Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Loss Contingencies by Contingency [Table Text Block]

LP maintains reserves for various contingent liabilities as follows:

	December 31,
Dollar amounts in millions	2012			2011
Environmental reserves	$	14.1		$	15.0
Hardboard siding reserves	0.7			6.2
Total contingencies	14.8			21.2
Current portion	(2.0		)	(4.0		)
Long-term portion	$	12.8		$	17.2

Schedule of Environmental Loss Contingencies by Site [Table Text Block]

The activity in LP’s reserve for estimated environmental loss contingency reserves for the last three years is summarized in the following table.

	Year ended December 31,
Dollar amounts in millions	2012			2011			2010
Beginning balance	$	15.0		$	14.3		$	14.7
Adjusted to expense (income) during the year	0.7			1.5			0.3
Payments made	(1.6		)	(0.8		)	(0.7		)
Ending balance	$	14.1		$	15.0		$	14.3

Settlement Agreement Reserve Rollforward [Table Text Block]

	Year ended December 31,
Dollar amounts in millions	2012			2011			2010
Beginning balance	$	6.2		$	17.8		$	24.2
Accrued (reversed) to expense	(5.0		)	(10.7		)	(2.5		)
Claims reimbursement	—			0.6			1.0
Payments made for claims	(0.4		)	(1.1		)	(3.6		)
Payments made for administrative costs	(0.1		)	(0.4		)	(1.3		)
Ending balance	$	0.7		$	6.2		$	17.8