Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
NET EARNINGS (LOSS)	$ 2,017	$ 2,144	$ 902
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX
Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment (less tax of $1, $0 and $0)	(473)	177	260
Net gains/losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:
Net gains (losses) arising during the period (less tax of $5, $4 and $3)	(10)	15	(6)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net earnings (less tax of $1, $2 and $3)	2	(7)	(7)
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX	130	730	344
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	2,147	2,874	1,246
Net (Earnings) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	(5)	0	2
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	3	(1)	2
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY	2,145	2,873	1,250
Domestic Plan [Member]
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX
Amortization of pension and postretirement prior service costs and net loss:	588	486	545
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments:	18	56	(451)
Foreign Plan [Member]
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX
Amortization of pension and postretirement prior service costs and net loss:	1	0	0
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments:	$ 4	$ 3	$ 3