EQUITY Phantom (Details) - $ / shares |
3 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
Mar. 31, 2017 |
Mar. 31, 2016 |
|
| Equity [Line Items] | ||
| Common stock dividends, per share | $ 0.4625 | $ 0.4400 |
| Total International Paper Shareholders' Equity [Member] | ||
| Equity [Line Items] | ||
| Common stock dividends, per share | 0.4625 | 0.4400 |
| Noncontrolling Interests [Member] | ||
| Equity [Line Items] | ||
| Common stock dividends, per share | $ 0.4625 | $ 0.4400 |