Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Lease guarantees	$ 372.1	$ 385.1
Credit facility guarantees	$ 339.9	$ 327.5

The current carrying amount of the liability for the freestanding or embedded guarantor's obligations under the credit facilities guarantees or each group of similar guarantees.

No definition available.

Name:	ipg_GuaranteeObligationsCurrentCarryingValueCreditfacilities
Namespace Prefix:	ipg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant