Resolute Forest Products (RFP) 10-Q 9 Nov 20 2020 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Oct. 30, 2020
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-33776
Entity Registrant Name	RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	98-0526415
Entity Address, Address Line One	111 Robert-Bourassa Boulevard
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 5000
Entity Address, City	Montreal
Entity Address, Province	QC
Entity Address, Country	CA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	H3C 2M1
City Area Code	514
Local Phone Number	875-2160
Title of 12(g) Security	Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share
Trading Symbol	RFP
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		81,533,731
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Central Index Key	0001393066
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC. [Member]
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Security Exchange Name	NYSE

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Sales	$ 730	$ 705	$ 2,031	$ 2,255
Costs and expenses:
Depreciation and amortization	43	42	125	124
Selling, general and administrative expenses	35	30	101	103
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges	0	0	(2)	0
gain	0	1	9	1
Operating income (loss)	97	(18)	95	86
Interest expense	(8)	(8)	(26)	(24)
credits	5	12	24	36
(expense) income	(14)	(17)	24	(22)
Income (loss) before income taxes	80	(31)	117	76
provision	(23)	(12)	(55)	(52)
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest	57	(43)	62	24
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.	$ 57	$ (43)	$ 62	$ 24
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.66	$ (0.47)	$ 0.71	$ 0.26
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.66	$ (0.47)	$ 0.71	$ 0.26
Weighted-average number of Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shares outstanding:
Basic	86	90.9	87.4	91.9
Diluted	86.2	90.9	87.6	93
Product [Member]
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization	$ 475	$ 558	$ 1,463	$ 1,648
Distribution costs [Member]
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization	$ 80	$ 94	$ 258	$ 295

Consolidated Statements of Op_2

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Statement [Abstract]
Type of cost, good or service [Extensible List]	us-gaap:ProductMember us-gaap:ShippingAndHandlingMember

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
income (loss)	$ 57	$ (43)	$ 62	$ 24
Unamortized prior service costs
Change in unamortized prior service costs	(1)	(2)	(17)	(9)
Income tax provision	0	0	0	0
Change in unamortized prior service costs, net of tax	(1)	(2)	(17)	(9)
Unamortized actuarial losses
Change in unamortized actuarial losses	14	6	46	17
Income tax provision	(3)	(2)	(10)	(4)
Change in unamortized actuarial losses, net of tax	11	4	36	13
Foreign currency translation	1	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	11	2	19	4
Comprehensive income (loss) including noncontrolling interest	68	(41)	81	28
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.	$ 68	$ (41)	$ 81	$ 28

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 20		$ 3
Accounts receivable, net:
Trade	273		273
Other	46		76
Inventories, net	511		522
Other current assets	58		33
Total current assets	908		907
Fixed assets, net	1,503		1,459
Amortizable intangible assets, net	65		48
Goodwill	31	[1]	0
Deferred income tax assets	825		915
Operating lease right-of-use assets	56		61
Other assets	290		236
Total assets	3,678		3,626
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	339		342
Current portion of long-term debt	2		1
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	8		8
Total current liabilities	349		351
Long-term debt, net of current portion	559		448
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations	1,337		1,460
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion	51		57
Other liabilities	82		75
Total liabilities	$ 2,378		$ 2,391
Common stock, shares outstanding	82.6		86.7
Common stock, shares issued	120.2		119.5
Resolute Forest Products Inc. shareholders’ equity:
Common stock	$ 0		$ 0
Additional paid-in capital	3,805		3,802
Deficit	(1,183)		(1,245)
loss	(1,160)		(1,179)
Treasury stock at cost	(163)		(144)
Total Resolute Forest Products Inc. shareholders’ equity	1,299		1,234
Noncontrolling interest	1		1
Total equity	1,300		1,235
Total liabilities and equity	3,678		3,626
Commitments and contingencies
[1]	The goodwill represents the future economic benefit arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized and is mostly attributable to the U.S. Sawmill Business’s assembled workforce and synergies expected from combining our operations with the U.S. Sawmill Business. Goodwill has been assigned to the wood products reportable segment for the purposes of impairment testing. The total amount of goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accumulated depreciation	$ 1,543	$ 1,658
Accumulated amortization	31	27
Commitments and contingencies
Common stock, par value (per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares issued	120.2	119.5
Common stock, shares outstanding	82.6	86.7
Treasury stock, shares	37.6	32.8

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings (Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Non-controlling Interests [Member]
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 1,535	$ 0	$ 3,802	$ (1,198)	$ (950)	$ (120)	$ 1
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Share-based compensation, net of withholding taxes	1		1
Net income (loss)	24			24			0
Purchases of treasury stock	(12)					(12)
Stock unit awards vested, net of shares forfeited for employee withholding taxes	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	4				4		0
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019	$ 1,552	0	3,803	(1,174)	(946)	(132)	1
Stock Transactions, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract]
Stock unit awards vested, net of shares forfeited for employee withholding taxes	300,000
Treasury stock repurchased	1,826,120
Beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2019	$ 1,600	0	3,803	(1,131)	(948)	(125)	1
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(43)			(43)			0
Purchases of treasury stock	(7)					(7)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	2				2		0
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019	$ 1,552	0	3,803	(1,174)	(946)	(132)	1
Stock Transactions, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract]
Treasury stock repurchased	1,106,120
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 1,235	0	3,802	(1,245)	(1,179)	(144)	1
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Share-based compensation, net of withholding taxes	3		3
Net income (loss)	62			62			0
Purchases of treasury stock	(19)					(19)
Stock unit awards vested, net of shares forfeited for employee withholding taxes	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	19				19		0
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2020	$ 1,300	0	3,805	(1,183)	(1,160)	(163)	1
Stock Transactions, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract]
Stock unit awards vested, net of shares forfeited for employee withholding taxes	700,000
Treasury stock repurchased	4,767,985
Beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2020	$ 1,250	0	3,805	(1,240)	(1,171)	(145)	1
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Share-based compensation, net of withholding taxes	0		0
Net income (loss)	57			57			0
Purchases of treasury stock	(18)					(18)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	11				11		0
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2020	$ 1,300	$ 0	$ 3,805	$ (1,183)	$ (1,160)	$ (163)	$ 1
Stock Transactions, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract]
Treasury stock repurchased	4,500,000

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
income (loss)	$ 62	$ 24
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Share-based compensation	4	4
Depreciation and amortization	125	124
Deferred income taxes	55	52
Net pension contributions and other postretirement benefit payments	(66)	(96)
gain	9	1
Loss (gain)	23	(26)
(Gain) loss	(28)	27
(payments) amortization	(2)	16
Changes in working capital:
Accounts receivable	20	60
Inventories	21	(14)
Other current assets	(21)	(11)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(14)	(41)
Other, net	6	2
Net cash provided by operating activities	176	120
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in fixed assets	(53)	(82)
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	(172)	0
Disposition of assets	9	2
Decrease	0	1
Increase	(52)	(46)
Decrease	0	6
Other investing activities, net	(5)	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(248)	(119)
Cash flows from financing activities:
repayments	(71)	0
Proceeds from long-term debt	180	0
Repayments of debt	(1)	(225)
Purchases of treasury stock	(19)	(12)
Payments of financing and credit facility fees	0	(2)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	89	(239)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash	0	1
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash	17	(237)
Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash:
Beginning of period	42	345
End of period	59	108
Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period:
Cash and cash equivalents	20	69
Restricted cash (included in “Other assets”)	39	39
Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities	$ 15	$ 0

Organization and Basis of Prese

Organization and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Basis of Presentation	Note 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation Nature of operations Resolute Forest Products Inc. (with its subsidiaries, either individually or collectively, unless otherwise indicated, referred to as “Resolute Forest Products,” “we,” “our,” “us,” “Parent,” or the “Company”) is incorporated in Delaware. We are a global leader in the forest products industry with a diverse range of products, including market pulp, tissue, wood products, and paper, which are marketed in close to 70 countries. We own or operate some 40 facilities, as well as power generation assets, in the U.S. and Canada. Financial statements Our interim consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes (or, the “ Consolidated Financial Statements ”) are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (or, the “ SEC ”) for interim reporting. Under those rules, certain footnotes and other financial information that are normally required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (or, “ GAAP ”) may be condensed or omitted. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair statement of the unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been made. All amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated. The results for the interim period ended September 30, 2020, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. These unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on March 2, 2020. Certain prior period amounts in the notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2020 presentation. Use of estimates The uncertainties around the novel coronavirus (or, “ COVID-19 ”) pandemic required the use of judgments and estimates that resulted in no significant impacts to our Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. The future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic could generate, in future reporting periods, a significant risk of material adjustment to the carrying amounts of deferred income tax assets and long-lived assets. New accounting pronouncements adopted in 2020 ASU 2016-13 “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” Effective January 1, 2020, we adopted on a modified retrospective basis Accounting Standards Update (or, “ ASU ”) 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (or, the “ FASB ”) in 2016 and amended in 2018 by ASU 2018-19, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses,” which introduces the current expected credit losses model in the estimation of credit losses on financial instruments. The adoption of this new accounting guidance did not impact the opening deficit balance as of January 1, 2020. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-13, our accounts receivable accounting policy was updated as follows: Accounts receivable are recorded at cost, net of an allowance for expected credit losses that is based on expected collectability, and such carrying value approximates fair value. Accounts receivable are subject to impairment review that is based on the aging method. Impairment is calculated based on how long a receivable has been outstanding. We established an impairment loss allowance by considering historical credit loss experience (based on days past due), current conditions, and forward-looking factors specific to the customers and the economic environment. We also consider if we are no longer doing business with the customer, and any other factors that may affect collectability from customers with significant outstanding balances. A receivable is written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovering the contractual cash flows. Usually, the allowance for doubtful accounts fully covers the receivable. ASU 2018-13 “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” Effective January 1, 2020, we adopted ASU 2018-13 “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” issued by the FASB in 2018. The adoption of this accounting guidance did not impact our Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures. ASU 2018-15 “Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract” Effective January 1, 2020, we adopted ASU 2018-15, “Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract,” issued by the FASB in 2018, which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). The adoption of this accounting guidance did not materially impact our results of operations or financial position. Accounting pronouncement not yet adopted as of September 30, 2020 ASU 2020-04 “Reference Rate Reform” In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform,” which provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting. This update provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference the London Interbank Offered Rate or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. This update is effective as of March 12, 2020, through December 31, 2022. We are currently evaluating this accounting guidance and have not elected an adoption date. We do not expect this accounting guidance to materially impact our results of operations or financial position.

Business Acquisition

Business Acquisition	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 2. Business Acquisition On February 1, 2020 (or, the “ Acquisition Date ”), we acquired from Conifex Timber Inc. all of the equity securities and membership interests in certain of its subsidiaries, the business of which consists mainly in the operation of three sawmills and related assets in Cross City (Florida) and in Glenwood and El Dorado (Arkansas) (or, the “ U.S. Sawmill Business ”). The U.S. Sawmill Business acquired produces construction-grade dimensional lumber and decking products from locally sourced southern yellow pine for distribution within the U.S. This acquisition will diversify our lumber production, and increase our operating capacity in the U.S. South. The fair value of the consideration, paid in cash, for the U.S. Sawmill Business acquired is $173 million. We intend to structure the acquisition as an asset purchase for tax purposes. We account for business combinations using the acquisition method as of the date control is transferred to us. Under this approach, identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective fair values at the date of acquisition. Any amount of the purchase price paid that is in excess of the estimated fair values of net identifiable assets acquired is recorded in “Goodwill” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The following table summarizes our preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the Acquisition Date: (Unaudited, in millions) Current assets (1) $ 19 Fixed assets 114 Amortizable intangible assets (2) 21 Operating lease right-of-use assets 2 Goodwill (3) 31 Total assets acquired and goodwill $ 187 Current liabilities $ 11 Long-term debt, net of current portion 2 Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion 1 Total liabilities assumed $ 14 Net assets acquired $ 173 Fair value of consideration transferred $ 173 (1) Includes cash and cash equivalents of $1 million. (2) These intangible assets are being amortized over a weighted-average useful life of 10 years. The fair value of the customer relationships was determined using the income approach through an excess earnings analysis discounted at a rate of 12.6%. (3) The goodwill represents the future economic benefit arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized and is mostly attributable to the U.S. Sawmill Business’s assembled workforce and synergies expected from combining our operations with the U.S. Sawmill Business. Goodwill has been assigned to the wood products reportable segment for the purposes of impairment testing. The total amount of goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. The allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed was based upon a preliminary valuation for all items and may be subject to adjustment during the 12-month measurement period following the Acquisition Date since we are finalizing the assumptions in regards to the fair values of these assets and liabilities. The allocation of the purchase price was based on management’s estimate of the fair values of the acquired identifiable assets and assumed liabilities using valuation techniques including income, cost and market approaches. We utilized both the cost and market approaches to value fixed assets, and both the income and cost approaches to value intangible assets (Level 3). From the Acquisition Date to the nine months period ended September 30, 2020, our consolidated financial results included sales of $98 million and net income of $32 million attributable to the U.S. Sawmill Business. In connection with the acquisition of the U.S. Sawmill Business, we also recognized transaction costs of $3 million in “Other (expense) income, net” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The following unaudited pro forma information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, represents our results of operations as if the acquisition of the U.S. Sawmill Business had occurred on January 1, 2019, excluding the results of operations of the El Dorado sawmill that has been idled since October 2019. This pro forma information does not purport to be indicative of the results that would have occurred for the periods presented or that may be expected in the future. Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Unaudited, in millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Sales $ 730 $ 729 $ 2,039 $ 2,328 Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. $ 57 $ (48) $ 65 $ 6

Other Income (Expense), Net

Other Income (Expense), Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 3. Other (Expense) Income, Net Other (expense) income, net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was comprised of the following: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Unaudited, in millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Foreign exchange (loss) gain $ (5) $ 1 $ 9 $ (9) Insurance recovery (1) — — 15 — Provision related to a litigation (2) — (23) — (23) Miscellaneous (expense) income (9) 5 — 10 $ (14) $ (17) $ 24 $ (22) (1) We recorded $15 million as other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, from the settlement of an insurance claim in connection with our acquisition of Atlas Paper Holdings, Inc. (or, “ Atlas ”) in 2015. (2) We accrued C$30 million of legal indemnity and interest costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, in connection with the Quebec Superior Court decision of the fair value of the shares of former dissenting shareholders of Fibrek Inc. (or, “ Fibrek ”) upon acquisition in 2012. See Note 11, “Commitments and Contingencies – Fibrek acquisition,” for more information.
Inventories, Net	Note 6. Inventories, Net Inventories, net as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, were comprised of the following: (Unaudited, in millions) September 30, December 31, Raw materials $ 130 $ 128 Work in process 44 46 Finished goods 146 164 Mill stores and other supplies 191 184 $ 511 $ 522

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Note 4. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The change in our accumulated other comprehensive loss by component (net of tax) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was as follows: (Unaudited, in millions) Unamortized Prior Service Costs Unamortized Actuarial Losses Foreign Total Balance as of June 30, 2020 $ — $ (1,164) $ (7) $ (1,171) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — 1 1 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1) 11 — 10 Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income (1) 11 1 11 Balance as of September 30, 2020 $ (1) $ (1,153) $ (6) $ (1,160) (Unaudited, in millions) Unamortized Prior Service Credits (Costs) Unamortized Actuarial Losses Foreign Total Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 16 $ (1,189) $ (6) $ (1,179) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (17) 36 — 19 Balance as of September 30, 2020 $ (1) $ (1,153) $ (6) $ (1,160) (Unaudited, in millions) Unamortized Prior Service Credits Unamortized Actuarial Losses Foreign Total Balance as of June 30, 2019 $ 21 $ (962) $ (7) $ (948) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (2) 4 — 2 Balance as of September 30, 2019 $ 19 $ (958) $ (7) $ (946) (Unaudited, in millions) Unamortized Prior Service Credits Unamortized Actuarial Losses Foreign Total Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ 28 $ (971) $ (7) $ (950) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications — (3) — (3) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (9) 16 — 7 Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income (9) 13 — 4 Balance as of September 30, 2019 $ 19 $ (958) $ (7) $ (946) The reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, were comprised of the following: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Unaudited, in millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Affected Line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations Unamortized Prior Service Credits (Costs) Amortization of prior service credits (costs) $ (1) $ (2) $ (3) $ (8) Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits (1) Other items — — (14) (1) — — — — Income tax provision Net of tax (1) (2) (17) (9) Unamortized Actuarial Losses Amortization of actuarial losses 14 6 43 21 Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits (1) Other items — — 3 — (3) (2) (10) (5) Income tax provision Net of tax 11 4 36 16 Total Reclassifications $ 10 $ 2 $ 19 $ 7 (1) These items are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (credit) related to our pension and other postretirement benefit (or, “ OPEB ”) plans summarized in Note 9, “Employee Benefit Plans.”

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Per Share	Note 5. Net Income (Loss) Per Share The reconciliation of the basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Numerator: Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. $ 57 $ (43) $ 62 $ 24 Denominator: Weighted-average number of Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shares outstanding 86.0 90.9 87.4 91.9 Dilutive impact of nonvested stock unit awards 0.2 — 0.2 1.1 Diluted weighted-average number of Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shares outstanding 86.2 90.9 87.6 93.0 Net income (loss) per share attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shareholders: Basic $ 0.66 $ (0.47) $ 0.71 $ 0.26 Diluted $ 0.66 $ (0.47) $ 0.71 $ 0.26 The weighted-average number of outstanding stock options and nonvested equity-classified restricted stock units, deferred stock units and performance stock units (collectively, “ stock unit awards ”) that were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share, as their impact would have been antidilutive, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Unaudited, in millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Stock options 0.9 1.0 0.9 1.0 Stock unit awards 0.6 2.1 0.7 —

Inventories, Net

Inventories, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories, Net	Note 6. Inventories, Net Inventories, net as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, were comprised of the following: (Unaudited, in millions) September 30, December 31, Raw materials $ 130 $ 128 Work in process 44 46 Finished goods 146 164 Mill stores and other supplies 191 184 $ 511 $ 522

Accounts Payable and Accrued Li

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	Note 7. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, were comprised of the following: (Unaudited, in millions) September 30, December 31, Trade accounts payable $ 249 $ 255 Accrued compensation 51 52 Accrued interest 9 3 Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations 14 15 Income and other taxes payable 5 4 Other 11 13 $ 339 $ 342

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Note 8. Long-Term Debt Overview Long-term debt, including current portion, as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, was comprised of the following: (Unaudited, in millions) September 30, December 31, 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2023: Principal amount $ 375 $ 375 Deferred financing costs (2) (3) Unamortized discount (1) (1) Total 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2023 372 371 Term loans due 2030 180 — Borrowings under revolving credit facilities — 71 Finance lease obligations 9 7 Total debt 561 449 Less: Current portion of finance lease obligations (2) (1) Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 559 $ 448 2023 Notes We issued $600 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2023 (or, the “ 2023 Notes ”) on May 8, 2013. Upon their issuance, the 2023 Notes were recorded at their fair value of $594 million, which reflected a discount of $6 million that is being amortized to “Interest expense” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations using the interest method over the term of the 2023 Notes, resulting in an effective interest rate of 6%. Interest on the 2023 Notes is payable semi-annually beginning November 15, 2013, until their maturity date of May 15, 2023. In connection with the issuance of the 2023 Notes, we incurred financing costs of $9 million, which were deferred and recorded as a reduction of the 2023 Notes. Deferred financing costs are amortized to “Interest expense” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations using the interest method over the term of the 2023 Notes. On January 3, 2019, we repurchased $225 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes, pursuant to a notes purchase agreement entered into on December 21, 2018, with certain noteholders, at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest. As a result of the repurchase, we recorded a net loss on extinguishment of debt of $3 million in “Other (expense) income, net” in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The fair value of the 2023 Notes (Level 1) was $369 million and $380 million as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Senior Secured Credit Facility On September 7, 2016, we entered into a senior secured credit facility for up to $185 million. This senior secured credit facility provided a term loan of $46 million with a maturity date of September 7, 2025, and a revolving credit facility of up to $139 million with a maturity date of September 7, 2022. On October 28, 2019, we entered into an amended and restated senior secured credit facility (or, the “ Senior Secured Credit Facility ”) for up to $360 million, replacing our existing $185 million senior secured credit facility. The Senior Secured Credit Facility provides a term loan facility of up to $180 million with a delayed draw period of up to three years, and the choice of maturities of six to 10 years from the date of drawing (or, the “ Term Loan Facility ”), and a six-year revolving credit facility of up to $180 million with a maturity date of October 28, 2025 (or, the “ Revolving Credit Facility ”). There is also an uncommitted option to increase the Senior Secured Credit Facility by up to an additional $360 million, subject to certain terms and conditions. On October 28, 2019, we repaid our $46 million term loan by borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility. In March 2020, we borrowed under the Term Loan Facility $180 million in term loans maturing in 2030. As of September 30, 2020, we had $180 million of availability under the Revolving Credit Facility, which was undrawn. The fair values of the Term Loan Facility (Level 2) and Revolving Credit Facility (Level 2) approximated their carrying values as of both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. ABL Credit Facility On May 14, 2019, we entered into an amended senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility (or, the “ ABL Credit Facility ”) with an aggregate lender commitment of up to $500 million at any time outstanding, subject to borrowing base availability based on specified advance rates, eligibility criteria and customary reserves. The amended credit agreement provides for an extension of the maturity date to May 14, 2024. As of September 30, 2020, we had $277 million of availability under the ABL Credit Facility, which was undrawn except for $57 million of ordinary course letters of credit outstanding. The fair value of the ABL Credit Facility (Level 2) approximated its carrying value as of both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Secured Term Loan Facility On November 4, 2020, we entered into a 10-year secured delayed term loan facility with Investissement Québec. For more information, see Note 14, “Subsequent Event,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Note 9. Employee Benefit Plans Pension and other postretirement benefit plans The components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) relating to our pension and OPEB plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, were as follows: Pension Plans: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Unaudited, in millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Interest cost $ 38 $ 45 $ 112 $ 135 Expected return on plan assets (57) (63) (168) (187) Amortization of actuarial losses 15 8 47 26 Amortization of prior service credits — 1 — — Non-operating pension credits (4) (9) (9) (26) Service cost 4 4 11 11 Net periodic benefit (credits) costs before special events — (5) 2 (15) Other (gains) losses — — 3 (1) $ — $ (5) $ 5 $ (16) OPEB Plans: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Unaudited, in millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Interest cost $ 1 $ 2 $ 3 $ 4 Amortization of actuarial gains (1) (2) (4) (5) Amortization of prior service credits (1) (3) (3) (8) Non-operating other postretirement benefit credits (1) (3) (4) (9) Service cost (1) — — — Net periodic benefit credits before special events (2) (3) (4) (9) Curtailment gain — — (14) — $ (2) $ (3) $ (18) $ (9) Defined contribution plans Our expense for the defined contribution plans totaled $4 million and $5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $12 million and $14 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 10. Income Taxes The income tax provision attributable to income (loss) before income taxes differs from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, as a result of the following: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Unaudited, in millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Income (loss) before income taxes $ 80 $ (31) $ 117 $ 76 Income tax provision: Expected income tax (provision) benefit (17) 6 (25) (16) Changes resulting from: Valuation allowance (1) (5) (7) (21) (18) Foreign exchange 2 (3) (8) 1 U.S. tax on non-U.S. earnings (2) (1) (6) (1) (11) State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 1 3 3 5 Foreign tax rate differences (5) (1) (10) (10) Other, net (3) 2 (4) 7 (3) $ (23) $ (12) $ (55) $ (52) (1) Relates to our U.S. operations. (2) Reduces income tax benefits on U.S. losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. (3) Includes $4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, related to the settlement of an insurance claim in connection with our acquisition of Atlas.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies Legal matters We become involved in various legal proceedings, claims and governmental inquiries, investigations, and other disputes in the normal course of business, including matters related to contracts, commercial and trade disputes, taxes, environmental issues, activist damages, employment and workers’ compensation claims, grievances, human rights complaints, pension and benefit plans and obligations, health and safety, product safety and liability, asbestos exposure, financial reporting and disclosure obligations, corporate governance, First Nations claims, antitrust, governmental regulations, and other matters. Although the final outcome is subject to many variables and cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty, we regularly assess the status of the matters and establish provisions (including legal costs expected to be incurred) when we believe an adverse outcome is probable, and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Except as described below and for claims that cannot be assessed due to their preliminary nature, we believe that the ultimate disposition of these matters outstanding or pending as of September 30, 2020, will not have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Asbestos-related lawsuits We are involved in a number of asbestos-related lawsuits filed primarily in U.S. state courts, including certain cases involving multiple defendants. These lawsuits principally allege direct or indirect personal injury or death resulting from exposure to asbestos-containing premises. While we dispute the plaintiffs’ allegations and intend to vigorously defend these claims, the ultimate resolution of these matters cannot be determined at this time. These lawsuits frequently involve claims for unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, and we are unable to reasonably estimate a range of possible losses. However, unfavorable rulings, judgments or settlement terms could materially impact our Consolidated Financial Statements. Hearings for certain of these matters are scheduled to occur in the next twelve months. Countervailing duty and anti-dumping investigations on softwood lumber On November 25, 2016, countervailing duty and anti-dumping petitions were filed with the U.S. Department of Commerce (or, “ Commerce ”) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (or, “ ITC ”) by certain U.S. softwood lumber products producers and forest landowners, requesting that the U.S. government impose countervailing and anti-dumping duties on Canadian-origin softwood lumber products exported to the U.S. One of our subsidiaries was identified in the petitions as being a Canadian exporting producer of softwood lumber products to the U.S. and was selected as a mandatory respondent to be investigated by Commerce in both the countervailing duty and anti-dumping investigations. On April 24, 2017, Commerce announced its preliminary determination in the countervailing duty investigation and, as a result, after April 28, 2017, we were required to pay cash deposits to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency (or, “ U.S. Customs ”) at a rate of 12.82% for estimated countervailing duties on our U.S. imports of softwood lumber products produced at our Canadian sawmills. The preliminary rate remained in effect until August 26, 2017. Commerce changed the rate in its final affirmative determination on November 2, 2017, but the new rate did not take effect until December 28, 2017, following the ITC’s final affirmative determination and the publication by Commerce of a countervailing duty order. Since that date, we have been required to resume paying cash deposits to U.S. Customs at a rate of 14.70% for our U.S. imports of Canadian-produced softwood lumber products. This rate will apply until Commerce sets a duty rate in an administrative review, or a new rate may be set through a remand determination by a North American Free Trade Agreement binational panel (or, “ Panel ”) on appeal. Through September 30, 2020, our cash deposits totaled $170 million and, based on the 14.70% rate and our current operating parameters, could be as high as $50 million per year. Commerce issued on January 31, 2020, its preliminary results in the countervailing duties administrative review, and on May 15, 2020, and July 10, 2020, issued its post-preliminary results establishing our new preliminary rates at 17.57% for the period of review from April 28, 2017, to December 31, 2017, and at 17.11% for the period of review from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018, which are not yet effective. The new rate to be established in the final results for the period of review from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018, will be used as the basis for cash deposits to U.S. Customs from the publication of the final results. On June 26, 2017, Commerce announced its preliminary determination in the anti-dumping investigation and, as a result, after June 30, 2017, we were required to pay cash deposits to U.S. Customs at a rate of 4.59% for estimated anti-dumping duties on our U.S. imports of softwood lumber products produced at our Canadian sawmills. On November 2, 2017, Commerce announced its final affirmative determination in the anti-dumping investigation and, as a result, since November 8, 2017, we have been required to pay cash deposits to U.S. Customs, at a rate of 3.20% for our U.S. imports of Canadian-produced softwood lumber products. This rate will apply until Commerce sets a duty rate in an administrative review, or a new rate may be set through a remand determination by a Panel on appeal. Through September 30, 2020, our cash deposits totaled $44 million and, based on the 3.20% rate and our current operating parameters, could be as high as $10 million per year. On January 31, 2020, Commerce issued its preliminary results in the anti-dumping administrative review and established our new preliminary rate at 1.18%, which will not be effective until the issuance of the final results. On April 1, 2019, Commerce published a notice initiating the administrative reviews of the countervailing duty and anti-dumping orders on softwood lumber products from Canada. We were selected as a mandatory respondent in these administrative reviews and we are in the process of responding to Commerce with the information requested. On March 10, 2020, Commerce published a notice initiating the second administrative review of the countervailing duty and anti-dumping orders on softwood lumber products from Canada. We were selected as a mandatory respondent for the second administrative review of the countervailing duty order and we are acting as a voluntary respondent for the second administrative review of the anti-dumping order. In parallel, on September 4, 2019, a Panel issued an interim decision upholding the affirmative final injury determinations of the ITC in both investigations of softwood lumber products from Canada. The Panel remanded the ITC to reconsider several findings and ordered the ITC to submit its redetermination on remand within 90 days from the date of the Panel interim decision. On December 19, 2019, the ITC issued its redetermination on remand that maintained the affirmative final injury determinations, and on May 22, 2020, the Panel issued its final decision and affirmed in its entirety the ITC’s injury determination on remand. In addition, on August 24, 2020, the World Trade Organization’s (or, “ WTO ”) dispute panel issued a report (or, the “ Panel Report ”) in the case brought by the government of Canada in “United States — Countervailing Measures on Softwood Lumber from Canada” (DS533), concluding, among other things, that Commerce acted inconsistently with the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures on most of the matters. On September 28, 2020, the United States notified the WTO’s dispute settlement body of its decision to appeal the Panel Report. We are not presently able to determine the ultimate resolution of these matters, but we believe it is not probable that we will ultimately be assessed with significant duties, if any, on our U.S. imports of Canadian-produced softwood lumber products. Accordingly, no contingent loss was recorded in respect of these petitions in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, and our cash deposits were recorded in “Other assets” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Cash deposits for the countervailing duty and anti-dumping investigations through December 31, 2019, totaled $128 million and $34 million, respectively. Fibrek acquisition Effective July 31, 2012, we completed the final step of the transaction pursuant to which we acquired the remaining 25.4% of the outstanding Fibrek Inc. shares, following the approval of Fibrek’s shareholders on July 23, 2012, and the issuance of a final order by the Quebec Superior Court in Canada (or, “ Quebec Superior Court ”) approving the arrangement on July 27, 2012. Certain former shareholders of Fibrek exercised rights of dissent in respect of the transaction, asking for a judicial determination of the fair value of their claim under the Canada Business Corporations Act . On September 26, 2019, the Quebec Superior Court rendered a decision fixing the fair value of the shares of the dissenting shareholders at C$1.99 per share, or C$31 million in aggregate, plus interest and an additional indemnity, for a total estimated at C$44 million payable in cash. As previously reported, we had accrued C$14 million for the payment of the dissenting shareholders’ claims and accrued an additional C$30 million following the court decision. Of the total amount of C$44 million, C$19 million was payable immediately and paid on October 2, 2019, bringing the remaining balance to C$25 million ($19 million as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019), which was recorded in “Other liabilities” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. We are appealing the decision, therefore the payment of any additional consideration and its timing will depend on the outcome of the appeal. On November 13, 2019, a legal hypothec in the amount of C$30 million was registered on our Saint-Félicien (Quebec) immovable and movable property to secure the payment of any additional amounts following the outcome of the appeal. Partial wind-ups of pension plans On June 12, 2012, we filed a motion for directives with the Quebec Superior Court, the court with jurisdiction in the creditor protection proceedings under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada) (or, the “ CCAA Creditor Protection Proceedings ”), seeking an order to prevent pension regulators in each of Quebec, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador from declaring partial wind-ups of pension plans relating to employees of former operations in New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador, or a declaration that any claim for accelerated reimbursements of deficits arising from a partial wind-up is a barred claim under the CCAA Creditor Protection Proceedings. We contend, among other things, that any such declaration, if issued, would be inconsistent with the Quebec Superior Court’s sanction order confirming the CCAA debtors’ CCAA Plan of Reorganization and Compromise , as amended, and the terms of our emergence from the CCAA Creditor Protection Proceedings. A partial wind-up would likely shorten the period in which any deficit within those plans, which could reach up to C$150 million ($113 million), would have to be funded if we do not obtain the relief sought. The hearing in this matter has not yet been scheduled but could occur in the next twelve months. Environmental matters We are subject to a number of federal or national, state, provincial, and local environmental laws, regulations, and orders in various jurisdictions. We believe our operations are in material compliance with current applicable environmental laws and regulations. Environmental regulations promulgated and orders issued in the future could require substantial additional expenditures for compliance and could have a material impact on us, in particular, and the industry in general. We may be a “potentially responsible party” with respect to a hazardous waste site that is being addressed pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (commonly known as Superfund). We believe we will not be liable for any significant amounts at this site. We have environmental liabilities of $8 million recorded as of both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, primarily related to environmental remediation related to closed sites. The amount of these liabilities represents management’s estimate of the ultimate settlement based on an assessment of relevant factors and assumptions and could be affected by changes in facts or assumptions not currently known to management for which the outcome cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. These liabilities are included in “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” and “Other liabilities” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We also have asset retirement obligations of $26 million recorded as of both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, primarily consisting of liabilities associated with landfills, sludge basins and the dismantling of retired assets. These liabilities are included in “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” and “Other liabilities” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Share Capital

Share Capital	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Share Capital	Note 12. Share Capital On March 2, 2020, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to 15% of our common stock, for an aggregate consideration of up to $100 million. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, we repurchased 4.5 million and 4.8 million shares, respectively, at a cost of $18 million and $19 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, we repurchased 1.1 million and 1.8 million shares, respectively, at a cost of $7 million and $12 million under our $150 million share repurchase program, which was completed in 2019.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Note 13. Segment Information We manage our business based on the products we manufacture. Accordingly, our reportable segments correspond to our principal product lines: market pulp, tissue, wood products, and paper. As of the second quarter of 2020, the results from our newsprint and specialty papers operations have been combined to form the paper reportable segment. This better reflects management’s internal analysis, given the diminishing percentage newsprint and specialty papers represent in our product portfolio. Comparative year information has been modified to conform to this revised segment presentation. None of the income or loss items following “Operating income (loss)” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations are allocated to our segments, since those items are reviewed separately by management. For the same reason, closure costs, impairment and other related charges, gains and losses on disposition of assets, as well as other discretionary charges or credits are not allocated to our segments. We allocate depreciation and amortization expense to our segments, although the related fixed assets and amortizable intangible assets are not allocated to segment assets. Additionally, all selling, general and administrative expenses are allocated to our segments, with the exception of certain discretionary charges and credits, which we present under “corporate and other.” Information about certain segment data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was as follows: (Unaudited, Market Pulp (1) Tissue Wood Products (2) Paper Segment Corporate Total Sales Third quarter 2020 $ 161 $ 39 $ 322 $ 208 $ 730 $ — $ 730 2019 $ 201 $ 43 $ 146 $ 315 $ 705 $ — $ 705 First nine months 2020 $ 499 $ 132 $ 695 $ 705 $ 2,031 $ — $ 2,031 2019 $ 621 $ 125 $ 475 $ 1,034 $ 2,255 $ — $ 2,255 Depreciation and amortization Third quarter 2020 $ 6 $ 4 $ 11 $ 18 $ 39 $ 4 $ 43 2019 $ 7 $ 4 $ 8 $ 18 $ 37 $ 5 $ 42 First nine months 2020 $ 18 $ 13 $ 32 $ 51 $ 114 $ 11 $ 125 2019 $ 17 $ 13 $ 25 $ 54 $ 109 $ 15 $ 124 Operating income (loss) Third quarter 2020 $ (4) $ 2 $ 128 $ (12) $ 114 $ (17) $ 97 2019 $ (12) $ (3) $ (4) $ 8 $ (11) $ (7) $ (18) First nine months 2020 $ 3 $ 2 $ 148 $ (27) $ 126 $ (31) $ 95 2019 $ 57 $ (15) $ (1) $ 83 $ 124 $ (38) $ 86 (1) Inter-segment sales of $8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $22 million and $30 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, which were transacted either at the lowest market price of the previous month or cost, were excluded from market pulp sales. (2) Wood products sales to our joint ventures, which are transacted at arm’s length negotiated prices, were $7 million and $6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $17 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	Nov. 04, 2020
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Note 14. Subsequent Event The following significant event occurred subsequent to September 30, 2020: • On November 4, 2020 (or, the “ closing date ”), we entered into a 10-year secured delayed draw term loan facility (or, the “ Loan Facility ”) with Investissement Québec as lender, for up to C$220 million ($167 million as of the closing date), with an initial availability of C$149 million ($114 million as of the closing date), subject to certain conditions. The Loan Facility will bear interest at a floating rate equal to 1.45% above the one month Canadian banker’s acceptance rate. The principal shall be repayable in monthly installments over a period of eight years after an interest only period of two years from the date of the first draw. The Loan Facility is subject to prepayment requirements under certain conditions and may be repaid earlier without premium or penalty, but subject to prepayment of accrued and unpaid interest. The Loan Facility provides for a maximum of 10 draws and the fulfillment of certain conditions upon each draw. Borrowings under the Loan Facility are subject to certain restrictions.

Organization and Basis of Pre_2

Organization and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Financial statements	Our interim consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes (or, the “ Consolidated Financial Statements ”) are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (or, the “ SEC ”) for interim reporting. Under those rules, certain footnotes and other financial information that are normally required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (or, “ GAAP ”) may be condensed or omitted. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair statement of the unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been made. All amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated. The results for the interim period ended September 30, 2020, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. These unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on March 2, 2020. Certain prior period amounts in the notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2020 presentation.
Use of estimates	The uncertainties around the novel coronavirus (or, “ COVID-19 ”) pandemic required the use of judgments and estimates that resulted in no significant impacts to our Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. The future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic could generate, in future reporting periods, a significant risk of material adjustment to the carrying amounts of deferred income tax assets and long-lived assets.
New accounting pronouncements	New accounting pronouncements adopted in 2020 ASU 2016-13 “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” Effective January 1, 2020, we adopted on a modified retrospective basis Accounting Standards Update (or, “ ASU ”) 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (or, the “ FASB ”) in 2016 and amended in 2018 by ASU 2018-19, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses,” which introduces the current expected credit losses model in the estimation of credit losses on financial instruments. The adoption of this new accounting guidance did not impact the opening deficit balance as of January 1, 2020. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-13, our accounts receivable accounting policy was updated as follows: Accounts receivable are recorded at cost, net of an allowance for expected credit losses that is based on expected collectability, and such carrying value approximates fair value. Accounts receivable are subject to impairment review that is based on the aging method. Impairment is calculated based on how long a receivable has been outstanding. We established an impairment loss allowance by considering historical credit loss experience (based on days past due), current conditions, and forward-looking factors specific to the customers and the economic environment. We also consider if we are no longer doing business with the customer, and any other factors that may affect collectability from customers with significant outstanding balances. A receivable is written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovering the contractual cash flows. Usually, the allowance for doubtful accounts fully covers the receivable. ASU 2018-13 “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” Effective January 1, 2020, we adopted ASU 2018-13 “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” issued by the FASB in 2018. The adoption of this accounting guidance did not impact our Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures. ASU 2018-15 “Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract” Effective January 1, 2020, we adopted ASU 2018-15, “Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract,” issued by the FASB in 2018, which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). The adoption of this accounting guidance did not materially impact our results of operations or financial position. Accounting pronouncement not yet adopted as of September 30, 2020 ASU 2020-04 “Reference Rate Reform” In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform,” which provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting. This update provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference the London Interbank Offered Rate or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. This update is effective as of March 12, 2020, through December 31, 2022. We are currently evaluating this accounting guidance and have not elected an adoption date. We do not expect this accounting guidance to materially impact our results of operations or financial position.
Accounts receivable	Accounts receivable are recorded at cost, net of an allowance for expected credit losses that is based on expected collectability, and such carrying value approximates fair value. Accounts receivable are subject to impairment review that is based on the aging method. Impairment is calculated based on how long a receivable has been outstanding. We established an impairment loss allowance by considering historical credit loss experience (based on days past due), current conditions, and forward-looking factors specific to the customers and the economic environment. We also consider if we are no longer doing business with the customer, and any other factors that may affect collectability from customers with significant outstanding balances. A receivable is written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovering the contractual cash flows. Usually, the allowance for doubtful accounts fully covers the receivable.

Business Acquisition Business A

Business Acquisition Business Acquisition (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block]	We account for business combinations using the acquisition method as of the date control is transferred to us. Under this approach, identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective fair values at the date of acquisition. Any amount of the purchase price paid that is in excess of the estimated fair values of net identifiable assets acquired is recorded in “Goodwill” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Business Acquisition (Tables)

Business Acquisition (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes our preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the Acquisition Date: (Unaudited, in millions) Current assets (1) $ 19 Fixed assets 114 Amortizable intangible assets (2) 21 Operating lease right-of-use assets 2 Goodwill (3) 31 Total assets acquired and goodwill $ 187 Current liabilities $ 11 Long-term debt, net of current portion 2 Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion 1 Total liabilities assumed $ 14 Net assets acquired $ 173 Fair value of consideration transferred $ 173 (1) Includes cash and cash equivalents of $1 million. (2) These intangible assets are being amortized over a weighted-average useful life of 10 years. The fair value of the customer relationships was determined using the income approach through an excess earnings analysis discounted at a rate of 12.6%. (3) The goodwill represents the future economic benefit arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized and is mostly attributable to the U.S. Sawmill Business’s assembled workforce and synergies expected from combining our operations with the U.S. Sawmill Business. Goodwill has been assigned to the wood products reportable segment for the purposes of impairment testing. The total amount of goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	The following unaudited pro forma information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, represents our results of operations as if the acquisition of the U.S. Sawmill Business had occurred on January 1, 2019, excluding the results of operations of the El Dorado sawmill that has been idled since October 2019. This pro forma information does not purport to be indicative of the results that would have occurred for the periods presented or that may be expected in the future. Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Unaudited, in millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Sales $ 730 $ 729 $ 2,039 $ 2,328 Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. $ 57 $ (48) $ 65 $ 6

Other Income (Expense), Net (Ta

Other Income (Expense), Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block]	Other (expense) income, net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was comprised of the following: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Unaudited, in millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Foreign exchange (loss) gain $ (5) $ 1 $ 9 $ (9) Insurance recovery (1) — — 15 — Provision related to a litigation (2) — (23) — (23) Miscellaneous (expense) income (9) 5 — 10 $ (14) $ (17) $ 24 $ (22) (1) We recorded $15 million as other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, from the settlement of an insurance claim in connection with our acquisition of Atlas Paper Holdings, Inc. (or, “ Atlas ”) in 2015. (2) We accrued C$30 million of legal indemnity and interest costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, in connection with the Quebec Superior Court decision of the fair value of the shares of former dissenting shareholders of Fibrek Inc. (or, “ Fibrek ”) upon acquisition in 2012. See Note 11, “Commitments and Contingencies – Fibrek acquisition,” for more information.

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (Net of Tax)	The change in our accumulated other comprehensive loss by component (net of tax) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was as follows: (Unaudited, in millions) Unamortized Prior Service Costs Unamortized Actuarial Losses Foreign Total Balance as of June 30, 2020 $ — $ (1,164) $ (7) $ (1,171) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — 1 1 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1) 11 — 10 Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income (1) 11 1 11 Balance as of September 30, 2020 $ (1) $ (1,153) $ (6) $ (1,160) (Unaudited, in millions) Unamortized Prior Service Credits (Costs) Unamortized Actuarial Losses Foreign Total Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 16 $ (1,189) $ (6) $ (1,179) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (17) 36 — 19 Balance as of September 30, 2020 $ (1) $ (1,153) $ (6) $ (1,160) (Unaudited, in millions) Unamortized Prior Service Credits Unamortized Actuarial Losses Foreign Total Balance as of June 30, 2019 $ 21 $ (962) $ (7) $ (948) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (2) 4 — 2 Balance as of September 30, 2019 $ 19 $ (958) $ (7) $ (946) (Unaudited, in millions) Unamortized Prior Service Credits Unamortized Actuarial Losses Foreign Total Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ 28 $ (971) $ (7) $ (950) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications — (3) — (3) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (9) 16 — 7 Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income (9) 13 — 4 Balance as of September 30, 2019 $ 19 $ (958) $ (7) $ (946)
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, were comprised of the following: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Unaudited, in millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Affected Line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations Unamortized Prior Service Credits (Costs) Amortization of prior service credits (costs) $ (1) $ (2) $ (3) $ (8) Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits (1) Other items — — (14) (1) — — — — Income tax provision Net of tax (1) (2) (17) (9) Unamortized Actuarial Losses Amortization of actuarial losses 14 6 43 21 Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits (1) Other items — — 3 — (3) (2) (10) (5) Income tax provision Net of tax 11 4 36 16 Total Reclassifications $ 10 $ 2 $ 19 $ 7 (1) These items are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (credit) related to our pension and other postretirement benefit (or, “ OPEB ”) plans summarized in Note 9, “Employee Benefit Plans.”

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Ta

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of earnings per share, basic and diluted	The reconciliation of the basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Numerator: Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. $ 57 $ (43) $ 62 $ 24 Denominator: Weighted-average number of Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shares outstanding 86.0 90.9 87.4 91.9 Dilutive impact of nonvested stock unit awards 0.2 — 0.2 1.1 Diluted weighted-average number of Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shares outstanding 86.2 90.9 87.6 93.0 Net income (loss) per share attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shareholders: Basic $ 0.66 $ (0.47) $ 0.71 $ 0.26 Diluted $ 0.66 $ (0.47) $ 0.71 $ 0.26
Schedule of weighted-average antidilutive outstanding stock options and nonvested equity-classified RSUs, DSUs and PSUs	The weighted-average number of outstanding stock options and nonvested equity-classified restricted stock units, deferred stock units and performance stock units (collectively, “ stock unit awards ”) that were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share, as their impact would have been antidilutive, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Unaudited, in millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Stock options 0.9 1.0 0.9 1.0 Stock unit awards 0.6 2.1 0.7 —

Inventories, Net (Tables)

Inventories, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories, Net	Inventories, net as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, were comprised of the following: (Unaudited, in millions) September 30, December 31, Raw materials $ 130 $ 128 Work in process 44 46 Finished goods 146 164 Mill stores and other supplies 191 184 $ 511 $ 522

Accounts Payable and Accrued _2

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, were comprised of the following: (Unaudited, in millions) September 30, December 31, Trade accounts payable $ 249 $ 255 Accrued compensation 51 52 Accrued interest 9 3 Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations 14 15 Income and other taxes payable 5 4 Other 11 13 $ 339 $ 342

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt, Including Current Portion	Long-term debt, including current portion, as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, was comprised of the following: (Unaudited, in millions) September 30, December 31, 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2023: Principal amount $ 375 $ 375 Deferred financing costs (2) (3) Unamortized discount (1) (1) Total 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2023 372 371 Term loans due 2030 180 — Borrowings under revolving credit facilities — 71 Finance lease obligations 9 7 Total debt 561 449 Less: Current portion of finance lease obligations (2) (1) Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 559 $ 448

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Relating to Pension and OPEB Plans	The components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) relating to our pension and OPEB plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, were as follows: Pension Plans: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Unaudited, in millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Interest cost $ 38 $ 45 $ 112 $ 135 Expected return on plan assets (57) (63) (168) (187) Amortization of actuarial losses 15 8 47 26 Amortization of prior service credits — 1 — — Non-operating pension credits (4) (9) (9) (26) Service cost 4 4 11 11 Net periodic benefit (credits) costs before special events — (5) 2 (15) Other (gains) losses — — 3 (1) $ — $ (5) $ 5 $ (16) OPEB Plans: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Unaudited, in millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Interest cost $ 1 $ 2 $ 3 $ 4 Amortization of actuarial gains (1) (2) (4) (5) Amortization of prior service credits (1) (3) (3) (8) Non-operating other postretirement benefit credits (1) (3) (4) (9) Service cost (1) — — — Net periodic benefit credits before special events (2) (3) (4) (9) Curtailment gain — — (14) — $ (2) $ (3) $ (18) $ (9)

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Statutory Tax Benefit (Provision) to Income Tax Benefit (Provision)	The income tax provision attributable to income (loss) before income taxes differs from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, as a result of the following: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Unaudited, in millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Income (loss) before income taxes $ 80 $ (31) $ 117 $ 76 Income tax provision: Expected income tax (provision) benefit (17) 6 (25) (16) Changes resulting from: Valuation allowance (1) (5) (7) (21) (18) Foreign exchange 2 (3) (8) 1 U.S. tax on non-U.S. earnings (2) (1) (6) (1) (11) State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 1 3 3 5 Foreign tax rate differences (5) (1) (10) (10) Other, net (3) 2 (4) 7 (3) $ (23) $ (12) $ (55) $ (52) (1) Relates to our U.S. operations. (2) Reduces income tax benefits on U.S. losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. (3) Includes $4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, related to the settlement of an insurance claim in connection with our acquisition of Atlas.

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information	Information about certain segment data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was as follows: (Unaudited, Market Pulp (1) Tissue Wood Products (2) Paper Segment Corporate Total Sales Third quarter 2020 $ 161 $ 39 $ 322 $ 208 $ 730 $ — $ 730 2019 $ 201 $ 43 $ 146 $ 315 $ 705 $ — $ 705 First nine months 2020 $ 499 $ 132 $ 695 $ 705 $ 2,031 $ — $ 2,031 2019 $ 621 $ 125 $ 475 $ 1,034 $ 2,255 $ — $ 2,255 Depreciation and amortization Third quarter 2020 $ 6 $ 4 $ 11 $ 18 $ 39 $ 4 $ 43 2019 $ 7 $ 4 $ 8 $ 18 $ 37 $ 5 $ 42 First nine months 2020 $ 18 $ 13 $ 32 $ 51 $ 114 $ 11 $ 125 2019 $ 17 $ 13 $ 25 $ 54 $ 109 $ 15 $ 124 Operating income (loss) Third quarter 2020 $ (4) $ 2 $ 128 $ (12) $ 114 $ (17) $ 97 2019 $ (12) $ (3) $ (4) $ 8 $ (11) $ (7) $ (18) First nine months 2020 $ 3 $ 2 $ 148 $ (27) $ 126 $ (31) $ 95 2019 $ 57 $ (15) $ (1) $ 83 $ 124 $ (38) $ 86 (1) Inter-segment sales of $8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $22 million and $30 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, which were transacted either at the lowest market price of the previous month or cost, were excluded from market pulp sales. (2) Wood products sales to our joint ventures, which are transacted at arm’s length negotiated prices, were $7 million and $6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $17 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

Organization and Basis of Pre_3

Organization and Basis of Presentation - Nature of Operations (Details)	Sep. 30, 2020countrysite
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of countries products are marketed in (approximate) | country	70
Number of manufacturing facilities (approximate) | site	40

Business Acquisition - Purchase

Business Acquisition - Purchase Price Allocation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Feb. 01, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020		Sep. 30, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business combination, fair value of consideration transferred		$ 173			$ 173
Business combination, current assets assumed	[1]		$ 19		19
Business combination, fixed assets assumed			114		114
Business combination, intangible assets assumed	[2]		21		21
Business combination, operating lease right-of-use assets assumed			2		2
Goodwill			31	[3]	31	[3]	$ 0
Business combination, total assets acquired and goodwill			187		187
Business combination, current liabilities, assumed			11		11
Business combination, long-term debt, net of current portion			2		2
Business combination, operating lease liabilities, net of current portion			1		1
Business combination, total liabilities assumed			14		14
Business combination, net assets acquired			173		173
Business combination, cash and cash equivalents			$ 1		$ 1
Business combination, acquired amortizable intangible assets, weighted average useful life			10 years
Business combination, fair value discount rate for acquired intangible assets			12.60%
[1]	Includes cash and cash equivalents of $1 million.
[2]	These intangible assets are being amortized over a weighted-average useful life of 10 years. The fair value of the customer relationships was determined using the income approach through an excess earnings analysis discounted at a rate of 12.6%.
[3]	The goodwill represents the future economic benefit arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized and is mostly attributable to the U.S. Sawmill Business’s assembled workforce and synergies expected from combining our operations with the U.S. Sawmill Business. Goodwill has been assigned to the wood products reportable segment for the purposes of impairment testing. The total amount of goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.

Business Acquisition - Pro Form

Business Acquisition - Pro Forma Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business combination, revenue of acquiree since acquisition date, actual			$ 98
Business combination, earnings or loss of acquiree since acquisition date, actual			32
Business combination, acquisition related costs			3
Business acquisition, pro forma revenue	$ 730	$ 729	2,039	$ 2,328
Business acquisition, pro forma net income (loss)	$ 57	$ (48)	$ 65	$ 6

Other Income (Expense), Net (De

Other Income (Expense), Net (Details) $ in Millions, $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss), before tax		$ (5)	$ 1	$ 9	$ (9)
Insurance recovery	[1]	0	0	15	0
Accrued legal costs				15
Legal Fees		0	(23)		(23)
Miscellaneous income (expense)		(9)	5	0	10
Other income (expense), net		$ (14)	$ (17)	$ 24	$ (22)
Legal hypothec, amount						$ 30
[1]	We recorded $15 million as other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, from the settlement of an insurance claim in connection with our acquisition of Atlas Paper Holdings, Inc. (or, “ Atlas ”) in 2015. (2) We accrued C$30 million of legal indemnity and interest costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, in connection with the Quebec Superior Court decision of the fair value of the shares of former dissenting shareholders of Fibrek Inc. (or, “ Fibrek ”) upon acquisition in 2012. See Note 11, “Commitments and Contingencies – Fibrek acquisition,” for more information.

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (Net of Tax) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (1,171)	$ (948)	$ (1,179)	$ (950)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications				(3)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	10	2	19	7
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	11	2	19	4
Ending balance	(1,160)	(946)	(1,160)	(946)
Unamortized Prior Service Credits [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	0	21	16	28
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications				0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(1)	(2)	(17)	(9)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax				(9)
Ending balance	(1)	19	(1)	19
Unamortized Actuarial Losses [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(1,164)	(962)	(1,189)	(971)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications				(3)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	11	4	36	16
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax				13
Ending balance	(1,153)	(958)	(1,153)	(958)
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(7)	(7)	(6)	(7)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications				0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax				0
Ending balance	$ (6)	$ (7)	$ (6)	$ (7)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_4

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits (costs)		$ 5	$ 12	$ 24	$ 36
Income tax (provision) benefit		(23)	(12)	(55)	(52)
Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.		57	(43)	62	24
Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.		10	2	19	7
Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Unamortized Prior Service Credits [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits (costs)	[1]	(1)	(2)	(3)	(8)
Aggregation of other items		0	0	(14)	(1)
Income tax (provision) benefit		0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.		(1)	(2)	(17)	(9)
Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Unamortized Actuarial Losses [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits (costs)	[1]	14	6	43	21
Aggregation of other items		0	0	3	0
Income tax (provision) benefit		(3)	(2)	(10)	(5)
Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.		$ 11	$ 4	$ 36	$ 16
[1]	These items are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (credit) related to our pension and other postretirement benefit (or, “ OPEB ”) plans summarized in Note 9, “Employee Benefit Plans.”

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (De

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.	$ 57	$ (43)	$ 62	$ 24
Weighted-average number of Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shares outstanding	86	90.9	87.4	91.9
Dilutive impact of nonvested stock unit awards	0.2	0	0.2	1.1
Diluted weighted-average number of Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shares outstanding	86.2	90.9	87.6	93
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.66	$ (0.47)	$ 0.71	$ 0.26
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.66	$ (0.47)	$ 0.71	$ 0.26
Stock options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	0.9	1	0.9	1
Stock unit awards [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	0.6	2.1	0.7	0

Inventories, Net (Details)

Inventories, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 130	$ 128
Work in process	44	46
Finished goods	146	164
Mill stores and other supplies	191	184
Inventories, net	$ 511	$ 522

Accounts Payable and Accrued _3

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Trade accounts payable	$ 249	$ 255
Accrued compensation	51	52
Accrued interest	9	3
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations	14	15
Income and other taxes payable	5	4
Other	11	13
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 339	$ 342

Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt Including Current Portion (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities	$ 0	$ 71
Finance lease obligations	9	7
Total debt	561	449
Less: Current portion of finance lease obligations	(2)	(1)
Long-term debt, net of current portion	559	448
Secured Debt [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net carrying amount	180	0
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty-Three [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	375	375
Deferred financing costs	(2)	(3)
Unamortized discount	(1)	(1)
Net carrying amount	$ 372	$ 371

Long-Term Debt - 2023 Notes (De

Long-Term Debt - 2023 Notes (Details) - Senior Notes [Member] - Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty-Three [Member] - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 03, 2019	May 08, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt					$ 600,000,000
Interest rate of notes					5.875%
Fair value of senior notes		$ 369,000,000	$ 380,000,000		$ 594,000,000
Unamortized discount					$ 6,000,000
Effective interest rate of debt					6.00%
Deferred financing costs					$ 9,000,000
Notes repurchased face amount				$ 225,000,000
Purchase price to principal amount, percentage				100.00%
Loss on extinguishment of debt	$ 3,000,000

Long-Term Debt - Senior Secured

Long-Term Debt - Senior Secured Credit Facility (Details) - Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] - USD ($)	Oct. 28, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 07, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt	$ 360,000,000			$ 185,000,000
Uncommitted ability to increase borrowing capacity, maximum	360,000,000
Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt	180,000,000			46,000,000
Delay draw period of debt instrument		3 years
Repayment of debt	46,000,000
Borrowings under term loan		$ 180,000,000	$ 0
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility lender commitment amount	$ 180,000,000			$ 139,000,000
Debt instrument, term	6 years
Available credit facility borrowing capacity		$ 180,000,000
Minimum [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, term	6 years
Maximum [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, term	10 years

Long-Term Debt - ABL Credit Fac

Long-Term Debt - ABL Credit Facility (Details) - Revolving credit facility [Member] - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020	May 14, 2019
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility lender commitment amount		$ 500,000,000
Available credit facility borrowing capacity	$ 277,000,000
Letters of credit amount outstanding	$ 57,000,000

Long-Term Debt - Parenthetical

Long-Term Debt - Parenthetical (Details)	Sep. 30, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Current portion of finance lease obligation, balance sheet [Extensible List]	us-gaap:LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent
Finance lease obligation, balance sheet [Extensible List]	us-gaap:LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations

Employee Benefit Plans - Compon

Employee Benefit Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Relating to Pension and OPEB Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit costs (credits)	$ (5)	$ (12)	$ (24)	$ (36)
Expense for the defined contribution plans, total	4	5	12	14
Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost	38	45	112	135
Expected return on plan assets	(57)	(63)	(168)	(187)
Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses	15	8	47	26
Amortization of prior service (credits) costs	0	1	0	0
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit costs (credits)	(4)	(9)	(9)	(26)
Service cost	4	4	11	11
Net periodic benefit costs (credits) before special events	0	(5)	2	(15)
Curtailment, settlement and other (gain) loss	0	0	3	(1)
Net periodic benefit cost	0	(5)	5	(16)
OPEB Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost	1	2	3	4
Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses	(1)	(2)	(4)	(5)
Amortization of prior service (credits) costs	(1)	(3)	(3)	(8)
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit costs (credits)	(1)	(3)	(4)	(9)
Service cost	(1)	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit costs (credits) before special events	(2)	(3)	(4)	(9)
Curtailment, settlement and other (gain) loss	0	0	(14)	0
Net periodic benefit cost	$ (2)	$ (3)	$ (18)	$ (9)

Employee Benefit Plans - Additi

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Interest cost, statements of operations [Extensible List]	us-gaap:NetPeriodicDefinedBenefitsExpenseReversalOfExpenseExcludingServiceCostComponent
Expected return on plan assets, statements of operations [Extensible List]	us-gaap:NetPeriodicDefinedBenefitsExpenseReversalOfExpenseExcludingServiceCostComponent
Amortization of actuarial gains (losses), statements of operations [Extensible List]	us-gaap:NetPeriodicDefinedBenefitsExpenseReversalOfExpenseExcludingServiceCostComponent
Amortization of prior service costs (credits), statements of operations [Extensible List]	us-gaap:NetPeriodicDefinedBenefitsExpenseReversalOfExpenseExcludingServiceCostComponent
Net periodic benefit cost (credit) excluding service cost, statement of operations [Extensible List]	us-gaap:NetPeriodicDefinedBenefitsExpenseReversalOfExpenseExcludingServiceCostComponent
Settlement loss, statements of operations [Extensible List]	us-gaap:NetPeriodicDefinedBenefitsExpenseReversalOfExpenseExcludingServiceCostComponent

Income Taxes - Reconciliation o

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Statutory Tax Benefit (Provision) to Income Tax Benefit (Provision) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income (loss) before income taxes		$ 80	$ (31)	$ 117	$ 76
Income tax provision:
Expected income tax (provision) benefit		(17)	6	(25)	(16)
Changes resulting from:
Valuation allowance	[1]	(5)	(7)	(21)	(18)
Foreign exchange		2	(3)	(8)	1
U.S. tax on non-U.S. earnings	[2]	(1)	(6)	(1)	(11)
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		1	3	3	5
Foreign tax rate differences		(5)	(1)	(10)	(10)
Other, net	[3]	2	(4)	7	(3)
provision		$ (23)	$ (12)	(55)	$ (52)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Insurance Recovery, Amount				$ 4
[1]	Relates to our U.S. operations.
[2]	Reduces income tax benefits on U.S. losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.
[3]	Includes $4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, related to the settlement of an insurance claim in connection with our acquisition of Atlas.

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate (for rate rec)	21.00%	21.00%	21.00%	21.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Insurance Recovery, Amount			$ 4

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions, $ in Millions	Apr. 28, 2017	Mar. 31, 2020CAD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020CAD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020CAD ($)$ / shares	Jan. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)	Nov. 02, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Jul. 31, 2012
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Preliminary countervailing duty rate on Canadian softwood lumber imported to the U.S. market	12.82%		17.11%	17.57%
Final determination countervailing duty rate on Canadian softwood lumber imported to the U.S. market											14.70%
Accumulated countervailing cash deposits made on softwood lumber exports					$ 170				$ 128
Preliminary anti-dumping rate on Canadian softwood lumber imported to the U.S. market								1.18%				4.59%
Final determination anti-dumping rate on Canadian softwood lumber imported to the U.S. market											3.20%
Accumulated anti-dumping cash deposits made on softwood lumber exports					44				34
Other liabilities					82				75
Legal hypothec, amount										$ 30
Maximum deficit from partial wind-up of pension plans to be funded					113	$ 150
Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract]
Environmental liabilities					8				8
Asset retirement obligations					26				26
Softwood Lumber Duties Investigations [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contingent loss					0
Fibrek [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Percentage of outstanding shares acquired													25.40%
Determined per share fair value of dissenting shareholders shares | $ / shares							$ 1.99
Determined fair value of dissenting shareholders' shares							$ 31
Determined fair value of dissenting shareholders' shares including interest and indemnity							$ 44
Amount accrued to be contingently distributed										14
Contingent consideration		$ 30
Amount paid, contingent consideration, business combination										19
Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Yearly countervailing duty cash deposits on imports of Canadian softwood lumber imported to the U.S. market					50
Yearly anti-dumping cash deposits on imports of Canadian softwood lumber imported to the U.S. market					$ 10
Fibrek [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Other liabilities									$ 19	$ 25

Share Capital (Details)

Share Capital (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Share repurchase program, authorized maximum percentage of common stock to be repurchased	15.00%		15.00%
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount	$ 100		$ 100		$ 150
Treasury stock repurchased	4,500,000	1,106,120	4,767,985	1,826,120
Purchases of treasury stock	$ 18	$ 7	$ 19	$ 12
Expense for the defined contribution plans, total	$ 4	$ 5	$ 12	$ 14

Segment Information - Schedule

Segment Information - Schedule of Segment Reporting Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales		$ 730	$ 705	$ 2,031	$ 2,255
Depreciation and amortization		43	42	125	124
Operating income (loss)		97	(18)	95	86
Operating segments [Member] | Market Pulp [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	[1]	161	201	499	621
Depreciation and amortization	[1]	6	7	18	17
Operating income (loss)	[1]	(4)	(12)	3	57
Operating segments [Member] | Tissue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales		39	43	132	125
Depreciation and amortization		4	4	13	13
Operating income (loss)		2	(3)	2	(15)
Operating segments [Member] | Wood Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	[2]	322	146	695	475
Depreciation and amortization	[2]	11	8	32	25
Operating income (loss)	[2]	128	(4)	148	(1)
Operating segments [Member] | Paper [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales		208	315	705	1,034
Depreciation and amortization		18	18	51	54
Operating income (loss)		(12)	8	(27)	83
Operating segments [Member] | Segment Total [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales		730	705	2,031	2,255
Depreciation and amortization		39	37	114	109
Operating income (loss)		114	(11)	126	124
Corporate, non-segment [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales		0	0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization		4	5	11	15
Operating income (loss)		$ (17)	$ (7)	$ (31)	$ (38)
[1]	Inter-segment sales of $8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $22 million and $30 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, which were transacted either at the lowest market price of the previous month or cost, were excluded from market pulp sales.
[2]	Wood products sales to our joint ventures, which are transacted at arm’s length negotiated prices, were $7 million and $6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $17 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

Segment Information - Schedul_2

Segment Information - Schedule of Segment Reporting Information - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales		$ 730	$ 705	$ 2,031	$ 2,255
Market Pulp [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales			8	22	30
Market Pulp [Member] | Operating segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	[1]	161	201	499	621
Wood Products [Member] | Operating segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	[2]	322	146	$ 695	475
Joint venture sales		$ 7	$ 6		$ 17
[1]	Inter-segment sales of $8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $22 million and $30 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, which were transacted either at the lowest market price of the previous month or cost, were excluded from market pulp sales.
[2]	Wood products sales to our joint ventures, which are transacted at arm’s length negotiated prices, were $7 million and $6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $17 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - Nov. 04, 2020 - Subsequent Event [Member] - Loan Facility [Member] - Secured Debt [Member] $ in Millions, $ in Millions	USD ($)draw	CAD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, term	10 years
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 167	$ 220
Initial borrowing capacity	$ 114	$ 149
Interest only period	2 years
Principal payments period	8 years
Maximum number of draws	10
One Month Canadian Banker's Acceptance Rate [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.45%