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, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to International Paper Company common shareholders	$ 344	$ 562	$ 1,060	$ 1,351
Weighted average common shares outstanding	392.6	407.4	396.3	411.4
Weighted average common shares outstanding – assuming dilution	395.4	411.4	399.6	416.3
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$ 0.88	$ 1.38	$ 2.67	$ 3.28
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$ 0.87	$ 1.37	$ 2.65	$ 3.25
Restricted performance share plan
Restricted performance share plan	2.8	4.0	3.3	4.9