EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY COMMON SHAREHOLDERS Table (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions |
3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sep. 30, 2017 |
Sep. 30, 2016 |
Sep. 30, 2017 |
Sep. 30, 2016 |
|
| Earnings (loss) from continuing operations | $ 395 | $ 312 | $ 684 | $ 691 |
| Effect of dilutive securities | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Earnings (loss) from continuing operations – assuming dilution | $ 395 | $ 312 | $ 684 | $ 691 |
| Average common shares outstanding | 412.9 | 411.2 | 412.6 | 411.0 |
| Average common shares outstanding – assuming dilution | 417.4 | 415.3 | 417.4 | 415.5 |
| Basic earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share | $ 0.96 | $ 0.76 | $ 1.65 | $ 1.68 |
| Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share | $ 0.95 | $ 0.75 | $ 1.64 | $ 1.66 |
| Restricted stock performance share plan | ||||
| Effect of dilutive securities | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4.8 | 4.5 |