EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY COMMON SHAREHOLDERS (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$ 164		$ 235		$ 71		$ 527
Effect of dilutive securities (a)	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations - assuming dilution	$ 164		$ 235		$ 71		$ 527
Average common shares outstanding	428.9		444.9		432.2		443.2
Average common shares outstanding - assuming dilution	432.1		448.5		435.9		447.9
Basic earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share	$ 0.38		$ 0.53		$ 0.16		$ 1.19
Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share	$ 0.38		$ 0.52		$ 0.16		$ 1.18
Restricted Stock Performance Share Plan [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	3.1	[1]	3.3	[1]	3.6	[1]	4.3	[1]
Stock Options [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	0.1	[1]	0.3	[1]	0.1	[1]	0.4	[1]

[1] Securities are not included in the table in periods when antidilutive.