International Paper (IP) 10-Q 6 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'IP	'
Entity Registrant Name	'INTERNATIONAL PAPER CO /NEW/	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000051434	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	443,623,335

Consolidated_Statement_of_Oper

Consolidated Statement of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Net Sales	$7,406	$7,026	$21,831		$20,758
Costs and Expenses	'	'	'		'
Cost of products sold	5,313	5,140	15,947		15,394
Selling and administrative expenses	572	527	1,654		1,514
Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested	401	383	1,176		1,111
Distribution expenses	438	403	1,309		1,198
Taxes other than payroll and income taxes	47	39	143		124
Restructuring and other charges	76	33	131		88
Net (gains) losses on sales and impairments of businesses	1	18	1		89
Net bargain purchase gain on acquisition of business	0	0	-13		0
Interest expense, net	147	163	479	[1]	503
Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Earnings	411	320	1,004		737
Income tax provision (benefit)	41	130	66		257
Equity earnings (losses), net of taxes	16	34	-30		52
Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations	386	224	908		532
Discontinued operations, net of taxes	-10	14	40		35
Net Earnings (Loss)	376	238	948		567
Less: Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-6	1	-11		8
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to International Paper Company	382	237	959		559
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to International Paper Company Common Shareholders	'	'	'		'
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$0.88	$0.51	$2.07		$1.20
Discontinued operations, net of taxes	($0.02)	$0.03	$0.09		$0.08
Net earnings (loss)	$0.86	$0.54	$2.16		$1.28
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to International Paper Company Common Shareholders	'	'	'		'
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$0.87	$0.51	$2.05		$1.19
Discontinued operations, net of taxes	($0.02)	$0.03	$0.09		$0.08
Net earnings (loss)	$0.85	$0.54	$2.14		$1.27
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - assuming dilution	449.7	439.8	448.7		439.7
Cash Dividends Per Common Share	$0.30	$0.26	$0.90		$0.79
Amounts Attributable to International Paper Company Common Shareholders	'	'	'		'
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	392	223	919		524
Discontinued operations, net of taxes	-10	14	40		35
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to International Paper Company	$382	$237	$959		$559
[1]	Includes a gain of $6 million for interest related to the settlement of an IRS tax audit.

Consolidated_Statement_of_Comp

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Net Earnings (Loss)	$376		$238		$948		$567
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:	'		'		'		'
Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment	34		114		-312		-161
Net gains/losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:	'		'		'		'
Net gains (losses) arising during the period	7		7		-3		13
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net earnings (loss)	4		4		-5		17
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	224	[1]	177	[1]	13	[1]	43	[1]
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	600		415		961		610
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	6		-1		11		-8
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0		-12		15		3
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to International Paper Company	606		402		987		605
U.S. Plans	'		'		'		'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:	'		'		'		'
Amortization of pension and post-retirement prior service costs and net loss:	76		48		230		146
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments	$103		$4		$103		$28
[1]	All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets	'	'
Cash and temporary investments	$1,946	$1,302
Accounts and notes receivable, net	4,024	3,562
Inventories	2,841	2,730
Deferred income tax assets	421	323
Assets of businesses held for sale	0	759
Other current assets	243	229
Total Current Assets	9,475	8,905
Plants, Properties and Equipment, net	13,697	13,949
Forestlands	580	622
Investments	755	887
Financial Assets of Special Purpose Entities (Note 13)	2,122	2,108
Goodwill	4,491	4,315
Deferred Charges and Other Assets	1,469	1,367
Total Assets	32,589	32,153
Current Liabilities	'	'
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt	783	444
Accounts payable	2,904	2,775
Accrued payroll and benefits	513	508
Liabilities of businesses held for sale	0	44
Other accrued liabilities	1,195	1,227
Total Current Liabilities	5,395	4,998
Long-Term Debt	8,900	9,696
Nonrecourse Financial Liabilities of Special Purpose Entities (Note 13)	2,042	2,036
Deferred Income Taxes	3,330	3,026
Pension Benefit Obligation	3,932	4,112
Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligation	435	473
Other Liabilities	1,013	1,176
Equity	'	'
Common stock, $1 par value, 2013 - 447.0 shares and 2012 - 439.9 shares	447	440
Paid-in capital	6,432	6,042
Retained earnings	4,212	3,662
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-3,812	-3,840
Shareholders' Equity before Treasury Stock, Total	7,279	6,304
Less: Common stock held in treasury, at cost, 2013 - 1.1 shares and 2012 - 0.013 shares	49	0
Total Shareholders' Equity	7,230	6,304
Noncontrolling interests	312	332
Total Equity	7,542	6,636
Total Liabilities and Equity	$32,589	$32,153

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet_Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Common stock, par value	$1	$1
Common stock, shares	447,000,000	439,900,000
Common stock held in treasury, shares	1,067,000	13,000

Consolidated_Statement_of_Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Operating Activities	'	'
Net earnings (loss)	$948	$567
Discontinued operations, net of taxes	-40	-35
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	-908	-532
Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested	1,176	1,111
Deferred income tax provision, net	55	192
Restructuring and other charges	131	88
Pension plan contribution	-31	-44
Net (gains) losses on sales and impairments of businesses	1	89
Net bargain purchase gain on acquisition of business	-13	0
Equity (earnings) losses, net	30	-52
Periodic pension expense, net	413	256
Other, net	-112	-66
Changes in current assets and liabilities	'	'
Accounts and notes receivable	-357	226
Inventories	-121	23
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-19	-125
Interest payable	-8	65
Other	-89	-21
Cash Provided By (Used For) Operations - Continuing Operations	1,964	2,274
Cash Provided By (Used For) Operations - Discontinued Operations	27	-20
Cash Provided By (Used For) Operations	1,991	2,254
Investment Activities	'	'
Invested in capital projects	-759	-1,001
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-507	-3,734
Proceeds from divestitures	733	474
Equity investment in Ilim	0	-45
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment	76	0
Other	-33	-115
Cash Provided By (Used For) Investment Activities - Continuing Operations	-490	-4,421
Cash Provided By (Used For) Investment Activities - Discontinued Operations	1	-61
Cash Provided By (Used For) Investment Activities	-489	-4,482
Financing Activities	'	'
Repurchases of common stock and payments of restricted stock tax withholding	-70	-35
Issuance of common stock	288	60
Issuance of debt	212	2,052
Reduction of debt	-637	-2,123
Change in book overdrafts	-65	-52
Dividends paid	-400	-344
Redemption of securities	-150	0
Other	-28	-38
Cash Provided By (Used For) Financing Activities	-850	-480
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	-8	-11
Change in Cash and Temporary Investments	644	-2,719
Cash and Temporary Investments	'	'
Beginning of period	1,302	3,994
End of period	$1,946	$1,275

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION_Note

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Note)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation [Note Text Block]	'
	BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments that are necessary for the fair presentation of International Paper Company’s (International Paper’s, the Company’s or our) financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Except as disclosed herein, such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. Results for the first nine months of the year may not necessarily be indicative of full year results. It is suggested that these consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 which have previously been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

RECENT_ACCOUNTING_DEVELOPMENTS

RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS (Note)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Developments [Note Text Block]	'
	RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS
	Disclosures About Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
	In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU No. 2011-11, "Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities", which amends ASC 210, "Balance Sheet". This ASU requires entities to disclose gross and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and those subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. This would include derivatives and other financial securities arrangements. This guidance was effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after January 1, 2013 and was required to be applied retrospectively. The application of the requirements of this guidance did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
	Intangibles – Goodwill and Other
	In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, "Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment," which amends ASC 350, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other". This ASU gives an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors if it is more likely than not that the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets are less than their carrying amount. If that assessment indicates no impairment, the quantitative impairment test is not required. This amendment was effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The adoption of the provisions of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	Comprehensive Income
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, "Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income," which adds new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. This guidance was effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted the provisions of this guidance in the first quarter of 2013.
	Hedge Accounting
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-10, "Derivatives and Hedging," which amends ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging," to allow entities to use the Fed Funds Swap Rate, in addition to U.S. Treasury rates and LIBOR, as a benchmark interest rate in accounting for fair value and cash flow hedges in the United States. The ASU also eliminates the provision that prohibits the use of different benchmark rates for similar hedges except in rare and justifiable circumstances. The ASU is effective prospectively for qualifying new hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013 and for hedging relationships redesignated on or after that date. The adoption of the provisions of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	Income Taxes
	In July 2013, the FASB also issued ASU 2013-11, "Income Taxes," which provides guidance on financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This guidance should be applied to all unrealized tax benefits that exist as of the effective date which is fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013, and interim periods within those years. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance.

EQUITY_Note

EQUITY (Note)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Equity [Note Text Block]	'
	EQUITY
	A summary of the changes in equity for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is provided below:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2013									2012
	In millions, except per share amounts	Total			Noncontrolling			Total			Total			Noncontrolling			Total
		International			Interests			Equity			International			Interests			Equity
		Paper									Paper
		Shareholders’									Shareholders’
		Equity									Equity
	Balance, January 1	$	6,304		$	332		$	6,636		$	6,645		$	340		$	6,985
	Issuance of stock for various plans, net	418			—			418			144			—			144
	Repurchase of stock	(70		)	—			(70		)	(35		)	—			(35		)
	Common stock dividends ($0.9000 per share in 2013 and $0.7875 per share in 2012)	(409		)	—			(409		)	(353		)	—			(353		)
	Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests by subsidiary	—			(1		)	(1		)	—			(4		)	(4		)
	Noncontrolling interests of acquired entities, net	—			7			7			—			—			—
	Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			—			(2		)	(2		)
	Comprehensive income (loss)	987			(26		)	961			605			5			610
	Ending Balance, September 30	$	7,230		$	312		$	7,542		$	7,006		$	339		$	7,345

COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_COMPREHEN

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Note)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Comprehensive Income [Note Text Block]	'
	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (AOCI)
	The following table presents changes in AOCI for the three-month period ended September 30, 2013:
	In millions	Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Items (a)				Change in Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments (a)			Net Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedging Derivatives (a)			Total (a)
	Balance as of June 30, 2013	$	(3,442	)		$	(592	)	$	(17	)	$	(4,051	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	103				34			7			144
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	76				—			4			80
	Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income	179				34			11			224
	Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	(3,263	)		$	(558	)	$	(6	)	$	(3,827	)
	(a) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI.
	The following table presents changes in AOCI for the three-month period ended September 30, 2012:
	In millions	Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Items (a)				Change in Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments (a)			Net Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedging Derivatives (a)			Total (a)
	Balance as of June 30, 2012	$	(2,730	)		$	(392	)	$	(17	)	$	(3,139	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	4				114			7			125
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	48				—			4			52
	Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income	52				114			11			177
	Balance as of September 30, 2012	$	(2,678	)		$	(278	)	$	(6	)	$	(2,962	)
	(a) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI.
	The following table presents changes in AOCI for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013:
	In millions	Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Items (a)				Change in Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments (a)			Net Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedging Derivatives (a)			Total (a)
	Balance as of January 1, 2013	$	(3,596	)		$	(246	)	$	2		$	(3,840	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	103				(329		)	(3		)	(229		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	230				17			(5		)	242
	Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income	333				(312		)	(8		)	13
	Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	(3,263	)		$	(558	)	$	(6	)	$	(3,827	)
	(a) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI.
	The following table presents changes in AOCI for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012:
	In millions	Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Items (a)				Change in Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments (a)			Net Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedging Derivatives (a)			Total (a)
	Balance as of January 1, 2012	$	(2,852	)		$	(117	)	$	(36	)	$	(3,005	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	28				(126		)	13			(85		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	146				(35		)	17			128
	Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income	174				(161		)	30			43
	Balance as of September 30, 2012	$	(2,678	)		$	(278	)	$	(6	)	$	(2,962	)
	(a) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI.
	The following table presents details of the reclassifications out of AOCI for the three-month period ended September 30, 2013:
	Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (a)				Location of Amount Reclassified from AOCI
	In millions:
	Defined benefit pension and postretirement items:
	Prior-service costs	$	(2	)	(b)	Cost of products sold
	Actuarial gains/(losses)	(123		)	(b)	Cost of products sold
	Total pre-tax amount	(125		)
	Tax (expense)/benefit	49
	Net of tax	$	(76	)
	Net gains and losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	(6	)	(c)	Cost of products sold
	Total pre-tax amount	(6		)
	Tax (expense)/benefit	2
	Net of tax	(4		)
	Total reclassifications for the period	$	(80	)
	(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to earnings/loss.
	(b) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 16 for additional details).
	(c) This accumulated other comprehensive income component is included in our derivatives and hedging activities (see Note 15 for additional details).
	The following table presents details of the reclassifications out of AOCI for the three-month period ended September 30, 2012:
	Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (a)				Location of Amount Reclassified from AOCI
	In millions:
	Defined benefit pension and postretirement items:
	Prior-service costs	$	(1	)	(b)	Cost of products sold
	Actuarial gains/(losses)	(78		)	(b)	Cost of products sold
	Total pre-tax amount	(79		)
	Tax (expense)/benefit	31
	Net of tax	$	(48	)
	Net gains and losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	(6	)	(c)	Cost of products sold
	Total pre-tax amount	(6		)
Tax (expense)/benefit	2
Net of tax	(4		)
Total reclassifications for the period	$	(52	)
(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to earnings/loss.
(b) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 16 for additional details).
(c) This accumulated other comprehensive income component is included in our derivatives and hedging activities (see Note 15 for additional details).
The following table presents details of the reclassifications out of AOCI for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013:
Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (a)				Location of Amount Reclassified from AOCI
In millions
Defined benefit pension and postretirement items:
Prior-service costs	$	(7	)	(b)	Cost of products sold
Actuarial gains/(losses)	(370		)	(b)	Cost of products sold
Total pre-tax amount	(377		)
Tax (expense)/benefit	147
Net of tax	$	(230	)
Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments:
Business acquisition/divestitures	$	(17	)		Net bargain purchase gain on acquisition of business
Tax (expense)/benefit	—
Net of tax	$	(17	)
Net gains and losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:
Foreign exchange contracts	$	7		(c)	Cost of products sold
Total pre-tax amount	7
Tax (expense)/benefit	(2		)
Net of tax	5
Total reclassifications for the period	$	(242	)
(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to earnings/loss.
(b) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 16 for additional details).
(c) This accumulated other comprehensive income component is included in our derivatives and hedging activities (see Note 15 for additional details).
The following table presents details of the reclassifications out of AOCI for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012:
Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (a)				Location of Amount Reclassified from AOCI
In millions
Defined benefit pension and postretirement items:
Prior-service costs	$	(2	)	(b)	Cost of products sold
Actuarial gains/(losses)	(237		)	(b)	Cost of products sold
Total pre-tax amount	(239		)
Tax (expense)/benefit	93
Net of tax	$	(146	)
Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments:
Business acquisitions/divestitures	$	48			Net (gains) losses on sales and impairments of businesses
Tax (expense)/benefit	(13		)
Net of tax	$	35
Net gains and losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:
Foreign exchange contracts	$	(16	)	(c)	Cost of products sold
Natural gas contracts	(11		)	(c)	Cost of products sold
Total pre-tax amount	(27		)
Tax (expense)/benefit	10
Net of tax	(17		)
Total reclassifications for the period	$	(128	)
(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to earnings/loss.
(b) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 16 for additional details).
(c) This accumulated other comprehensive income component is included in our derivatives and hedging activities (see Note 15 for additional details).

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_ATTRIBUTABL

EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY COMMON SHAREHOLDERS (Note)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share [Note Text Block]	'
	EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
	Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share are computed assuming that all potentially dilutive securities, including “in-the-money” stock options, were converted into common shares. A reconciliation of the amounts included in the computation of earnings (loss) per common share, and diluted earnings (loss) per common share is as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
	In millions, except per share amounts	2013		2012		2013		2012
	Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	392	$	223	$	919	$	524
	Effect of dilutive securities (a)	—		—		—		—
	Earnings (loss) from continuing operations – assuming dilution	$	392	$	223	$	919	$	524
	Average common shares outstanding	445.9		435.1		444.1		434.7
	Effect of dilutive securities (a)
	Restricted stock performance share plan	3.6		4.7		4.3		5
	Stock options (b)	0.2		—		0.3		—
	Average common shares outstanding – assuming dilution	449.7		439.8		448.7		439.7
	Basic earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share	$	0.88	$	0.51	$	2.07	$	1.2
	Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share	$	0.87	$	0.51	$	2.05	$	1.19
	(a) Securities are not included in the table in periods when antidilutive.
	(b)	Options to purchase 10.7 million shares for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 9.4 million shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were not included in the computation of diluted common shares outstanding because their exercise price exceeded the average market price of the Company’s common stock for each respective reporting period.

RESTRUCTURING_AND_OTHER_CHARGE

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES (Note)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Related Activities [Note Text Block]	'
	RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES
	2013: During the three months ended September 30, 2013, restructuring and other charges totaling $76 million before taxes ($47 million after taxes) were recorded. Details of these charges were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		30-Sep-13
	In millions	Before-Tax			After-Tax
		Charges			Charges
	Early debt extinguishment costs	$	15		$	9
	xpedx restructuring	6			4
	xpedx transaction costs	11			7
	Courtland mill shutdown	51			31
	Bellevue box plant facility sale	(9		)	(6		)
	Other	2			2
	Total	$	76		$	47
	During the three months ended June 30, 2013, restructuring and other charges totaling a gain of $4 million before taxes ($2 million after taxes) were recorded. Details of these charges were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		30-Jun-13
	In millions	Before-Tax			After-Tax
		Charges			Charges
	Early debt extinguishment costs	$	3		$	2
	Insurance reimbursements	(30		)	(19		)
	xpedx restructuring	17			10
	Other	6			5
	Total	$	(4	)	$	(2	)
	During the three months ended March 31, 2013, restructuring and other charges totaling $59 million before taxes ($36 million after taxes) were recorded. Details of these charges were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-13
	In millions	Before-Tax			After-Tax
		Charges			Charges
	Early debt extinguishment costs	$	6		$	4
	xpedx restructuring	7			4
	Augusta paper machine shutdown	44			27
	Other	2			1
	Total	$	59		$	36
	2012: During the three months ended September 30, 2012, restructuring and other charges totaling $33 million before taxes ($24 million after taxes) were recorded. Details of these charges were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		September 30, 2012
	In millions	Before-Tax			After-Tax
		Charges			Charges
	Early debt extinguishment costs	$	13		$	8
	xpedx restructuring	8			4
	EMEA packaging restructuring	16			11
	Other	(4		)	1
	Total	$	33		$	24
	During the three months ended June 30, 2012, restructuring and other charges totaling $21 million before taxes ($13 million after taxes) were recorded. Details of these charges were as follows:
		Three Months Ended June 30, 2012
	In millions	Before-Tax			After-Tax
		Charges			Charges
	Early debt extinguishment costs	$	10		$	6
	xpedx restructuring	10			6
	Other	1			1
	Total	$	21		$	13
	During the three months ended March 31, 2012, restructuring and other charges totaling $34 million before taxes ($23 million after taxes) were recorded. Details of these charges were as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	In millions	Before-Tax			After-Tax
		Charges			Charges
	Early debt extinguishment costs	$	16		$	10
	xpedx restructuring	19			14
	Other	(1		)	(1		)
	Total	$	34		$	23

ACQUISITIONS_AND_JOINT_VENTURE

ACQUISITIONS AND JOINT VENTURES (Note)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Acquisitions And Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions and Joint Ventures [Note Text Block]	'
	ACQUISITIONS AND JOINT VENTURES
	Acquisitions
	2013: On January 3, 2013, International Paper completed the acquisition (effective date of acquisition on January 1, 2013) of the shares of its joint venture partner, Sabanci Holding, in the Turkish corrugated packaging company, Olmuksa International Paper Sabanci Ambalaj Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. (now called Olmuksan International Paper or Olmuksan), for a purchase price of $56 million. The acquired shares represent 43.7% of Olmuksan's shares. Prior to this acquisition, International Paper held a 43.7% equity interest in Olmuksan.
	Because the transaction resulted in International Paper becoming the majority shareholder, owning 87.4% of Olmuksan's outstanding and issued shares, its completion triggered a mandatory call for tender of the remaining public shares which began in March 2013 and ended in April 2013, with no shares tendered. Also as a result of International Paper taking majority control of the entity, Olmuksan's financial results have been consolidated with the Company's Industrial Packaging segment beginning January 1, 2013, the effective date which International Paper obtained majority control of the entity.
	Following the transaction, the Company's previously held 43.7% equity interest in Olmuksan was remeasured to a fair value of $75 million, resulting in a gain of $9 million. The fair value was estimated by applying the discounted cash flow approach, using a 13% discount rate, long-term sustainable growth rates ranging from 6% to 9% and a corporate tax rate of 20%. In addition, the cumulative translation adjustment balance of $17 million relating to the previously held equity interest was reclassified, as expense, to Net bargain purchase gain on acquisition of business in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations, from accumulated other comprehensive income.
	The preliminary purchase price allocation indicates that the sum of the cash consideration paid, the fair value of the noncontrolling interest and the fair value of the previously held interest is less than the fair value of the underlying assets by $22 million, resulting in a bargain purchase price gain being recorded on this transaction.
	The $17 million reclassification of the cumulative translation balance and $18 million of the estimated bargain purchase gain were recorded in the 2013 first-quarter earnings. The $9 million gain resulting from the measurement of the previously held equity interest and an additional $4 million bargain purchase gain were recorded in 2013 second-quarter earnings and are included in the Net bargain purchase gain on acquisition of business line item in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.
	Due to the timing of the completion of the acquisition, certain assumptions and estimates were used in determining the preliminary purchase price allocation. Those assumptions and estimates primarily relate to the amounts allocated to deferred taxes and contingent liabilities (which are included in Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet), as work is still ongoing as of September 30, 2013 to determine the fair value of those assets and liabilities at the acquisition date. Therefore, the amounts disclosed may change as the purchase price allocation is finalized. The purchase price allocation is expected to be finalized in the fourth quarter of 2013.
	The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired as of January 1, 2013.
	In millions
	Cash and temporary investments	$	5
	Accounts and notes receivable	72
	Inventory	31
	Other current assets	2
	Plants, properties and equipment	105
	Investments	11
	Total assets acquired	226
	Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt	17
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	27
	Deferred income tax liability	4
	Postretirement and postemployment benefit obligation	6
	Total liabilities assumed	54
	Noncontrolling interest	18
	Net assets acquired	$	154
	Pro forma information related to the acquisition of Olmuksan has not been included as it does not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations.
	2012: On February 13, 2012, International Paper completed the acquisition of Temple-Inland Inc. (Temple-Inland). International Paper acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Temple-Inland for $32.00 per share in cash, totaling approximately $3.7 billion, and assumed approximately $700 million in Temple-Inland’s debt. As a condition to allowing the transaction to proceed, the Company entered into an agreement on a proposed Final Judgment with the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) that required the Company to divest three containerboard mills, with approximately 970,000 tons of aggregate containerboard capacity. On July 2, 2012, International Paper finalized the sales of its Ontario and Oxnard (Hueneme), California containerboard mills to New-Indy Containerboard LLC, and its New Johnsonville, Tennessee containerboard mill to Hood Container Corporation. By completing these transactions, the Company satisfied its divestiture obligations under the Final Judgment. See Note 8 for further details of these divestitures.
	Temple-Inland's results of operations are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition on February 13, 2012.
	The following summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired as of February 13, 2012, which was finalized in the fourth quarter of 2012.
	In millions
	Accounts and notes receivable	$	466
	Inventory	484
	Deferred income tax assets – current	140
	Other current assets	57
	Plants, properties and equipment	2,911
	Financial assets of special purpose entities	2,091
	Goodwill	2,139
	Other intangible assets	693
	Deferred charges and other assets	54
	Total assets acquired	9,035
	Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt	130
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	704
	Long-term debt	527
	Nonrecourse financial liabilities of special purpose entities	2,030
	Deferred income tax liability	1,252
	Pension benefit obligation	338
	Postretirement and postemployment benefit obligation	99
	Other liabilities	221
	Total liabilities assumed	5,301
	Net assets acquired	$	3,734
	The identifiable intangible assets acquired in connection with the Temple-Inland acquisition included the following:
	In millions	Estimated			Average
		Fair  Value			Remaining
					Useful Life
					(at acquisition date)
	Asset Class:
	Customer relationships	$	536		12-17 years
	Developed technology	8			5-10 years
	Tradenames	109			Indefinite
	Favorable contracts	14			4-7 years
	Non-compete agreement	26			2 years
	Total	$	693
	In connection with the purchase price allocation, inventories were written up by approximately $20 million before taxes ($12 million after taxes) to their estimated fair value. As the related inventories were sold in the 2012 first quarter, this amount was expensed in Cost of products sold for the quarter.
	Additionally, Selling and administrative expenses included $24 million ($15 million after taxes) and $50 million ($31 million after taxes), for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and $58 million ($34 million after taxes) and $136 million ($89 million after taxes), for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, in charges for integration costs associated with the acquisition.
The following unaudited pro forma information for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 represents the results of operations of International Paper as if the Temple-Inland acquisition had occurred as of January 1, 2012. This information does not purport to represent International Paper’s actual results of operations if the transaction described above would have occurred on January 1, 2012, nor is it necessarily indicative of future results.
In millions, except per share amounts		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-12
Net sales		$	21,050
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (a)		567
Net earnings (loss) (a)		602
Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share (a)		1.29
Diluted net earnings (loss) per common share (a)		1.37
(a) Attributable to International Paper Company common shareholders.
Joint Ventures
2013: On January 14, 2013, International Paper and Brazilian corrugated packaging producer, Jari Celulose, Papel e Embalagens S.A. (Jari), a Grupo Orsa company, formed Orsa International Paper Embalagens S.A. (Orsa IP). The new entity, in which International Paper holds a 75% stake, includes three containerboard mills and four box plants, which make up Jari's former industrial packaging assets. This acquisition supports the Company's strategy of growing its global packaging presence and better serving its global customer base.
The value of International Paper's investment in Orsa IP is approximately $471 million. Because International Paper acquired majority control of the joint venture, Orsa IP's financial results have been consolidated with our Industrial Packaging segment from the date of formation on January 14, 2013.
Due to the timing of the completion of the acquisition, certain assumptions and estimates were used in determining the preliminary purchase price allocation. Those assumptions and estimates primarily relate to the amounts allocated to deferred taxes and postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations, as work is still ongoing as of September 30, 2013 to determine the fair value of those assets and liabilities at the acquisition date. Therefore, the amount disclosed may change materially as the purchase price allocation is refined. The purchase price allocation is expected to be finalized during the fourth quarter of 2013.
The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired as of January 14, 2013.
In millions
Cash and temporary investments	$	16
Accounts and notes receivable, net	5
Inventory	27
Plants, properties and equipment	290
Goodwill	220
Other intangible assets	110
Other long-term assets	3
Total assets acquired	671
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	10
Deferred income tax liability	56
Total liabilities assumed	66
Noncontrolling interest	134
Net assets acquired	$	471
The identifiable intangible assets acquired in connection with the Orsa IP acquisition included the following:
In millions	Estimated			Average
	Fair  Value			Remaining
				Useful Life
				(at acquisition date)
Asset Class:
Customer relationships	$	88		12 years
Trademark	3			6 years
Wood supply agreement	19			25 years
Total	$	110
Pro forma information related to the acquisition of Orsa IP has not been included as it does not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations.
Due to the complex organizational structure of Orsa IP's operations, and the extended time required to prepare consolidated financial information in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, the Company reports its share of Orsa IP's operating results on a one-month lag basis.

BUSINESSES_HELD_FOR_SALE_DIVES

BUSINESSES HELD FOR SALE, DIVESTITURES AND IMPAIRMENTS (Note)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Businesses Held for Sale, Divestitures and Impairments [Note Text Block]	'
	BUSINESSES HELD FOR SALE, DIVESTITURES AND IMPAIRMENTS
	Discontinued Operations
	On July 19, 2013, the Company finalized the sale of its Temple-Inland Building Products division, which included 15 manufacturing facilities, to Georgia-Pacific Building Products, LLC for approximately $733 million in cash, including preliminary customary closing adjustments.
	On April 1, 2013, the Company finalized the sale of Temple-Inland's 50% interest in Del-Tin Fiber L.L.C. (Del-Tin) to joint venture partner Deltic Timber Corporation (Deltic) for $20 million in assumed liabilities and cash. Accordingly, the Del-Tin assets (which included a manufacturing facility) were excluded from the sale to Georgia-Pacific and the purchase price under our sale agreement with Georgia-Pacific was adjusted from $750 million to $710 million.
	The operating results of the Temple-Inland Building Products business have been included in Discontinued operations from the date of acquisition. The assets of this business, totaling $759 million at December 31, 2012 are included in Assets of businesses held for sale in current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2012. Included in this amount is $26 million and $153 million related to goodwill and intangibles, respectively. The liabilities of this business, totaling $44 million at December 31, 2012 are included in Liabilities of businesses held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2012.
	Other Divestitures and Impairments
	2012: During the three months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $19 million ($49 million after taxes) for additional costs associated with the divestiture of its Ontario and Oxnard (Hueneme), California containerboard mills and its New Johnsonville, Tennessee containerboard mill. Also during the three months ended September 30, 2012, a net gain of $1 million, before and after taxes, was recorded for other items.
	As referenced in Note 7, on July 2, 2012, International Paper finalized the sales of its Ontario and Oxnard (Hueneme), California containerboard mills to New-Indy Containerboard LLC, and its New Johnsonville, Tennessee containerboard mill to Hood Container Corporation. A pre-tax charge of $9 million ($5 million after taxes) was recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2012 for costs associated with the divestiture of these three containerboard mills. Also, in anticipation of the divestiture of the Hueneme mill in Oxnard, California, a pre-tax charge of $62 million ($38 million after taxes) was recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2012 to adjust the long-lived assets of the mill to their fair value.
	Also during the three months ended June 30, 2012, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $6 million ($4 million after taxes) to adjust the previously estimated loss on the sale of the Company's Shorewood business.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain of $7 million ($6 million after taxes) to adjust the previously estimated loss on the sale of the Company’s Shorewood business. The sale of the Shorewood non-U.S. business was completed in January 2012.
	All of the charges discussed above are included in Net (gains) losses on sales and impairments of businesses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

SUPPLEMENTAL_FINANCIAL_STATEME

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Note)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Note Text Block]	'
	SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION
	Temporary Investments
	In millions	30-Sep-13			31-Dec-12
	Temporary investments	$	1,545		$	934
	Accounts and Notes Receivable
	In millions	30-Sep-13			31-Dec-12
	Accounts and notes receivable, net:
	Trade	$	3,717		$	3,316
	Other	307			246
	Total	$	4,024		$	3,562
	Inventories
	In millions	30-Sep-13			31-Dec-12
	Raw materials	$	410		$	360
	Finished pulp, paper and packaging	1,792			1,728
	Operating supplies	571			588
	Other	68			54
	Total	$	2,841		$	2,730
	Depreciation Expense
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	In millions	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Depreciation expense	$	365		$	347		$	1,081		$	1,045
	Valuation Accounts
	Certain valuation accounts were as follows:
	In millions	30-Sep-13			31-Dec-12
	Accumulated depreciation	$	19,826		$	18,934
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	138			119
	During the second quarter of 2013, a reserve of $28 million on $42 million of total receivables from a large envelope company was recorded due to their filing for bankruptcy protection in June 2013. The reserve is based on the Company's estimate of ultimate expected losses associated with the outstanding receivable balance.
	There was no material activity related to asset retirement obligations during either of the nine months ended September 30, 2013 or 2012.
	Interest
	Cash payments related to interest were as follows:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
	In millions	2013			2012
	Interest payments	$	537		$	496
	Amounts related to interest were as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	In millions	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Interest expense (a)	$	162		$	197		$	520		$	559
	Interest income (a)	15			34			41			56
	Capitalized interest costs	4			10			12			29
	(a)	Interest expense and interest income exclude approximately $11 million and $35 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and $15 million and $35 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, related to investments in and borrowings from variable interest entities for which the Company has a legal right of offset (see Note 13).
	Postretirement Benefit Expense
	The components of the Company’s postretirement benefit expense were as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	In millions	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	—		$	1		$	1		$	2
	Interest cost	4			5			11			15
	Actuarial loss	2			3			5			8
	Amortization of prior service credit	(6		)	(8		)	(18		)	(22		)
	Net postretirement benefit expense	$	—		$	1		$	(1	)	$	3

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLES

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Note)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangibles [Note Text Block]	'
	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
	Goodwill
	The following table presents changes in goodwill balances as allocated to each business segment for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013:
	In millions	Industrial				Printing				Consumer			Distribution		Total
		Packaging				Papers				Packaging
	Balance as of January 1, 2013
	Goodwill	$	3,165			$	2,396			$	1,783		$	400	$	7,744
	Accumulated impairment losses (a)	—				(1,765		)		(1,664		)	—		(3,429		)
		3,165				631				119			400		4,315
	Reclassifications and other (b)	(13		)		(49		)		2			—		(60		)
	Additions/reductions	253			(c)	(17		)	(d)	—			—		236
	Balance as of September 30, 2013
	Goodwill	3,405				2,330				1,785			400		7,920
	Accumulated impairment losses (a)	—				(1,765		)		(1,664		)	—		(3,429		)
	Total	$	3,405			$	565			$	121		$	400	$	4,491
	(a)	Represents accumulated goodwill impairment charges since the adoption of ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other” in 2002.
	(b)	Represents the effects of foreign currency translations and reclassifications.
	(c)	Reflects $220 million for Orsa IP, the newly formed joint venture in Brazil, and the adjustment of $54 million ($33 million after-tax impact to goodwill) previously included as a trade name intangible asset in Deferred Charges and Other Assets on the balance sheet.
	(d)	Reflects a reduction from tax benefits generated by the deduction of goodwill amortization for tax purposes in Brazil.
	Other Intangibles
	Identifiable intangible assets comprised the following:
		30-Sep-13								31-Dec-12
	In millions	Gross				Accumulated				Gross			Accumulated
		Carrying				Amortization				Carrying			Amortization
		Amount								Amount
	Customer relationships and lists	$	634			$	138			$	644		$	112
	Non-compete agreements	76				41				83			30
	Tradenames, patents and trademarks	77				18				144			16
	Land and water rights	75				7				87			6
	Fuel and power agreements	11				6				17			12
	Software	24				22				22			19
	Other	49				27				83			19
	Total	$	946			$	259			$	1,080		$	214
	The Company recognized the following amounts as amortization expense related to intangible assets:
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
	In millions	2013				2012				2013			2012
	Amortization expense related to intangible assets	$	30			$	28			$	66		$	43

INCOME_TAXES_Note

INCOME TAXES (Note)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes [Note Text Block]	'
	INCOME TAXES
	International Paper made income tax payments, net of refunds, as follows:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
	In millions	2013			2012
	Income tax payments, net	$	224		$	41
	The following table presents a rollforward of unrecognized tax benefits and related accrued estimated interest and penalties for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
	In millions	Unrecognized			Accrued Estimated
		Tax Benefits			Interest and Tax
					Penalties
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	(972	)	$	(104	)
	Activity for three months ended March 31, 2013	99			20
	Activity for the three months ended June 30, 2013	6			1
	Activity for the three months ended September 30, 2013	29			13
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(838	)	$	(70	)
	The Company currently estimates that, as a result of ongoing discussions, pending tax settlements and expirations of statutes of limitations, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could be reduced by approximately $720 million during the next 12 months and approximately $650 million of this reduction will positively impact the effective rate.
	Included in the Company’s income tax provisions for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, are $197 million and $81 million of income tax benefits, respectively, related to special items. The components of the net provision related to special items were as follows:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
	In millions	2013			2012
	Special items	$	(77	)	$	(87	)
	Tax-related adjustments:
	Temple-Inland acquisition	—			3
	IRS audit settlement	(122		)	—
	Mexican business restructuring	—			3
	Other	2			—
	Income tax provision (benefit) related to special items	$	(197	)	$	(81	)

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies [Note Text Block]	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Environmental Proceedings
	International Paper has been named as a potentially responsible party in environmental remediation actions under various federal and state laws, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). Many of these proceedings involve the cleanup of hazardous substances at large commercial landfills that received waste from many different sources. While joint and several liability is authorized under CERCLA and equivalent state laws, as a practical matter, liability for CERCLA cleanups is typically allocated among the many potential responsible parties. Remedial costs are recorded in the consolidated financial statements when they become probable and reasonably estimable. International Paper has estimated the probable liability associated with these matters to be approximately $95 million in the aggregate.
	Cass Lake: One of the matters referenced above is a closed wood treating facility located in Cass Lake, Minnesota. During 2009, in connection with an environmental site remediation action under CERCLA, International Paper submitted to the EPA a site remediation feasibility study. In June 2011, the EPA selected and published a proposed soil remedy at the site with an estimated cost of $46 million. The overall remediation reserve for the site is currently $52 million to address this selection of an alternative for the soil remediation component of the overall site remedy. In October 2011, the EPA released a public statement indicating that the final soil remedy decision would be delayed. In the unlikely event that the EPA changes its proposed soil remedy and approves instead a more expensive clean-up alternative, the remediation costs could be material, and significantly higher than amounts currently recorded. In October 2012, the Natural Resource Trustees for this site provided notice to International Paper and other potentially responsible parties of their intent to perform a Natural Resource Damage Assessment. It is premature to predict the outcome of the assessment or to estimate a loss or range of loss, if any, which may be incurred.
	Other: In addition to the above matters, other remediation costs typically associated with the cleanup of hazardous substances at the Company’s current, closed or formerly-owned facilities, and recorded as liabilities on the balance sheet, totaled approximately $43 million at September 30, 2013. Other than as described above, completion of required remedial actions is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	Kalamazoo River: The Company is a potentially responsible party with respect to the Allied Paper, Inc./Portage Creek/Kalamazoo River Superfund Site (Kalamazoo River Superfund Site) in Michigan. The EPA asserts that the site is contaminated primarily by PCBs as a result of discharges from various paper mills located along the Kalamazoo River, including a paper mill formerly owned by St. Regis Paper Co. (St. Regis). The Company is a successor in interest to St. Regis. The Company has not received any orders from the EPA with respect to the site and continues to collect information from the EPA and other parties relative to the site to evaluate the extent of its liability, if any, with respect to the site. Accordingly, it is premature to estimate a loss or range of loss with respect to this site.
	Also in connection with the Kalamazoo River Superfund Site, the Company was named as a defendant by Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP, Fort James Corporation and Georgia Pacific LLC in a contribution and cost recovery action for alleged pollution at the site. The suit seeks contribution under CERCLA for $79 million in costs purportedly expended by plaintiffs as of the filing of the complaint and for future remediation costs. The suit alleges that a mill, during the time it was allegedly owned and operated by St. Regis, discharged PCB contaminated solids and paper residuals resulting from paper de-inking and recycling. Also named as defendants in the suit are NCR Corporation and Weyerhaeuser Company. In mid-2011, the suit was transferred from the District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin to the District Court for the Western District of Michigan. The trial of the initial liability phase took place in February 2013. Weyerhaeuser conceded prior to trial that it was a liable party with respect to the site. In September 2013, an opinion and order was issued in the suit. The order concluded that the Company (as the successor to St. Regis) was an "owner" of the mill at issue during a portion of the relevant period and is therefore liable under CERCLA. The order also determined that NCR is a liable party as an "arranger for disposal" of PCBs in waste paper that was de-inked and recycled by mills along the Kalamazoo River. The order did not address the Company's responsibility, if any, for costs for which plaintiffs in the suit are seeking recovery. This will be the subject of a separate trial. The Company thus believes it is premature to predict the outcome or to estimate a loss or range of loss, if any, which may be incurred.
	Harris County: International Paper and McGinnis Industrial Maintenance Corporation, a subsidiary of Waste Management, Inc., are potentially responsible parties at the San Jacinto River Waste Pits Superfund Site (San Jacinto River Superfund Site) in Harris County, Texas, and have been actively participating in investigation and remediation activities at this Superfund site. In December 2011, Harris County, Texas filed a suit against the Company in Harris County District Court seeking civil penalties with regard to the alleged discharge of dioxin into the San Jacinto River since 1965 from waste impoundments that are part of the San Jacinto River Superfund Site. Also named as defendants in this action are McGinnis Industrial Maintenance Corporation, Waste Management, Inc. and Waste Management of Texas Inc. Harris County is seeking civil penalties pursuant to the Texas Water Code, which provides for the imposition of civil penalties between $50 and $25,000 per day. The case is in the discovery phase and it is therefore premature to predict the outcome or to estimate our maximum reasonably possible loss. However, we do not believe that any material loss is probable.
	In October 2012, a civil lawsuit was filed against the same defendants, including the Company, in the District Court of Harris County by what are now 659 plaintiffs seeking medical monitoring and damages with regard to the alleged discharge of dioxin into the San Jacinto River since 1965 from waste impoundments that are a part of the San Jacinto Superfund Site. This case is in the discovery phase and it is therefore premature to predict the outcome or to estimate a loss or range of loss, if any, which may be incurred. In December 2012, residents of an up-river neighborhood filed a civil action against the same defendants, including the Company, in the District Court of Harris County alleging property damage and personal injury from the alleged discharge of dioxin into the San Jacinto River from the San Jacinto Superfund Site. This case is in the discovery phase and it is therefore premature to predict the outcome or to estimate a loss or range of loss, if any, which may be incurred.
	Bogalusa: In August 2011, Temple-Inland's Bogalusa, Louisiana paper mill experienced an upset condition that resulted in a fish kill on the Pearl River (the Bogalusa Incident). Louisiana and Mississippi state regulatory agencies and the U.S. Department of Justice (the DOJ) initiated enforcement actions against Temple-Inland as a result of the Bogalusa Incident. We have resolved the Louisiana and Mississippi enforcement matters and paid approximately $3 million in penalties.
	The DOJ investigation into the Bogalusa Incident was resolved in the second quarter of 2013 upon federal court approval of a criminal plea agreement between Temple-Inland subsidiary, TIN Inc., and the DOJ. Under the plea agreement, TIN pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor environmental offenses, paid a $3.3 million financial penalty, and agreed to a two-year corporate probation period.
	The Bogalusa mill also expects the LDEQ to levy a civil penalty resulting from (i) alleged environmental violations identified in an LDEQ environmental audit conducted immediately after the Bogalusa Incident, and (ii) air permit deviations self-disclosed by the mill in 2012.
	Temple-Inland (or its affiliates) was a defendant in 28 civil lawsuits in Louisiana and Mississippi related to the Bogalusa Incident. Fifteen of these civil cases were filed in Louisiana state court shortly after the incident and were removed and consolidated in an action then pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana along with a civil case originally filed in that court. During August 2012, an additional 13 causes of action were filed in federal or state court in Mississippi and Louisiana. In October 2012, International Paper and the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee, the group of attorneys appointed by the Louisiana federal court to organize and coordinate the efforts of all the plaintiffs in this litigation, reached a tentative understanding on key structural terms and an amount for resolution of the litigation. The court granted preliminary approval for the proposed class action settlement on December 19, 2012. There were no opt-outs and four objections which were all later withdrawn. The Fairness Hearing was held July 10, 2013, and the court issued its Final Order and Judgment Approving Class Action Settlement the same day. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the class action settlement was deemed final on August 9, 2013. We funded the settlement in September 2013. This settlement did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	Legal Proceedings
	Antitrust: In September 2010, eight containerboard producers, including International Paper and Temple-Inland, were named as defendants in a purported class action complaint that alleged a civil violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act. The suit is captioned Kleen Products LLC v. Packaging Corp. of America (N.D. Ill.). The complaint alleges that the defendants, beginning in August 2005 through November 2010, conspired to limit the supply and thereby increase prices of containerboard products. The alleged class is all persons who purchased containerboard products directly from any defendant for use or delivery in the United States during the period August 2005 to the present. The complaint seeks to recover an unspecified amount of treble actual damages and attorney’s fees on behalf of the purported class. Four similar complaints were filed and have been consolidated in the Northern District of Illinois. Moreover, in January 2011, International Paper was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed in state court in Cocke County, Tennessee alleging that International Paper violated Tennessee law by conspiring to limit the supply and fix the prices of containerboard from mid-2005 to the present. Plaintiffs in the state court action seek certification of a class of Tennessee indirect purchasers of containerboard products, damages and costs, including attorneys’ fees. The Company disputes the allegations made and intends to vigorously defend each action. However, because the Kleen Products case is in the discovery phase and the Tennessee action is in the preliminary stages, we are unable to predict an outcome or estimate a range of reasonably possible loss.
	In late December 2012, purchasers of gypsum board filed purported class action complaints alleging civil violations of Section 1 of the Sherman Act against Temple-Inland and a number of other gypsum manufacturers in three separate actions. Two of the actions were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (E.D. PA) and one in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (N.D. IL). The case in the N.D. IL was voluntarily dismissed in December. Since that time, approximately 25 additional actions were collectively filed between the E.D. PA and the N.D. IL and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina (W.D. NC), on behalf of direct and indirect purchasers. The complaints are similar and allege that the gypsum manufacturers conspired or otherwise reached agreements to: (1) raise prices of gypsum board either from 2008 or 2011 through the present; (2) avoid price erosion by ceasing the practice of issuing job quotes; and (3) restrict supply through downtime and limit order fulfillment. The alleged classes are all persons who purchased gypsum board and/or gypsum finishing products directly or indirectly from any defendant and the conspiracy is alleged to have commenced on or before either September 2011 or January 2008. The complainants seek to recover unspecified treble actual damages and attorneys' fees on behalf of the purported classes. On April 8, 2013, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ordered transfer of all pending cases to E.D. PA for coordinated and consolidated pretrial proceedings, and the direct purchaser plaintiffs and indirect purchaser plaintiffs filed their respective amended consolidated complaints in June 2013. The amended consolidated complaints allege a conspiracy or agreement beginning in or before September 2011. The Company disputes the allegations made and intends to vigorously defend the consolidated action. In addition, in September 2013, purported class actions were filed in courts in Quebec, Canada and Ontario, Canada, with each suit alleging violations of the Canadian Competition Act and seeking damages and injunctive relief. The Company has not yet filed an answer in either case, but intends to dispute the allegations made and to vigorously defend the litigation. Because the U.S. cases are in the discovery phase and the Canadian cases are in a preliminary stage, we are unable to predict an outcome or estimate our maximum reasonably possible loss. However, we do not believe that any material loss is probable.
	Guaranty Bank: As we have previously disclosed, Temple-Inland was named as a defendant in a lawsuit captioned North Port Firefighters’ Pension v. Temple-Inland Inc., filed in November 2011 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas and subsequently amended. The lawsuit alleges a class action against Temple-Inland and certain individual defendants contending that Temple-Inland and certain individual defendants misrepresented the financial condition of Guaranty Financial Group during the period December 12, 2007 through August 24, 2009. On June 20, 2012, all defendants in the lawsuit filed motions to dismiss the amended complaint. On March 28, 2013, the district court granted Temple-Inland's and the individual defendants' motions to dismiss without prejudice. On April 26, 2013, the plaintiff filed a Second Amended Complaint that asserted claims against the individual defendants, but did not assert any claims against Temple-Inland. On July 30, 2013, the district court dismissed the Second Amended Complaint filed against the individual defendants with prejudice, also noting that since the plaintiff did not seek the court's leave to amend its complaint with respect to the claims against Temple-Inland, all claims against Temple-Inland were dismissed with prejudice. On August 27, 2013, the plaintiff filed a notice of appeal of the district court's ruling.
	Certain of the individual defendants in the North Port litigation have requested advancement of their costs of defense from Temple-Inland and have asserted a right to indemnification by Temple-Inland. We believe that all or part of these defense costs would be covered losses under Temple-Inland’s directors and officers insurance. The carriers under the applicable policies have been notified of the claims and each has responded with a reservation of rights letter.
	Tax: The Company is currently being challenged by Brazilian tax authorities concerning the statute of limitations related to the use of certain tax credits. The Company is appealing an unfavorable March 2012 administrative court ruling. The potential loss to the Company in the event of a final unfavorable outcome is approximately $29 million.
	General: The Company is involved in various other inquiries, administrative proceedings and litigation relating to environmental and safety matters, labor and employment, personal injury, property damage, contracts, sales of property, and other matters, some of which allege substantial monetary damages. While any proceeding or litigation has the element of uncertainty, the Company believes that the outcome of any of the lawsuits or claims that are pending or threatened or all of them combined (other than those that cannot be assessed due to their preliminary nature) will not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

VARIABLE_INTEREST_ENTITIES_AND

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES AND PREFERRED SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARIES (Note)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Variable Interest Entities And Preferred Securities Of Subsidiaries [Abstract]	'
Variable Interest Entities and Preferred Securities of Subsidiaries [Note Text Block]	'
	VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES AND PREFERRED SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARIES
	Variable Interest Entities
	In connection with the 2006 sale of approximately 5.6 million acres of forestlands, International Paper received installment notes (the Timber Notes) totaling approximately $4.8 billion. The Timber Notes, which do not require principal payments prior to their August 2016 maturity, are supported by irrevocable letters of credit obtained by the buyers of the forestlands.
	During 2006, International Paper contributed the Timber Notes to newly formed entities (the Borrower Entities) in exchange for Class A and Class B interests in these entities. Subsequently, International Paper contributed its $200 million Class A interests in the Borrower Entities, along with approximately $400 million of International Paper promissory notes, to other newly formed entities (the Investor Entities, and together with the Borrower Entities, the Entities) in exchange for Class A and Class B interests in these entities, and simultaneously sold its Class A interest in the Investor Entities to a third party investor. As a result, at December 31, 2006, International Paper held Class B interests in the Borrower Entities and Class B interests in the Investor Entities valued at approximately $5.0 billion. International Paper did not provide any financial support that was not previously contractually required for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012.
	Following the 2006 sale of forestlands and creation of the Entities discussed above, the Timber Notes were used as collateral for borrowings from third party lenders, which effectively monetized the Timber Notes. Provisions of certain loan agreements require any bank issuing letters of credit supporting the Timber Notes to maintain a credit rating at or above a specified threshold. In the event the credit rating of a letter of credit bank is downgraded below the specified threshold, the letters of credit must be replaced within 60 days with letters of credit from a qualifying financial institution or for one of the letter of credit banks, collateral must be posted. The Company, retained to provide management services for the third-party entities that hold the Timber Notes, has, as required by the loan agreements, successfully replaced banks that fell below the specified threshold.
	Also during 2006, the Entities acquired approximately $4.8 billion of International Paper debt obligations for cash, resulting in a total of approximately $5.2 billion of International Paper debt obligations held by the Entities at December 31, 2006. The various agreements entered into in connection with these transactions provide that International Paper has, and intends to affect, a legal right to offset its obligation under these debt instruments with its investments in the Entities. Accordingly, for financial reporting purposes, International Paper has offset approximately $5.2 billion of Class B interests in the Entities against $5.3 billion of International Paper debt obligations held by these Entities at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Despite the offset treatment, these remain debt obligations of International Paper. Remaining borrowings of $76 million and $79 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, are included in Long-term debt in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Additional debt related to the above transaction of $79 million is included in Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
	On October 7, 2011, Moody’s Investor Services reduced its credit rating of senior unsecured long-term debt of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc, which issued letters of credit that support $1.6 billion of Timber Notes, below the specified threshold. On November 22, 2011, letters of credit worth $707 million were replaced by another qualifying institution. The Company and the third party managing member agreed to extend the 60 day deadline, and then, on February 10, 2012, letters of credit worth $135 million were replaced by another qualifying institution. Fees of $5 million were incurred in connection with these replacements. The Company and the third party managing member instituted a replacement waiver for the remaining $797 million, and then on July 25, 2012, these letters of credit were successfully replaced by another qualifying institution. In the event the credit rating of the letter of credit bank is downgraded below a specified threshold, the new bank is required to provide credit support for its obligation. Fees of $5 million were incurred in connection with this replacement.
	On January 23, 2012, Standard and Poor's reduced its credit rating of senior unsecured long-term debt of Société Générale SA, which issued letters of credit that support $666 million of the Timber Notes, below the specified threshold. The letters of credit were successfully replaced by another qualifying institution. Fees of $5 million were incurred in connection with this replacement.
	On June 21, 2012, Moody's Investor Services reduced its credit rating of senior unsecured long-term debt of BNP Paribas, which issued letters of credit that support $707 million of Timber Notes, below the specified threshold. On December 19, 2012, the Company and the third-party managing member agreed to a continuing replacement waiver for these letters of credit, terminable upon 30 days notice.
	Activity between the Company and the Entities was as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
	In millions	2013		2012		2013		2012
	Revenue (a)	$	11	$	15	$	35	$	35
	Expense (a)	20		28		61		68
	Cash receipts (b)	14		21		33		36
	Cash payments (c)	39		47		84		87
	(a)	The net expense related to the Company’s interest in the Entities is included in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations, as International Paper has and intends to affect its legal right to offset as discussed above.
	(b)	The cash receipts are equity distributions from the Entities to International Paper.
	(c)	The semi-annual payments are related to interest on the associated debt obligations discussed above.
	Based on an analysis of the Entities discussed above under guidance that considers the potential magnitude of the variability in the structures and which party has a controlling financial interest, International Paper determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the Entities, and therefore, does not consolidate its investments in these entities. It was also determined that the source of variability in the structures is the value of the Timber Notes, the assets most significantly impacting the structure’s economic performance. The credit quality of the Timber Notes is supported by irrevocable letters of credit obtained by third party buyers which are 100% cash collateralized. International Paper analyzed which party has control over the economic performance of each entity, and concluded International Paper does not have control over significant decisions surrounding the Timber Notes and letters of credit and therefore is not the primary beneficiary. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss equals the value of the Timber Notes; however, an analysis performed by the Company concluded the likelihood of this exposure is remote.
	International Paper also held a variable interest in financing entities that were used to monetize long-term notes received from the sale of forestlands in 2002. International Paper transferred notes (the Monetized Notes, with an original maturity of 10 years from inception) and cash having a value of approximately $500 million to the entities in exchange for preferred interests, and accounted for the transfers as a sale of the notes with no associated gain or loss. In the same period, the entities acquired approximately $500 million of International Paper debt obligations for cash. International Paper has no obligation to make any further capital contributions to these entities and did not provide any financial support that was not previously contractually required during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012.
	During 2011 and the six months ended June 30, 2012, the 2002 Monetized Notes matured. Cash receipts upon maturity were used to pay the associated debt obligations. Effective June 1, 2012, International Paper liquidated its interest in the 2002 financing entities.
	The use of the above entities facilitated the monetization of the credit enhanced Timber and Monetized Notes in a cost effective manner by increasing the borrowing capacity and lowering the interest rate while continuing to preserve the tax deferral that resulted from the forestlands installment sales and the offset accounting treatment described above.
	In connection with the acquisition of Temple-Inland in February 2012, two special purpose entities became wholly-owned subsidiaries of International Paper.
	In October 2007, Temple-Inland sold 1.55 million acres of timberland for $2.38 billion. The total consideration consisted almost entirely of notes due in 2027 issued by the buyer of the timberland, which Temple-Inland contributed to two wholly-owned, bankruptcy-remote special purpose entities. The notes are shown in Financial assets of special purpose entities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and are supported by $2.38 billion of irrevocable letters of credit issued by three banks, which are required to maintain minimum credit ratings on their long-term debt. In the third quarter of 2012, International Paper completed its preliminary analysis of the acquisition date fair value of the notes and determined it to be$2.09 billion. As of September 30, 2013, the fair value of the notes was $2.51 billion.
	In December 2007, Temple-Inland’s two wholly-owned special purpose entities borrowed $2.14 billion shown in Nonrecourse financial liabilities of special purpose entities. The loans are repayable in 2027 and are secured only by the $2.38 billion of notes and the irrevocable letters of credit securing the notes and are nonrecourse to us. The loan agreements provide that if a credit rating of any of the banks issuing the letters of credit is downgraded below the specified threshold, the letters of credit issued by that bank must be replaced within 30 days with letters of credit from another qualifying financial institution. In the third quarter of 2012, International Paper completed its preliminary analysis of the acquisition date fair value of the borrowings and determined it to be $2.03 billion. As of September 30, 2013, the fair value of this debt was $2.39 billion.
	On January 23, 2012, Standard and Poor's reduced its credit rating of senior unsecured long-term debt of Société Générale SA, which issued letters of credit that support $506 million of the 2007 Monetized Notes, below the specific threshold. These letters of credit were successfully replaced by another qualifying institution. Fees of $2 million were incurred in connection with this replacement.
	On June 21, 2012, Moody's Investor Services reduced its credit rating of senior unsecured long-term debt of Barclays Bank PLC, which issued letters of credit that support approximately $500 million of the 2007 Monetized Notes, below the specified threshold. These letters of credit were successfully replaced by another qualifying institution. Fees of $6 million were incurred in connection with this replacement.
	Activity between the Company and the 2007 financing entities was as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
	In millions	2013		2012		2013		2012
	Revenue (a)	$	6	$	15	$	20	$	21
	Expense (b)	7		11		22		20
	Cash receipts (c)	2		3		6		10
	Cash payments (d)	5		6		16		16
	(a)	The revenue is included in Interest expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations and includes approximately $5 million and $14 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and $12 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, of accretion income for the amortization of the purchase accounting adjustment on the Financial assets of special purpose entities.
	(b)	The expense is included in Interest expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations and includes approximately $2 million and $5 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and $5 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, of accretion expense for the amortization of the purchase accounting adjustment on the Nonrecourse financial liabilities of special purpose entities.
	(c)	The cash receipts are interest received on the Financial assets of special purpose entities.
	(d)	The cash payments are interest paid on Nonrecourse financial liabilities of special purpose entities.
	Preferred Securities of Subsidiaries
	In March 2003, Southeast Timber, Inc. (Southeast Timber), a consolidated subsidiary of International Paper, issued $150 million of preferred securities to a private investor with future dividend payments based on LIBOR. Southeast Timber, which through a subsidiary initially held approximately 1.5 million acres of forestlands in the southern United States, was International Paper’s primary vehicle for sales of southern forestlands. As of September 30, 2013, substantially all of these forestlands have been sold. On March 27, 2013, Southeast Timber redeemed its Class A common shares owned by the private investor for $150 million. As a result, Noncontrolling interests decreased by $150 million in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Distributions paid to the third-party investor were $1 million and $4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The expense related to these preferred securities is shown in Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

DEBT_Note

DEBT (Note)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt [Note Text Block]	'
	DEBT
	Amounts related to early debt extinguishment during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
	In millions	2013		2012		2013		2012
	Early debt reductions (a)	$	442	$	611	$	500	$	1,047
	Pre-tax early debt extinguishment costs (b)	15		13		24		39
	(a)	Reductions related to notes with interest rates ranging from 5.45% to 7.40% with original maturities from 2014 to 2033 and from 1.63% to 6.95% with original maturities from 2017 to 2023 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and 5.20% to 7.95% with original maturities from 2014 to 2033 and from 1.63% to 7.95% with original maturities from 2012 to 2023 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively.
	(b)	Amounts are included in Restructuring and Other Charges in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
	In February 2012, International Paper borrowed $1.2 billion under a term loan with an initial interest rate of LIBOR plus a margin of 138 basis points that varied depending on the credit rating of the Company and entered into a $200 million term loan with an interest rate of LIBOR plus a margin of 175 basis points, both with maturity dates in 2017. The proceeds from these borrowings were used, along with available cash, to fund the acquisition of Temple-Inland. During 2012, International Paper fully repaid the $1.2 billion term loan.
	In June 2012, International Paper borrowed $225 million under the receivable securitization facility acquired from Temple-Inland with an interest rate of 0.224% plus a margin of 70 basis points. The borrowings under this receivable securitization facility were repaid in July 2012.
	Subsequent to September 30, 2013, International Paper executed call notices on approximately $70 million of industrial development bonds with interest rates from 4.55% to 6.75% and original maturities from 2015 to 2031, which are expected to settle during the fourth quarter of 2013.
	At September 30, 2013, the fair value of International Paper’s $9.7 billion of debt was approximately $11.0 billion. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues. International Paper’s long-term debt is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy, which is further defined in Note 12 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	Maintaining an investment-grade credit rating is an important element of International Paper’s financing strategy. At September 30, 2013, the Company held long-term credit ratings of BBB (stable outlook) and Baa3 (stable outlook) by S&P and Moody’s, respectively.

DERIVATIVES_AND_HEDGING_ACTIVI

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Note)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivatives and Hedging Activities [Note Text Block]	'
	DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
	As a multinational company we are exposed to market risks, such as changes in interest rates, currency exchanges rates and commodity prices.
	For detailed information regarding the Company’s hedging activities and related accounting, refer to Note 13 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.
	The notional amounts of qualifying and non-qualifying financial instruments used in hedging transactions were as follows:
	In millions	30-Sep-13			31-Dec-12
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
	Foreign exchange contracts (Sell / Buy; denominated in sell notional): (a)
	Brazilian real / U.S. dollar - Forward	543			—
	British pounds / Brazilian real – Forward	16			13
	European euro / Brazilian real – Forward	21			13
	European euro / Polish zloty – Forward	263			149
	U.S. dollar / Brazilian real – Forward	335			238
	U.S. dollar / Brazilian real – Zero-cost collar	18			18
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
	Embedded derivative (in USD)	—			150
	Foreign exchange contracts (Sell / Buy; denominated in sell notional): (b)
	Indian rupee / U.S. dollar	157			140
	Thai baht / U.S. dollar	36			261
	U.S. dollar / Turkish lira	—			56
	Interest rate contracts (in USD)	—			150		(c)
	(a)	These contracts had maturities of three years or less as of September 30, 2013.
	(b)	These contracts had maturities of one year or less as of September 30, 2013.
	(c)	Includes $150 million floating-to-fixed interest rate swap notional to offset the embedded derivative.
	The following table shows gains or losses recognized in AOCI, net of tax, related to derivative instruments:
		Gain (Loss)
		Recognized in
		AOCI
		on Derivatives
		(Effective Portion)
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
	In millions	2013				2012				2013				2012
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	7			$	7			$	(3	)		$	14
	Natural gas contracts	—				—				—				(1		)
	Total	$	7			$	7			$	(3	)		$	13
	During the next 12 months, the amount of the September 30, 2013 AOCI balance, after tax, that is expected to be reclassified to earnings is a loss of $2 million.
	The amounts of gains and losses recognized in the consolidated statement of operations on qualifying and non-qualifying financial instruments used in hedging transactions were as follows:
		Gain (Loss)																Location of Gain (Loss)
		Reclassified from																Reclassified from AOCI
		AOCI																(Effective Portion)
		(Effective Portion)
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
	In millions	2013				2012				2013				2012
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	(4	)		$	(4	)		$	5			$	(10	)		Cost of products sold
	Natural gas contracts	—				—				—				(7		)		Cost of products sold
	Total	$	(4	)		$	(4	)		$	5			$	(17	)
		Gain (Loss) Recognized																Location of Gain (Loss)
																		In Consolidated
																		Statement
																		of Operations
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
	In millions	2013				2012				2013				2012
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
	Electricity contact	$	—			$	1			$	2			$	(2	)		Cost of products sold
	Embedded Derivatives	—				(1		)		(1		)		(3		)		Interest expense, net
	Foreign exchange contracts	—				—				(5		)		(1		)		Cost of products sold
	Interest rate contracts	7				5				17				17				Interest expense, net
	Total	$	7			$	5			$	13			$	11
	Fair Value Measurements
	For a discussion of the Company’s fair value measurement policies under the fair value hierarchy, refer to Note 13 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.
The Company has not changed its valuation techniques for measuring the fair value of any financial assets or liabilities during the year. Transfers between levels, if any, are recognized at the end of the reporting period.
The following table provides a summary of the impact of our derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheet:
Fair Value Measurements
Level 2 – Significant Other Observable Inputs
	Assets								Liabilities
In millions	30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12				30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Foreign exchange contracts – cash flow	$	22		(a)	$	7		(c)	$	28		(e)	$	21		(f)
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$	22			$	7			$	28			$	21
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Electricity contract	$	1		(b)	$	—			$	—			$	1		(g)
Embedded derivatives	—				1			(d)	—				—
Foreign exchange contracts	—				1			(d)	—				—
Interest rate contracts	—				—				—				1			(g)
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	$	1			$	2			$	—			$	2
Total derivatives	$	23			$	9			$	28			$	23
(a)	Includes $11 million recorded in Other current assets and $11 million recorded in Deferred charges and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
(b)	Included in Deferred charges and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
(c)	Includes $3 million recorded in Other current assets and $4 million recorded in Deferred charges and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
(d)	Included in Other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
(e)	Includes $17 million recorded in Other accrued liabilities and $11 million recorded in Other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
(f)	Includes $20 million recorded in Other accrued liabilities and $1 million recorded in Other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
(g)	Included in Other accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
The above contracts are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that provide rights of offset with each counterparty when amounts are payable on the same date in the same currency or in the case of certain specified defaults. Management has made an accounting policy election to not offset the fair value of recognized derivative assets and derivative liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. The amounts owed to the counterparties and owed to the Company are considered immaterial with respect to each counterparty and in the aggregate with all counterparties.
Credit-Risk-Related Contingent Features
Certain of the Company’s financial instruments used in hedging transactions are governed by standard credit support arrangements with counterparties. If the lower of the Company’s credit rating by Moody’s or S&P were to drop below investment grade, the Company would be required to post collateral for all of its derivatives in a net liability position, although no derivatives would terminate. The fair values of derivative instruments containing credit risk-related contingent features in a net liability position were $2 million and $18 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The Company was not required to post any collateral as of September 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012. For more information on credit-risk-related contingent features, refer to Note 13 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.

RETIREMENT_PLANS_Note

RETIREMENT PLANS (Note)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Retirement Plans [Note Text Block]	'
	RETIREMENT PLANS
	International Paper sponsors and maintains the Retirement Plan of International Paper Company (the “Pension Plan”), a tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan that provides retirement benefits to substantially all U.S. salaried employees and hourly employees (receiving salaried benefits) hired prior to July 1, 2004, and substantially all other U.S. hourly and union employees who work at a participating business unit regardless of hire date. These employees generally are eligible to participate in the Pension Plan upon attaining 21 years of age and completing one year of eligibility service. U.S. salaried employees and hourly employees (receiving salaried benefits) hired after June 30, 2004, are not eligible for the Pension Plan, but receive a company contribution to their individual savings plan accounts.
	The Pension Plan provides defined pension benefits based on years of credited service and either final average earnings (salaried employees and hourly employees receiving salaried benefits), hourly job rates or specified benefit rates (hourly and union employees). A detailed discussion of these plans is presented in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.
	In connection with the Temple-Inland acquisition in February 2012, International Paper assumed administrative responsibility for the Temple-Inland Retirement Plan, a defined benefit plan which covers substantially all employees of Temple-Inland. As a result of the sale of the Temple-Inland Building Products division as discussed in Note 8, the Company was required to remeasure the projected benefit obligation of the Temple-Inland defined benefit pension and postretirement plans. The remeasurement resulted in a reduction of the projected benefit obligation of approximately $168 million ($103 million net of tax) principally due to an increase in the assumed discount rate.
	Net periodic pension expense for our qualified and nonqualified U.S. defined benefit plans comprised the following:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	In millions	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	47		$	38		$	142		$	113
	Interest cost	143			154			430			452
	Expected return on plan assets	(186		)	(190		)	(550		)	(563		)
	Actuarial loss	121			76			365			230
	Amortization of prior service cost	9			8			26			24
	Net periodic pension expense	$	134		$	86		$	413		$	256
	The Company’s funding policy for our pension plans is to contribute amounts sufficient to meet legal funding requirements, plus any additional amounts that the Company may determine to be appropriate considering the funded status of the plan, tax deductibility, the cash flows generated by the Company, and other factors. The Company made a cash contribution of $31 million to the Pension Plan in the second quarter of 2013. The Company continually reassesses the amount and timing of any discretionary contributions and could elect to make an additional contribution in 2013. The nonqualified defined benefit plans are funded to the extent of benefit payments, which totaled $15 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Note

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Note)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-based Compensation [Note Text Block]	'
	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	International Paper has an Incentive Compensation Plan (ICP) which is administered by the Management Development and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the Committee). The ICP authorizes the grants of restricted stock, restricted or deferred stock units, performance awards payable in cash or stock upon the attainment of specified performance goals, dividend equivalents, stock options, stock appreciation rights, other stock-based awards and cash-based awards in the discretion of the Committee. A detailed discussion of the ICP, including the stock option program and executive continuity award program that provided for tandem grants of restricted stock and stock options, is presented in Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. As of September 30, 2013, 17.7 million shares were available for grant under the ICP.
	Stock-based compensation expense and related income tax benefits were as follows:
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
	In millions	2013				2012				2013			2012
	Total stock-based compensation expense (selling and administrative)	$	35			$	26			$	106		$	70
	Income tax benefits related to stock-based compensation	3				—				70			40
	At September 30, 2013, $143 million, net of estimated forfeitures, of compensation cost related to unvested restricted performance shares, executive continuity awards and restricted stock attributable to future service had not yet been recognized. This amount will be recognized in expense over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.
	Performance Share Plan
	Under the Performance Share Plan (PSP), awards are granted by the Committee to approximately 1,300 employees. Awards are earned based on the Company’s performance achievement in relative return on investment (ROI) and total shareholder return (TSR) compared to peer groups. Awards are weighted 75% for ROI and 25% for TSR for all participants except for officers for whom awards are weighted 50% for ROI and 50% for TSR. The ROI component of the PSP awards is valued at the closing stock price on the day prior to the grant date. As the ROI component contains a performance condition, compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, is recorded over the requisite service period based on the most probable number of awards expected to vest. The TSR component of the PSP awards is valued using a Monte Carlo simulation as the TSR component contains a market condition. The Monte Carlo simulation estimates the fair value of the TSR component based on the expected term of the award, the risk-free rate, expected dividends, and the expected volatility for the Company and its competitors. The expected term was estimated based on the vesting period of the awards, the risk-free rate was based on the yield on U.S. Treasury securities matching the vesting period and the volatility was based on the Company’s historical volatility over the expected term.
	Beginning with the 2011 PSP, grants will be made in performance-based restricted stock units (PSU’s). The PSP will continue to be paid in unrestricted shares of Company stock.
	PSP awards issued to certain members of senior management are liability awards, which are required to be remeasured at fair value at each balance sheet date. The valuation of these PSP liability awards is computed based on the same methodology as other PSP awards.
	The following table sets forth the assumptions used to determine compensation cost for the market condition component of the PSP plan:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Expected volatility	25.25 % - 62.58%		28.39% - 55.33%		25.25% - 62.58%		28.39% - 55.33%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.20% - 0.99%		0.12% - 0.42%		0.20% - 0.99%		0.12% - 0.42%
	The following summarizes the activity for PSP for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Nonvested			Weighted Average
		Shares /  Units			Grant  Date
					Fair Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	8,660,855			$	28.37
	Granted	3,148,445			40.76
	Shares Issued (a)	(3,222,492	)		32.48
	Forfeited	(348,754	)		35.06
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	8,238,054			$	31.22
	(a) Includes 316,274 units held for payout at the end of the performance period.
	Stock Option Program
	The Company discontinued its stock option program in 2004 for members of executive management, and in 2005 for all other eligible U.S. and non-U.S. employees. Shares granted in 2013 represent replacement options from a stock swap.
	A summary of option activity under the plan as of September 30, 2013 is presented below:
		Options			Weighted				Weighted		Aggregate
					Average				Average		Intrinsic
					Exercise Price				Remaining Life		Value
									(years)		(thousands)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	9,136,060			$	38.79
	Granted	4,744			48.11
	Exercised	(7,067,850	)		38.54
	Expired	(49,637	)		35.99
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	2,023,317			$	39.74			0.85		$	10,245
	All options were fully vested and exercisable as of September 30, 2013.
	Executive Continuity and Restricted Stock Award Program
	The following summarizes the activity of the Executive Continuity and Restricted Stock Award Program for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Nonvested			Weighted Average
		Shares			Grant  Date
					Fair Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	151,549			$	30.49
	Granted	63,500			44.4
	Shares Issued	(81,941	)		33.04
	Forfeited	(17,500	)		37.75
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	115,608			$	35.22

INDUSTRY_SEGMENT_INFORMATION_N

INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION (Note)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Industry Segment Information [Note Text Block]	'
	INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION
	International Paper’s industry segments, Industrial Packaging, Printing Papers, Consumer Packaging and Distribution, are consistent with the internal structure used to manage these businesses. All segments are differentiated on a common product, common customer basis consistent with the business segmentation generally used in the Forest Products industry.
	The Company also has a 50% equity interest in Ilim in Russia that is a separate reportable industry segment.
	Sales by industry segment for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
	In millions	2013				2012				2013				2012
	Industrial Packaging	$	3,755			$	3,335			$	11,095			$	9,900
	Printing Papers	1,555				1,580				4,635				4,650
	Consumer Packaging	885				765				2,570				2,355
	Distribution	1,445				1,535				4,235				4,510
	Corporate and Intersegment Sales	(234		)		(189		)		(704		)		(657		)
	Net Sales	$	7,406			$	7,026			$	21,831			$	20,758
	Operating profit by industry segment for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
	In millions	2013				2012				2013				2012
	Industrial Packaging	$	499		(a)	$	255		(e)	1,328			(a)	$	730		(e)
	Printing Papers	93			(b)	202			(f)	318			(b)	452			(f)
	Consumer Packaging	73			(c)	67			(g)	131			(c)	227			(g)
	Distribution	13			(d)	15			(h)	8			(d)	18			(h)
	Operating Profit	678				539				$	1,785			1,427
	Interest expense, net	(147		)		(163		)		(479		)	(i)	(503		)
	Noncontrolling interests/equity earnings adjustment (j)	(3		)		—				1				8
	Corporate items, net	(13		)		(1		)		(35		)		(36		)
	Restructuring and other charges	(26		)		(15		)		(23		)		(40		)
	Non-operating pension expense	(78		)		(40		)		(245		)		(119		)
	Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity earnings	$	411			$	320			$	1,004			$	737
	Equity earnings (loss), net of taxes – Ilim	$	11			$	33			$	(34	)		$	48
	(a)	Includes charges of $24 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and $50 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 for integration costs associated with the acquisition of Temple-Inland, a gain of $14 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 for a bargain purchase adjustment on the first quarter 2013 acquisition of a majority share of our operations in Turkey, a gain of $9 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 related to the sale of the box plant facility in Bellevue, Washington, and charges of $3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and $8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 for other items.
	(b)	Includes charges of $51 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 for costs associated with the announced shutdown of our Courtland, Alabama mill.
	(c)	Includes charges of $45 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 for costs associated with the permanent shutdown of a paper machine at our Augusta, Georgia mill.
	(d)	Includes charges of $6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and $30 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 for costs associated with the restructuring of the Company's xpedx operations.
	(e)	Includes charges of $58 million and $136 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012 for integration costs associated with the Temple-Inland acquisition, charges of $19 million and $28 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012 for costs associated with the divestiture of three containerboard mills, charges of $16 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012 for costs associated with the restructuring of our Packaging business in Europe, a charge of $62 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to adjust the value of the long-lived assets of the Hueneme mill in Oxnard, California to their fair value, a charge of $20 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 related to the write-up of the Temple-Inland inventory to fair value, and gains of $6 million and $5 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012 for other items.
	(f)	Includes a gain of $1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and a net $0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 related to the acquisition of the majority interest in Andhra Pradesh Paper Mills Limited.
	(g)	Includes a gain of $1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 for adjustments related to the sale of the Shorewood business.
	(h)	Includes charges of $9 million and $42 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012 for costs associated with the restructuring of the Company's xpedx operation.
	(i)	Includes a gain of $6 million for interest related to the settlement of an IRS tax audit.
	(j)	Operating profits for industry segments include each segment’s percentage share of the profits of subsidiaries included in that segment that are less than wholly owned. The pre-tax noncontrolling interest and equity earnings for these subsidiaries are adjusted here to present consolidated earnings before income taxes and equity earnings.

EQUITY_Tables

EQUITY (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Stockholders' Equity [Table Text Block]	'
	A summary of the changes in equity for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is provided below:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2013									2012
	In millions, except per share amounts	Total			Noncontrolling			Total			Total			Noncontrolling			Total
		International			Interests			Equity			International			Interests			Equity
		Paper									Paper
		Shareholders’									Shareholders’
		Equity									Equity
	Balance, January 1	$	6,304		$	332		$	6,636		$	6,645		$	340		$	6,985
	Issuance of stock for various plans, net	418			—			418			144			—			144
	Repurchase of stock	(70		)	—			(70		)	(35		)	—			(35		)
	Common stock dividends ($0.9000 per share in 2013 and $0.7875 per share in 2012)	(409		)	—			(409		)	(353		)	—			(353		)
	Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests by subsidiary	—			(1		)	(1		)	—			(4		)	(4		)
	Noncontrolling interests of acquired entities, net	—			7			7			—			—			—
	Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			—			(2		)	(2		)
	Comprehensive income (loss)	987			(26		)	961			605			5			610
	Ending Balance, September 30	$	7,230		$	312		$	7,542		$	7,006		$	339		$	7,345

COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_COMPREHEN1

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	3 Months Ended																												9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013														Sep. 30, 2012														Sep. 30, 2013														Sep. 30, 2012
Equity [Abstract]	'														'														'														'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'														'														'														'
	The following table presents changes in AOCI for the three-month period ended September 30, 2013:														The following table presents changes in AOCI for the three-month period ended September 30, 2012:														The following table presents changes in AOCI for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013:														The following table presents changes in AOCI for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012:
	In millions	Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Items (a)				Change in Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments (a)			Net Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedging Derivatives (a)			Total (a)			In millions	Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Items (a)				Change in Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments (a)			Net Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedging Derivatives (a)			Total (a)			In millions	Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Items (a)				Change in Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments (a)			Net Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedging Derivatives (a)			Total (a)			In millions	Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Items (a)				Change in Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments (a)			Net Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedging Derivatives (a)			Total (a)
	Balance as of June 30, 2013	$	(3,442	)		$	(592	)	$	(17	)	$	(4,051	)	Balance as of June 30, 2012	$	(2,730	)		$	(392	)	$	(17	)	$	(3,139	)	Balance as of January 1, 2013	$	(3,596	)		$	(246	)	$	2		$	(3,840	)	Balance as of January 1, 2012	$	(2,852	)		$	(117	)	$	(36	)	$	(3,005	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	103				34			7			144			Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	4				114			7			125																	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	28				(126		)	13			(85		)
																													Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	103				(329		)	(3		)	(229		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	76				—			4			80			Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	48				—			4			52																	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	146				(35		)	17			128
																													Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	230				17			(5		)	242
	Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income	179				34			11			224			Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income	52				114			11			177																	Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income	174				(161		)	30			43
																													Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income	333				(312		)	(8		)	13
	Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	(3,263	)		$	(558	)	$	(6	)	$	(3,827	)	Balance as of September 30, 2012	$	(2,678	)		$	(278	)	$	(6	)	$	(2,962	)															Balance as of September 30, 2012	$	(2,678	)		$	(278	)	$	(6	)	$	(2,962	)
	(a) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI.														(a) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI.														Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	(3,263	)		$	(558	)	$	(6	)	$	(3,827	)	(a) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI.
																													(a) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI.
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	'														'														'														'
	The following table presents details of the reclassifications out of AOCI for the three-month period ended September 30, 2013:														The following table presents details of the reclassifications out of AOCI for the three-month period ended September 30, 2012:														The following table presents details of the reclassifications out of AOCI for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013:														The following table presents details of the reclassifications out of AOCI for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012:
	Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (a)				Location of Amount Reclassified from AOCI									Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (a)				Location of Amount Reclassified from AOCI									Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (a)				Location of Amount Reclassified from AOCI									Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (a)				Location of Amount Reclassified from AOCI
	In millions:														In millions:														In millions														In millions
	Defined benefit pension and postretirement items:														Defined benefit pension and postretirement items:														Defined benefit pension and postretirement items:														Defined benefit pension and postretirement items:
	Prior-service costs	$	(2	)	(b)	Cost of products sold									Prior-service costs	$	(1	)	(b)	Cost of products sold									Prior-service costs	$	(7	)	(b)	Cost of products sold									Prior-service costs	$	(2	)	(b)	Cost of products sold
	Actuarial gains/(losses)	(123		)	(b)	Cost of products sold									Actuarial gains/(losses)	(78		)	(b)	Cost of products sold									Actuarial gains/(losses)	(370		)	(b)	Cost of products sold									Actuarial gains/(losses)	(237		)	(b)	Cost of products sold
	Total pre-tax amount	(125		)											Total pre-tax amount	(79		)											Total pre-tax amount	(377		)											Total pre-tax amount	(239		)
	Tax (expense)/benefit	49													Tax (expense)/benefit	31
																													Tax (expense)/benefit	147													Tax (expense)/benefit	93
	Net of tax	$	(76	)											Net of tax	$	(48	)
	Net gains and losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:														Net gains and losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:														Net of tax	$	(230	)											Net of tax	$	(146	)
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	(6	)	(c)	Cost of products sold									Foreign exchange contracts	$	(6	)	(c)	Cost of products sold
	Total pre-tax amount	(6		)											Total pre-tax amount	(6		)											Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments:														Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments:
	Tax (expense)/benefit	2													Tax (expense)/benefit	2													Business acquisition/divestitures	$	(17	)		Net bargain purchase gain on acquisition of business									Business acquisitions/divestitures	$	48			Net (gains) losses on sales and impairments of businesses
																													Tax (expense)/benefit	—
	Net of tax	(4		)											Net of tax	(4		)																									Tax (expense)/benefit	(13		)
	Total reclassifications for the period	$	(80	)											Total reclassifications for the period	$	(52	)											Net of tax	$	(17	)											Net of tax	$	35
	(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to earnings/loss.																												Net gains and losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:
	(b) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 16 for additional details).														(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to earnings/loss.														Foreign exchange contracts	$	7		(c)	Cost of products sold									Net gains and losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:
	(c) This accumulated other comprehensive income component is included in our derivatives and hedging activities (see Note 15 for additional details).														(b) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 16 for additional details).																												Foreign exchange contracts	$	(16	)	(c)	Cost of products sold
															(c) This accumulated other comprehensive income component is included in our derivatives and hedging activities (see Note 15 for additional details).														Total pre-tax amount	7													Natural gas contracts	(11		)	(c)	Cost of products sold
																																											Total pre-tax amount	(27		)
																													Tax (expense)/benefit	(2		)											Tax (expense)/benefit	10
																													Net of tax	5													Net of tax	(17		)
																																											Total reclassifications for the period	$	(128	)
																													Total reclassifications for the period	$	(242	)
																																											(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to earnings/loss.
																																											(b) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 16 for additional details).
																													(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to earnings/loss.														(c) This accumulated other comprehensive income component is included in our derivatives and hedging activities (see Note 15 for additional details).
																													(b) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 16 for additional details).
																													(c) This accumulated other comprehensive income component is included in our derivatives and hedging activities (see Note 15 for additional details).

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_ATTRIBUTABL1

EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY COMMON SHAREHOLDERS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
	A reconciliation of the amounts included in the computation of earnings (loss) per common share, and diluted earnings (loss) per common share is as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
	In millions, except per share amounts	2013		2012		2013		2012
	Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	392	$	223	$	919	$	524
	Effect of dilutive securities (a)	—		—		—		—
	Earnings (loss) from continuing operations – assuming dilution	$	392	$	223	$	919	$	524
	Average common shares outstanding	445.9		435.1		444.1		434.7
	Effect of dilutive securities (a)
	Restricted stock performance share plan	3.6		4.7		4.3		5
	Stock options (b)	0.2		—		0.3		—
	Average common shares outstanding – assuming dilution	449.7		439.8		448.7		439.7
	Basic earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share	$	0.88	$	0.51	$	2.07	$	1.2
	Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share	$	0.87	$	0.51	$	2.05	$	1.19
	(a) Securities are not included in the table in periods when antidilutive.
	(b)	Options to purchase 10.7 million shares for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 9.4 million shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were not included in the computation of diluted common shares outstanding because their exercise price exceeded the average market price of the Company’s common stock for each respective reporting period.

RESTRUCTURING_AND_OTHER_CHARGE1

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013							Jun. 30, 2013							Mar. 31, 2013					Sep. 30, 2012						Jun. 30, 2012					Mar. 31, 2012
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'							'							'					'						'					'
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	'							'							'					'						'					'
	2013: During the three months ended September 30, 2013, restructuring and other charges totaling $76 million before taxes ($47 million after taxes) were recorded. Details of these charges were as follows:							During the three months ended June 30, 2013, restructuring and other charges totaling a gain of $4 million before taxes ($2 million after taxes) were recorded. Details of these charges were as follows:							During the three months ended March 31, 2013, restructuring and other charges totaling $59 million before taxes ($36 million after taxes) were recorded. Details of these charges were as follows:					2012: During the three months ended September 30, 2012, restructuring and other charges totaling $33 million before taxes ($24 million after taxes) were recorded. Details of these charges were as follows:						During the three months ended June 30, 2012, restructuring and other charges totaling $21 million before taxes ($13 million after taxes) were recorded. Details of these charges were as follows:					During the three months ended March 31, 2012, restructuring and other charges totaling $34 million before taxes ($23 million after taxes) were recorded. Details of these charges were as follows:
		Three Months Ended							Three Months Ended							Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended June 30, 2012					Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
		30-Sep-13							30-Jun-13							31-Mar-13					September 30, 2012					In millions	Before-Tax		After-Tax		In millions	Before-Tax			After-Tax
	In millions	Before-Tax			After-Tax			In millions	Before-Tax			After-Tax			In millions	Before-Tax		After-Tax		In millions	Before-Tax			After-Tax			Charges		Charges			Charges			Charges
		Charges			Charges				Charges			Charges				Charges		Charges			Charges			Charges		Early debt extinguishment costs	$	10	$	6	Early debt extinguishment costs	$	16		$	10
	Early debt extinguishment costs	$	15		$	9		Early debt extinguishment costs	$	3		$	2		Early debt extinguishment costs	$	6	$	4	Early debt extinguishment costs	$	13		$	8
																										xpedx restructuring	10		6		xpedx restructuring	19			14
	xpedx restructuring	6			4			Insurance reimbursements	(30		)	(19		)	xpedx restructuring	7		4		xpedx restructuring	8			4
								xpedx restructuring	17			10														Other	1		1		Other	(1		)	(1		)
	xpedx transaction costs	11			7										Augusta paper machine shutdown	44		27		EMEA packaging restructuring	16			11							Total	$	34		$	23
								Other	6			5														Total	$	21	$	13
	Courtland mill shutdown	51			31										Other	2		1		Other	(4		)	1
								Total	$	(4	)	$	(2	)
	Bellevue box plant facility sale	(9		)	(6		)								Total	$	59	$	36	Total	$	33		$	24
	Other	2			2
	Total	$	76		$	47

ACQUISITIONS_AND_JOINT_VENTURE1

ACQUISITIONS AND JOINT VENTURES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	'
	This information does not purport to represent International Paper’s actual results of operations if the transaction described above would have occurred on January 1, 2012, nor is it necessarily indicative of future results.
	In millions, except per share amounts		Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep-12
	Net sales		$	21,050
	Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (a)		567
	Net earnings (loss) (a)		602
	Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share (a)		1.29
	Diluted net earnings (loss) per common share (a)		1.37
	(a) Attributable to International Paper Company common shareholders.
Orsa IP [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired as of January 14, 2013.
	In millions
	Cash and temporary investments	$	16
	Accounts and notes receivable, net	5
	Inventory	27
	Plants, properties and equipment	290
	Goodwill	220
	Other intangible assets	110
	Other long-term assets	3
	Total assets acquired	671
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	10
	Deferred income tax liability	56
	Total liabilities assumed	66
	Noncontrolling interest	134
	Net assets acquired	$	471
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]	'
	The identifiable intangible assets acquired in connection with the Orsa IP acquisition included the following:
	In millions	Estimated			Average
		Fair  Value			Remaining
					Useful Life
					(at acquisition date)
	Asset Class:
	Customer relationships	$	88		12 years
	Trademark	3			6 years
	Wood supply agreement	19			25 years
	Total	$	110
Olmuksan Joint Venture [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired as of January 1, 2013.
	In millions
	Cash and temporary investments	$	5
	Accounts and notes receivable	72
	Inventory	31
	Other current assets	2
	Plants, properties and equipment	105
	Investments	11
	Total assets acquired	226
	Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt	17
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	27
	Deferred income tax liability	4
	Postretirement and postemployment benefit obligation	6
	Total liabilities assumed	54
	Noncontrolling interest	18
	Net assets acquired	$	154
Temple Inland Inc [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	'
	he following summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired as of February 13, 2012, which was finalized in the fourth quarter of 2012.
	In millions
	Accounts and notes receivable	$	466
	Inventory	484
	Deferred income tax assets – current	140
	Other current assets	57
	Plants, properties and equipment	2,911
	Financial assets of special purpose entities	2,091
	Goodwill	2,139
	Other intangible assets	693
	Deferred charges and other assets	54
	Total assets acquired	9,035
	Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt	130
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	704
	Long-term debt	527
	Nonrecourse financial liabilities of special purpose entities	2,030
	Deferred income tax liability	1,252
	Pension benefit obligation	338
	Postretirement and postemployment benefit obligation	99
	Other liabilities	221
	Total liabilities assumed	5,301
	Net assets acquired	$	3,734
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]	'
	The identifiable intangible assets acquired in connection with the Temple-Inland acquisition included the following:
	In millions	Estimated			Average
		Fair  Value			Remaining
					Useful Life
					(at acquisition date)
	Asset Class:
	Customer relationships	$	536		12-17 years
	Developed technology	8			5-10 years
	Tradenames	109			Indefinite
	Favorable contracts	14			4-7 years
	Non-compete agreement	26			2 years
	Total	$	693

SUPPLEMENTAL_FINANCIAL_STATEME1

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Abstract]	'
Temporary Investments [Table Text Block]	'
	Temporary Investments
	In millions	30-Sep-13			31-Dec-12
	Temporary investments	$	1,545		$	934
Accounts and Notes Receivable [Table Text Block]	'
	Accounts and Notes Receivable
	In millions	30-Sep-13			31-Dec-12
	Accounts and notes receivable, net:
	Trade	$	3,717		$	3,316
	Other	307			246
	Total	$	4,024		$	3,562
Inventories [Table Text Block]	'
	Inventories
	In millions	30-Sep-13			31-Dec-12
	Raw materials	$	410		$	360
	Finished pulp, paper and packaging	1,792			1,728
	Operating supplies	571			588
	Other	68			54
	Total	$	2,841		$	2,730
Depreciation Expense [Table Text Block]	'
	Depreciation Expense
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	In millions	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Depreciation expense	$	365		$	347		$	1,081		$	1,045
Valuation Accounts [Table Text Block]	'
	Certain valuation accounts were as follows:
	In millions	30-Sep-13			31-Dec-12
	Accumulated depreciation	$	19,826		$	18,934
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	138			119
Interest [Table Text Block]	'
	Cash payments related to interest were as follows:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
	In millions	2013			2012
	Interest payments	$	537		$	496
Schedule of Interest Income and Interest Expense [Table Text Block]	'
	Amounts related to interest were as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	In millions	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Interest expense (a)	$	162		$	197		$	520		$	559
	Interest income (a)	15			34			41			56
	Capitalized interest costs	4			10			12			29
	(a)	Interest expense and interest income exclude approximately $11 million and $35 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and $15 million and $35 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, related to investments in and borrowings from variable interest entities for which the Company has a legal right of offset (see Note 13).
Postretirement Benefit Expense [Table Text Block]	'
	The components of the Company’s postretirement benefit expense were as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	In millions	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	—		$	1		$	1		$	2
	Interest cost	4			5			11			15
	Actuarial loss	2			3			5			8
	Amortization of prior service credit	(6		)	(8		)	(18		)	(22		)
	Net postretirement benefit expense	$	—		$	1		$	(1	)	$	3

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLES1

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Changes in Goodwill Balances [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents changes in goodwill balances as allocated to each business segment for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013:
	In millions	Industrial				Printing				Consumer			Distribution		Total
		Packaging				Papers				Packaging
	Balance as of January 1, 2013
	Goodwill	$	3,165			$	2,396			$	1,783		$	400	$	7,744
	Accumulated impairment losses (a)	—				(1,765		)		(1,664		)	—		(3,429		)
		3,165				631				119			400		4,315
	Reclassifications and other (b)	(13		)		(49		)		2			—		(60		)
	Additions/reductions	253			(c)	(17		)	(d)	—			—		236
	Balance as of September 30, 2013
	Goodwill	3,405				2,330				1,785			400		7,920
	Accumulated impairment losses (a)	—				(1,765		)		(1,664		)	—		(3,429		)
	Total	$	3,405			$	565			$	121		$	400	$	4,491
	(a)	Represents accumulated goodwill impairment charges since the adoption of ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other” in 2002.
	(b)	Represents the effects of foreign currency translations and reclassifications.
	(c)	Reflects $220 million for Orsa IP, the newly formed joint venture in Brazil, and the adjustment of $54 million ($33 million after-tax impact to goodwill) previously included as a trade name intangible asset in Deferred Charges and Other Assets on the balance sheet.
	(d)	Reflects a reduction from tax benefits generated by the deduction of goodwill amortization for tax purposes in Brazil.
Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	Identifiable intangible assets comprised the following:
		30-Sep-13								31-Dec-12
	In millions	Gross				Accumulated				Gross			Accumulated
		Carrying				Amortization				Carrying			Amortization
		Amount								Amount
	Customer relationships and lists	$	634			$	138			$	644		$	112
	Non-compete agreements	76				41				83			30
	Tradenames, patents and trademarks	77				18				144			16
	Land and water rights	75				7				87			6
	Fuel and power agreements	11				6				17			12
	Software	24				22				22			19
	Other	49				27				83			19
	Total	$	946			$	259			$	1,080		$	214
Amortization Expense of Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	The Company recognized the following amounts as amortization expense related to intangible assets:
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
	In millions	2013				2012				2013			2012
	Amortization expense related to intangible assets	$	30			$	28			$	66		$	43

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Net Income Tax Provisions Related to Special Items and Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	'
	The components of the net provision related to special items were as follows:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
	In millions	2013			2012
	Special items	$	(77	)	$	(87	)
	Tax-related adjustments:
	Temple-Inland acquisition	—			3
	IRS audit settlement	(122		)	—
	Mexican business restructuring	—			3
	Other	2			—
	Income tax provision (benefit) related to special items	$	(197	)	$	(81	)
Income Tax Payments, Net of Refunds [Table Text Block]	'
	International Paper made income tax payments, net of refunds, as follows:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
	In millions	2013			2012
	Income tax payments, net	$	224		$	41
Unrecognized Tax Benefits and Related Accrued Estimated Interest and Penalties [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents a rollforward of unrecognized tax benefits and related accrued estimated interest and penalties for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
	In millions	Unrecognized			Accrued Estimated
		Tax Benefits			Interest and Tax
					Penalties
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	(972	)	$	(104	)
	Activity for three months ended March 31, 2013	99			20
	Activity for the three months ended June 30, 2013	6			1
	Activity for the three months ended September 30, 2013	29			13
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(838	)	$	(70	)

VARIABLE_INTEREST_ENTITIES_AND1

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES AND PREFERRED SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Entities [Member]	'
Activity Between Company And Entities [Table Text Block]	'
	Activity between the Company and the Entities was as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
	In millions	2013		2012		2013		2012
	Revenue (a)	$	11	$	15	$	35	$	35
	Expense (a)	20		28		61		68
	Cash receipts (b)	14		21		33		36
	Cash payments (c)	39		47		84		87
	(a)	The net expense related to the Company’s interest in the Entities is included in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations, as International Paper has and intends to affect its legal right to offset as discussed above.
	(b)	The cash receipts are equity distributions from the Entities to International Paper.
	(c)	The semi-annual payments are related to interest on the associated debt obligations discussed above.
2007 Financing Entities [Member]	'
Activity Between Company And Entities [Table Text Block]	'
	Activity between the Company and the 2007 financing entities was as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
	In millions	2013		2012		2013		2012
	Revenue (a)	$	6	$	15	$	20	$	21
	Expense (b)	7		11		22		20
	Cash receipts (c)	2		3		6		10
	Cash payments (d)	5		6		16		16
	(a)	The revenue is included in Interest expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations and includes approximately $5 million and $14 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and $12 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, of accretion income for the amortization of the purchase accounting adjustment on the Financial assets of special purpose entities.
	(b)	The expense is included in Interest expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations and includes approximately $2 million and $5 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and $5 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, of accretion expense for the amortization of the purchase accounting adjustment on the Nonrecourse financial liabilities of special purpose entities.
	(c)	The cash receipts are interest received on the Financial assets of special purpose entities.
	(d)	The cash payments are interest paid on Nonrecourse financial liabilities of special purpose entities.

DEBT_Tables

DEBT (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt Extinguishment [Table Text Block]	'
	Amounts related to early debt extinguishment during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
	In millions	2013		2012		2013		2012
	Early debt reductions (a)	$	442	$	611	$	500	$	1,047
	Pre-tax early debt extinguishment costs (b)	15		13		24		39
	(a)	Reductions related to notes with interest rates ranging from 5.45% to 7.40% with original maturities from 2014 to 2033 and from 1.63% to 6.95% with original maturities from 2017 to 2023 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and 5.20% to 7.95% with original maturities from 2014 to 2033 and from 1.63% to 7.95% with original maturities from 2012 to 2023 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively.
	(b)	Amounts are included in Restructuring and Other Charges in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

DERIVATIVES_AND_HEDGING_ACTIVI1

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Financial Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	The notional amounts of qualifying and non-qualifying financial instruments used in hedging transactions were as follows:
	In millions	30-Sep-13			31-Dec-12
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
	Foreign exchange contracts (Sell / Buy; denominated in sell notional): (a)
	Brazilian real / U.S. dollar - Forward	543			—
	British pounds / Brazilian real – Forward	16			13
	European euro / Brazilian real – Forward	21			13
	European euro / Polish zloty – Forward	263			149
	U.S. dollar / Brazilian real – Forward	335			238
	U.S. dollar / Brazilian real – Zero-cost collar	18			18
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
	Embedded derivative (in USD)	—			150
	Foreign exchange contracts (Sell / Buy; denominated in sell notional): (b)
	Indian rupee / U.S. dollar	157			140
	Thai baht / U.S. dollar	36			261
	U.S. dollar / Turkish lira	—			56
	Interest rate contracts (in USD)	—			150		(c)
	(a)	These contracts had maturities of three years or less as of September 30, 2013.
	(b)	These contracts had maturities of one year or less as of September 30, 2013.
	(c)	Includes $150 million floating-to-fixed interest rate swap notional to offset the embedded derivative.
Gains Or Losses Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI), Net Of Tax, Related To Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table shows gains or losses recognized in AOCI, net of tax, related to derivative instruments:
		Gain (Loss)
		Recognized in
		AOCI
		on Derivatives
		(Effective Portion)
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
	In millions	2013				2012				2013				2012
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	7			$	7			$	(3	)		$	14
	Natural gas contracts	—				—				—				(1		)
	Total	$	7			$	7			$	(3	)		$	13
Gains And Losses Recognized In Consolidated Statement Of Operations On Qualifying And Non-Qualifying Financial Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	The amounts of gains and losses recognized in the consolidated statement of operations on qualifying and non-qualifying financial instruments used in hedging transactions were as follows:
		Gain (Loss)																Location of Gain (Loss)
		Reclassified from																Reclassified from AOCI
		AOCI																(Effective Portion)
		(Effective Portion)
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
	In millions	2013				2012				2013				2012
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	(4	)		$	(4	)		$	5			$	(10	)		Cost of products sold
	Natural gas contracts	—				—				—				(7		)		Cost of products sold
	Total	$	(4	)		$	(4	)		$	5			$	(17	)
		Gain (Loss) Recognized																Location of Gain (Loss)
																		In Consolidated
																		Statement
																		of Operations
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
	In millions	2013				2012				2013				2012
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
	Electricity contact	$	—			$	1			$	2			$	(2	)		Cost of products sold
	Embedded Derivatives	—				(1		)		(1		)		(3		)		Interest expense, net
	Foreign exchange contracts	—				—				(5		)		(1		)		Cost of products sold
	Interest rate contracts	7				5				17				17				Interest expense, net
	Total	$	7			$	5			$	13			$	11
Impact Of Derivative Instruments In Consolidated Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table provides a summary of the impact of our derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheet:
	Fair Value Measurements
	Level 2 – Significant Other Observable Inputs
		Assets								Liabilities
	In millions	30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12				30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
	Foreign exchange contracts – cash flow	$	22		(a)	$	7		(c)	$	28		(e)	$	21		(f)
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$	22			$	7			$	28			$	21
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Electricity contract	$	1		(b)	$	—			$	—			$	1		(g)
	Embedded derivatives	—				1			(d)	—				—
	Foreign exchange contracts	—				1			(d)	—				—
	Interest rate contracts	—				—				—				1			(g)
	Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	$	1			$	2			$	—			$	2
	Total derivatives	$	23			$	9			$	28			$	23
	(a)	Includes $11 million recorded in Other current assets and $11 million recorded in Deferred charges and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
	(b)	Included in Deferred charges and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
	(c)	Includes $3 million recorded in Other current assets and $4 million recorded in Deferred charges and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
	(d)	Included in Other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
	(e)	Includes $17 million recorded in Other accrued liabilities and $11 million recorded in Other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
	(f)	Includes $20 million recorded in Other accrued liabilities and $1 million recorded in Other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
	(g)	Included in Other accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

RETIREMENT_PLANS_Tables

RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Net Periodic Pension Expense for Qualified and Nonqualified U.S. Defined Benefit Plans [Table Text Block]	'
	Net periodic pension expense for our qualified and nonqualified U.S. defined benefit plans comprised the following:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	In millions	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	47		$	38		$	142		$	113
	Interest cost	143			154			430			452
	Expected return on plan assets	(186		)	(190		)	(550		)	(563		)
	Actuarial loss	121			76			365			230
	Amortization of prior service cost	9			8			26			24
	Net periodic pension expense	$	134		$	86		$	413		$	256

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Related to Income Tax Benefits [Table Text Block]	'
	Stock-based compensation expense and related income tax benefits were as follows:
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
	In millions	2013				2012				2013			2012
	Total stock-based compensation expense (selling and administrative)	$	35			$	26			$	106		$	70
	Income tax benefits related to stock-based compensation	3				—				70			40
Assumptions Used to Determine Compensation Cost for Market Condition Component of Performance Share Program Plan [Table Text Blcok]	'
	The following table sets forth the assumptions used to determine compensation cost for the market condition component of the PSP plan:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Expected volatility	25.25 % - 62.58%		28.39% - 55.33%		25.25% - 62.58%		28.39% - 55.33%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.20% - 0.99%		0.12% - 0.42%		0.20% - 0.99%		0.12% - 0.42%
Summary of Performance Share Plan Activity [Table Text Block]	'
	The following summarizes the activity for PSP for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Nonvested			Weighted Average
		Shares /  Units			Grant  Date
					Fair Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	8,660,855			$	28.37
	Granted	3,148,445			40.76
	Shares Issued (a)	(3,222,492	)		32.48
	Forfeited	(348,754	)		35.06
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	8,238,054			$	31.22
	(a) Includes 316,274 units held for payout at the end of the performance period.
Summary of Option Activity [Table Text Block]	'
	A summary of option activity under the plan as of September 30, 2013 is presented below:
		Options			Weighted				Weighted		Aggregate
					Average				Average		Intrinsic
					Exercise Price				Remaining Life		Value
									(years)		(thousands)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	9,136,060			$	38.79
	Granted	4,744			48.11
	Exercised	(7,067,850	)		38.54
	Expired	(49,637	)		35.99
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	2,023,317			$	39.74			0.85		$	10,245
Summary of Restricted Stock Award Program Activity [Table Text Block]	'
	The following summarizes the activity of the Executive Continuity and Restricted Stock Award Program for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Nonvested			Weighted Average
		Shares			Grant  Date
					Fair Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	151,549			$	30.49
	Granted	63,500			44.4
	Shares Issued	(81,941	)		33.04
	Forfeited	(17,500	)		37.75
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	115,608			$	35.22

INDUSTRY_SEGMENT_INFORMATION_T

INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Sales and Operating Profit by Industry Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	Sales by industry segment for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
	In millions	2013				2012				2013				2012
	Industrial Packaging	$	3,755			$	3,335			$	11,095			$	9,900
	Printing Papers	1,555				1,580				4,635				4,650
	Consumer Packaging	885				765				2,570				2,355
	Distribution	1,445				1,535				4,235				4,510
	Corporate and Intersegment Sales	(234		)		(189		)		(704		)		(657		)
	Net Sales	$	7,406			$	7,026			$	21,831			$	20,758
	Operating profit by industry segment for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
	In millions	2013				2012				2013				2012
	Industrial Packaging	$	499		(a)	$	255		(e)	1,328			(a)	$	730		(e)
	Printing Papers	93			(b)	202			(f)	318			(b)	452			(f)
	Consumer Packaging	73			(c)	67			(g)	131			(c)	227			(g)
	Distribution	13			(d)	15			(h)	8			(d)	18			(h)
	Operating Profit	678				539				$	1,785			1,427
	Interest expense, net	(147		)		(163		)		(479		)	(i)	(503		)
	Noncontrolling interests/equity earnings adjustment (j)	(3		)		—				1				8
	Corporate items, net	(13		)		(1		)		(35		)		(36		)
	Restructuring and other charges	(26		)		(15		)		(23		)		(40		)
	Non-operating pension expense	(78		)		(40		)		(245		)		(119		)
	Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity earnings	$	411			$	320			$	1,004			$	737
	Equity earnings (loss), net of taxes – Ilim	$	11			$	33			$	(34	)		$	48
	(a)	Includes charges of $24 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and $50 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 for integration costs associated with the acquisition of Temple-Inland, a gain of $14 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 for a bargain purchase adjustment on the first quarter 2013 acquisition of a majority share of our operations in Turkey, a gain of $9 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 related to the sale of the box plant facility in Bellevue, Washington, and charges of $3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and $8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 for other items.
	(b)	Includes charges of $51 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 for costs associated with the announced shutdown of our Courtland, Alabama mill.
	(c)	Includes charges of $45 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 for costs associated with the permanent shutdown of a paper machine at our Augusta, Georgia mill.
	(d)	Includes charges of $6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and $30 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 for costs associated with the restructuring of the Company's xpedx operations.
	(e)	Includes charges of $58 million and $136 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012 for integration costs associated with the Temple-Inland acquisition, charges of $19 million and $28 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012 for costs associated with the divestiture of three containerboard mills, charges of $16 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012 for costs associated with the restructuring of our Packaging business in Europe, a charge of $62 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to adjust the value of the long-lived assets of the Hueneme mill in Oxnard, California to their fair value, a charge of $20 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 related to the write-up of the Temple-Inland inventory to fair value, and gains of $6 million and $5 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012 for other items.
	(f)	Includes a gain of $1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and a net $0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 related to the acquisition of the majority interest in Andhra Pradesh Paper Mills Limited.
	(g)	Includes a gain of $1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 for adjustments related to the sale of the Shorewood business.
	(h)	Includes charges of $9 million and $42 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012 for costs associated with the restructuring of the Company's xpedx operation.
	(i)	Includes a gain of $6 million for interest related to the settlement of an IRS tax audit.
	(j)	Operating profits for industry segments include each segment’s percentage share of the profits of subsidiaries included in that segment that are less than wholly owned. The pre-tax noncontrolling interest and equity earnings for these subsidiaries are adjusted here to present consolidated earnings before income taxes and equity earnings.

EQUITY_Detail

EQUITY (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Equity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	$6,636	$6,985
Issuance of stock for various plans, net	'	'	418	144
Repurchase of stock	'	'	-70	-35
Common stock dividends ($0.9000 per share in 2013 and $0.7875 per share in 2012)	'	'	-409	-353
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests by subsidiary	'	'	-1	-4
Noncontrolling interests of acquired entities	'	'	7	0
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	'	'	0	-2
Comprehensive income (loss)	600	415	961	610
Ending balance	7,542	7,345	7,542	7,345
Total International Paper Shareholders' Equity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Equity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	6,304	6,645
Issuance of stock for various plans, net	'	'	418	144
Repurchase of stock	'	'	-70	-35
Common stock dividends ($0.9000 per share in 2013 and $0.7875 per share in 2012)	'	'	-409	-353
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)	'	'	987	605
Ending balance	7,230	7,006	7,230	7,006
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	'	'	'	'
Equity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	332	340
Issuance of stock for various plans, net	'	'	0	0
Repurchase of stock	'	'	0	0
Common stock dividends ($0.9000 per share in 2013 and $0.7875 per share in 2012)	'	'	0	0
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests by subsidiary	'	'	-1	-4
Noncontrolling interests of acquired entities	'	'	7	0
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	'	'	0	-2
Comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	-26	5
Ending balance	$312	$339	$312	$339

EQUITY_Parenthetical_Detail

EQUITY (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Equity [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock dividends, per share	$0.90	$0.79
Total International Paper Shareholders' Equity [Member]	'	'
Equity [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock dividends, per share	$0.90	$0.79
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	'	'
Equity [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock dividends, per share	$0.90	$0.79

COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_COMPREHEN2

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Beginning balance	($4,051)	[1]	($3,139)	[1]	($3,840)	[1]	($3,005)	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	144	[1]	125	[1]	-229	[1]	-85	[1]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	80	[1]	52	[1]	242	[1]	128	[1]
Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income	224	[1]	177	[1]	13	[1]	43	[1]
Ending balance	-3,827	[1]	-2,962	[1]	-3,827	[1]	-2,962	[1]
Accumulated Defined Benefit Pension Plans Adjustment [Member]	'		'		'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Beginning balance	-3,442	[1]	-2,730	[1]	-3,596	[1]	-2,852	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	103	[1]	4	[1]	103	[1]	28	[1]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	76	[1]	48	[1]	230	[1]	146	[1]
Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income	179	[1]	52	[1]	333	[1]	174	[1]
Ending balance	-3,263	[1]	-2,678	[1]	-3,263	[1]	-2,678	[1]
Change in Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]	'		'		'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Beginning balance	-592	[1]	-392	[1]	-246	[1]	-117	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	34	[1]	114	[1]	-329	[1]	-126	[1]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	[1]	0	[1]	17	[1]	-35	[1]
Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income	34	[1]	114	[1]	-312	[1]	-161	[1]
Ending balance	-558	[1]	-278	[1]	-558	[1]	-278	[1]
Net Gains and Losses on Cash Fow Hedging Derivatives [Member]	'		'		'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Beginning balance	-17	[1]	-17	[1]	2	[1]	-36	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	7	[1]	7	[1]	-3	[1]	13	[1]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	4	[1]	4	[1]	-5	[1]	17	[1]
Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income	11	[1]	11	[1]	-8	[1]	30	[1]
Ending balance	($6)	[1]	($6)	[1]	($6)	[1]	($6)	[1]
[1]	All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI.

COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_COMPREHEN3

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Schedule of Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Tax (expense) benefit	($41)		($130)		($66)		($257)
Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations	386		224		908		532
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations	-80	[1]	-52	[1]	-242	[1]	-128	[1]
Accumulated Defined Benefit Pension Plans Adjustment [Member] | Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Prior-service cost	-2	[1],[2]	-1	[1],[2]	-7	[1],[2]	-2	[1],[2]
Actuarial gains (losses)	-123	[1],[2]	-78	[1],[2]	-370	[1],[2]	-237	[1],[2]
Total pre-tax amount	-125	[1]	-79	[1]	-377	[1]	-239	[1]
Tax (expense) benefit	49	[1]	31	[1]	147	[1]	93	[1]
Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations	-76	[1]	-48	[1]	-230	[1]	-146	[1]
Business Acquisitions/Divestitures [Member] | Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Business acquisitions/divestitures	'		'		-17	[1]	48	[1]
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] | Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Tax (expense) benefit	'		'		0	[1]	-13	[1]
Change in Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member] | Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations	'		'		-17	[1]	35	[1]
Net Gains and Losses on Cash Fow Hedging Derivatives [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total pre-tax amount	-6	[1]	-6	[1]	7	[1]	-27	[1]
Tax (expense) benefit	2	[1]	2	[1]	-2	[1]	10	[1]
Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations	-4	[1]	-4	[1]	5	[1]	-17	[1]
Net Gains and Losses on Cash Fow Hedging Derivatives [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Foreign exchange contracts	-6	[1],[3]	-6	[1],[3]	7	[1],[3]	-16	[1],[3]
Net Gains and Losses on Cash Fow Hedging Derivatives [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Foreign exchange contracts	'		'		'		($11)	[1],[3]
[1]	Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to earnings/loss.
[2]	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 16 for additional details).
[3]	This accumulated other comprehensive income component is included in our derivatives and hedging activities (see Note 15 for additional details).

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_ATTRIBUTABL2

EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY COMMON SHAREHOLDERS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$392		$223		$919		$524
Effect of dilutive securities (a)	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations - assuming dilution	$392		$223		$919		$524
Average common shares outstanding	445.9		435.1		444.1		434.7
Average common shares outstanding - assuming dilution	449.7		439.8		448.7		439.7
Basic earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share	$0.88		$0.51		$2.07		$1.20
Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share	$0.87		$0.51		$2.05		$1.19
Restricted Stock Performance Share Plan [Member]	'		'		'		'
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	3.6	[1]	4.7	[1]	4.3	[1]	5	[1]
Stock Options [Member]	'		'		'		'
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	0.2	[1],[2]	0	[1],[2]	0.3	[1],[2]	0	[1],[2]
[1]	Securities are not included in the table in periods when antidilutive.
[2]	Options to purchase 10.7 million shares for the three months ended SeptemberB 30, 2012 and 9.4 million shares for the nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2012 were not included in the computation of diluted common shares outstanding because their exercise price exceeded the average market price of the Companybs common stock for each respective reporting period.

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_ATTRIBUTABL3

EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY COMMON SHAREHOLDERS (Parenthetical) (Details)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]	'	'
Stock options, options to purchase shares not included in the computation of diluted common shares outstanding	10.7	9.4

RESTRUCTURING_AND_OTHER_CHARGE2

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and other charges	$76	($4)	$59	$33	$21	$34	$131	$88
Restructuring and other charges, after tax	47	-2	36	24	13	23	'	'
Early Debt Extinguishment Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and other charges	15	3	6	13	10	16	'	'
Restructuring and other charges, after tax	9	2	4	8	6	10	'	'
XPEDX Restructuring [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and other charges	6	17	7	8	10	19	30	'
Restructuring and other charges, after tax	4	10	4	4	6	14	'	'
xpedx Transaction Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and other charges	11	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and other charges, after tax	7	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Courtland Mill Shutdown [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and other charges	51	'	'	'	'	'	51	'
Restructuring and other charges, after tax	31	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
CTA Bellevue facility closure [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and other charges	-9	'	'	'	'	'	-9	'
Restructuring and other charges, after tax	-6	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Insurance Reimbursements [Member] | Tepper Versus Temple Inland [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and other charges	'	-30	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and other charges, after tax	'	-19	'	'	'	'	'	'
Augusta Mill Paper Machine Shutdown [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and other charges	'	'	44	'	'	'	45	'
Restructuring and other charges, after tax	'	'	27	'	'	'	'	'
EMEA [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and other charges	'	'	'	16	'	'	'	16
Restructuring and other charges, after tax	'	'	'	11	'	'	'	'
Other Restructuring and Other Charges [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and other charges	2	6	2	-4	1	-1	'	'
Restructuring and other charges, after tax	$2	$5	$1	$1	$1	($1)	'	'

RESTRUCTURING_AND_OTHER_CHARGE3

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES (Narrative)(Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and other charges	$76	($4)	$59	$33	$21	$34	$131	$88
Restructuring and other charges, after tax	$47	($2)	$36	$24	$13	$23	'	'

ACQUISITIONS_AND_JOINT_VENTURE2

ACQUISITIONS AND JOINT VENTURES (Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Acquired) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2007	Jan. 14, 2013	Jan. 02, 2013	Feb. 13, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified					Orsa IP [Member]	Olmuksan Joint Venture [Member]	Temple Inland Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and temporary investments	'	'	'	'	$16	$5	'
Accounts and notes receivable	'	'	'	'	5	72	466
Inventory	'	'	'	'	27	31	484
Deferred income tax assets - current	'	'	'	'	'	'	140
Other current assets	'	'	'	'	'	2	57
Plants, property and equipment	'	'	'	'	290	105	2,911
Goodwill	4,491	4,315	'	'	220	'	2,139
Investments	'	'	'	'	'	11	'
Financial assets of special purpose entities	'	'	2,090	'	'	'	2,091
Other intangible assets	'	'	'	'	110	'	693
Deferred charges and other assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	54
Other long-term assets	'	'	'	'	3	'	'
Total assets acquired	'	'	'	'	671	226	9,035
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt	'	'	'	'	'	17	130
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	'	'	'	'	10	27	704
Long-term debt	'	'	'	'	'	'	527
Nonrecourse financial liabilities of special purpose entities	'	'	'	2,030	'	'	2,030
Deferred income tax liability	'	'	'	'	56	4	1,252
Pension benefit obligation	'	'	'	'	'	'	338
Postretirement and postemployment benefit obligation	'	'	'	'	'	6	99
Other liabilities	'	'	'	'	'	'	221
Total liabilities assumed	'	'	'	'	66	54	5,301
Non-controlling interest	'	'	'	'	134	18	'
Net assets acquired, less noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	471	154	'
Net assets acquired	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3,734

ACQUISITIONS_AND_JOINT_VENTURE3

ACQUISITIONS AND JOINT VENTURES (Identifiable Finite and Indefinite Intangible Assets Acquired in Connection with Acquisition) (Details) (USD $)

Jan. 14, 2013

Jan. 14, 2013

Jan. 14, 2013

Jan. 14, 2013

Feb. 13, 2012

Feb. 13, 2012

Feb. 13, 2012

Feb. 13, 2012

Feb. 13, 2012

Feb. 13, 2012

Feb. 13, 2012

Feb. 13, 2012

Feb. 13, 2012

Feb. 13, 2012

Feb. 13, 2012

Feb. 13, 2012

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Orsa IP [Member]

Orsa IP [Member]

Orsa IP [Member]

Orsa IP [Member]

Temple Inland Inc [Member]

Temple Inland Inc [Member]

Temple Inland Inc [Member]

Temple Inland Inc [Member]

Temple Inland Inc [Member]

Temple Inland Inc [Member]

Temple Inland Inc [Member]

Temple Inland Inc [Member]

Temple Inland Inc [Member]

Temple Inland Inc [Member]

Temple Inland Inc [Member]

Temple Inland Inc [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Supply Commitment [Member]

Trade names [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Developed Technology Rights [Member]

Developed Technology Rights [Member]

Developed Technology Rights [Member]

Favorable Contracts [Member]

Favorable Contracts [Member]

Favorable Contracts [Member]

Non-Compete Agreements [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Finite-lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of a Business Combination [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount

'

$88

$3

$19

'

'

$536

'

'

$8

'

'

$14

'

'

$26

Indefinite-lived intangible asset, amount

'

'

'

'

'

109

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquired finite and indefinite lived intangible asset, amount

$110

'

'

'

$693

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Average remaining useful life, years

'

'12 years

'6 years

'25 years

'

'

'

'12 years

'17 years

'

'5 years

'10 years

'

'4 years

'7 years

'2 years

ACQUISITIONS_AND_JOINT_VENTURE4

ACQUISITIONS AND JOINT VENTURES (Pro Forma Information on Consolidated Results Operations Related to Acquisitions) (Details) (Temple Inland Inc [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012
Temple Inland Inc [Member]	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]	'
Net sales	$21,050
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (a)	567	[1]
Net earnings (loss) (a)	$602	[1]
Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share (a)	$1.29	[1]
Diluted net earnings (loss) per common share (a)	$1.37	[1]
[1]	Attributable to International Paper Company common shareholders.

ACQUISITIONS_AND_JOINT_VENTURE5

ACQUISITIONS AND JOINT VENTURES (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Feb. 13, 2012

Feb. 13, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jan. 14, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jan. 02, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 02, 2013

Temple Inland Inc [Member]

Temple Inland Inc [Member]

Temple Inland Inc [Member]

Temple Inland Inc [Member]

Temple Inland Inc [Member]

Temple Inland Inc [Member]

Temple Inland Inc [Member]

Orsa IP [Member]

Olmuksan Joint Venture [Member]

Olmuksan Joint Venture [Member]

Olmuksan Joint Venture [Member]

Olmuksan Joint Venture [Member]

Olmuksan Joint Venture [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

T

Facilities

Olmuksan Joint Venture [Member]

Olmuksan Joint Venture [Member]

Olmuksan Joint Venture [Member]

Olmuksan Joint Venture [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill, gross

$7,920

'

$7,920

'

$7,744

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments to acquire businesses, gross

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,700

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

56

'

Business combination, step acquisition, equity interest in acquiree, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

43.70%

43.70%

'

'

'

'

Fair value of equity interest in acquiree

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

75

'

75

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business combination, step acquisition, equity interest in acquiree, including subsequent acquisition, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

87.40%

Foreign currency transaction gain (loss), realized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value Inputs, Long-term Revenue Growth Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.00%

9.00%

'

'

Fair Value Inputs, Corporate Tax Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Bargain purchase gain (loss) on acquisition of business

0

0

13

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

18

22

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding common stock acquired, price per share

'

'

'

'

'

$32

$32

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition of business, debt assumed

'

'

'

'

'

700

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Mills required to be divested

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tons of aggregate capacity to be divested

'

'

'

'

'

'

970,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Write-up of inventory

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Write-up of inventory, after tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Integration costs associated with acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

24

58

'

50

136

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business combination integration related costs, after tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15

34

'

31

89

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of interest acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

75.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Containerboard mills acquired in business acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Box plants acquired in business acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition of business, purchase price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$471

'

'

'

$154

'

'

'

'

'

BUSINESSES_HELD_FOR_SALE_DIVES1

BUSINESSES HELD FOR SALE, DIVESTITURES AND IMPAIRMENTS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Feb. 13, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 02, 2013

Mar. 27, 2013

Temple Inland Building Products Business [Member]

Temple Inland Building Products Business [Member]

Containerboard Mills [Member]

Containerboard Mills [Member]

Containerboard Mills [Member]

Hueneme Mill [Member]

Shorewood Divestiture [Member]

Shorewood Divestiture [Member]

Shorewood Divestiture [Member]

Deltic Timber Corporation (Deltic) [Member]

Andhra Pradesh Paper Mills Limited [Member]

Andhra Pradesh Paper Mills Limited [Member]

Georgia-Pacific [Member]

Georgia-Pacific [Member]

Georgia-Pacific [Member]

Facilities

Temple Inland Building Products Business [Member]

Temple Inland Building Products Business [Member]

Temple Inland Building Products Business [Member]

Temple Inland Building Products Business [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of facilities to be sold

'

'

'

'

'

15

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from divestitures

'

'

$733

$474

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$733

'

'

Significant acquisitions and disposals, acquisition costs or sale proceeds

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20

'

'

'

'

'

Disposal group, transfer of ownership interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Disposal of business, contractual sale price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

710

750

Assets of businesses held for sale

0

'

0

'

759

'

759

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill, gross

7,920

'

7,920

'

7,744

'

26

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquired finite and indefinite lived intangible asset, amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

153

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liabilities of businesses held for sale

0

'

0

'

44

'

44

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Disposal group, not discontinued operation, gain (loss) on disposal

-1

-18

-1

-89

'

'

'

-19

-9

-28

'

-6

7

-1

'

'

'

'

'

'

Disposal group, not discontinued operation, gain (loss) on disposal, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-49

-5

'

'

-4

6

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Bargain purchase gain (loss) on acquisition of business

0

0

13

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

0

'

'

'

Impairment of long-lived assets to be disposed of

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

62

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment of long-lived assets to be disposed of, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$38

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

SUPPLEMENTAL_FINANCIAL_STATEME2

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Temporary Investments) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Temporary investments	$1,545	$934

SUPPLEMENT_FINANCIAL_STATEMENT

SUPPLEMENT FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Accounts and Notes Receivable) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts and notes receivable	$4,024	$3,562
Trade [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts and notes receivable	3,717	3,316
Other Non-Trade Receivables [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts and notes receivable	$307	$246

SUPPLEMENTAL_FINANCIAL_STATEME3

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Inventories by Major Category) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Raw materials	$410	$360
Finished pulp, paper and packaging	1,792	1,728
Operating supplies	571	588
Other	68	54
Inventory, Net	$2,841	$2,730

SUPPLEMENTAL_FINANCIAL_STATEME4

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Depreciation Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Depreciation Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	$365	$347	$1,081	$1,045

SUPPLEMENTAL_FINANCIAL_STATEME5

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Valuation Accounts) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			National Envelope [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	$19,826	$18,934	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	138	119	28
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current	'	'	$42

SUPPLEMENTAL_FINANCIAL_STATEME6

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Cash Payments Related to Interest) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Interest Payments [Line Items]	'	'
Interest payments	$537	$496

SUPPLEMENTAL_FINANCIAL_STATEME7

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Schedule of Interest Income and Interest Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Interest Income and Interest Expense [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Interest expense	$162	[1]	$197	[1]	$520	[1]	$559	[1]
Interest income	15	[1]	34	[1]	41	[1]	56	[1]
Capitalized interest costs	$4		$10		$12		$29
[1]	Interest expense and interest income exclude approximately $11 million and $35 million for the three months and nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2013 and $15 million and $35 million for the three months and nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2012, respectively, related to investments in and borrowings from variable interest entities for which the Company has a legal right of offset (see Note 13).

SUPPLEMENTAL_FINANCIAL_STATEME8

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Components of Postretirement Benefit Expense) (Details) (Postretirement benefit expense [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Postretirement benefit expense [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$0	$1	$1	$2
Interest cost	4	5	11	15
Actuarial loss	2	3	5	8
Amortization of prior service credit	-6	-8	-18	-22
Net periodic benefit expense	$0	$1	($1)	$3

SUPPLEMENTAL_FINANCIAL_STATEME9

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Schedule of Interest Income and Interest Expense) (Parenthetical) (Details) (Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'	'	'	'
Amounts Related To Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest expense and interest income excluded, amount	($11)	($15)	($35)	($35)

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLES2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Changes in Goodwill Balances) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]	'		'
Beginning balance	$7,744		'
Accumulated impairment losses (a)	-3,429	[1]	'
Total	4,491		4,315
Reclassifications and other (b)	-60	[2]	'
Additions/reductions	236		'
Ending balance	7,920		'
Accumulated impairment losses (a)	-3,429	[1]	'
Industrial Packaging [Member]	'		'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'		'
Beginning balance	3,165		'
Accumulated impairment losses (a)	0	[1]	'
Total	3,405		3,165
Reclassifications and other (b)	-13	[2]	'
Additions/reductions	253	[3]	'
Ending balance	3,405		'
Accumulated impairment losses (a)	0	[1]	'
Printing Papers [Member]	'		'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'		'
Beginning balance	2,396		'
Accumulated impairment losses (a)	-1,765	[1]	'
Total	565		631
Reclassifications and other (b)	-49	[2]	'
Additions/reductions	-17	[4]	'
Ending balance	2,330		'
Accumulated impairment losses (a)	-1,765	[1]	'
Consumer Packaging [Member]	'		'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'		'
Beginning balance	1,783		'
Accumulated impairment losses (a)	-1,664	[1]	'
Total	121		119
Reclassifications and other (b)	2	[2]	'
Additions/reductions	0		'
Ending balance	1,785		'
Accumulated impairment losses (a)	-1,664	[1]	'
Distribution [Member]	'		'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'		'
Beginning balance	400		'
Accumulated impairment losses (a)	0	[1]	'
Total	400		400
Reclassifications and other (b)	0	[2]	'
Additions/reductions	0		'
Ending balance	400		'
Accumulated impairment losses (a)	$0	[1]	'
[1]	(a)Represents accumulated goodwill impairment charges since the adoption of ASC 350, bIntangibles b Goodwill and Otherb in 2002.
[2]	(b)Represents the effects of foreign currency translations and reclassifications.
[3]	(c)Reflects $220 million for Orsa IP, the newly formed joint venture in Brazil, and the adjustment of $54 million ($33 million after-tax impact to goodwill) previously included as a trade name intangible asset in Deferred Charges and Other Assets on the balance sheet.
[4]	(d)Reflects a reduction from tax benefits generated by the deduction of goodwill amortization for tax purposes in Brazil.

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Identifiable Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross carrying amount, finite and indefinite-lived intangible assets	$946	$1,080
Accumulated amortization	259	214
Customer Relationships and Lists [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross carrying amount, finite-lived intangible assets	634	644
Accumulated amortization	138	112
Non-Compete Agreements [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross carrying amount, finite-lived intangible assets	76	83
Accumulated amortization	41	30
Tradenames, Patents and Trademarks [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross carrying amount, finite and indefinite-lived intangible assets	77	144
Accumulated amortization	18	16
Land and Water Rights [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross carrying amount, finite and indefinite-lived intangible assets	75	87
Accumulated amortization	7	6
Fuel and Power Agreements [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross carrying amount, finite-lived intangible assets	11	17
Accumulated amortization	6	12
Software [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross carrying amount, finite-lived intangible assets	24	22
Accumulated amortization	22	19
Other Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross carrying amount, finite-lived intangible assets	49	83
Accumulated amortization	$27	$19

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS1

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Amortization Expense of Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$30	$28	$66	$43

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLES3

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Changes in Goodwill Balances) (Parenthetical) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Additions/reductions	$236
Orsa IP [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Additions/reductions	220	[1]
Temple Inland Inc [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Additions/reductions	33	[1]
Additions/reductions, before tax	$54	[1]
[1]	(c)Reflects $220 million for Orsa IP, the newly formed joint venture in Brazil, and the adjustment of $54 million ($33 million after-tax impact to goodwill) previously included as a trade name intangible asset in Deferred Charges and Other Assets on the balance sheet.

INCOME_TAXES_Income_Tax_Paymen

INCOME TAXES (Income Tax Payments Net of Refunds) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Tax Payments [Line Items]	'	'
Income tax payments,net	$224	$41

INCOME_TAXES_Unrecognized_Tax_

INCOME TAXES (Unrecognized Tax Benefits and Related Accrued Estimated Interest and Penalties) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits and Related Accrued Estimated Interest and Penalties [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance, unrecognized tax benefits	'	'	($972)
Activity for three months, unrecognized tax benefits	29	6	99
Ending balance, unrecognized tax benefits	-838	'	'
Beginning balance, accrued estimated interest and tax penalties	'	'	-104
Activity for three months, accrued estimated interest and tax penalties	13	1	20
Ending balance, accrued estimated interest and tax penalties	($70)	'	'

INCOME_TAXES_Components_of_Net

INCOME TAXES (Components of Net Income Tax Provisions Related to Special Items and Discontinued Operations) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Tax Special Items [Line Items]	'	'
Income Tax Provision Benefit Related To Special Items	($197)	($81)
Other Restructuring and Other Charges [Member]	'	'
Tax Special Items [Line Items]	'	'
Income Tax Provision Benefit Related To Special Items	-77	-87
Acquisition-Related Costs [Member]	'	'
Tax Special Items [Line Items]	'	'
Income Tax Provision Benefit Related To Special Items	0	3
Settlement With Taxing Authority [Member]	'	'
Tax Special Items [Line Items]	'	'
Income Tax Provision Benefit Related To Special Items	-122	0
Business Restructuring Reserves [Member]	'	'
Tax Special Items [Line Items]	'	'
Income Tax Provision Benefit Related To Special Items	0	3
Other Expense [Member]	'	'
Tax Special Items [Line Items]	'	'
Income Tax Provision Benefit Related To Special Items	$2	$0

INCOME_TAXES_Narrative_Detail

INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Estimated reduction of unrecognized tax benefits	$720	'
Estimated reduction of unrecognized tax benefits that will impact the effective tax rate	650	'
Income Tax Provision Benefit Related To Special Items	($197)	($81)

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Environmental Remediation Obligations) (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Cass Lake, Minnesota [Member]

Cass Lake, Minnesota [Member]

Kalamazoo River Superfund Site [Member]

Harris County San Jacinto River Superfund Site [Member]

Bogalusa Louisiana [Member]

Bogalusa Louisiana [Member]

Bogalusa Louisiana [Member]

Bogalusa Louisiana [Member]

Bogalusa Louisiana [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Louisiana and Mississippi [Member]

Louisiana and Mississippi [Member]

Louisiana [Member]

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) Limits Exceeded [Member]

Clean Water Act Violation [Member]

Harris County San Jacinto River Superfund Site [Member]

Harris County San Jacinto River Superfund Site [Member]

Site Contingency [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrual for environmental loss contingencies

$95,000,000

$52,000,000

$46,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Environmental remediation on closed or formerly-owned facilities, recorded as liabilities in balance sheet

43,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value

'

'

'

79,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

50

25,000

Number of plaintiffs seeking damages

'

'

'

'

659

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrual for environmental loss contingencies, payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3,000,000

$3,300,000

'

'

Number of claims filed

'

'

'

'

'

13

28

15

'

'

'

'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Litigation) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2010

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Kleen Products Llc Versus Packaging Corp of America [Member]

Kleen Products Llc Versus Packaging Corp of America [Member]

Gypsum Board Class Action [Member]

Gypsum Board Class Action [Member]

Gypsum Board Class Action [Member]

Gypsum Board Class Action [Member]

Pennsylvania [Member]

Illinois [Member]

Pennsylvania and Illinois [Member]

Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring and other charges

($76)

$4

($59)

($33)

($21)

($34)

($131)

($88)

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income tax examination, estimate of possible loss

'

'

'

'

'

'

$29

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of claims filed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

3

2

1

25

Loss contingency, number of defendants

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8

'

'

'

'

'

VARIABLE_INTEREST_ENTITIES_AND2

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES AND PREFERRED SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARIES (Activity Between Company and Entities) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Cash receipts	'		'		$0		($45)
Accretion expense for amortization of purchase accounting adjustment, financial liabiities	2		'		5		5
Accretion income for amortization of purchase accounting adjustment, financial assets	5		'		14		12
Entities [Member]	'		'		'		'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Revenue	11	[1]	15	[1]	35	[1]	35	[1]
Expense	20	[1]	28	[1]	61	[1]	68	[1]
Cash receipts	14	[2]	21	[2]	33	[2]	36	[2]
Cash payments	39	[3]	47	[3]	84	[3]	87	[3]
2007 Financing Entities [Member]	'		'		'		'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Revenue	6	[4]	15	[4]	20	[4]	21	[4]
Expense	7	[5]	11	[5]	22	[5]	20	[5]
Cash receipts	2	[6]	3	[6]	6	[6]	10	[6]
Cash payments	$5	[7]	$6	[7]	$16	[7]	$16	[7]
[1]	The net expense related to the Companybs interest in the Entities is included in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations, as International Paper has and intends to affect its legal right to offset as discussed above.
[2]	The cash receipts are equity distributions from the Entities to International Paper.
[3]	The semi-annual payments are related to interest on the associated debt obligations discussed above.
[4]	The revenue is included in Interest expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations and includes approximately $5 million and $14 million for the three months and nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2013, respectively, and $12 million for the three months and nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2012, respectively, of accretion income for the amortization of the purchase accounting adjustment on the Financial assets of special purpose entities.
[5]	The expense is included in Interest expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations and includes approximately $2 million and $5 million for the three months and nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2013, respectively, and $5 million for the three months and nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2012, respectively, of accretion expense for the amortization of the purchase accounting adjustment on the Nonrecourse financial liabilities of special purpose entities.
[6]	The cash receipts are interest received on the Financial assets of special purpose entities.
[7]	The cash payments are interest paid on Nonrecourse financial liabilities of special purpose entities.

VARIABLE_INTEREST_ENTITIES_AND3

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES AND PREFERRED SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARIES (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

5 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2007

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2007

Oct. 31, 2007

Dec. 31, 2006

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2006

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2006

Jun. 21, 2012

Oct. 07, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 27, 2013

Mar. 30, 2003

31-May-02

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Jun. 21, 2012

Dec. 19, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Jan. 23, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Jan. 23, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Feb. 10, 2012

Nov. 22, 2011

acre

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]

Timber Notes [Member]

Timber Notes [Member]

Timber Notes [Member]

Timber Notes [Member]

2007 Financing Entities [Member]

Preferred Securities Of Subsidiaries [Member]

Preferred Securities Of Subsidiaries [Member]

2002 Financing Entities [Member]

Financial Assets [Member]

Financial Liabilities [Member]

Barclays Private Limited Company [Member]

Barclays Private Limited Company [Member]

B N P Paribas [Member]

Societe Generale Sa [Member]

Societe Generale Sa [Member]

Societe Generale Sa [Member]

Societe Generale Sa [Member]

Royal Bank Of Scotland Group Plc [Member]

Royal Bank Of Scotland Group Plc [Member]

Royal Bank Of Scotland Group Plc [Member]

Royal Bank Of Scotland Group Plc [Member]

Royal Bank Of Scotland Group Plc [Member]

Class B Interests In Entities [Member]

Class B Interests In Entities [Member]

Class B Interests In Entities [Member]

acre

B N P Paribas [Member]

Royal Bank Of Scotland Group Plc [Member]

acre

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]

Two Thousand Seven Monetized Notes [Member]

Two Thousand Seven Monetized Notes [Member]

Timber Notes [Member]

Timber Notes [Member]

Timber Notes [Member]

Two Thousand Seven Monetized Notes [Member]

Two Thousand Seven Monetized Notes [Member]

Timber Notes [Member]

Timber Notes [Member]

Timber Notes [Member]

Timber Notes [Member]

Timber Notes [Member]

Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forestlands acreage sales

1,550,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of consideration received

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,380,000,000

$4,800,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contribution of Class A interests in the Borrower Entities to other newly formed entities in December 2006

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contribution of International Paper promissory notes, to other newly formed entities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Class B interests held in entities in December 2006

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letters of credit downgrade period of replacement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'60 days

'

'

'

'30 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'60 day

'

'

Entities acquired International Paper debt obligations for cash

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,800,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

International Paper debt obligations held by the Entities

'

9,683,000,000

9,683,000,000

'

'

'

'

5,200,000,000

5,300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest, offset against related debt obligations of the entities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Remainder of the borrowing included in long-term debt

'

8,900,000,000

8,900,000,000

'

9,696,000,000

2,140,000,000

'

'

76,000,000

79,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional debt included in notes payable and current maturities

'

783,000,000

783,000,000

'

444,000,000

'

'

'

79,000,000

79,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letters of credit issued that support Timber Notes

2,380,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

707,000,000

1,600,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000,000

'

'

666,000,000

'

506,000,000

'

'

797,000,000

135,000,000

707,000,000

Replacement fees incurred

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,000,000

'

'

5,000,000

'

2,000,000

'

5,000,000

5,000,000

'

'

'

The percent of letters of credit supporting Timber Notes and Monetized Note that are cash collateralized

'

100.00%

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Transferred notes (the Monetized Notes) and cash to entities in exchange for preferred interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term notes, maturity term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of notes receivable as of acquisition date

'

'

'

2,090,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes receivable, fair value disclosure

'

2,510,000,000

2,510,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of financial assets as of acquisition date

'

'

'

'

'

2,030,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, fair value

'

2,390,000,000

2,390,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred third-party interest, included in noncontrolling interest

'

312,000,000

312,000,000

'

332,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

150,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forestlands acres held in United States initially by Southeast timber

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Distributions under preferred securities to third party investors

'

1,000,000

1,000,000

4,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred securities issued to a private investor with future dividend payments based on LIBOR in March 2003

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

150,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill, translation and purchase accounting adjustments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$292,000,000

($110,000,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of days notice to terminate replacement waiver

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'30 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

DEBT_Debt_ExtinguishmentDetail

DEBT (Debt Extinguishment)(Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Debt reductions	$442	[1]	$611	[1]	$500	[1]	$1,047	[1]
Pre-tax early debt extinguishment costs	$15	[2]	$13	[2]	$24	[2]	$39	[2]
Original maturity date range, minimum	'2014		'2017		'2014		'2012
Original maturity date range, maximum	'2033		'2023		'2033		'2023
[1]	Reductions related to notes with interest rates ranging from 5.45% to 7.40% with original maturities from 2014 to 2033 and from 1.63% to 6.95% with original maturities from 2017 to 2023 for the three months ended SeptemberB 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and 5.20% to 7.95% with original maturities from 2014 to 2033 and from 1.63% to 7.95% with original maturities from 2012 to 2023 for the nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2013 and SeptemberB 30, 2012, respectively.
[2]	Amounts are included in Restructuring and Other Charges in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

DEBT_Debt_Extinguishment_Paren

DEBT (Debt Extinguishment) (Parenthetical)(Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage rate range, minimum	5.45%	1.63%	5.20%	1.63%
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage rate range, maximum	7.40%	6.95%	7.95%	7.95%
Original maturity date range, minimum	'2014	'2017	'2014	'2012
Original maturity date range, maximum	'2033	'2023	'2033	'2023

DEBT_Narrative_Detail

DEBT (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 29, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Subsequent Event [Member]

London Inner Bank Offering Rate Plus Margin Of One Hundred And Seventy Five Basis Points [Member]

London Inner Bank Offering Rate Plus Margin Of One Hundred And Seventy Five Basis Points [Member]

London Inner Bank Offering Rate Plus Margin Of One Hundred And Thirty Eight Basis Points [Member]

London Inner Bank Offering Rate Plus Margin Of One Hundred And Thirty Eight Basis Points [Member]

London Inner Bank Offering Rate Plus Margin Of One Hundred And Thirty Eight Basis Points [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Debt Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term loan

'

'

'

'

'

$200,000,000

'

'

$1,200,000,000

'

'

Maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

31-Dec-17

'

31-Dec-17

'

'

'

Pre-tax early debt extinguishment costs

15,000,000

[1]

13,000,000

[1]

24,000,000

[1]

39,000,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Base points margin

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.75%

'

'

1.38%

0.70%

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage rate range, minimum

5.45%

1.63%

5.20%

1.63%

4.55%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage rate range, maximum

7.40%

6.95%

7.95%

7.95%

6.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt and capital lease obligations

9,683,000,000

'

9,683,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt fair value

11,000,000,000

'

11,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Original maturity date range, minimum

'2014

'2017

'2014

'2012

'2015

'

'

'

'

'

'

Original maturity date range, maximum

'2033

'2023

'2033

'2023

'2031

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Increase (Decrease), Net

'

'

'

'

70,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$225,000,000

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.22%

[1]

Amounts are included in Restructuring and Other Charges in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

DERIVATIVES_AND_HEDGING_ACTIVI2

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Schedule of Notional Amounts of Financial Instruments) (Details)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Embedded Derivative [Member]

Embedded Derivative [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Foreign exchange contracts to sell indian rupee for u s dollar

Foreign exchange contracts to sell indian rupee for u s dollar

Foreign exchange contracts to sell thai baht for u s dollar

Foreign exchange contracts to sell thai baht for u s dollar

Foreign exchange contracts to sell u s dollar for turkish iira

Foreign exchange contracts to sell u s dollar for turkish iira

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign exchange contracts to sell brazilian real for u s dollar

Foreign exchange contracts to sell brazilian real for u s dollar

Foreign exchange contracts to sell british pounds for brazilian real

Foreign exchange contracts to sell british pounds for brazilian real

Foreign exchange contracts to sell european euro for brazilian real

Foreign exchange contracts to sell european euro for brazilian real

Foreign exchange contracts to sell european euro for polish zloty

Foreign exchange contracts to sell european euro for polish zloty

Foreign exchange contracts to sell u s dollar for brazilian real

Foreign exchange contracts to sell u s dollar for brazilian real

Zero cost collar to sell u s dollar for brazilian real

Zero cost collar to sell u s dollar for brazilian real

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

ZeroCostCollarDerivativeMember [Member]

ZeroCostCollarDerivativeMember [Member]

INR

INR

THB

THB

USD ($)

USD ($)

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

BRL

BRL

GBP (£)

GBP (£)

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Derivative [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Notional Amount

$0

$150

$0

$150

[1]

157

[2]

140

36

[2]

261

$0

[2]

$56

543

[3]

0

£ 16

[3]

£ 13

€ 21

[3]

€ 13

€ 263

[3]

€ 149

$335

[3]

$238

$18

[3]

$18

[1]

Includes $150 million floating-to-fixed interest rate swap notional to offset the embedded derivative.

[2]

These contracts had maturities of one year or less as of SeptemberB 30, 2013.

[3]

These contracts had maturities of three years or less as of SeptemberB 30, 2013.

DERIVATIVE_AND_HEDGING_ACTIVIT

DERIVATIVE AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Schedule of Notional Amounts of Financial Instruments) (Parenthetical) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity period of cash flow hedges, maximum (in years)	'1 year	'
Floating to Fixed Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Notional Amount	$0	$150	[1]
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity period of cash flow hedges, maximum (in years)	'3 years	'
[1]	Includes $150 million floating-to-fixed interest rate swap notional to offset the embedded derivative.

DERIVATIVES_AND_HEDGING_ACTIVI3

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Gains Losses Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income AOCI Net of Tax Related to Derivative Instruments) (Details) (Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member], Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], Cash Flow Hedging [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	$7	$7	($3)	$13
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	7	7	-3	14
Commodity Contract [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	$0	$0	$0	($1)

DERIVATIVES_AND_HEDGING_ACTIVI4

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Gains and Losses Recognized in Consolidated Statement of Operations on Qualifying and Non Qualifying Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	$7	$5	$13	$11
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cost of Products Sold [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	-4	-4	5	-17
Energy Related Derivative [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cost of Products Sold [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	1	2	-2
Embedded Derivative [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | InterestIncomeExpense [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	-1	-1	-3
Commodity Contract [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cost of Products Sold [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	0	0	0	-7
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cost of Products Sold [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	-5	-1
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cost of Products Sold [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	-4	-4	5	-10
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | InterestIncomeExpense [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	$7	$5	$17	$17

DERIVATIVES_AND_HEDGING_ACTIVI5

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Impact of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Assets	$23		$9
Derivative Liabilities	28		23
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Assets	22		7
Derivative Liabilities	28		21
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Assets	1		2
Derivative Liabilities	0		2
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Assets	0		1	[1]
Derivative Liabilities	0		0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Assets	0		0
Derivative Liabilities	0		1	[2]
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Energy Related Derivative [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Assets	1	[3]	0
Derivative Liabilities	0		1	[2]
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Embedded Derivative [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Assets	0		1	[1]
Derivative Liabilities	0		0
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Assets	22	[4]	7	[5]
Derivative Liabilities	$28	[6]	$21	[7]
[1]	(d)Included in Other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
[2]	(g)Included in Other accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
[3]	(b)Included in Deferred charges and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
[4]	(a)Includes $11 million recorded in Other current assets and $11 million recorded in Deferred charges and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
[5]	(c)Includes $3 million recorded in Other current assets and $4 million recorded in Deferred charges and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
[6]	(e)Includes $17 million recorded in Other accrued liabilities and $11 million recorded in Other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
[7]	(f)Includes $20 million recorded in Other accrued liabilities and $1 million recorded in Other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

DERIVATIVES_AND_HEDGING_ACTIVI6

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Impact of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Balance Sheet) (Parenthetical) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets	$23	$9
Derivative Liabilities	28	23
Other Current Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets	11	3
Deferred Charges and Other Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets	11	4
Other Accrued Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liabilities	17	20
Other Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liabilities	$11	$1

DERIVATIVES_AND_HEDGING_ACTIVI7

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Gain / (Loss) recorded to AOCI after tax, that is expected to be reclassified to earnings	($2)	'
Fair values of derivative instruments containing credit risk-related contingent features in a net liability position	$2	$18

RETIREMENT_PLANS_Net_Periodic_

RETIREMENT PLANS (Net Periodic Pension Expense for Qualified and Nonqualified U.S. Defined Benefit Plans) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Non Qualified [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Benefits paid	'	'	$15	'
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	47	38	142	113
Interest cost	143	154	430	452
Expected return on plan assets	-186	-190	-550	-563
Actuarial loss	121	76	365	230
Amortization of prior service cost	9	8	26	24
Net periodic benefit expense	$134	$86	$413	$256

RETIREMENT_PLANS_Narrative_Det

RETIREMENT PLANS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined benefit plan employer cash contributions in current fiscal year	'	'	$31	'
U.S. Plans	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax	168	'	'	'
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments	103	4	103	28
Non Qualified [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Benefits paid	'	'	$15	'

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Schedu

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Schedule of Stock-Based Compansation Expense Related to Income Tax Benefits) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income tax benefits related to stock-based compensation	$3	$0	$70	$40
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation expense (selling and administrative)	$35	$26	$106	$70

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Assump

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Assumptions Used to Determine Compensation Cost for Market Condition Component of Performance Share Program Plan) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Expected volatility, lower limit	25.25%	28.39%	25.25%	28.39%
Expected volatility, upper limit	62.58%	55.33%	62.58%	55.33%
Risk-free interest rate, lower limit	0.20%	0.12%	0.20%	0.12%
Risk-free interest rate, upper limit	0.99%	0.42%	0.99%	0.42%

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Summar

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Summary of Performance Share Plan Activity) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Nonvested Shares	'
Outstanding beginning balance, nonvested shares / units	8,660,855
Granted, nonvested shares / units	3,148,445
Shares issued, nonvested shares / units	-3,222,491.50	[1]
Forfeited, nonvested shares / units	-348,754
Outstanding ending balance, nonvested shares / units	8,238,054
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'
Outstanding beginning balance, weighted average grant date fair value	$28.37
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value	$40.76
Shares issued, weighted average grant date fair value	$32.48	[1]
Forfeited, weighted average grant date fair value	$35.06
Outstanding ending balance, weighted average grant date fair value	$31.22
[1]	Includes 316,274 units held for payout at the end of the performance period.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Summar1

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Summary of Performance Share Plan Activity) (Parenthetical) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Shares held for payout	316,273.50

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Schedu1

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Schedule of Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Options	'
Options, outstanding beginning balance	9,136,060
Options, granted	4,744
Options, exercised	-7,067,850
Options, expired	-49,637
Options, outstanding ending balance	2,023,317
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'
Weighted average exercise price, outstanding beginning balance	$38.79
Weighted average exercise price, granted	$48.11
Weighted average exercise price, exercised	$38.54
Weighted average exercise price, expired	$35.99
Weighted average exercise price, outstanding ending balance	$39.74
Additonal Option Disclosures	'
Weighted average remaining life (years), outstanding ending balance	'10 months 6 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding ending balance	$10,245

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Summar

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Summary of Restricted Stock Award Program Activity) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Nonvested Shares	'
Outstanding beginning balance, nonvested shares / units	8,660,855
Granted, nonvested shares / units	3,148,445
Shares issued, nonvested shares / units	-3,222,491.50	[1]
Forfeited, nonvested shares / units	-348,754
Outstanding ending balance, nonvested shares / units	8,238,054
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'
Outstanding beginning balance, weighted average grant date fair value	$28.37
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value	$40.76
Shares issued, weighted average grant date fair value	$32.48	[1]
Forfeited, weighted average grant date fair value	$35.06
Outstanding ending balance, weighted average grant date fair value	$31.22
Executive Continuity and restricted Stock Award Program [Member]	'
Nonvested Shares	'
Outstanding beginning balance, nonvested shares / units	151,549
Granted, nonvested shares / units	63,500
Shares issued, nonvested shares / units	-81,941
Forfeited, nonvested shares / units	-17,500
Outstanding ending balance, nonvested shares / units	115,608
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'
Outstanding beginning balance, weighted average grant date fair value	$30.49
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value	$44.40
Shares issued, weighted average grant date fair value	$33.04
Forfeited, weighted average grant date fair value	$37.75
Outstanding ending balance, weighted average grant date fair value	$35.22
[1]	Includes 316,274 units held for payout at the end of the performance period.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Narrat

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Compensation cost related to unvested restricted performance shares, executive continuity awards and restricted stock attributable to future performance, net of estimated forfeitures	$143
Compensation cost related to unvested restricted performance shares, executive continuity awards and restricted stock attributable to future performance, net of estimated forfeitures, weighted-average period (in years)	'1 year 9 months 15 days
Performance Shares [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Awards granted to number of employees	1,300
Performance Shares [Member] | Other Participants [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Weight of return on investment (ROI) on awards	75.00%
Weight of total shareholder return (TSR) on awards	25.00%
Performance Shares [Member] | Officer [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Weight of return on investment (ROI) on awards	50.00%
Weight of total shareholder return (TSR) on awards	50.00%
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Shares available for grant under ICP	17.7

INDUSTRY_SEGMENT_INFORMATION_S

INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION (Sales by Industry Segment) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net Sales	$7,406	$7,026	$21,831	$20,758
Industrial Packaging [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net Sales	3,755	3,335	11,095	9,900
Printing Papers [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net Sales	1,555	1,580	4,635	4,650
Consumer Packaging [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net Sales	885	765	2,570	2,355
Distribution [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net Sales	1,445	1,535	4,235	4,510
Corporate and Intersegment Sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net Sales	($234)	($189)	($704)	($657)

INDUSTRY_SEGMENT_INFORMATION_O

INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION (Operating Profit by Industry Segment) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Operating profit	$678		$539		$1,785		$1,427
Interest expense, net	-147		-163		-479	[1]	-503
Noncontrolling interests/equity earnings adjustment	-3	[2]	0	[2]	1	[2]	8	[2]
Corporate items, net	-13		-1		-35		-36
Restructuring and other charges	-26		-15		-23		-40
Non-operating pension expense	-78		-40		-245		-119
Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Earnings	411		320		1,004		737
Equity earnings (loss), net of taxes	16		34		-30		52
Ilim Holding [Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Equity earnings (loss), net of taxes	11		33		-34		48
Industrial Packaging [Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Operating profit	499	[3]	255	[4]	1,328	[3]	730	[4]
Printing Papers [Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Operating profit	93	[5]	202	[6]	318	[5]	452	[6]
Consumer Packaging [Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Operating profit	73	[7]	67	[8]	131	[7]	227	[8]
Distribution [Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Operating profit	$13	[9]	$15	[10]	$8	[9]	$18	[10]
[1]	Includes a gain of $6 million for interest related to the settlement of an IRS tax audit.
[2]	Operating profits for industry segments include each segmentbs percentage share of the profits of subsidiaries included in that segment that are less than wholly owned. The pre-tax noncontrolling interest and equity earnings for these subsidiaries are adjusted here to present consolidated earnings before income taxes and equity earnings.
[3]	Includes charges of $24 million for the three months ended SeptemberB 30, 2013 and $50 million for the nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2013 for integration costs associated with the acquisition of Temple-Inland, a gain of $14 million for the nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2013 for a bargain purchase adjustment on the first quarter 2013 acquisition of a majority share of our operations in Turkey, a gain of $9 million for the three months and nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2013 related to the sale of the box plant facility in Bellevue, Washington, and charges of $3 million for the three months ended SeptemberB 30, 2013 and $8 million for the nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2013 for other items.
[4]	Includes charges of $58 million and $136 million for the three months and nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2012 for integration costs associated with the Temple-Inland acquisition, charges of $19 million and $28 million for the three months and nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2012 for costs associated with the divestiture of three containerboard mills, charges of $16 million for the three months and nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2012 for costs associated with the restructuring of our Packaging business in Europe, a charge of $62 million for the nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2012 to adjust the value of the long-lived assets of the Hueneme mill in Oxnard, California to their fair value, a charge of $20 million for the nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2012 related to the write-up of the Temple-Inland inventory to fair value, and gains of $6 million and $5 million for the three months and nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2012 for other items.
[5]	Includes charges of $51 million for the three months and nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2013 for costs associated with the announced shutdown of our Courtland, Alabama mill.
[6]	Includes a gain of $1 million for the three months ended SeptemberB 30, 2012 and a net $0 million for the nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2012 related to the acquisition of the majority interest in Andhra Pradesh Paper Mills Limited.
[7]	Includes charges of $45 million for the nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2013 for costs associated with the permanent shutdown of a paper machine at our Augusta, Georgia mill.
[8]	Includes a gain of $1 million for the nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2012 for adjustments related to the sale of the Shorewood business.
[9]	Includes charges of $6 million for the three months ended SeptemberB 30, 2013 and $30 million for the nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2013 for costs associated with the restructuring of the Company's xpedx operations.
[10]	Includes charges of $9 million and $42 million for the three months and nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2012 for costs associated with the restructuring of the Company's xpedx operation.

INDUSTRY_SEGMENT_INFORMATION_O1

INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION (Operating Profit by Industry Segment) (Parenthetical) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net (gains) losses on sales and impairments of businesses	$1	'	'	$18	'	'	$1	$89
Net bargain purchase gain on acquisition of business	0	'	'	0	'	'	-13	0
Restructuring and other charges	76	-4	59	33	21	34	131	88
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-6
Temple Inland Inc [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Integration costs	24	'	'	58	'	'	50	136
Write-up of inventory	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	20
Olmuksan Joint Venture [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net bargain purchase gain on acquisition of business	-4	'	-18	'	'	'	-22	'
Total Business Combination Bargain Purchase Recognized Gain Loss Net	'	'	'	'	'	'	14	'
Andhra Pradesh Paper Mills Limited [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net bargain purchase gain on acquisition of business	'	'	'	-1	'	'	'	0
Hueneme Mill [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment of long-lived assets to be disposed of	'	'	'	'	62	'	'	'
Containerboard Mills [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net (gains) losses on sales and impairments of businesses	'	'	'	19	9	'	'	28
Shorewood Divestiture [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net (gains) losses on sales and impairments of businesses	'	'	'	'	6	-7	'	1
EMEA [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and other charges	'	'	'	16	'	'	'	16
Augusta Mill Paper Machine Shutdown [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and other charges	'	'	44	'	'	'	45	'
Courtland Mill Shutdown [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and other charges	51	'	'	'	'	'	51	'
CTA Bellevue facility closure [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and other charges	-9	'	'	'	'	'	-9	'
XPEDX Restructuring [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and other charges	6	17	7	8	10	19	30	'
Total X P E D X Restructuring [Member] [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and other charges	'	'	'	9	'	'	'	42
Other Divestitures And Impairments [Member] | Hueneme Mill [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment of long-lived assets to be disposed of	'	'	'	62	'	'	'	'
Other Restructuring and Other Charges [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and other charges	$3	'	'	($6)	'	'	$8	($5)

INDUSTRY_SEGMENT_INFORMATION_N1

INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION (Narrative) (Details) (Ilim Holding [Member])	Sep. 30, 2013
Ilim Holding [Member]	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Percentage of equity interest	50.00%