EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY COMMON SHAREHOLDERS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

A reconciliation of the amounts included in the computation of basic earnings (loss) per share, and diluted earnings (loss) per share is as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
In millions, except per share amounts	2018		2017		2018		2017
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to International Paper Company common shareholders	$	562	$	366	$	1,351	$	642
Weighted average common shares outstanding	407.4		412.9		411.4		412.6
Effect of dilutive securities
Restricted stock performance share plan	4.0		4.5		4.9		4.8
Weighted average common shares outstanding – assuming dilution	411.4		417.4		416.3		417.4
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	1.38	$	0.89	$	3.28	$	1.55
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations	$	1.37	$	0.88	$	3.25	$	1.54