EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY COMMON SHAREHOLDERS Table (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to International Paper Company common shareholders	$ 428	$ 84	$ 789	$ 276
Weighted average common shares outstanding	413.2	412.9	413.4	412.5
Weighted average common shares outstanding – assuming dilution	417.7	416.4	418.8	416.7
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$ 1.03	$ 0.20	$ 1.91	$ 0.67
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations	$ 1.02	$ 0.20	$ 1.88	$ 0.66
Restricted stock performance share plan
Effect of dilutive securities	4.5	3.5	5.4	4.2