Gain (loss) on sales or impairment of long lived assets (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	$ (74.0)	$ (2.4)	$ 0
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment	0.1	0	2.5
Gain Loss On Sale Or Impairment Of Long Lived Assets, Net	(73.9)	(2.4)	2.5
Houlton [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	(62.0)
held and used or held for sale [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	(12.0)	(1.5)
Roads [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		(0.9)
Right sizing [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		(1.0)
timberlands [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		$ (1.5)