Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Net Earnings (Loss)	$ 407	$ 80	$ 1,137	$ 289
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment	(422)	(14)	(380)	134
Net gains/losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:
Net gains (losses) arising during the period	(18)	(1)	(21)	8
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net earnings (loss)	2	(2)	0	(4)
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(353)	45	(250)	256
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	54	125	887	545
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2)	0	(3)	0
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	2	(1)	2	(2)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to International Paper Company	54	124	886	543
U.S. Plans
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Amortization of pension and post-retirement prior service costs and net loss:	85	60	151	117
Foreign Plan [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments:	$ 0	$ 2	$ 0	$ 1