| Document and Entity Information | Jul. 05, 2022 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jul. 05, 2022 |
| Entity Registrant Name | RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-33776 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-0526415 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1010 De La Gauchetière Street West |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 400 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Montreal |
| Entity Address, State or Province | QC |
| Entity Address, Country | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | H3B 2N2 |
| City Area Code | 514 |
| Local Phone Number | 875-2160 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | true |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | RFP |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001393066 |
