International Paper (IP) 10-Q 7 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	IP
Entity Registrant Name	INTERNATIONAL PAPER CO /NEW/
Entity Central Index Key	51434
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		420,912,504

Consolidated_Statement_of_Oper

Consolidated Statement of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net Sales	$5,517	$5,724
Costs and Expenses
Cost of products sold	3,844	4,034
Selling and administrative expenses	406	428
Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested	323	347
Distribution expenses	357	366
Taxes other than payroll and income taxes	44	46
Restructuring and other charges	0	499
Interest expense, net	137	143
Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Earnings	406	-139
Income tax provision (benefit)	130	-80
Equity earnings (loss), net of taxes	35	-33
Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations	311	-92
Discontinued operations, net of taxes	0	-7
Net Earnings (Loss)	311	-99
Less: Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-2	-4
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to International Paper Company	313	-95
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to International Paper Company Common Shareholders
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$0.74	($0.20)
Discontinued operations, net of taxes	$0	($0.01)
Net earnings (loss)	$0.74	($0.21)
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to International Paper Company Common Shareholders
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$0.74	($0.20)
Discontinued operations, net of taxes	$0	($0.01)
Net earnings (loss)	$0.74	($0.21)
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - assuming dilution	423.7	435.6
Cash Dividends Per Common Share	$0.40	$0.35
Amounts Attributable to International Paper Company Common Shareholders
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	313	-88
Discontinued operations, net of taxes	0	-7
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to International Paper Company	$313	($95)

Consolidated_Statement_of_Comp

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Net Earnings (Loss)	$311		($99)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment	-484		18
Net gains/losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:
Net gains (losses) arising during the period	6		4
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net earnings (loss)	3		5
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-397	[1]	-21	[1]
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-86		-120
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	2		4
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1		2
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to International Paper Company	-83		-114
U.S. Plans
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Amortization of pension and post-retirement prior service costs and net loss:	78		52
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments	0		-103
Foreign Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments	$0		$3
[1]	All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets
Cash and temporary investments	$1,576		$1,881
Accounts and notes receivable, net	3,074		3,083
Inventories	2,437		2,424
Deferred income tax assets	333		331
Other current assets	240		240
Total Current Assets	7,660		7,959
Plants, Properties and Equipment, net	12,488		12,728
Forestlands	435		507
Investments	272		248
Financial Assets of Special Purpose Entities (Note 13)	2,150		2,145
Goodwill	3,677		3,773
Deferred Charges and Other Assets	1,285		1,324
Total Assets	27,967		28,684
Current Liabilities
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt	664		742
Accounts payable	2,678		2,664
Accrued payroll and benefits	369		477
Other accrued liabilities	1,065		1,026
Total Current Liabilities	4,776		4,909
Long-Term Debt	8,461		8,631
Nonrecourse Financial Liabilities of Special Purpose Entities (Note 13)	2,052		2,050
Deferred Income Taxes	3,000		3,063
Pension Benefit Obligation	3,801		3,819
Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligation	380		396
Other Liabilities	494		553
Equity
Common stock, $1 par value, 2015 - 448.9 shares and 2014 - 448.9 shares	449		449
Paid-in capital	6,190		6,245
Retained earnings	4,548		4,409
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-5,042	[1]	-4,646
Shareholders' Equity before Treasury Stock, Total	6,145		6,457
Less: Common stock held in treasury, at cost, 2015 - 27.130 shares and 2014 - 28.734 shares	1,287		1,342
Total Shareholders' Equity	4,858		5,115
Noncontrolling interests	145		148
Total Equity	5,003		5,263
Total Liabilities and Equity	$27,967		$28,684
[1]	All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet_Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Common stock, par value	$1	$1
Common stock, shares	448,900,000	448,900,000
Common stock held in treasury, shares	27,130,000	28,734,000

Consolidated_Statement_of_Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating Activities
Net earnings (loss)	$311	($99)
Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested	323	352
Deferred income tax provision, net	-3	-144
Restructuring and other related charges	0	517
Pension plan contributions	0	-58
Equity (earnings) loss, net	-35	33
Periodic pension expense, net	122	90
Other, net	76	6
Changes in current assets and liabilities
Accounts and notes receivable	-76	-170
Inventories	-81	-3
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-14	-91
Interest payable	19	37
Other	-4	1
Cash Provided By (Used For) Operations	638	471
Investment Activities
Invested in capital projects	-319	-277
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	9	0
Other	-67	-93
Cash Provided By (Used For) Investment Activities	-377	-370
Financing Activities
Repurchases of common stock and payments of restricted stock tax withholding	-139	-388
Issuance of common stock	2	18
Issuance of debt	40	107
Reduction of debt	-280	-163
Change in book overdrafts	0	16
Dividends paid	-169	-153
Cash Provided By (Used For) Financing Activities	-546	-563
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	-20	1
Change in Cash and Temporary Investments	-305	-461
Cash and Temporary Investments
Beginning of period	1,881	1,802
End of period	$1,576	$1,341

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION_Note

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Note)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation [Note Text Block]	BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments that are necessary for the fair presentation of International Paper Company’s (International Paper’s, the Company’s or our) financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Except as disclosed herein, such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. Results for the first three months of the year may not necessarily be indicative of full year results. It is suggested that these consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 which have previously been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
	On July 1, 2014, International Paper completed the spinoff of its distribution solutions business, xpedx, and xpedx's merger with Unisource Worldwide, Inc., with the combined companies now operating as Veritiv Corporation (Veritiv). As a result of the spinoff, all prior year amounts have been adjusted to reflect xpedx as a discontinued operation. See Note 8 for further discussion.

RECENT_ACCOUNTING_DEVELOPMENTS

RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS (Note)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Developments [Note Text Block]	RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS
	Debt Issuance Costs
	In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2015-03, "Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30: Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs," which simplifies the balance sheet presentation of the costs for issuing debt. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those years; however, early adoption is allowed. An entity should apply the new guidance on a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet of each individual period presented should be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance.
	Consolidation
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, "Consolidation," which amends the requirements for consolidation and significantly changes the consolidation analysis required. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those years. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance.
	Share-Based Payment
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, "Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That Performance Target Could Be Achieved After the Requisite Service Period." This guidance provides that entities should treat performance targets that can be met after the requisite service period of a share-based payment award as performance conditions that affect vesting. As such, an entity should not record compensation expense related to an award for which transfer to the employee is contingent on the entity's satisfaction of a performance target until it becomes probable that the performance target will be met. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those years. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance.
	Revenue Recognition
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." The guidance replaces most existing revenue recognition guidance and provides that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those years and permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance.
	Discontinued Operations
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity," which changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies the related disclosure requirements. This guidance should be applied prospectively to new disposals and new classifications of disposal groups as held for sale after the effective date which is fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company chose to early adopt the provisions of this guidance in the third quarter 2014. See Note 8 for further discussion and disclosures.

EQUITY_Note

EQUITY (Note)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Equity [Note Text Block]	EQUITY
	A summary of the changes in equity for the three-months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is provided below:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015									2014
	In millions, except per share amounts	Total			Noncontrolling			Total			Total			Noncontrolling			Total
		International			Interests			Equity			International			Interests			Equity
		Paper									Paper
		Shareholders’									Shareholders’
		Equity									Equity
	Balance, January 1	$	5,115		$	148		$	5,263		$	8,105		$	179		$	8,284
	Issuance of stock for various plans, net	141			—			141			128			—			128
	Repurchase of stock	(141		)	—			(141		)	(388		)	—			(388		)
	Common stock dividends ($.4000 per share in 2015 and $0.3500 per share in 2014)	(174		)	—			(174		)	(158		)	—			(158		)
	Comprehensive income (loss)	(83		)	(3		)	(86		)	(114		)	(6		)	(120		)
	Ending Balance, March 31	$	4,858		$	145		$	5,003		$	7,573		$	173		$	7,746

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_OTH

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Note)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income [Note Text Block]	OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	The following table presents changes in AOCI for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015:
	In millions		Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Items (a)			Change in Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments (a)				Net Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedging Derivatives (a)			Total (a)
	Balance, January 1, 2015		$	(3,134	)	$	(1,513	)		$	1		$	(4,646	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		—			(484		)		6			(478		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		78			—				3			81
	Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		78			(484		)		9			(397		)
	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		—			1				—			1
	Balance, March 31, 2015		$	(3,056	)	$	(1,996	)		$	10		$	(5,042	)
	(a)	All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI.
	The following table presents changes in AOCI for the three-month period ended March 31, 2014:
	In millions		Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Items (a)			Change in Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments (a)				Net Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedging Derivatives (a)			Total (a)
	Balance, January 1, 2014		$	(2,105	)	$	(649	)		$	(5	)	$	(2,759	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(100		)	18				4			(78		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		52			—				5			57
	Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		(48		)	18				9			(21		)
	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		—			2				—			2
	Balance, March 31, 2014		$	(2,153	)	$	(629	)		$	4		$	(2,778	)
	(a)	All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI.
	The following table presents details of the reclassifications out of AOCI for the three-month period ended March 31:
	Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components		Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (a)							Location of Amount Reclassified from AOCI
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2015			2014
	In millions:
	Defined benefit pension and postretirement items:
	Prior-service costs		$	(8	)	$	(4	)	(b)	Cost of products sold
	Actuarial gains (losses)		(120		)	(81		)	(b)	Cost of products sold
	Total pre-tax amount		(128		)	(85		)
	Tax (expense) benefit		50			33
	Net of tax		(78		)	(52		)
	Net gains and losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:
	Foreign exchange contracts		(6		)	(8		)	(c)	Cost of products sold
	Total pre-tax amount		(6		)	(8		)
	Tax (expense)/benefit		3			3
	Net of tax		(3		)	(5		)
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	(81	)	$	(57	)
	(a)	Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to earnings/loss.
	(b)	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 16 for additional details).
	(c)	This accumulated other comprehensive income component is included in our derivatives and hedging activities (see Note 15 for additional details).

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_ATTRIBUTABL

EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY COMMON SHAREHOLDERS (Note)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Note Text Block]	EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
	Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share are computed assuming that all potentially dilutive securities were converted into common shares. A reconciliation of the amounts included in the computation of earnings (loss) per common share, and diluted earnings (loss) per common share is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions, except per share amounts	2015		2014
	Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	313	$	(88	)
	Effect of dilutive securities (a)	—		—
	Earnings (loss) from continuing operations – assuming dilution	$	313	$	(88	)
	Average common shares outstanding	421.2		435.6
	Effect of dilutive securities (a)
	Restricted stock performance share plan	2.5		—
	Average common shares outstanding – assuming dilution	423.7		435.6
	Basic earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share	$	0.74	$	(0.20	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share	$	0.74	$	(0.20	)
	(a)	Securities are not included in the table in periods when antidilutive.

RESTRUCTURING_AND_OTHER_CHARGE

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES (Note)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Activities [Note Text Block]	RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES
	2014: During the three months ended March 31, 2014, restructuring and other charges totaling $499 million before taxes were recorded. Details of these charges were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-14
	In millions
	Courtland mill shutdown (a)	$	495
	Other	4
	Total	$	499
	(a)	During 2013, the Company deferred accelerating depreciation for certain assets as we evaluated possible alternative uses by one of our other businesses. During the first quarter of 2014, we completed our evaluation and concluded that there were no alternative uses for these assets. We recognized approximately $430 million of accelerated depreciation related to these assets during the first quarter of 2014. Other components of the first quarter of 2014 Courtland mill shutdown cost include site closure costs of $30 million, severance charges of $15 million and $20 million of other non-cash charges.

ACQUISITIONS_AND_JOINT_VENTURE

ACQUISITIONS AND JOINT VENTURES (Note)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Joint Ventures [Note Text Block]	ACQUISITIONS AND JOINT VENTURES
	Orsa IP
	2014: On April 8, 2014, the Company acquired the remaining 25% of shares of Orsa International Paper Embalagens S.A. (Orsa IP) from its joint venture partner, Jari Celulose, Papel e Embalagens S.A. (Jari), a Grupo Jari company, for approximately $127 million, of which $105 million was paid in cash with the remaining $22 million held back pending satisfaction of certain indemnification obligations by Jari. An additional $11 million, which was initially not included in the purchase price, was placed in an escrow account pending resolution of certain open matters. During the third quarter, these open matters were successfully resolved, which resulted in $9 million paid out of escrow to Jari and correspondingly added to the final purchase consideration. The remaining $2 million was released back to the Company.

DIVESTITURES_SPINOFF_Note

DIVESTITURES / SPINOFF (Note)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Divestitures [Note Text Block]	DIVESTITURES / SPINOFF
	Discontinued Operations
	2014: On July 1, 2014, International Paper completed the spinoff of its distribution solutions business, xpedx, and xpedx's merger with Unisource Worldwide, Inc., with the combined companies now operating as Veritiv Corporation (Veritiv). The xpedx business had historically represented the Company's Distribution reportable segment.
	The spinoff was accomplished by the contribution of the xpedx business to Veritiv and the distribution of 8,160,000 shares of Veritiv common stock on a pro-rata basis to International Paper shareholders. International Paper received a payment of approximately $411 million, financed with new debt in Veritiv's capital structure.
	All current and historical operating results for xpedx are included in Discontinued operations, net of tax, in the consolidated statement of operations. The following summarizes the major classes of line items comprising Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes and Equity Earnings reconciled to Discontinued Operations, net of tax, related to the xpedx spinoff for the three months ended March 31, 2014 in the consolidated statement of operations:
	In millions		Three Months Ended
			31-Mar-14
	Net Sales		$	1,290
	Cost and Expenses
	Cost of products sold		1,140
	Selling and administrative expenses		100
	Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested		4
	Distribution expenses		34
	Restructuring and other charges		18
	Other, net		2
	Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes and Equity Earnings		(8		)
	Income tax provision (benefit)		(3		)
	Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes (a)		$	(5	)
	(a)	These amounts, along with a net loss of $2 million related to the Temple-Inland Building Products divestitures, are included in Discontinued operations, net of tax, in the consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	Total cash provided by operations related to xpedx of $50 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is included in Cash Provided By (Used For) Operations in the consolidated statement of cash flows. There was no cash provided by investing activities related to xpedx for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

SUPPLEMENTAL_FINANCIAL_STATEME

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Note)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Note Text Block]	SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION
	Temporary Investments
	In millions	31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Temporary investments	$	1,234	$	1,480
	Accounts and Notes Receivable
	In millions	31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Accounts and notes receivable, net:
	Trade	$	2,821	$	2,860
	Other	253		223
	Total	$	3,074	$	3,083
	Inventories
	In millions	31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Raw materials	$	423	$	494
	Finished pulp, paper and packaging	1,386		1,273
	Operating supplies	556		562
	Other	72		95
	Total	$	2,437	$	2,424
	Depreciation Expense
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015		2014
	Depreciation expense	$	304	$	324
	Valuation Accounts
	Certain valuation accounts were as follows:
	In millions	31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Accumulated depreciation	$	20,279	$	20,340
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	78		82
	There was no material activity related to asset retirement obligations during either of the three months ended March 31, 2015 or 2014.
	Interest
	Cash payments related to interest were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015		2014
	Interest payments	$	129	$	113
	Amounts related to interest were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015		2014
	Interest expense (a)	$	159	$	164
	Interest income (a)	22		21
	Capitalized interest costs	7		6
	(a)	Interest expense and interest income exclude approximately $9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and $10 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 related to investments in and borrowings from variable interest entities for which the Company has a legal right of offset (see Note 13).

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLES

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Note)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangibles [Note Text Block]	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
	Goodwill
	The following table presents changes in goodwill balances as allocated to each business segment for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015:
	In millions	Industrial			Printing				Consumer			Total
		Packaging			Papers				Packaging
	Balance as of January 1, 2015
	Goodwill	$	3,396		$	2,234			$	1,784		$	7,414
	Accumulated impairment losses (a)	(100		)	(1,877		)		(1,664		)	(3,641		)
		3,296			357				120			3,773
	Reclassifications and other (b)	(39		)	(53		)		—			(92		)
	Additions/reductions	—			(4		)	(c)	—			(4		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2015
	Goodwill	3,357			2,177				1,784			7,318
	Accumulated impairment losses (a)	(100		)	(1,877		)		(1,664		)	(3,641		)
	Total	$	3,257		$	300			$	120		$	3,677
	(a)	Represents accumulated goodwill impairment charges since the adoption of ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other” in 2002.
	(b)	Represents the effects of foreign currency translations and reclassifications.
	(c)	Reflects a reduction from tax benefits generated by the deduction of goodwill amortization for tax purposes in Brazil.
	Other Intangibles
	Identifiable intangible assets comprised the following:
		31-Mar-15							31-Dec-14
	In millions	Gross			Accumulated				Gross			Accumulated
		Carrying			Amortization				Carrying			Amortization
		Amount							Amount
	Customer relationships and lists	$	526		$	153			$	561		$	157
	Non-compete agreements	72			53				74			53
	Tradenames, patents and trademarks	61			46				61			44
	Land and water rights	90			9				81			9
	Fuel and power agreements	5			3				5			3
	Software	22			21				23			22
	Other	36			16				43			21
	Total	$	812		$	301			$	848		$	309
	The Company recognized the following amounts as amortization expense related to intangible assets:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015			2014
	Amortization expense related to intangible assets	$	13		$	18

INCOME_TAXES_Note

INCOME TAXES (Note)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes [Note Text Block]	INCOME TAXES
	International Paper made income tax payments, net of refunds, as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015			2014
	Income tax payments, net	$	26		$	40
	The following table presents a rollforward of unrecognized tax benefits and related accrued estimated interest and penalties for the three months ended March 31, 2015:
	In millions	Unrecognized			Accrued Estimated
		Tax Benefits			Interest and Tax
					Penalties
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(158	)	$	(41	)
	Activity for three months ended March 31, 2015	8			7
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	(150	)	$	(34	)
	The Company currently estimates, that as a result of ongoing discussions, pending tax settlements and expirations of statutes of limitations, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could be reduced by approximately $5 million during the next 12 months.
	Included in the Company’s income tax provisions for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, are $0 million and $190 million of income tax benefits, respectively, related to special items. The components of the net provision related to special items were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015			2014
	Special items	$	—		$	(199	)
	Tax-related adjustments:
	State legislative changes	—			10
	Other	—			(1		)
	Income tax provision (benefit) related to special items	$	—		$	(190	)

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies [Note Text Block]	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Environmental Proceedings
	CERCLA and State Actions
	International Paper has been named as a potentially responsible party in environmental remediation actions under various federal and state laws, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). Many of these proceedings involve the cleanup of hazardous substances at large commercial landfills that received waste from many different sources. While joint and several liability is authorized under CERCLA and equivalent state laws, as a practical matter, liability for CERCLA cleanups is typically allocated among the many potential responsible parties. Remedial costs are recorded in the consolidated financial statements when they become probable and reasonably estimable. International Paper has estimated the probable liability associated with these matters to be approximately $96 million in the aggregate at March 31, 2015.
	Cass Lake: One of the matters referenced above is a closed wood treating facility located in Cass Lake, Minnesota. During 2009, in connection with an environmental site remediation action under CERCLA, International Paper submitted to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a remediation feasibility study. In June 2011, the EPA selected and published a proposed soil remedy at the site with an estimated cost of $46 million. The overall remediation reserve for the site is currently $48 million to address the selection of an alternative for the soil remediation component of the overall site remedy. In October 2011, the EPA released a public statement indicating that the final soil remedy decision would be delayed. In the unlikely event that the EPA changes its proposed soil remedy and approves instead a more expensive clean-up alternative, the remediation costs could be material, and significantly higher than amounts currently recorded. In October 2012, the Natural Resource Trustees for this site provided notice to International Paper and other potentially responsible parties of their intent to perform a Natural Resource Damage Assessment. It is premature to predict the outcome of the assessment or to estimate a loss or range of loss, if any, which may be incurred.
	Other Remediation Costs
	In addition to the above matters, other remediation costs typically associated with the cleanup of hazardous substances at the Company’s current, closed or formerly-owned facilities, and recorded as liabilities in the balance sheet, totaled approximately $45 million at March 31, 2015. Other than as described above, completion of required remedial actions is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	Legal Proceedings
	Environmental
	Kalamazoo River: The Company is a potentially responsible party (PRP) with respect to the Allied Paper, Inc./Portage Creek/Kalamazoo River Superfund Site in Michigan. The EPA asserts that the site is contaminated by PCBs primarily as a result of discharges from various paper mills located along the Kalamazoo River, including a paper mill formerly owned by St. Regis Paper Company (St. Regis). The Company is a successor in interest to St. Regis. Although the Company has not received any orders from the EPA, in December 2014, the EPA sent the Company a letter demanding payment of $19 million to reimburse the EPA for costs associated with a Time Critical Removal Action of PCB contaminated sediments from a portion of the site. The Company's CERCLA liability has not been finally determined with respect to this or any other portion of the site and we have declined to reimburse the EPA at this time. As noted below, the Company is involved in allocation/apportionment litigation with regard to the site. Accordingly, it is premature to estimate a loss or range of loss with respect to this site.
	The Company was named as a defendant by Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP, Fort James Corporation and Georgia Pacific LLC in a contribution and cost recovery action for alleged pollution at the site. The suit seeks contribution under CERCLA for $79 million in costs purportedly expended by plaintiffs as of the filing of the complaint and for future remediation costs. The suit alleges that a mill, during the time it was allegedly owned and operated by St. Regis, discharged PCB contaminated solids and paper residuals resulting from paper de-inking and recycling. Also named as defendants in the suit are NCR Corporation and Weyerhaeuser Company. In mid-2011, the suit was transferred from the District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin to the District Court for the Western District of Michigan. The trial of the initial liability phase took place in February 2013. Weyerhaeuser conceded prior to trial that it was a liable party with respect to the site. In September 2013, an opinion and order was issued in the suit. The order concluded that the Company (as the successor to St. Regis) was not an “operator,” but was an “owner,” of the mill at issue during a portion of the relevant period and is therefore liable under CERCLA. The order also determined that NCR is a liable party as an "arranger for disposal" of PCBs in waste paper that was de-inked and recycled by mills along the Kalamazoo River. The order did not address the Company's responsibility, if any, for costs plaintiffs seek to recover. This will be the subject of a separate trial, which has been set for September 2015. The Company thus believes it is premature to predict the outcome or to estimate a loss or range of loss, if any, which may be incurred.
	Harris County: International Paper and McGinnis Industrial Maintenance Corporation, a subsidiary of Waste Management, Inc., are PRPs at the San Jacinto River Waste Pits Superfund Site (San Jacinto Superfund Site) in Harris County, Texas, and have been actively participating in investigation and remediation activities at this Superfund Site. In December 2011, Harris County, Texas filed a suit against the Company in Harris County District Court seeking civil penalties with regard to the alleged discharge of dioxin into the San Jacinto River since 1965 from waste impoundments that are part of the San Jacinto River Superfund Site. Also named as defendants in this action are McGinnis Industrial Maintenance Corporation, Waste Management, Inc. and Waste Management of Texas, Inc. Harris County is seeking civil penalties pursuant to the Texas Water Code and the Texas Administrative Code, which provide for the imposition of civil penalties between $50 and $25,000 per day. Trial began on October 7, 2014. On November 13, 2014, the jury rendered a verdict finding International Paper not responsible for the violations alleged by Harris County. On January 20, 2015, the court entered final judgment consistent with the jury verdict. Harris County filed a motion for a new trial on February 18, 2015. The court denied Harris County's motion on April 6, 2015, and Harris County then filed its Notice of Appeal on April 17, 2015. International Paper is preparing its response in opposition.
	In October 2012, a civil lawsuit was filed against the same defendants, including the Company, in the District Court of Harris County by approximately 400 local fishermen seeking medical monitoring and damages with regard to the alleged discharge of dioxin into the San Jacinto River since 1965 from waste impoundments that are a part of the San Jacinto Superfund Site. Trial is currently scheduled for October 2015. This case is still in the discovery phase and it is therefore premature to predict the outcome or to estimate a loss or range of loss, if any, which may be incurred. In December 2012, residents of an up-river neighborhood filed a civil action against the same defendants, including the Company, in the District Court of Harris County alleging property damage and personal injury from the alleged discharge of dioxin into the San Jacinto River from the San Jacinto Superfund Site. Because the case has not entered the discovery phase, it is premature to predict the outcome or to estimate a loss or range of loss, if any, which may be incurred.
	Antitrust
	Containerboard: In September 2010, eight containerboard producers, including International Paper and Temple-Inland, were named as defendants in a purported class action complaint that alleged a civil violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act. The suit is captioned Kleen Products LLC v. Packaging Corp. of America (N.D. Ill.). The complaint alleges that the defendants, beginning in February 2004 through November 2010, conspired to limit the supply and thereby increase prices of containerboard products. The alleged class is all persons who purchased containerboard products directly from any defendant for use or delivery in the United States during the period February 2004 to November 2010. The complaint seeks to recover an unspecified amount of treble actual damages and attorney’s fees on behalf of the purported class. Four similar complaints were filed and have been consolidated in the Northern District of Illinois. The district court certified a class of direct purchasers of containerboard products on March 26, 2015; the Company intends to pursue its options for appeal or reconsideration of that decision. Moreover, in January 2011, International Paper was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed in state court in Cocke County, Tennessee alleging that International Paper violated Tennessee law by conspiring to limit the supply and fix the prices of containerboard from mid-2005 to the present. Plaintiffs in the state court action seek certification of a class of Tennessee indirect purchasers of containerboard products, damages and costs, including attorneys’ fees. No class certification materials have been filed to date in the Tennessee action. The Company disputes the allegations made and is vigorously defending each action. However, because the federal action is in the discovery stage and the Tennessee action is in a preliminary stage, we are unable to predict an outcome or estimate a range of reasonably possible loss.
	Gypsum: Beginning in late December 2012, certain purchasers of gypsum board filed a number of purported class action complaints alleging civil violations of Section 1 of the Sherman Act against Temple-Inland and a number of other gypsum manufacturers. The complaints were similar and alleged that the gypsum manufacturers conspired or otherwise reached agreements to: (1) raise prices of gypsum board either from 2008 or 2011 through the present; (2) avoid price erosion by ceasing the practice of issuing job quotes; and (3) restrict supply through downtime and limiting order fulfillment. On April 8, 2013, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ordered transfer of all pending cases to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for coordinated and consolidated pretrial proceedings, and the direct purchaser plaintiffs and indirect purchaser plaintiffs filed their respective amended consolidated complaints in June 2013. The amended consolidated complaints allege a conspiracy or agreement beginning on or before September 2011.The alleged classes are all persons who purchased gypsum board directly or indirectly from any defendant. The complainants seek to recover unspecified treble actual damages and attorneys' fees on behalf of the purported classes. In February 2015, we executed a definitive agreement to settle these cases for an immaterial amount, which received preliminary court approval in March 2015. Notice is being provided to members of the proposed class and the settlements are set for a final approval hearing in July 2015. On March 17, 2015, several homebuilders filed an antitrust action in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California alleging that they purchased gypsum board and making similar allegations to those contained in the above settled proceeding. The Company intends to dispute the allegations made and to vigorously defend that lawsuit and any lawsuit brought by any purported class member that elects to opt out of the settlement.
	In addition, in September 2013, similar purported class actions were filed in courts in Quebec, Canada and Ontario, Canada, with each suit alleging violations of the Canadian Competition Act and seeking damages and injunctive relief. In May 2015, we reached an agreement in principle to settle these Canadian cases for an immaterial amount. This settlement in principle is subject to negotiation and execution of a definitive settlement agreement, which would then be subject to court approval.
	General
	The Company is involved in various other inquiries, administrative proceedings and litigation relating to environmental and safety matters, contracts, sales of property, intellectual property, personal injury, labor and employment and other matters, some of which allege substantial monetary damages. While any proceeding or litigation has the element of uncertainty, the Company believes that the outcome of any of the lawsuits or claims that are pending or threatened or all of them combined (other than those that cannot be assessed due to their preliminary nature) will not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

VARIABLE_INTEREST_ENTITIES_AND

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES AND PREFERRED SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARIES (Note)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Variable Interest Entities And Preferred Securities Of Subsidiaries [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities and Preferred Securities of Subsidiaries [Note Text Block]	VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES AND PREFERRED SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARIES
	Variable Interest Entities
	In connection with the 2006 sale of approximately 5.6 million acres of forestlands, International Paper received installment notes (the Timber Notes) totaling approximately $4.8 billion. The Timber Notes, which do not require principal payments prior to their August 2016 maturity, are supported by irrevocable letters of credit obtained by the buyers of the forestlands.
	During 2006, International Paper contributed the Timber Notes to newly formed entities (the Borrower Entities) in exchange for Class A and Class B interests in these entities. Subsequently, International Paper contributed its $200 million Class A interests in the Borrower Entities, along with approximately $400 million of International Paper promissory notes, to other newly formed entities (the Investor Entities, and together with the Borrower Entities, the Entities) in exchange for Class A and Class B interests in these entities, and simultaneously sold its Class A interest in the Investor Entities to a third party investor. As a result, at December 31, 2006, International Paper held Class B interests in the Borrower Entities and Class B interests in the Investor Entities valued at approximately $5.0 billion. International Paper did not provide any financial support that was not previously contractually required for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Following the 2006 sale of forestlands and creation of the Entities discussed above, the Timber Notes were used as collateral for borrowings from third party lenders, which effectively monetized the Timber Notes. Provisions of certain loan agreements require any bank issuing letters of credit supporting the Timber Notes to maintain a credit rating at or above a specified threshold. In the event the credit rating of a letter of credit bank is downgraded below the specified threshold, the letters of credit must be replaced within 60 days with letters of credit from a qualifying financial institution or for one of the letter of credit banks, collateral must be posted. The Company, retained to provide management services for the third-party entities that hold the Timber Notes, has, as required by the loan agreements, successfully replaced or obtained waivers for banks that fell below the specified threshold.
	Also during 2006, the Entities acquired approximately $4.8 billion of International Paper debt obligations for cash, resulting in a total of approximately $5.2 billion of International Paper debt obligations held by the Entities at December 31, 2006. The various agreements entered into in connection with these transactions provide that International Paper has, and intends to effect, a legal right to offset its obligation under these debt instruments with its investments in the Entities. Accordingly, for financial reporting purposes, International Paper has offset approximately $5.2 billion of Class B interests in the Entities against $5.4 billion and $5.3 billion of International Paper debt obligations held by these Entities at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Despite the offset treatment, these remain debt obligations of International Paper. Remaining borrowings of $51 million and $50 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, are included in Long-term debt in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Additional debt related to the above transaction of $107 million is included in Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
	The use of the above entities facilitated the monetization of the credit enhanced Timber Notes in a cost effective manner by increasing the borrowing capacity and lowering the interest rate, while providing for the offset accounting treatment described above. Additionally, the monetization structure preserved the tax deferral that resulted from the 2006 forestlands sales. The Company recognized a $1.4 billion deferred tax liability in connection with the 2006 forestlands sale, which will be settled with the maturity of the Timber Notes in the third quarter of 2016 (unless extended).
	Activity between the Company and the Entities was as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015		2014
	Revenue (a)	$	9	$	10
	Expense (a)	18		18
	Cash receipts (b)	10		12
	Cash payments (c)	36		37
	(a)	The net expense related to the Company’s interest in the Entities is included in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations, as International Paper has and intends to effect its legal right to offset as discussed above.
	(b)	The cash receipts are equity distributions from the Entities to International Paper.
	(c)	The semi-annual payments are related to interest on the associated debt obligations discussed above.
	Based on an analysis of the Entities discussed above under guidance that considers the potential magnitude of the variability in the structures and which party has a controlling financial interest, International Paper determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the Entities, and therefore, does not consolidate its investments in these entities. It was also determined that the source of variability in the structures is the value of the Timber Notes, the assets most significantly impacting the structure’s economic performance. The credit quality of the Timber Notes is supported by irrevocable letters of credit obtained by third party buyers which are 100% cash collateralized. International Paper analyzed which party has control over the economic performance of each entity, and concluded International Paper does not have control over significant decisions surrounding the Timber Notes and letters of credit and therefore is not the primary beneficiary. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss equals the value of the Timber Notes; however, an analysis performed by the Company concluded the likelihood of this exposure is remote.
	In connection with the acquisition of Temple-Inland in February 2012, two special purpose entities became wholly-owned subsidiaries of International Paper.
	The use of the two wholly-owned special purpose entities discussed below preserved the tax deferral that resulted from the 2007 Temple-Inland timberlands sales. The Company recognized an $840 million deferred tax liability in connection with the 2007 sales, which will be settled with the maturity of the notes in 2027.
	In October 2007, Temple-Inland sold 1.55 million acres of timberland for $2.38 billion. The total consideration consisted almost entirely of notes due in 2027 issued by the buyer of the timberland, which Temple-Inland contributed to two wholly-owned, bankruptcy-remote special purpose entities. The notes are shown in Financial assets of special purpose entities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and are supported by $2.38 billion of irrevocable letters of credit issued by three banks, which are required to maintain minimum credit ratings on their long-term debt. In the third quarter of 2012, International Paper completed its preliminary analysis of the acquisition date fair value of the notes and determined it to be$2.09 billion. As of March 31, 2015, the fair value of the notes was $2.18 billion. These notes are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy, which is further defined in Note 14 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	In December 2007, Temple-Inland’s two wholly-owned special purpose entities borrowed $2.14 billion shown in Nonrecourse financial liabilities of special purpose entities. The loans are repayable in 2027 and are secured only by the $2.38 billion of notes and the irrevocable letters of credit securing the notes and are nonrecourse to us. The loan agreements provide that if a credit rating of any of the banks issuing the letters of credit is downgraded below the specified threshold, the letters of credit issued by that bank must be replaced within 30 days with letters of credit from another qualifying financial institution. In the third quarter of 2012, International Paper completed its preliminary analysis of the acquisition date fair value of the borrowings and determined it to be $2.03 billion. As of March 31, 2015, the fair value of this debt was $2.08 billion. This debt is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy, which is further defined in Note 14 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Activity between the Company and the 2007 financing entities was as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015		2014
	Revenue (a)	$	6	$	6
	Expense (b)	6		6
	Cash receipts (c)	2		2
	Cash payments (d)	4		5
	(a)	The revenue is included in Interest expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations and includes approximately $5 million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, of accretion income for the amortization of the purchase accounting adjustment on the Financial assets of special purpose entities.
	(b)	The expense is included in Interest expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations and includes approximately $2 million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, of accretion expense for the amortization of the purchase accounting adjustment on the Nonrecourse financial liabilities of special purpose entities.
	(c)	The cash receipts are interest received on the Financial assets of special purpose entities.
	(d)	The cash payments are interest paid on Nonrecourse financial liabilities of special purpose entities.

DEBT_Note

DEBT (Note)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt [Note Text Block]	DEBT
	Amounts related to early debt extinguishment during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015		2014
	Early debt reductions (a)	$	217	$	9
	Pre-tax early debt extinguishment costs	1		—
	(a)	Reductions related to notes with interest rates ranging from 5.30% to 6.25% with original maturities from 2015 to 2025 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and from 6.00% to 6.70% with original maturities from 2024 to 2027 for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	At March 31, 2015, the fair value of International Paper’s $9.1 billion of debt was approximately $10.4 billion. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues. International Paper’s long-term debt is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy, which is further defined in Note 14 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Maintaining an investment-grade credit rating is an important element of International Paper’s financing strategy. At March 31, 2015, the Company held long-term credit ratings of BBB (stable outlook) and Baa2 (stable outlook) by S&P and Moody’s, respectively.

DERIVATIVES_AND_HEDGING_ACTIVI

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Note)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities [Note Text Block]	DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
	As a multinational company we are exposed to market risks, such as changes in interest rates, currency exchanges rates and commodity prices.
	For detailed information regarding the Company’s hedging activities and related accounting, refer to Note 14 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
	The notional amounts of qualifying and non-qualifying financial instruments used in hedging transactions were as follows:
	In millions	31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
	Foreign exchange contracts (Sell / Buy; denominated in sell notional): (a)
	Brazilian real / U.S. dollar - Forward	56			166
	British pounds / Brazilian real – Forward	4			5
	European euro / Brazilian real – Forward	6			9
	European euro / Polish zloty – Forward	242			280
	Mexican peso / U.S. dollar - Forward	249			—
	U.S. dollar / Brazilian real – Forward	82			125
	Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships:
	Interest rate contracts (in USD)	230			230
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts (Sell / Buy; denominated in sell notional): (b)
	Indian rupee / U.S. dollar - Forward	58			43
	Mexican peso / U.S. dollar - Forward	—			187
	U.S. dollar / Brazilian real - Forward	6			11
	(a)	These contracts had maturities of three years or less as of March 31, 2015.
	(b)	These contracts had maturities of one year or less as of March 31, 2015.
	The following table shows gains or losses recognized in AOCI, net of tax, related to derivative instruments:
		Gain (Loss)
		Recognized in
		AOCI
		on Derivatives
		(Effective Portion)
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015				2014
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	6			$	4
	Total	$	6			$	4
	During the next 12 months, the amount of the March 31, 2015 AOCI balance, after tax, that is expected to be reclassified to earnings is a gain of $4 million.
	The amounts of gains and losses recognized in the consolidated statement of operations on qualifying and non-qualifying financial instruments used in hedging transactions were as follows:
		Gain (Loss)							Location of Gain (Loss)
		Reclassified from							Reclassified from AOCI
		AOCI							(Effective Portion)
		(Effective Portion)
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015				2014
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	(3	)		$	(5	)	Cost of products sold
	Total	$	(3	)		$	(5	)
		Gain (Loss) Recognized								Location of Gain (Loss)
										In Consolidated
										Statement
										of Operations
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015				2014
	Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships:
	Interest rate contracts	$	2			$	—			Interest expense, net
	Debt	(2		)		—				Interest expense, net
	Total	$	—			$	—
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
	Electricity contact	$	(1	)		$	1			Cost of products sold
	Embedded derivatives	—				—				Interest expense, net
	Foreign exchange contracts	(2		)		—				Cost of products sold
	Interest rate contracts	3				3				Interest expense, net
	Total	$	—			$	4
	The following activity is related to fully effective interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges:
						2015										2014
In millions	Issued				Terminated				Undesignated			Issued			Terminated		Undesignated
First Quarter	$	—			$	—			$	—		$	55		$	—	$	—
Total	$	—			$	—			$	—		$	55		$	—	$	—
Fair Value Measurements
For a discussion of the Company’s fair value measurement policies under the fair value hierarchy, refer to Note 14 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
The Company has not changed its valuation techniques for measuring the fair value of any financial assets or liabilities during the year. Transfers between levels, if any, are recognized at the end of the reporting period.
The following table provides a summary of the impact of our derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheet:
Fair Value Measurements
Level 2 – Significant Other Observable Inputs
	Assets								Liabilities
In millions	31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14				31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Foreign exchange contracts – cash flow	$	23		(a)	$	16		(c)	$	18	(e)	$	14	(e)
Interest rate contracts - fair value	2			(b)	—				—			—
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$	25			$	16			$	18		$	14
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Electricity contract	—				—				2		(e)	2		(e)
Foreign exchange contracts	—				1			(d)	2		(e)	2		(e)
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	$	—			$	1			$	4		$	4
Total derivatives	$	25			$	17			$	22		$	18
(a)	Includes $17 million recorded in Other current assets and $6 million recorded in Deferred charges and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
(b)	Included in Deferred charges and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
(c)	Includes $14 million recorded in Other current assets and $2 million recorded in Deferred charges and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
(d)	Included in Other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
(e)	Included in Other accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
The above contracts are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that provide rights of offset with each counterparty when amounts are payable on the same date in the same currency or in the case of certain specified defaults. Management has made an accounting policy election to not offset the fair value of recognized derivative assets and derivative liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. The amounts owed to the counterparties and owed to the Company are considered immaterial with respect to each counterparty and in the aggregate with all counterparties.
Credit-Risk-Related Contingent Features
Certain of the Company’s financial instruments used in hedging transactions are governed by standard credit support arrangements with counterparties. If the lower of the Company’s credit rating by Moody’s or S&P were to drop below investment grade, the Company would be required to post collateral for all of its derivatives in a net liability position, although no derivatives would terminate. As of March 31, 2015, there were no derivative contracts in a net liability position that were subject to credit-risk-related contingent features. As of December 31, 2014, the fair value of derivative instruments containing credit risk-related contingent features in a net liability position was $1 million. The Company was not required to post any collateral as of March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014. For more information on credit-risk-related contingent features, refer to Note 14 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.

RETIREMENT_PLANS_Note

RETIREMENT PLANS (Note)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement Plans [Note Text Block]	RETIREMENT PLANS
	International Paper sponsors and maintains the Retirement Plan of International Paper Company (the Pension Plan), a tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan that provides retirement benefits to substantially all U.S. salaried employees and hourly employees (receiving salaried benefits) hired prior to July 1, 2004, and substantially all other U.S. hourly and union employees who work at a participating business unit regardless of hire date. These employees generally are eligible to participate in the Pension Plan upon attaining 21 years of age and completing one year of eligibility service. U.S. salaried employees and hourly employees (receiving salaried benefits) hired after June 30, 2004, are not eligible for the Pension Plan, but receive a company contribution to their individual savings plan accounts; however, salaried employees hired by Temple Inland prior to March 1, 2007 also participate in the Pension Plan.
	The Pension Plan provides defined pension benefits based on years of credited service and either final average earnings (salaried employees and hourly employees receiving salaried benefits), hourly job rates or specified benefit rates (hourly and union employees). A detailed discussion of these plans is presented in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
	In connection with the Temple-Inland acquisition in February 2012, International Paper assumed responsibility for the Temple-Inland Retirement Plan, a defined benefit plan which covers substantially all employees of Temple-Inland. The Temple-Inland Retirement Plan merged with the Retirement Plan of International Paper Company on December 31, 2014.
	The Company will freeze participation, including credited service and compensation, for salaried employees under the Pension Plan, the Pension Restoration Plan and the SERP for all service on or after January 1, 2019. In addition, compensation under the Temple-Inland Retirement Plan and the Temple-Inland Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (collectively, the Temple Retirement Plans) will also be frozen beginning January 1, 2019. Credited service was previously frozen for the Temple Retirement Plans. This change will not affect benefits accrued through December 31, 2018. Due to the announcement of the pension freeze, the net pension plan obligations were determined on February 28, 2014, including the effect of the remeasurement and curtailment. This resulted in a net increase to the projected benefit obligation of approximately $170 million ($103 million net of tax) during the first quarter of 2014.
	Net periodic pension expense for our qualified and nonqualified U.S. defined benefit plans comprised the following:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015			2014
	Service cost	$	39		$	38
	Interest cost	149			153
	Expected return on plan assets	(196		)	(189		)
	Actuarial loss	119			80
	Amortization of prior service cost	11			8
	Net periodic pension expense	$	122		$	90
	The Company’s funding policy for our pension plans is to contribute amounts sufficient to meet legal funding requirements, plus any additional amounts that the Company may determine to be appropriate considering the funded status of the plan, tax deductibility, the cash flows generated by the Company, and other factors. The Company made cash contributions of $58 million to the qualified pension plan in the first quarter of 2014. No cash contributions were made during the first quarter of 2015. The nonqualified defined benefit plans are funded to the extent of benefit payments, which totaled $5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Note

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Note)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-based Compensation [Note Text Block]	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	International Paper has an Incentive Compensation Plan (ICP) which is administered by the Management Development and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the Committee). The ICP authorizes the grants of restricted stock, restricted or deferred stock units, performance awards payable in cash or stock upon the attainment of specified performance goals, dividend equivalents, stock options, stock appreciation rights, other stock-based awards and cash-based awards at the discretion of the Committee. A detailed discussion of the ICP, including the now discontinued stock option program and executive continuity award program that provided for tandem grants of restricted stock and stock options, is presented in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. As of March 31, 2015, 16.1 million shares were available for grant under the ICP.
	Stock-based compensation expense and related income tax benefits were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015		2014
	Total stock-based compensation expense (selling and administrative)	$	33	$	13
	Income tax benefits related to stock-based compensation	89		85
	At March 31, 2015, $218 million, net of estimated forfeitures, of compensation cost related to unvested restricted performance shares, executive continuity awards and restricted stock attributable to future service had not yet been recognized. This amount will be recognized in expense over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years.
	Performance Share Plan
	During the first quarter of 2015, the Company granted 1.9 million performance units at an average grant date fair value of $53.25.
	Stock Option Program
	The Company discontinued its stock option program in 2004 for members of executive management, and in 2005 for all other eligible U.S. and non-U.S. employees. All remaining options expired on March 15, 2015.

INDUSTRY_SEGMENT_INFORMATION_N

INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION (Note)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION
	International Paper’s industry segments, Industrial Packaging, Printing Papers, and Consumer Packaging are consistent with the internal structure used to manage these businesses. All segments are differentiated on a common product, common customer basis consistent with the business segmentation generally used in the Forest Products industry.
	The Company also has a 50% equity interest in Ilim in Russia that is a separate reportable industry segment. The Company recorded equity earnings (losses), net of taxes, of $39 million and $(31) million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, for Ilim. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company's investment in Ilim was $202 million and $170 million, respectively, which was $156 million and $158 million, respectively, more than the Company's proportionate share of the joint venture's underlying net assets. The differences primarily relate to purchase price fair value adjustments and currency translation adjustments. The Company is party to a joint marketing agreement with Ilim, under which the Company purchases, markets and sells paper produced by Ilim. Purchases under this agreement during the 2015 and 2014 first quarters were $43 million and $58 million, respectively.
	Sales by industry segment for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015			2014
	Industrial Packaging	$	3,553		$	3,693
	Printing Papers	1,228			1,406
	Consumer Packaging	778			829
	Corporate and Intersegment Sales	(42		)	(204		)
	Net Sales	$	5,517		$	5,724
	Operating profit by industry segment for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015			2014
	Industrial Packaging	$	468		$	453		(a)
	Printing Papers	109			(410		)	(b)
	Consumer Packaging	46			17			(c)
	Operating Profit	623			60
	Interest expense, net	(137		)	(143		)
	Noncontrolling interests/equity earnings adjustment (d)	1			—
	Corporate items, net	(9		)	(11		)
	Restructuring and other charges	—			(1		)
	Non-operating pension expense	(72		)	(44		)
	Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity earnings	$	406		$	(139	)
	Equity earnings (loss), net of taxes – Ilim	$	39		$	(31	)
	(a)	Includes charges of $12 million for integration costs associated with the acquisition of Temple-Inland, a charge of $2 million associated with our Brazil Packaging business, a charge of $1 million related to the restructuring of our Asia box operations and a gain of $1 million for other items.
	(b)	Includes charges of $495 million for costs associated with the shutdown of our Courtland, Alabama mill.
	(c)	Includes charges of $1 million for costs associated with the Coated Paperboard sheet plant closures.
	(d)	Operating profits for industry segments include each segment's percentage share of the profits of subsidiaries included in that segment that are less than wholly owned. The pre-tax noncontrolling interest and equity earnings for these subsidiaries are adjusted here to present consolidated earnings before income taxes and equity earnings.

EQUITY_Tables

EQUITY (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Stockholders' Equity [Table Text Block]	A summary of the changes in equity for the three-months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is provided below:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015									2014
	In millions, except per share amounts	Total			Noncontrolling			Total			Total			Noncontrolling			Total
		International			Interests			Equity			International			Interests			Equity
		Paper									Paper
		Shareholders’									Shareholders’
		Equity									Equity
	Balance, January 1	$	5,115		$	148		$	5,263		$	8,105		$	179		$	8,284
	Issuance of stock for various plans, net	141			—			141			128			—			128
	Repurchase of stock	(141		)	—			(141		)	(388		)	—			(388		)
	Common stock dividends ($.4000 per share in 2015 and $0.3500 per share in 2014)	(174		)	—			(174		)	(158		)	—			(158		)
	Comprehensive income (loss)	(83		)	(3		)	(86		)	(114		)	(6		)	(120		)
	Ending Balance, March 31	$	4,858		$	145		$	5,003		$	7,573		$	173		$	7,746

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_OTH1

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015														Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The following table presents changes in AOCI for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015:														The following table presents changes in AOCI for the three-month period ended March 31, 2014:
	In millions		Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Items (a)			Change in Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments (a)				Net Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedging Derivatives (a)		Total (a)			In millions		Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Items (a)			Change in Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments (a)			Net Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedging Derivatives (a)			Total (a)
	Balance, January 1, 2015		$	(3,134	)	$	(1,513	)		$	1	$	(4,646	)	Balance, January 1, 2014		$	(2,105	)	$	(649	)	$	(5	)	$	(2,759	)
															Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(100		)	18			4			(78		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		—			(484		)		6		(478		)
															Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		52			—			5			57
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		78			—				3		81
															Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		(48		)	18			9			(21		)
	Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		78			(484		)		9		(397		)
															Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		—			2			—			2
	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		—			1				—		1
															Balance, March 31, 2014		$	(2,153	)	$	(629	)	$	4		$	(2,778	)
	Balance, March 31, 2015		$	(3,056	)	$	(1,996	)		$	10	$	(5,042	)
															(a)	All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI.
	(a)	All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI.
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	The following table presents details of the reclassifications out of AOCI for the three-month period ended March 31:
	Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components		Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (a)							Location of Amount Reclassified from AOCI
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2015			2014
	In millions:
	Defined benefit pension and postretirement items:
	Prior-service costs		$	(8	)	$	(4	)	(b)	Cost of products sold
	Actuarial gains (losses)		(120		)	(81		)	(b)	Cost of products sold
	Total pre-tax amount		(128		)	(85		)
	Tax (expense) benefit		50			33
	Net of tax		(78		)	(52		)
	Net gains and losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:
	Foreign exchange contracts		(6		)	(8		)	(c)	Cost of products sold
	Total pre-tax amount		(6		)	(8		)
	Tax (expense)/benefit		3			3
	Net of tax		(3		)	(5		)
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	(81	)	$	(57	)
	(a)	Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to earnings/loss.
	(b)	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 16 for additional details).
	(c)	This accumulated other comprehensive income component is included in our derivatives and hedging activities (see Note 15 for additional details).

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_ATTRIBUTABL1

EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY COMMON SHAREHOLDERS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of the amounts included in the computation of earnings (loss) per common share, and diluted earnings (loss) per common share is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions, except per share amounts	2015		2014
	Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	313	$	(88	)
	Effect of dilutive securities (a)	—		—
	Earnings (loss) from continuing operations – assuming dilution	$	313	$	(88	)
	Average common shares outstanding	421.2		435.6
	Effect of dilutive securities (a)
	Restricted stock performance share plan	2.5		—
	Average common shares outstanding – assuming dilution	423.7		435.6
	Basic earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share	$	0.74	$	(0.20	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share	$	0.74	$	(0.20	)
	(a)	Securities are not included in the table in periods when antidilutive.

RESTRUCTURING_AND_OTHER_CHARGE1

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, restructuring and other charges totaling $499 million before taxes were recorded. Details of these charges were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-14
	In millions
	Courtland mill shutdown (a)	$	495
	Other	4
	Total	$	499
	(a)	During 2013, the Company deferred accelerating depreciation for certain assets as we evaluated possible alternative uses by one of our other businesses. During the first quarter of 2014, we completed our evaluation and concluded that there were no alternative uses for these assets. We recognized approximately $430 million of accelerated depreciation related to these assets during the first quarter of 2014. Other components of the first quarter of 2014 Courtland mill shutdown cost include site closure costs of $30 million, severance charges of $15 million and $20 million of other non-cash charges.

DIVESTITURES_SPINOFF_DIVESTITU

DIVESTITURES / SPINOFF DIVESTITURES / SPINOFF (Reconciliation of Major Line Items Constituting Pre-Tax Profit (Loss) of Discontinued Operations) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Reconciliation of the Major Line Items Constituting Pretax Profit (Loss) of Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	The following summarizes the major classes of line items comprising Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes and Equity Earnings reconciled to Discontinued Operations, net of tax, related to the xpedx spinoff for the three months ended March 31, 2014 in the consolidated statement of operations:
	In millions		Three Months Ended
			31-Mar-14
	Net Sales		$	1,290
	Cost and Expenses
	Cost of products sold		1,140
	Selling and administrative expenses		100
	Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested		4
	Distribution expenses		34
	Restructuring and other charges		18
	Other, net		2
	Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes and Equity Earnings		(8		)
	Income tax provision (benefit)		(3		)
	Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes (a)		$	(5	)
	(a)	These amounts, along with a net loss of $2 million related to the Temple-Inland Building Products divestitures, are included in Discontinued operations, net of tax, in the consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

SUPPLEMENTAL_FINANCIAL_STATEME1

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Temporary Investments [Table Text Block]	Temporary Investments
	In millions	31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Temporary investments	$	1,234	$	1,480
Accounts and Notes Receivable [Table Text Block]	Accounts and Notes Receivable
	In millions	31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Accounts and notes receivable, net:
	Trade	$	2,821	$	2,860
	Other	253		223
	Total	$	3,074	$	3,083
Inventories [Table Text Block]	Inventories
	In millions	31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Raw materials	$	423	$	494
	Finished pulp, paper and packaging	1,386		1,273
	Operating supplies	556		562
	Other	72		95
	Total	$	2,437	$	2,424
Depreciation Expense [Table Text Block]	Depreciation Expense
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015		2014
	Depreciation expense	$	304	$	324
Valuation Accounts [Table Text Block]	Certain valuation accounts were as follows:
	In millions	31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Accumulated depreciation	$	20,279	$	20,340
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	78		82
Schedule of Interest Payments [Table Text Block]	Cash payments related to interest were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015		2014
	Interest payments	$	129	$	113
Schedule of Interest Income and Interest Expense [Table Text Block]	Amounts related to interest were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015		2014
	Interest expense (a)	$	159	$	164
	Interest income (a)	22		21
	Capitalized interest costs	7		6
	(a)	Interest expense and interest income exclude approximately $9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and $10 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 related to investments in and borrowings from variable interest entities for which the Company has a legal right of offset (see Note 13).

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLES1

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in Goodwill Balances [Table Text Block]	The following table presents changes in goodwill balances as allocated to each business segment for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015:
	In millions	Industrial			Printing				Consumer			Total
		Packaging			Papers				Packaging
	Balance as of January 1, 2015
	Goodwill	$	3,396		$	2,234			$	1,784		$	7,414
	Accumulated impairment losses (a)	(100		)	(1,877		)		(1,664		)	(3,641		)
		3,296			357				120			3,773
	Reclassifications and other (b)	(39		)	(53		)		—			(92		)
	Additions/reductions	—			(4		)	(c)	—			(4		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2015
	Goodwill	3,357			2,177				1,784			7,318
	Accumulated impairment losses (a)	(100		)	(1,877		)		(1,664		)	(3,641		)
	Total	$	3,257		$	300			$	120		$	3,677
	(a)	Represents accumulated goodwill impairment charges since the adoption of ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other” in 2002.
	(b)	Represents the effects of foreign currency translations and reclassifications.
	(c)	Reflects a reduction from tax benefits generated by the deduction of goodwill amortization for tax purposes in Brazil.
Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	Identifiable intangible assets comprised the following:
		31-Mar-15							31-Dec-14
	In millions	Gross			Accumulated				Gross			Accumulated
		Carrying			Amortization				Carrying			Amortization
		Amount							Amount
	Customer relationships and lists	$	526		$	153			$	561		$	157
	Non-compete agreements	72			53				74			53
	Tradenames, patents and trademarks	61			46				61			44
	Land and water rights	90			9				81			9
	Fuel and power agreements	5			3				5			3
	Software	22			21				23			22
	Other	36			16				43			21
	Total	$	812		$	301			$	848		$	309
Amortization Expense of Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	The Company recognized the following amounts as amortization expense related to intangible assets:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015			2014
	Amortization expense related to intangible assets	$	13		$	18

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Payments, Net of Refunds [Table Text Block]	International Paper made income tax payments, net of refunds, as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015			2014
	Income tax payments, net	$	26		$	40
Unrecognized Tax Benefits and Related Accrued Estimated Interest and Penalties [Table Text Block]	The following table presents a rollforward of unrecognized tax benefits and related accrued estimated interest and penalties for the three months ended March 31, 2015:
	In millions	Unrecognized			Accrued Estimated
		Tax Benefits			Interest and Tax
					Penalties
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(158	)	$	(41	)
	Activity for three months ended March 31, 2015	8			7
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	(150	)	$	(34	)
Components of Net Income Tax Provisions Related to Special Items and Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	The components of the net provision related to special items were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015			2014
	Special items	$	—		$	(199	)
	Tax-related adjustments:
	State legislative changes	—			10
	Other	—			(1		)
	Income tax provision (benefit) related to special items	$	—		$	(190	)

VARIABLE_INTEREST_ENTITIES_AND1

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES AND PREFERRED SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Entities [Member]
Activity Between Company And Entities [Table Text Block]	Activity between the Company and the Entities was as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015		2014
	Revenue (a)	$	9	$	10
	Expense (a)	18		18
	Cash receipts (b)	10		12
	Cash payments (c)	36		37
	(a)	The net expense related to the Company’s interest in the Entities is included in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations, as International Paper has and intends to effect its legal right to offset as discussed above.
	(b)	The cash receipts are equity distributions from the Entities to International Paper.
	(c)	The semi-annual payments are related to interest on the associated debt obligations discussed above.
2007 Financing Entities [Member]
Activity Between Company And Entities [Table Text Block]	Activity between the Company and the 2007 financing entities was as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015		2014
	Revenue (a)	$	6	$	6
	Expense (b)	6		6
	Cash receipts (c)	2		2
	Cash payments (d)	4		5
	(a)	The revenue is included in Interest expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations and includes approximately $5 million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, of accretion income for the amortization of the purchase accounting adjustment on the Financial assets of special purpose entities.
	(b)	The expense is included in Interest expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations and includes approximately $2 million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, of accretion expense for the amortization of the purchase accounting adjustment on the Nonrecourse financial liabilities of special purpose entities.
	(c)	The cash receipts are interest received on the Financial assets of special purpose entities.
	(d)	The cash payments are interest paid on Nonrecourse financial liabilities of special purpose entities.

DEBT_Tables

DEBT (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Extinguishment [Table Text Block]	Amounts related to early debt extinguishment during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015		2014
	Early debt reductions (a)	$	217	$	9
	Pre-tax early debt extinguishment costs	1		—
	(a)	Reductions related to notes with interest rates ranging from 5.30% to 6.25% with original maturities from 2015 to 2025 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and from 6.00% to 6.70% with original maturities from 2024 to 2027 for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

DERIVATIVES_AND_HEDGING_ACTIVI1

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Financial Instruments [Table Text Block]	The notional amounts of qualifying and non-qualifying financial instruments used in hedging transactions were as follows:
	In millions	31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
	Foreign exchange contracts (Sell / Buy; denominated in sell notional): (a)
	Brazilian real / U.S. dollar - Forward	56			166
	British pounds / Brazilian real – Forward	4			5
	European euro / Brazilian real – Forward	6			9
	European euro / Polish zloty – Forward	242			280
	Mexican peso / U.S. dollar - Forward	249			—
	U.S. dollar / Brazilian real – Forward	82			125
	Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships:
	Interest rate contracts (in USD)	230			230
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts (Sell / Buy; denominated in sell notional): (b)
	Indian rupee / U.S. dollar - Forward	58			43
	Mexican peso / U.S. dollar - Forward	—			187
	U.S. dollar / Brazilian real - Forward	6			11
	(a)	These contracts had maturities of three years or less as of March 31, 2015.
	(b)	These contracts had maturities of one year or less as of March 31, 2015.
Gains Or Losses Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI), Net Of Tax, Related To Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]	The following table shows gains or losses recognized in AOCI, net of tax, related to derivative instruments:
		Gain (Loss)
		Recognized in
		AOCI
		on Derivatives
		(Effective Portion)
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015				2014
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	6			$	4
	Total	$	6			$	4
Gains And Losses Recognized In Consolidated Statement Of Operations On Qualifying And Non-Qualifying Financial Instruments [Table Text Block]	The amounts of gains and losses recognized in the consolidated statement of operations on qualifying and non-qualifying financial instruments used in hedging transactions were as follows:
		Gain (Loss)							Location of Gain (Loss)
		Reclassified from							Reclassified from AOCI
		AOCI							(Effective Portion)
		(Effective Portion)
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015				2014
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	(3	)		$	(5	)	Cost of products sold
	Total	$	(3	)		$	(5	)
		Gain (Loss) Recognized								Location of Gain (Loss)
										In Consolidated
										Statement
										of Operations
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015				2014
	Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships:
	Interest rate contracts	$	2			$	—			Interest expense, net
	Debt	(2		)		—				Interest expense, net
	Total	$	—			$	—
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
	Electricity contact	$	(1	)		$	1			Cost of products sold
	Embedded derivatives	—				—				Interest expense, net
	Foreign exchange contracts	(2		)		—				Cost of products sold
	Interest rate contracts	3				3				Interest expense, net
	Total	$	—			$	4
Schedule of Interest Rate Derivative Activity [Table Text Block]	The following activity is related to fully effective interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges:
						2015										2014
	In millions	Issued				Terminated				Undesignated			Issued			Terminated		Undesignated
	First Quarter	$	—			$	—			$	—		$	55		$	—	$	—
	Total	$	—			$	—			$	—		$	55		$	—	$	—
Impact Of Derivative Instruments In Consolidated Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	The following table provides a summary of the impact of our derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheet:
	Fair Value Measurements
	Level 2 – Significant Other Observable Inputs
		Assets								Liabilities
	In millions	31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14				31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
	Foreign exchange contracts – cash flow	$	23		(a)	$	16		(c)	$	18	(e)	$	14	(e)
	Interest rate contracts - fair value	2			(b)	—				—			—
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$	25			$	16			$	18		$	14
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Electricity contract	—				—				2		(e)	2		(e)
	Foreign exchange contracts	—				1			(d)	2		(e)	2		(e)
	Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	$	—			$	1			$	4		$	4
	Total derivatives	$	25			$	17			$	22		$	18
	(a)	Includes $17 million recorded in Other current assets and $6 million recorded in Deferred charges and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
	(b)	Included in Deferred charges and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
	(c)	Includes $14 million recorded in Other current assets and $2 million recorded in Deferred charges and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
	(d)	Included in Other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
	(e)	Included in Other accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

RETIREMENT_PLANS_Tables

RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Net Periodic Pension Expense for Qualified and Nonqualified U.S. Defined Benefit Plans [Table Text Block]	Net periodic pension expense for our qualified and nonqualified U.S. defined benefit plans comprised the following:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015			2014
	Service cost	$	39		$	38
	Interest cost	149			153
	Expected return on plan assets	(196		)	(189		)
	Actuarial loss	119			80
	Amortization of prior service cost	11			8
	Net periodic pension expense	$	122		$	90

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Related to Income Tax Benefits [Table Text Block]	Stock-based compensation expense and related income tax benefits were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015		2014
	Total stock-based compensation expense (selling and administrative)	$	33	$	13
	Income tax benefits related to stock-based compensation	89		85

INDUSTRY_SEGMENT_INFORMATION_T

INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information by Segment [Table Text Block]	Sales by industry segment for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015			2014
	Industrial Packaging	$	3,553		$	3,693
	Printing Papers	1,228			1,406
	Consumer Packaging	778			829
	Corporate and Intersegment Sales	(42		)	(204		)
	Net Sales	$	5,517		$	5,724
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Operating profit by industry segment for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In millions	2015			2014
	Industrial Packaging	$	468		$	453		(a)
	Printing Papers	109			(410		)	(b)
	Consumer Packaging	46			17			(c)
	Operating Profit	623			60
	Interest expense, net	(137		)	(143		)
	Noncontrolling interests/equity earnings adjustment (d)	1			—
	Corporate items, net	(9		)	(11		)
	Restructuring and other charges	—			(1		)
	Non-operating pension expense	(72		)	(44		)
	Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity earnings	$	406		$	(139	)
	Equity earnings (loss), net of taxes – Ilim	$	39		$	(31	)
	(a)	Includes charges of $12 million for integration costs associated with the acquisition of Temple-Inland, a charge of $2 million associated with our Brazil Packaging business, a charge of $1 million related to the restructuring of our Asia box operations and a gain of $1 million for other items.
	(b)	Includes charges of $495 million for costs associated with the shutdown of our Courtland, Alabama mill.
	(c)	Includes charges of $1 million for costs associated with the Coated Paperboard sheet plant closures.
	(d)	Operating profits for industry segments include each segment's percentage share of the profits of subsidiaries included in that segment that are less than wholly owned. The pre-tax noncontrolling interest and equity earnings for these subsidiaries are adjusted here to present consolidated earnings before income taxes and equity earnings.

EQUITY_Detail

EQUITY (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$5,263	$8,284
Issuance of stock for various plans, net	141	128
Repurchase of stock	-141	-388
Common stock dividends ($.4000 per share in 2015 and $0.3500 per share in 2014)	-174	-158
Comprehensive income (loss)	-86	-120
Ending balance	5,003	7,746
Total International Paper Shareholders' Equity [Member]
Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance	5,115	8,105
Issuance of stock for various plans, net	141	128
Repurchase of stock	-141	-388
Common stock dividends ($.4000 per share in 2015 and $0.3500 per share in 2014)	-174	-158
Comprehensive income (loss)	-83	-114
Ending balance	4,858	7,573
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance	148	179
Issuance of stock for various plans, net	0	0
Repurchase of stock	0	0
Common stock dividends ($.4000 per share in 2015 and $0.3500 per share in 2014)	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	-3	-6
Ending balance	$145	$173

EQUITY_Other_Detail

EQUITY (Other) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Line Items]
Common stock dividends, per share	$0.40	$0.35
Total International Paper Shareholders' Equity [Member]
Equity [Line Items]
Common stock dividends, per share	$0.40	$0.35
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Equity [Line Items]
Common stock dividends, per share	$0.40	$0.35

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_OTH2

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest					($4,646)	[1]	($2,759)	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications, net of tax	-478	[1]	-78	[1]
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, current period, net of tax	81	[1]	57	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-397	[1]	-21	[1]
Comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax, attributable to noncontrolling interest	1	[1]	2	[1]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-5,042	[1]	-2,778	[1]	-4,646
Accumulated Defined Benefit Pension Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest					-3,134	[1]	-2,105	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications, net of tax	0	[1]	-100	[1]
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, current period, net of tax	78	[1]	52	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	78	[1]	-48	[1]
Comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax, attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	[1]	0	[1]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-3,056	[1]	-2,153	[1]
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest					-1,513	[1]	-649	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications, net of tax	-484	[1]	18	[1]
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, current period, net of tax	0	[1]	0	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-484	[1]	18	[1]
Comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax, attributable to noncontrolling interest	1	[1]	2	[1]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-1,996	[1]	-629	[1]
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest					1	[1]	-5	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications, net of tax	6	[1]	4	[1]
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, current period, net of tax	3	[1]	5	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	9	[1]	9	[1]
Comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax, attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	[1]	0	[1]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$10	[1]	$4	[1]
[1]	All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI.

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_OTH3

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Schedule of Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Tax (expense) benefit	($130)		$80
Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations	311		-92
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations	-81	[1]	-57	[1]
Accumulated Defined Benefit Pension Plans Adjustment [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Prior-service cost	-8	[1],[2]	-4	[1],[2]
Actuarial gains (losses)	-120	[1],[2]	-81	[1],[2]
Total pre-tax amount	-128	[1]	-85	[1]
Tax (expense) benefit	50	[1]	33	[1]
Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations	-78	[1]	-52	[1]
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total pre-tax amount	-6	[1]	-8	[1]
Tax (expense) benefit	3	[1]	3	[1]
Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations	-3	[1]	-5	[1]
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of goods sold	($6)	[1],[3]	($8)	[1],[3]
[1]	Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to earnings/loss.
[2]	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 16 for additional details).
[3]	This accumulated other comprehensive income component is included in our derivatives and hedging activities (see Note 15 for additional details).

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_ATTRIBUTABL2

EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY COMMON SHAREHOLDERS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$313		($88)
Effect of dilutive securities (a)	0	[1]	0	[1]
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations - assuming dilution	$313		($88)
Average common shares outstanding	421.2		435.6
Average common shares outstanding - assuming dilution	423.7		435.6
Basic earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share	$0.74		($0.20)
Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share	$0.74		($0.20)
Restricted Stock Performance Share Plan [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	2.5	[1]	0	[1]
[1]	Securities are not included in the table in periods when antidilutive.

RESTRUCTURING_AND_OTHER_CHARGE2

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other charges	$0	$499
Courtland Mill Shutdown [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other charges		495	[1]
Other Restructuring and Other Charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other charges		$4
[1]	During 2013, the Company deferred accelerating depreciation for certain assets as we evaluated possible alternative uses by one of our other businesses. During the first quarter of 2014, we completed our evaluation and concluded that there were no alternative uses for these assets.B We recognized approximately $430 million of accelerated depreciation related to these assets during the first quarter of 2014.B Other components of the first quarter of 2014 Courtland mill shutdown cost include site closure costs of $30 million, severance charges of $15 million and $20 million of other non-cash charges.

RESTRUCTURING_AND_OTHER_CHARGE3

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES (Narrative)(Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and other charges	$0	$499

RESTRUCTURING_AND_OTHER_CHARGE4

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES (Footnotes) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Assets		$27,967	$28,684
Courtland Mill Shutdown [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Accelerated depreciation	430
Site closure costs	30
Severance costs	15
Other closure costs	$20

ACQUISITIONS_AND_JOINT_VENTURE1

ACQUISITIONS AND JOINT VENTURES (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Apr. 08, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$2
Orsa IP [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners			25.00%
Payments to acquire businesses, gross		127
Acquisition of redeemable noncontrolling interest		105
Indemnification asset, acquisitions			22
Restricted cash	$9	$11

DIVESTITURES_SPINOFF_DIVESTITU1

DIVESTITURES / SPINOFF DIVESTITURES / SPINOFF (Reconciliation of Major Line Items Constituting Pre-Tax Profit (Loss) of Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes (a)	$0	($7)
Discontinued Operations [Member] | xpedx divestiture [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net Sales		1,290
Cost of products sold		1,140
Selling and administrative expenses		100
Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested		4
Distribution expenses		34
Restructuring and other charges		18
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Expense		2
Earnings (Loss) Before Income Tax and Equity Earnings		-8
Income tax provision (benefit)		-3
Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes (a)		($5)

DIVESTITURES_SPINOFF_Narrative

DIVESTITURES / SPINOFF (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 01, 2014
xpedx divestiture [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations	$50
Proceeds from spinoff		411
Cash provided by (used for) investment activities - discontinued operations	$0
Veritiv [Member] | International Paper Employees [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Common stock, shares, issued			8,160,000

SUPPLEMENTAL_FINANCIAL_STATEME2

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Temporary Investments) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investment [Line Items]
Temporary investments	$1,234	$1,480

SUPPLEMENT_FINANCIAL_STATEMENT

SUPPLEMENT FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Accounts and Notes Receivable) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts and notes receivable	$3,074	$3,083
Trade [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts and notes receivable	2,821	2,860
Other Non-Trade Receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts and notes receivable	$253	$223

SUPPLEMENTAL_FINANCIAL_STATEME3

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Inventories by Major Category) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Line Items]
Raw materials	$423	$494
Finished pulp, paper and packaging	1,386	1,273
Operating supplies	556	562
Other	72	95
Inventory, Net	$2,437	$2,424

SUPPLEMENTAL_FINANCIAL_STATEME4

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Depreciation Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Depreciation Expense [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$304	$324

SUPPLEMENTAL_FINANCIAL_STATEME5

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Valuation Accounts) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated depreciation	$20,279	$20,340
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$78	$82

SUPPLEMENTAL_FINANCIAL_STATEME6

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Cash Payments Related to Interest) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Interest Payments [Line Items]
Interest payments	$129	$113

SUPPLEMENTAL_FINANCIAL_STATEME7

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Schedule of Interest Income and Interest Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Interest Income and Interest Expense [Line Items]
Interest expense	$159	[1]	$164	[1]
Interest income	22	[1]	21	[1]
Capitalized interest costs	$7		$6
[1]	Interest expense and interest income exclude approximately $9 million for the three months ended MarchB 31, 2015 and $10 million for the three months ended MarchB 31, 2014 related to investments in and borrowings from variable interest entities for which the Company has a legal right of offset (see Note 13).

SUPPLEMENTAL_FINANCIAL_STATEME8

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Schedule of Interest Income and Interest Expense Footnotes) (Details) (Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Amounts Related To Interest [Line Items]
Interest expense and interest income excluded, amount	($9)	($10)

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLES2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Changes in Goodwill Balances) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$7,414
Accumulated impairment losses (a)	-3,641	[1]
Total	3,677		3,773
Reclassifications and other (b)	-92	[2]
Additions/reductions	-4
Ending balance	7,318
Accumulated impairment losses (a)	-3,641	[1]
Industrial Packaging [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	3,396
Accumulated impairment losses (a)	-100	[1]
Total	3,257		3,296
Reclassifications and other (b)	-39	[2]
Additions/reductions	0	[3]
Ending balance	3,357
Accumulated impairment losses (a)	-100	[1]
Printing Papers [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	2,234
Accumulated impairment losses (a)	-1,877	[1]
Total	300		357
Reclassifications and other (b)	-53	[2]
Additions/reductions	-4	[3]
Ending balance	2,177
Accumulated impairment losses (a)	-1,877	[1]
Consumer Packaging [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	1,784
Accumulated impairment losses (a)	-1,664	[1]
Total	120		120
Reclassifications and other (b)	0	[2]
Additions/reductions	0
Ending balance	1,784
Accumulated impairment losses (a)	($1,664)	[1]
[1]	Represents accumulated goodwill impairment charges since the adoption of ASC 350, bIntangibles b Goodwill and Otherb in 2002.
[2]	Represents the effects of foreign currency translations and reclassifications.
[3]	Reflects a reduction from tax benefits generated by the deduction of goodwill amortization for tax purposes in Brazil.

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Identifiable Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount, finite and indefinite-lived intangible assets	$812	$848
Accumulated amortization	301	309
Customer Relationships and Lists [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount, finite-lived intangible assets	526	561
Accumulated amortization	153	157
Non-Compete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount, finite-lived intangible assets	72	74
Accumulated amortization	53	53
Tradenames, Patents and Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount, finite and indefinite-lived intangible assets	61	61
Accumulated amortization	46	44
Land and Water Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount, finite and indefinite-lived intangible assets	90	81
Accumulated amortization	9	9
Fuel and Power Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount, finite-lived intangible assets	5	5
Accumulated amortization	3	3
Software [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount, finite-lived intangible assets	22	23
Accumulated amortization	21	22
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount, finite-lived intangible assets	36	43
Accumulated amortization	$16	$21

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS1

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Amortization Expense of Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	$13	$18

INCOME_TAXES_Income_Tax_Paymen

INCOME TAXES (Income Tax Payments Net of Refunds) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Payments [Line Items]
Income tax payments,net	$26	$40

INCOME_TAXES_Unrecognized_Tax_

INCOME TAXES (Unrecognized Tax Benefits and Related Accrued Estimated Interest and Penalties) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits and Related Accrued Estimated Interest and Penalties [Line Items]
Beginning balance, unrecognized tax benefits	($158)
Activity for three months, unrecognized tax benefits	8
Ending balance, unrecognized tax benefits	-150
Beginning balance, accrued estimated interest and tax penalties	-41
Activity for the three months, accrued estimated interest	7
Ending balance, accrued estimated interest and tax penalties	($34)

INCOME_TAXES_Components_of_Net

INCOME TAXES (Components of Net Income Tax Provisions Related to Special Items and Discontinued Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Tax Special Items [Line Items]
Income tax provision benefit related to special items	$0	($190)
Special Items [Member]
Tax Special Items [Line Items]
Income tax provision benefit related to special items	0	-199
Settlement With Taxing Authority and Legislative Changes [Member]
Tax Special Items [Line Items]
Income tax provision benefit related to special items	0	10
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, Unusual Provisions [Member]
Tax Special Items [Line Items]
Income tax provision benefit related to special items	$0	($1)

INCOME_TAXES_Narrative_Detail

INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Estimated reduction of unrecognized tax benefits	$5
Income tax provision benefit related to special items	$0	($190)

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Environmental Remediation Obligations) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Accrual for environmental loss contingencies	$96
Environmental Exit Costs, Assets Previously Disposed, Liability for Remediation	45
Cass Lake, Minnesota [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Accrual for environmental loss contingencies	$48	$46

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Litigation) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2015
Kleen Products Llc Versus Packaging Corp of America [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, number of defendants	8
Number of claims filed		4
Harris County San Jacinto River Superfund Site [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of plaintiffs seeking damages		400
Kalamazoo River Superfund Site [Member] | Time Critical Removal Action [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value		19,000,000
Kalamazoo River Superfund Site [Member] | Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP, Fort James Corporation and Georgia Pacific LLC Cost Recovery Action [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value		79,000,000
Maximum [Member] | Harris County San Jacinto River Superfund Site [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, damages sought, value per day		25,000
Minimum [Member] | Harris County San Jacinto River Superfund Site [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, damages sought, value per day		50

VARIABLE_INTEREST_ENTITIES_AND2

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES AND PREFERRED SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARIES (Activity Between Company and Entities) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Revenue	$9	[1]	$10	[1]
Expense	18	[1]	18	[1]
Cash receipts	10	[2]	12	[2]
Cash payments	36	[3]	37	[3]
2007 Financing Entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Revenue	6	[4]	6	[4]
Expense	6	[5]	6	[5]
Cash receipts	2	[6]	2	[6]
Cash payments	$4	[7]	$5	[7]
[1]	The net expense related to the Companybs interest in the Entities is included in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations, as International Paper has and intends to effect its legal right to offset as discussed above.
[2]	The cash receipts are equity distributions from the Entities to International Paper.
[3]	The semi-annual payments are related to interest on the associated debt obligations discussed above.
[4]	The revenue is included in Interest expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations and includes approximately $5 million for each of the three months ended MarchB 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, of accretion income for the amortization of the purchase accounting adjustment on the Financial assets of special purpose entities.
[5]	The expense is included in Interest expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations and includes approximately $2 million for each of the three months ended MarchB 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, of accretion expense for the amortization of the purchase accounting adjustment on the Nonrecourse financial liabilities of special purpose entities.
[6]	The cash receipts are interest received on the Financial assets of special purpose entities.
[7]	The cash payments are interest paid on Nonrecourse financial liabilities of special purpose entities.

VARIABLE_INTEREST_ENTITIES_AND3

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES AND PREFERRED SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARIES VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES AND PREFERRED SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARIES (Activity Between Company and Entities Footnotes) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Accretion Income for Amortization of Purchase Accounting Adjustment, Financial Assets	$5	$5
Accretion Expense for Amortization of Purchase Accounting Adjustment, Financial Liabiities	$2	$2

VARIABLE_INTEREST_ENTITIES_AND4

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES AND PREFERRED SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARIES (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2007	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2006	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2007
	acre
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Forestlands acreage sales	1,550,000
International Paper debt obligations held by the Entities		$9,100,000,000
Remainder of the borrowing included in long-term debt		8,461,000,000			8,631,000,000		2,140,000,000
Additional debt included in notes payable and current maturities		664,000,000			742,000,000
Letters of credit issued that support Timber Notes	2,380,000,000
The percent of letters of credit supporting Timber Notes and Monetized Note that are cash collateralized		100.00%
Fair value of notes receivable as of acquisition date						2,090,000,000
Notes receivable, fair value disclosure		2,180,000,000
Fair value of financial assets as of acquisition date							2,030,000,000
Long-term debt, fair value		2,080,000,000
Accretion Income for Amortization of Purchase Accounting Adjustment, Financial Assets		5,000,000	5,000,000
Accretion Expense for Amortization of Purchase Accounting Adjustment, Financial Liabiities		2,000,000	2,000,000
Entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other		1,400,000,000
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Amount of consideration received	2,380,000,000			4,800,000,000
Contribution of Class A interests in the Borrower Entities to other newly formed entities in December 2006				200,000,000
Contribution of International Paper promissory notes, to other newly formed entities				400,000,000
Entities acquired International Paper debt obligations for cash				4,800,000,000
International Paper debt obligations held by the Entities				5,200,000,000
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Class B Interests In Entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Class B interests held in entities in December 2006		5,200,000,000		5,000,000,000
International Paper debt obligations held by the Entities		5,400,000,000			5,300,000,000
Remainder of the borrowing included in long-term debt		51,000,000			50,000,000
Additional debt included in notes payable and current maturities		107,000,000			107,000,000
Timber Notes [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Forestlands acreage sales				5,600,000
Letters of credit downgrade period of replacement		60 days
2007 Financing Entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Letters of credit downgrade period of replacement		30 days
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other		$840,000,000

DEBT_Debt_ExtinguishmentDetail

DEBT (Debt Extinguishment)(Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Debt reductions	$217	[1]	$9	[1]
Pre-tax early debt extinguishment costs	$1		$0
[1]	Reductions related to notes with interest rates ranging from 5.30% to 6.25% with original maturities from 2015 to 2025 for the three months ended MarchB 31, 2015 and from 6.00% to 6.70% with original maturities from 2024 to 2027 for the three months ended MarchB 31, 2014

DEBT_Debt_Extinguishment_Footn

DEBT (Debt Extinguishment Footnotes)(Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage rate range, minimum	5.30%	6.00%
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage rate range, maximum	6.25%	6.70%
Original maturity date range, minimum	2015	2024
Original maturity date range, maximum	2025	2027

DEBT_Narrative_Detail

DEBT (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Billions, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt and capital lease obligations	$9.10
Debt fair value	$10.40

DERIVATIVES_AND_HEDGING_ACTIVI2

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Schedule of Notional Amounts of Financial Instruments) (Details)

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Fair Value Hedging [Member]

Fair Value Hedging [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contracts to Sell U S Dollar for Brazilian Real [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contracts to Sell U S Dollar for Brazilian Real [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contracts to Sell Indian Rupee for US Dollar [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contracts to Sell Indian Rupee for US Dollar [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contracts To Sell Mexican Peso for US Dollar [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contracts To Sell Mexican Peso for US Dollar [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contracts to Sell Brazilian Real for U S Dollar [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contracts to Sell Brazilian Real for U S Dollar [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contracts to Sell British Pounds for Brazilian Real [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contracts to Sell British Pounds for Brazilian Real [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contracts to Sell European Euro for Brazilian Real [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contracts to Sell European Euro for Brazilian Real [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contracts to Sell European Euro for Polish Zloty [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contracts to Sell European Euro for Polish Zloty [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contracts to Sell U S Dollar for Brazilian Real [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contracts to Sell U S Dollar for Brazilian Real [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contracts To Sell Mexican Peso for US Dollar [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contracts To Sell Mexican Peso for US Dollar [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

INR

INR

MXN

MXN

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

BRL

BRL

GBP (£)

GBP (£)

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

USD ($)

MXN

MXN

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative Notional Amount

$6

[1]

$11

58

[1]

43

0

187

56

[2]

166

£ 4

[2]

£ 5

€ 6

[2]

€ 9

€ 242

[2]

€ 280

$82

[2]

$125

249

[2]

0

$230

$230

[1]

These contracts had maturities of one year or less as of MarchB 31, 2015.

[2]

These contracts had maturities of three years or less as of MarchB 31, 2015.

DERIVATIVES_AND_HEDGING_ACTIVI3

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Schedule of Notional Amounts of Financial Instruments Other) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative [Line Items]
Maximum Length of Time, Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge	3 years
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Maximum Length Of Time Hedged In Undesignated Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedges	1 year

DERIVATIVES_AND_HEDGING_ACTIVI4

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Gains Losses Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income AOCI Net of Tax Related to Derivative Instruments) (Details) (Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member], Cash Flow Hedging [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	$6	$4
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	$6	$4

DERIVATIVES_AND_HEDGING_ACTIVI5

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Gains and Losses Recognized in Consolidated Statement of Operations on Qualifying and Non-Qualifying Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
InterestIncomeExpense [Member] | Debt [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge	($2)	$0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	4
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cost of Products Sold [Member] | Energy Related Derivative [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	-1	1
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cost of Products Sold [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	-2	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | InterestIncomeExpense [Member] | Embedded Derivative [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | InterestIncomeExpense [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	3	3
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cost of Products Sold [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	-3	-5
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cost of Products Sold [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	-3	-5
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | InterestIncomeExpense [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedging Instruments	$2	$0

DERIVATIVES_AND_HEDGING_ACTIVI6

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Schedule of Interest Rate Derivative Activity) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount Of Derivative Instrument, Terminated	$0	$0
Notional Amount Of Derivative Instrument, Undesignated	0	0
Notional Amount Of Derivative Instrument, Issued	0	55
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount Of Derivative Instrument, Undesignated	0	0
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount Of Derivative Instrument, Terminated	0	0
Notional Amount Of Derivative Instrument, Issued	$0	$55

DERIVATIVES_AND_HEDGING_ACTIVI7

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Impact of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	$25		$17
Derivative Liabilities	22		18
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	25		16
Derivative Liabilities	18		14
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	0		1
Derivative Liabilities	4		4
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	0		1	[1]
Derivative Liabilities	2	[2]	2	[2]
Energy Related Derivative [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	0		0
Derivative Liabilities	2	[2]	2	[2]
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	23	[3]	16	[4]
Derivative Liabilities	18	[2]	14	[2]
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	2	[5]	0
Derivative Liabilities	$0		$0
[1]	Included in Other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
[2]	Included in Other accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
[3]	Includes $17 million recorded in Other current assets and $6 million recorded in Deferred charges and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
[4]	Includes $14 million recorded in Other current assets and $2 million recorded in Deferred charges and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
[5]	Included in Deferred charges and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

DERIVATIVES_AND_HEDGING_ACTIVI8

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Impact of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Balance Sheet Other) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	$25	$17
Derivative Liabilities	22	18
Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	17	14
Deferred Charges and Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	6	2
Energy Related Derivative [Member] | Other Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	2	2
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets		1
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Other Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	2	2
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Deferred Charges and Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	2
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	25	16
Derivative Liabilities	18	14
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Other Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	$18	$14

DERIVATIVES_AND_HEDGING_ACTIVI9

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Collateral Posted Related to Credit-Risk-Related Contingent Features	$0	$0
Gain / (Loss) Recorded to AOCI After Tax, That Is Expected to be Reclassified to Earnings	4,000,000
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments Containing Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features in a Net Liability Position	$0	$1,000,000

RETIREMENT_PLANS_Net_Periodic_

RETIREMENT PLANS (Net Periodic Pension Expense for Qualified and Nonqualified U.S. Defined Benefit Plans) (Details) (U.S. Plans, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$39	$38
Interest cost	149	153
Expected return on plan assets	-196	-189
Actuarial loss	119	80
Amortization of prior service cost	11	8
Net periodic benefit expense	$122	$90

RETIREMENT_PLANS_Narrative_Det

RETIREMENT PLANS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan employer cash contributions in current fiscal year	$0	$58
U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments, before tax		-170
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments		-103
Non Qualified [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefits paid	$5

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_STOCKB

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Related to Income Tax Benefits) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	$89	$85
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$33	$13

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Summar

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Summary of Performance Share Plan Activity) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Nonvested Shares
Granted, nonvested shares / units	1.9
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$53.25

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Narrat

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost related to unvested restricted performance shares, executive continuity awards and restricted stock attributable to future performance, net of estimated forfeitures	$218
Compensation cost related to unvested restricted performance shares, executive continuity awards and restricted stock attributable to future performance, net of estimated forfeitures, weighted-average period (in years)	1 year 13 months 8 days
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for grant under ICP	16.1

INDUSTRY_SEGMENT_INFORMATION_S

INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION (Sales by Industry Segment) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	$5,517	$5,724
Industrial Packaging [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	3,553	3,693
Printing Papers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	1,228	1,406
Consumer Packaging [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	778	829
Corporate and Intersegment Sales [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	($42)	($204)

INDUSTRY_SEGMENT_INFORMATION_O

INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION (Operating Profit by Industry Segment) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit	$623		$60
Interest expense, net	-137		-143
Noncontrolling interests/equity earnings adjustment	1	[1]	0	[1]
Corporate items, net	-9		-11
Restructuring and other charges	0		-1
Non-operating pension expense	-72		-44
Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Earnings	406		-139
Equity earnings (loss), net of taxes	35		-33
Industrial Packaging [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit	468		453	[2]
Printing Papers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit	109		-410	[3]
Consumer Packaging [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit	46		17	[4]
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest expense, net	-137		-143
Ilim Holding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equity earnings (loss), net of taxes	$39		($31)
[1]	Operating profits for industry segments include each segment's percentage share of the profits of subsidiaries included in that segment that are less than wholly owned. The pre-tax noncontrolling interest and equity earnings for these subsidiaries are adjusted here to present consolidated earnings before income taxes and equity earnings.
[2]	Includes charges of $12 million for integration costs associated with the acquisition of Temple-Inland, a charge of $2 million associated with our Brazil Packaging business, a charge of $1 million related to the restructuring of our Asia box operations and a gain of $1 million for other items.
[3]	Includes charges of $495 million for costs associated with the shutdown of our Courtland, Alabama mill.
[4]	Includes charges of $1 million for costs associated with the Coated Paperboard sheet plant closures.

INDUSTRY_SEGMENT_INFORMATION_O1

INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION (Operating Profit by Industry Segment Footnotes) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring and other charges	$0	$499
Brazil Packaging Business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring and other charges		2
Ontario sheet plant closure [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring and other charges		1
Courtland Mill Shutdown [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring and other charges		495	[1]
Asia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring and other charges	1
Restructuring Charges [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring and other charges		-1
Temple Inland Inc [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Integration costs		$12
[1]	During 2013, the Company deferred accelerating depreciation for certain assets as we evaluated possible alternative uses by one of our other businesses. During the first quarter of 2014, we completed our evaluation and concluded that there were no alternative uses for these assets.B We recognized approximately $430 million of accelerated depreciation related to these assets during the first quarter of 2014.B Other components of the first quarter of 2014 Courtland mill shutdown cost include site closure costs of $30 million, severance charges of $15 million and $20 million of other non-cash charges.

INDUSTRY_SEGMENT_INFORMATION_N1

INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party	$43	$58
Income (loss) from equity method investments	35	-33
Ilim Holding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equity method investments	202		170
Equity method investment, difference between carrying amount and underlying equity	156		158
Percentage of equity interest	50.00%
Income (loss) from equity method investments	$39	($31)