EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY COMMON SHAREHOLDERS Table (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 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
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
Restricted stock performance share plan
Effect of dilutive securities	4.0	4.5	4.9	4.8