Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
NET EARNINGS (LOSS)	$ 2,144	$ 902	$ 917
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX
Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment	177	260	(1,042)
Net gains/losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:
Net gains (losses) arising during the period (less tax of $4, $3 and $3)	15	(6)	(3)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net earnings (less tax of $2, $3 and $8)	(7)	(7)	12
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX	730	344	(1,068)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	2,874	1,246	(151)
Net (Earnings) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	0	2	21
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	(1)	2	6
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY	2,873	1,250	(124)
Domestic Plan [Member]
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX
Amortization of pension and postretirement prior service costs and net loss:	486	545	296
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments:	56	(451)	(329)
Foreign Plan [Member]
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments:	$ 3	$ 3	$ (2)