Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Shares available for grant under ICP	16.8
Compensation cost related to unvested restricted performance shares, executive continuity awards and restricted stock attributable to future performance, net of estimated forfeitures	$ 142
Compensation cost related to unvested restricted performance shares, executive continuity awards and restricted stock attributable to future performance, net of estimated forfeitures, weighted-average recognition period (in years)	1.6
Contingent awards of International Paper common stock granted, approximate number of employees awarded	1,100
Performance Shares Program [Member] \| Other Participants [Member]
Weight of Return on investment (ROI) on awards	75.00%
Weight of Total shareholder return (TSR) on awards	25.00%
Performance Shares Program [Member] \| Officer [Member]
Weight of Return on investment (ROI) on awards	50.00%
Weight of Total shareholder return (TSR) on awards	50.00%

Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Performance Based Restricted Share Program Number Of Employees Affected

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- Definition

Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Weight Of Return On Investment

+ Details

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- Definition

Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Weight of Total Shareholder Return

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- Definition

As of the balance sheet date, the aggregate unrecognized cost of equity-based awards made to employees under equity-based compensation awards that have yet to vest.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph A240
-Subparagraph h
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (i)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

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- Definition

The weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation is expected to be recognized for equity-based compensation plans, using a decimal to express in number of years.

+ References

+ Details

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- Definition

The difference between the maximum number of shares (or other type of equity) authorized for issuance under the plan (including the effects of amendments and adjustments), and the sum of: 1) the number of shares (or other type of equity) already issued upon exercise of options or other equity-based awards under the plan; and 2) shares (or other type of equity) reserved for issuance on granting of outstanding awards, net of cancellations and forfeitures, if applicable.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

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