EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY COMMON SHAREHOLDERS Table (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to International Paper Company common shareholders	$ 424	$ 361
Weighted average common shares outstanding	400.5	413.5
Weighted average common shares outstanding – assuming dilution	403.2	418.2
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$ 1.06	$ 0.87
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$ 1.05	$ 0.86
Restricted performance share plan
Effect of dilutive securities	2.7	4.7