EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY COMMON SHAREHOLDERS Table (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020		Mar. 31, 2019
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to International Paper Company common shareholders	$ (141)		$ 424
Weighted average common shares outstanding	392.6		400.5
Weighted average common shares outstanding – assuming dilution	392.6		403.2
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$ (0.36)		$ 1.06
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$ (0.36)		$ 1.05
Restricted performance share plan
Restricted performance share plan	0.0	[1]	2.7

[1] Securities are not included in the table in periods when antidilutive.