Earnings Per Share Attributable To International Paper Company Common Shareholders (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]

Schedule Of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

A reconciliation of the amounts included in the computation of basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations, and diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations is as follows:

In millions, except per share amounts	2014		2013		2012
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	568	$	1,704	$	717
Effect of dilutive securities (a)	—		—		—
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations – assuming dilution	$	568	$	1,704	$	717
Average common shares outstanding	427.7		443.3		435.2
Effect of dilutive securities (a):
Restricted performance share plan	4.2		4.5		5.0
Stock options (b)	0.1		0.3		—
Average common shares outstanding  – assuming dilution	432.0		448.1		440.2
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	1.33	$	3.85	$	1.65
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	1.31	$	3.80	$	1.63

(a) Securities are not included in the table in periods when antidilutive.

(b) Options to purchase 0.0 million, 0.0 million and 9.1 million shares for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted common shares outstanding because their exercise price exceeded the average market price of the Company’s common stock for each respective reporting date.