EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY COMMON SHAREHOLDERS (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Earnings (loss) attributable to International Paper Company common shareholders	$ 266	$ 292	$ 125	$ 716
Weighted average common shares outstanding	393.1	396.1	392.9	398.3
Restricted performance share plan	0.0	2.1	1.1	3.1
Weighted average common shares outstanding – assuming dilution	393.1	398.2	394.0	401.4
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to International Paper Company Common Shareholders	$ 0.67	$ 0.74	$ 0.32	$ 1.80
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to International Paper Company Common Shareholders	$ 0.67	$ 0.73	$ 0.32	$ 1.78