Equity (Summary Of Changes In Equity) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Equity [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 6,985	$ 7,125
Issuance of stock for various plans, net	80	45
Repurchase of stock	(35)	(29)
Common stock dividends ($0.2625 per share in 2012 and $0.1875 per share in 2011)	(120)	(83)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests by subsidiary	(2)	(1)
Noncontrolling interests of acquired entities	92	0
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	(2)	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	495	609
Ending Balance	7,493	7,666
Common stock dividends, per share	$ 0.2625	$ 0.1875
Total International Paper Shareholders' Equity [Member]
Equity [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	6,645	6,875
Issuance of stock for various plans, net	80	45
Repurchase of stock	(35)	(29)
Common stock dividends ($0.2625 per share in 2012 and $0.1875 per share in 2011)	(120)	(83)
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)	491	603
Ending Balance	7,061	7,411
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Equity [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	340	250
Issuance of stock for various plans, net	0	0
Repurchase of stock	0	0
Common stock dividends ($0.2625 per share in 2012 and $0.1875 per share in 2011)	0	0
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests by subsidiary	(2)	(1)
Noncontrolling interests of acquired entities	92	0
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	(2)	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	4	6
Ending Balance	$ 432	$ 255