Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
NET EARNINGS (LOSS)	$ 482	$ 1,220	$ 2,017
Net gains/losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:	(34)	4	(10)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net earnings (less tax of $13, $2 and $1)	26	4	2
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX
Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment (less tax of $1, $1 and $1)	8	116	(473)
Net gains/losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX	397	290	130
Comprehensive income (loss)	879	1,510	2,147
Net (Earnings) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	0	5	(5)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	0	0	3
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY	879	1,515	2,145
Domestic Plan [Member]
Amortization of pension and postretirement prior service costs and net loss:	170	163	588
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments:	229	22	18
Non-U.S. Plans
Amortization of pension and postretirement prior service costs and net loss:	0	1	1
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments:	$ (2)	$ (20)	$ 4