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, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to International Paper Company common shareholders	$ 292	$ 428	$ 716	$ 789
Weighted average common shares outstanding	396.1	413.2	398.3	413.4
Weighted average common shares outstanding – assuming dilution	398.2	417.7	401.4	418.8
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$ 0.74	$ 1.03	$ 1.80	$ 1.91
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$ 0.73	$ 1.02	$ 1.78	$ 1.88
Restricted performance share plan
Effect of dilutive securities	2.1	4.5	3.1	5.4