted. Also includes expenses charged against earnings in the period of an event that is infrequent in occurrence or unusual in nature.

No definition available.

Name:	ip_RestructuringAndOtherRelatedCharges
Namespace Prefix:	ip_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration