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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2012
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract] |
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] |
1. | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Operations Louisiana-Pacific Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively LP or the Company) are principally engaged in the manufacture of building products. In addition to its U.S. operations, the Company also maintains manufacturing facilities in Canada, Chile and Brazil through foreign subsidiaries and joint ventures. The principal customers for the Company’s building products are retail home centers, manufactured housing producers, distributors and wholesalers in North America and South America, with sales to Asia, Australia and Europe. See Note 24 below for further information regarding LP’s products and segments. Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. See discussion of specific estimates in this Note under the headings “Asset Impairments,” and “Other Operating Credits and Charges, Net” and in the Notes entitled “Income Taxes,” “Retirement Plans and Postretirement Benefits,” “Stockholders’ Equity,” “Other Operating Credits and Charges, Net,” “Gain (Loss) on Sale of and Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, Net” and “Contingencies.” Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of LP and its majority-owned subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany transactions. The equity method of accounting is used for joint ventures and investments in associated companies over which LP has significant influence but does not have effective control. Significant influence is deemed to exist generally when the Company has an ownership interest in the voting stock of an investee of between 20 percent and 50 percent. LP’s equity in the income and losses of these investments is recorded in “Equity in loss of unconsolidated affiliates” on the Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 8 for further discussion of these investments and advances. Where our ownership interest is less than 100 percent but more than 50 percent, the outside shareholders’ interests are shown as non-controlling interest. See Note 19 for further discussion of this investment. LP consolidates a variable interest entity (VIE) when it has a controlling financial interest in the VIE and is thus determined to be the VIE's primary beneficiary. LP currently consolidates its interest in LP Pinewood which was established in 2003 in connection with the sale of LP's southern timberlands. LP has notes receivable of $410.0 million (see Note 6) and notes payable of $368.7 million (see Note 12) recorded in the balance sheet related to LP's interest in the VIE. For further information regarding the details of the relationship of the assets and liabilities and the recourse provisions of the consolidated VIE see Note 12. LP also has a variable interest in its Canfor-LP and Abitibi-LP equity method investees but is not considered to be the primary beneficiary. See Note 8 for further information on these investments. Earnings per Share Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share are based upon the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus all potentially dilutive securities that were assumed to be converted into common shares at the beginning of the period under the treasury stock method. This method requires that the effect of potentially dilutive common stock equivalents (employee stock options, stock settled stock appreciation rights, incentive shares, performance shares and warrants) be excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the periods in which losses from continuing operations are reported because the effect is anti-dilutive. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
| Year ended December 31,
Dollar and share amounts in millions, except per share amounts | 2012 |  | 2011 |  | 2010
Numerator: |  |  |  |  |
Income (loss) attributed to LP common shares: |  |  |  |  |
Income (loss) from continuing operations | $ | 32.1 |  |  | $ | (172.1 | ) |  | $ | (32.6 | )
Loss from discontinued operations | (3.3 | ) |  | (9.2 | ) |  | (6.4 | )
Net income (loss) | $ | 28.8 |  |  | $ | (181.3 | ) |  | $ | (39.0 | )
Denominator: |  |  |  |  |
Basic—weighted average common shares outstanding | 137.1 |  |  | 133.2 |  |  | 129.1 |
Dilutive effect of employee stock plans | 2.3 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Dilutive effect of stock warrants | 3.2 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Diluted shares outstanding | 142.6 |  |  | 133.2 |  |  | 129.1 |
Basic earnings per share: |  |  |  |  |
Income (loss) from continuing operations | $ | 0.23 |  |  | $ | (1.29 | ) |  | $ | (0.25 | )
Loss from discontinued operations | (0.02 | ) |  | (0.07 | ) |  | (0.05 | )
Net income (loss) per share | $ | 0.21 |  |  | $ | (1.36 | ) |  | $ | (0.30 | )
Diluted earnings per share: |  |  |  |  |
Income (loss) from continuing operations | $ | 0.22 |  |  | $ | (1.29 | ) |  | $ | (0.25 | )
Loss from discontinued operations | (0.02 | ) |  | (0.07 | ) |  | (0.05 | )
Net income (loss) per share | $ | 0.20 |  |  | $ | (1.36 | ) |  | $ | (0.30 | )
Stock options, warrants and stock settled stock appreciation rights (SSARs) related to approximately 5.3 million common shares were considered not in-the-money for purposes of LP's earnings per share calculation for the year ended December 31, 2012. Stock options, warrants and stock settled stock appreciation rights (SSARs) related to approximately 7.1 million and 9.1 million common shares for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were considered anti-dilutive for purposes of LP’s earnings per share calculation due to LP’s loss position in continuing operations. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of money market investments with an initial maturity of three months or less. Such investments are stated at cost, which approximates market value. Investments LP’s long-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at estimated fair value. LP may invest in securities including U.S. treasury notes, bank obligations, corporate obligations, auction rate securities and commercial paper. Under LP’s investment criteria at purchase, bank and corporate obligations carry a rating of at least A-1 and commercial paper must have the highest rating obtainable from one or more rating agencies. Unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, on these investments are reported as a separate component of “Accumulated comprehensive loss” in Stockholders’ Equity until realized. Impairment losses are charged to income for other-than-temporary declines in fair value. Realized gains and losses (including impairments) are recorded in “Investment income” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. For purposes of computing realized gains and losses, cost is identified on a specific identification basis. See Note 2 for further discussion. Fair Value of Financial Instruments LP has, where appropriate, estimated the fair value of financial instruments. These fair value amounts may be significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of cash flows. Accordingly, the estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange. Inventory Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Inventory costs include materials, labor and operating overhead. The LIFO (last-in, first-out) method is used for a minor portion of the Company’s log inventories with the remaining inventories valued at FIFO (first-in, first-out) or average cost. See Note 5 for further discussion. Timber and Timberlands Timber and timberlands is comprised of timber deeds and allocations of purchase price to Canadian timber harvesting licenses. Timber deeds are transactions in which LP purchases timber, but not the underlying land. The cost of timber deeds are capitalized in timber and timberlands and charged to cost of timber harvested as the volume is removed. Timber that has been severed but has not yet been delivered to a facility is included in timber and timberlands. The values associated with timber licenses were allocated in the purchase price allocations for both Le Groupe Forex (Forex) and the assets of Evans Forest Products. These licenses have a life of twenty to twenty-five years. These licenses are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the license as the licenses are utilized. Cost of timber harvested also includes the amortization of the timber licenses. See Note 7 for further discussion. Assets Held for Sale Over the last several years, LP has adopted and implemented plans to sell selected assets in order to improve its operating results. LP is required to classify assets held for sale which are not part of a discontinued business separately on the face of the financial statements outside of “Property, plant and equipment”. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, LP included three OSB mills and various non-operating sites in its held for sale category. See Note 3 for discussion of impairments recorded on these assets to reduce carrying value to estimated sales prices less estimated selling costs. The current book values of assets held for sale by category is as follows:
Dollar amounts in millions | December 31,
2012 |  | 2011
Property, plant and equipment, at cost: |  |  |
Land, land improvements and logging roads, net of road amortization | $ | 10.0 |  |  | $ | 13.1 |
Buildings | 17.1 |  |  | 22.9 |
Machinery and equipment | 140.8 |  |  | 178.3 |
| 167.9 |  |  | 214.3 |
Accumulated depreciation | (135.4 | ) |  | (162.4 | )
Net property, plant and equipment | $ | 32.5 |  |  | $ | 51.9 |
LP believes that the net realizable sales value of the aforementioned assets exceeds their carrying values. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment, including capitalized interest, are recorded at cost. Depreciation for financial statement purposes is provided principally using the units of production method for machinery and equipment which amortizes the cost of equipment over the estimated units that will be produced during its useful life. Provisions for depreciation of buildings, land improvements and the remaining machinery and equipment have been computed using straight-line rates based on the estimated service lives. The effective straight-line lives for the principal classes of property range from three to twenty years. Logging road construction costs are capitalized and included in land and land improvements. These costs are amortized as the timber volume adjacent to the road system is harvested. LP capitalizes interest on borrowed funds during construction periods. Capitalized interest is charged to machinery and equipment accounts and amortized over the lives of the related assets. Capitalized interest totaled $0.2 million in 2012. There was no capitalized interest during 2011 and 2010 due to LP’s reduced capital programs. Potential Impairments Long-lived assets to be held and used by LP (primarily property, plant and equipment and timber and timberlands) are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. When impairment is indicated, the book values of the assets are written down to their estimated fair value as calculated by the expected discounted cash flow or estimated net sales price. See Note 3 for impairment charges recorded in the periods presented. Also see Note 17 for a discussion of charges in 2012, 2011 and 2010 related to impairments of property, plant and equipment. Long-lived assets that are held for sale are written down to the estimated sales proceeds less cost to sell unless the estimated net proceeds exceed the carrying value. LP continues to review certain operations and investments for potential impairments. LP’s management currently believes it has adequate support for the carrying value of each of these operations and investments based upon the anticipated cash flows that result from estimates of future demand, pricing and production costs assuming certain levels of planned capital expenditures. As of December 31, 2012, there were no indications of impairment for the asset grouping that included the company's indefinitely curtailed facilities. As of December 31, 2012, the estimated fair values of LP's facilities that have not been indefinitely curtailed were substantially in excess of their carrying value, which supported the conclusion that no impairment is necessary for those facilities. However, if demand and pricing for the relevant products continues at levels significantly below cycle average demand and pricing, or should LP decide to invest capital in alternative projects, it is possible that impairment charges will be required. Income Taxes LP accounts for income taxes under an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in LP’s financial statements or tax returns. In estimating future tax consequences, LP generally considers all expected future events other than the enactment of changes in tax laws or rates and future income. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates will be recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date. Additionally, deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. LP recognizes liabilities for uncertain tax positions through a two step process. The first step is to the evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of the available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation process, if any. The second step requires LP to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as LP must determine the probability for various outcomes. LP evaluates these uncertain tax provisions when new information becomes available. These revaluations are based upon factors including, but not limited to, changes in circumstances, changes in tax law, successful settlement of issues under audit and new audit activity. Such a change in recognition or measurement could result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an increase to the related provision. LP classifies interest related to income taxes liabilities or uncertain tax positions as interest expense or interest income and, if applicable, penalties are recognized as a component of income tax expense. See Note 10 for further discussion of deferred taxes. Stock-Based Compensation LP recognizes the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments, such as stock options, performance shares, restricted stock or restricted stock units and stock settled stock appreciation rights (SSAR), based upon the fair value of those awards at the date of grant over the requisite service period. LP generally uses the Black-Scholes-Merton (Black-Scholes) option pricing model to determine the fair value of the stock option and SSAR awards. Stock-based compensation plans, related expenses and assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model are more fully described in Note 14. The fair market value of performance share awards are determined based on the fair value as of the date of grant times the number of shares adjusted for the weighted probability of the attainment of the relevant performance goals. Derivative Financial Instruments To reduce foreign currency exchange and interest rate risks, LP occasionally utilizes derivative financial instruments, which include forward exchange, options and futures contracts. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, LP did not enter into any material derivative financial contracts. U.S. GreenFiber, LLC (GreenFiber), a fifty percent owned joint venture between LP and Casella Waste Management, Inc. (accounted for under the equity method of accounting), entered into a swap contract for the purchase of raw materials. As of December 31, 2012, GreenFiber recognized $1.2 million in “Other comprehensive income” to adjust these contracts to fair market value and, accordingly, LP has recorded its share, $0.7 million, in LP’s “Other comprehensive income.” Additionally, LP has provided deferred taxes of $0.2 million associated with this swap. Foreign Currency Translation The functional currency for the Company’s Canadian subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar; however the books and records for these subsidiaries are maintained in the Canadian dollar. The financial statements of these foreign subsidiaries are remeasured into U.S. dollars using the historical exchange rate for property, plant and equipment, timber and timberlands, goodwill, and certain other non-monetary assets and related depreciation and amortization on these assets and liabilities. LP uses the exchange rate at the balance sheet date for the remaining assets and liabilities, including deferred taxes. A weighted-average exchange rate is used for each period for revenues and expenses. These transaction gains or losses are recorded in “Other non-operating income (expense)” on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The functional currencies of LP’s Chilean, Brazil and Peru subsidiaries are the Chilean peso, Brazilian real and Peruvian nuevo sol and their books and records are maintained in the local currency. Translation adjustments, which are based upon the exchange rate at the balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and the weighted-average rate for the income statement, are recorded in “Accumulated comprehensive loss” in Stockholders’ equity. Intangible Assets Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized generally on a straight-line basis over the periods benefited. Impairment of the investment is evaluated when factors indicate impairment may exist. Restricted Cash In accordance with LP’s credit facilities, discussed at Note 12, LP has established restricted cash accounts. As of December 31, 2012, a portion of the restricted cash secures outstanding letters of credit under LP’s U.S. and Canadian credit facilities. Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when customers receive products and title has passed. The following criteria are used to determine that title has passed: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; (3) the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and (4) the collection is reasonably assured. During 2012, LP's top ten customers accounted for approximately 46% of its sales, with its largest customer, Home Depot, Inc. accounting for 10%. During 2011, LP’s top ten customers accounted for approximately 48% of its sales and no customer accounted for more than 10%. During 2010, LP’s top ten customers accounted for approximately 49% of its sales, with its largest customer, Taiga Building Products, Ltd. accounting for 11%. Pricing and Sales Incentives LP records estimated reductions to revenue for customer programs and incentive offerings, including pricing arrangements, promotions and other volume-based incentives, at the date revenue is recognized. Some of these incentives are negotiated up front with the customer and are redeemable only if the customer achieves a specified cumulative level of sales (measured in dollars or units) or sales increase. Under these incentive programs, at the time of sale, LP estimates the anticipated rebate to be paid based upon forecasted sales levels. These forecasts are updated on a regular basis. If the forecasted sales for a customer change significantly, the accrual for rebates is adjusted to reflect the revised estimate. Asset Retirement Obligations LP records the fair value of the legal obligations and the conditional obligations to retire and remove long-lived assets in the period which the obligation is incurred. These obligations primarily consist of monitoring costs on closed landfills, timber reforestation obligations associated with LP’s timber licenses in Canada and certain site restoration costs. When the related liability is initially recorded, LP capitalizes the cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its settlement value and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, LP recognizes a gain or loss for any difference between the settlement amount and the liability recorded. See Note 15 for further discussion. Deferred Debt Costs Deferred debt costs are amortized over the life of the related debt using a straight line basis which approximates the effective interest method. If the debt is retired early, the related unamortized deferred financing costs are written off in the period the debt is retired to other non-operating income (expense). During 2012, $4.5 million of deferred debt costs were written off in association with the early debt extinguishment. LP amortized deferred debt costs of $1.5 million, $2.6 million and $3.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. See Note 11 for further discussion. Other Operating Credits and Charges, Net LP classifies significant amounts that management considers unrelated to ongoing core operating activities as “Other operating credits and charges, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Such items include, but are not limited to, amounts related to restructuring charges (including severance charges), charges to establish and maintain litigation or environmental reserves, prior year inventory profit adjustments, retirement charges and gains or losses from settlements with governmental or other organizations. Due to the nature of these items, amounts in the income statement can fluctuate from year to year. The determination of which items are considered significant and unrelated to core operations is based upon management’s judgment. See Note 16 for a discussion of specific amounts in 2012, 2011 and 2010. Retirement Benefits LP is required to use actuarial methods and assumptions in the valuation of defined benefit obligations and the determination of expense. Difference between actual and expected results or changes in the values of the obligations and plan assets are not recognized in earnings as they occur but, rather, systematically and gradually over subsequent periods. Prior to January 1, 2010, the cost of retiree benefits was recognized over the employees’ service period. As of January 1, 2010, LP froze the U.S. defined benefit plan and accordingly changed the method of accounting for such amounts to be amortized over the period until retirement as opposed to the estimated service period. The change in this method lengthened the amortization period for U.S. plans. See Note 13 for further information. Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income consists of net income (loss) and other gains and losses affecting shareholders’ equity that are excluded from net income (loss), including foreign currency translation adjustments, prior service costs and credits, transition assets or obligations associated with pension or other post retirement benefits that have not been recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs, net unrealized gains or losses on securities, and unrealized gains and losses on financial instruments qualifying for cash flow hedge accounting, and is presented in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. See Note 23 for further discussion.

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- Definition The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18743-107790 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18854-107790 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 22 -Paragraph 8 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18861-107790 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18780-107790 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18726-107790 + Details
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