| Document and Entity Information | Jan. 27, 2021 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001393066 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 27, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-33776 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-0526415 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | Resolute Forest Products Inc. |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 111 Robert-Bourassa Boulevard |
| Entity Address, Address Line Three | Suite 5000 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Montreal |
| Entity Address, State or Province | QC |
| Entity Address, Country | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | H3C 2M1 |
| City Area Code | (514) |
| Local Phone Number | 875-2160 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | RFP |
| M 0 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security Exchange Name | CHX |
