EQUITY Phantom (Details) - $ / shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Equity [Line Items]
Common stock dividends, per share	$ 0.8800	$ 0.8000
Total International Paper Shareholders' Equity [Member]
Equity [Line Items]
Common stock dividends, per share	0.8800	0.8000
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Equity [Line Items]
Common stock dividends, per share	$ 0.8800	$ 0.8000