RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	$ 73	$ 0
Total International Paper Shareholders’ Equity
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption		$ 0
Total International Paper Shareholders’ Equity | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	$ 73