Fair Value Measurements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

LP’s investments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis are categorized below using the fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine fair value. Level 1 refers to fair values determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Level 2 refers to fair values estimated using significant other observable inputs and Level 3 includes fair values estimated using significant non-observable inputs.

The following table summarizes assets measured on a recurring basis for each of the three hierarchy levels presented below.

Dollar amounts in millions	September 30, 2011		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Available for sale securities	$	0.5	$	—	$	—	$	0.5
Trading securities	2.6		2.6		—		—
Total	$	3.1	$	2.6	$	—	$	0.5
Dollar amounts in millions	December 31, 2010		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Available for sale securities	$	15.4	$	—	$	3.8	$	11.6
Trading securities	2.6		2.6		—		—
Total	$	18.0	$	2.6	$	3.8	$	11.6

Available for sale securities measured at fair value as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are recorded in cash and cash equivalents and long-term investments on LP’s consolidated balance sheets. Included in available for sale securities are auction rate securities (ARS).

Due to the lack of observable market quotations on a portion of LP’s ARS portfolio, LP evaluates the structure of its ARS holdings and current market estimates of fair value, including fair value estimates from issuing banks that rely exclusively on Level 3 inputs. These inputs include those that are based on expected cash flow streams and collateral values, including assessments of counterparty credit quality, default risk underlying the security, discount rates and overall capital market liquidity. The valuation of LP’s ARS investment portfolio is subject to uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Factors that may impact LP’s valuation include changes to credit ratings of the securities as well as to the underlying assets supporting those securities, rates of default of the underlying assets, underlying collateral value, discount rates, counterparty risk and ongoing strength and quality of market credit and liquidity. During the third quarter, LP sold ARS of $38.1 million par value for $19.1 million.

Trading securities consist of rabbi trust financial assets which are recorded in other assets in LP’s consolidated balance sheets. The rabbi trust holds the assets of the Louisiana-Pacific Corporation 2004 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (EDC), a non-qualified deferred compensation plan which allows certain management employees to defer receipt of a portion of their compensation and contribute such amounts to one or more investment funds. The assets of the rabbi trust are invested in mutual funds and are reported at fair value based on active market quotations, which represent Level 1 inputs.

The following table summarizes changes in assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the periods ended September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2011.

Dollar amounts in millions	Available for sale  securities
Balance at December 31, 2009	$	26.3
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income	10.3
Balance at September 30, 2010	$	36.6
The amount of total losses for the period included in net loss attributable to the fair value of changes in assets still held at September 30, 2010	$	—
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	11.6
Sale of ARS	(15.0		)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included:
Investment income	11.1
Other comprehensive income	(7.2		)
Balance at September 30, 2011	$	0.5
The amount of total losses for the period included in net loss attributable to the fair value of changes in assets still held at September 30, 2011	$	—

Carrying amounts reported on the balance sheet for cash, cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity of these investments.

LP reviews the carrying values of long-lived assets (excluding goodwill) to be held and used, for the impairment wherever events or changes in circumstances indicate possible impairment. An impairment loss is recognized when a long-lived asset's carrying value is not recoverable (given assumptions on housing starts and growth rates) and exceeds estimated fair value.

The following table summarizes long-lived assets measured on a nonrecurring basis for each of the three hierarchy levels presented below.

Dollar amounts in millions	September 30, 2011		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Long-lived assets held and used	$	82.6	$	—	$	—	$	82.6
Long-lived assets held for sale	52.7		—		52.7		—
Total	$	135.3	$	—	$	52.7	$	82.6
Dollar amounts in millions	December 31, 2010		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Long-lived assets held and used	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Long-lived assets held for sale	57.9		—		57.9		—
Total	$	57.9	$	—	$	57.9	$	—

During the third quarter of 2011, LP determined that an impairment review was required of its LSL facility located in Houlton, Maine due to continued operating losses which were driven by the significant reductions in current and forecasted housing starts. As a result of this review, LP recognized a pre-tax, non-cash impairment charge of $62.0 million in the third quarter of 2011. The estimated fair value of long-lived assets was calculated based on the income approach using the discounted probability of weighted cash flows taking into account current expectations for asset utilization, housing starts and the remaining useful life of related assets. In addition, liquidation values were considered where appropriate, as well as indicated values from divestiture activities. These assets are included in LP's property plant and equipment (long-lived assets) which are held and used.

Additionally during the third quarter of 2011, LP recorded an impairment charge of $2.4 million on various assets held for sale to reduce their carrying value to the estimated selling price less selling costs. The valuation of these assets was determined based using level two inputs under the market approach. Also, LP recorded an impairment charge of $0.5 million on assets no longer used.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, in addition to the impairments noted above, LP recorded an impairment charge of $3.6 million to reduce the carrying value of assets held for sale to the estimated selling prices less selling cost. The valuation of these assets was determined using level two inputs under the market approach. Also, LP recorded an impairment charge of $4.4 million on assets no longer used.

During the third quarter of 2010, LP recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $16.9 million to reduce the carrying value of an equity method investment to its estimated net sales price. LP took this action in connection with a decision by its joint venture partner to sell its interest in the joint venture to a third party. Subsequent to the recording of this impairment, the discussions for sale of this investment were terminated. However LP determined based upon market conditions that the reduction in carrying value was still appropriate. The valuation of these assets was determined using level two inputs under the market approach.

Additionally during the third quarter of 2010, LP recorded an impairment charge of $0.9 million on various assets held for sale to reduce their carrying value to the estimated selling price less selling costs. The valuation of these assets was determined based using level two inputs under the market approach.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, in addition to the impairment noted above, LP recorded an impairment charge of $1.2 million to reduce the carrying value of the assets held for sale to the estimated selling price less selling cost. The valuation of these assets was determined using level two inputs under the market approach.