Litigation And Related Matters	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Litigation And Related Matters [Abstract]
Litigation And Related Matters	NOTE 17. LITIGATION AND RELATED MATTERS ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS Environmental Compliance Our manufacturing and research facilities are affected by various federal, state and local requirements relating to the discharge of materials and the protection of the environment. We make expenditures necessary for compliance with applicable environmental requirements at each of our operating facilities. These regulatory requirements continually change, therefore we cannot predict with certainty future expenditures associated with compliance with environmental requirements. Environmental Sites Summary We are actively involved in the investigation, closure and/or remediation of existing or potential environmental contamination under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), and state or international Superfund and similar type environmental laws at several domestically- and internationally-owned, formerly owned and non-owned locations allegedly resulting from past industrial activity. In a few cases, we are one of several potentially responsible parties ("PRPs”) and have agreed to jointly fund the required investigation and remediation, while preserving our defenses to the liability. We may also have rights of contribution or reimbursement from other parties or coverage under applicable insurance policies. Estimates of our future liability at the environmental sites are based on evaluations of currently available facts regarding each individual site. We consider factors such as our activities associated with the site, existing technology, presently enacted laws and regulations and prior company experience in remediating contaminated sites. Although current law imposes joint and several liability on all parties at Superfund sites, our contribution to the remediation of these sites is expected to be limited by the number of other companies potentially liable for site remediation. As a result, our estimated liability reflects only our expected share. In determining the probability of contribution, we consider the solvency of other parties, the site activities of other parties, whether liability is being disputed, the terms of any existing agreements and experience with similar matters, and the effect of our Chapter 11 reorganization upon the validity of the claim. Specific Material Events St Helens, OR In August 2010, we entered into a Consent Order (the “Consent Order”) with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (“ODEQ”), along with Kaiser Gypsum Company, Inc. (“Kaiser”), and Owens Corning Sales LLC (“OC”), with respect to our St. Helens, OR Building Products facility, which was previously owned by Kaiser and then OC. The Consent Order, which replaces a previous order of the ODEQ requiring us to investigate and remediate hazardous substances present at the facility, requires that we and Kaiser complete a remedial investigation and feasibility study (“RI/FS”) on the portion of the site owned by us (“Owned Property”). The Consent Order further requires us, Kaiser and OC to conduct an RI/FS in the adjacent Scappoose Bay. We are currently in an investigation phase for both the Owned Property and the Scappoose Bay and are actively conducting sampling and analysis at these sites. We anticipate submitting a Remedial Investigation Report and Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessments to ODEQ in the first half of 2013. At this time, we have determined that it is probable that remedial action for certain portions of the Owned Property will be required. The current estimate of our future liability at the site includes the known investigation work required by the Consent Order and the current projected cost of possible remedies for certain portions of the Owned Property. At this time, we are unable to reasonably estimate any remediation costs that we may ultimately incur with respect to other portions of the Owned Property or the Scappoose Bay, although such costs may be material. If additional investigative or remedial action is required by ODEQ, it could result in additional costs greater than the amounts currently estimated and those costs may be material. Costs and responsibilities for investigation, including the current RI/FS of the Owned Property continue to be shared with Kaiser pursuant to a cost sharing agreement with Kaiser. Limited contributions are also being made by ODEQ pursuant to its settlement with OC for OC’s liabilities for the property, although we anticipate that the settlement funds will be depleted this year. Contemporaneously with the execution of the Consent Order, we, Kaiser and OC also entered into a separate cost sharing agreement for both the investigation and possible remediation of the Scappoose Bay. Kaiser’s shares under the cost sharing agreements are being funded by certain insurance policies, which comprise substantially all of Kaiser’s assets. If Kaiser and OC are unwilling or unable to fulfill their obligations under the cost sharing agreements, or seek to contest or challenge the allocations, or if Kaiser’s insurance policies are unable to fund Kaiser’s shares, it could result in additional cost to us greater than the amounts currently estimated and those costs may be material. The principal contaminants at the St. Helens site are arsenic and dioxin compounds from historic operations by prior owners of the plant. As part of the investigation on the site pursuant to the Consent Order, we conducted an analysis of the raw materials used in our manufacturing processes at the St. Helens facility to identify possible sources of these same contaminants. Our testing found low levels of naturally occurring dioxin in sourced clay, known as ball clay, used in the production of some of our fire-retardant products at our St. Helens manufacturing facility. Based on the data from the soil and sediment samples from our St. Helens property and the data from the ball clay, we do not believe that the presence of dioxin in our raw material will have a material impact on our ultimate liability at the site. In addition, consistent with our health and safety policies, we tested employee exposure levels at our St. Helens facility and determined that the ball clay does not pose a hazard to our employees at that facility based on applicable regulatory standards. We are awaiting results from similar testing at one of our other mineral wool ceilings plants in which ball clay is processed. Based on the manufacturing process and the amount of raw material utilized, we also believe that the dioxin levels in our finished products do not pose a hazard to installers or consumers. While we have not received any claims related to this raw material or our fire-retardant products, there can be no assurance that the raw material or the finished products will not become the subject of legal claims or regulatory actions or that such claims or actions will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. Macon, GA The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has listed two landfills located on a portion of our Building Products facility in Macon, GA, along with the former Macon Naval Ordnance Plant landfill adjacent to our property, and portions of Rocky Creek (collectively, the “Macon Site”) as a Superfund site on the National Priorities List due to the presence of contaminants, most notably PCBs. In September 2010, we entered into an Administrative Order on Consent for a Removal Action with the EPA to investigate PCB contamination in one of the landfills on our property, the Wastewater Treatment Plant Landfill (the “WWTP Landfill”) that is a portion of the Superfund Site. We are currently in the process of concluding an investigative phase of the Removal Action for the WWTP Landfill. We submitted our final Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis to the EPA in the third quarter of 2012, and are awaiting EPA comment. Our current estimate of future liability includes costs for remedial work for the WWTP Landfill. Additionally, it is probable that we will incur field investigation, engineering and oversight costs associated with a RI/FS with respect to the remainder of the Superfund site, including Rocky Creek (the “Remaining Site”). We have not yet entered into an Order with the EPA for the Remaining Site and, as a result, have not yet commenced an investigation of this portion of the site. At this time, we are able to estimate only a small portion of the probable costs that may be associated with the RI/FS for the Remaining Site. It is anticipated that significant investigative work may be required by the EPA for the Remaining Site. Additionally, we, as well as other parties, may ultimately incur costs in remediating any contamination discovered during the RI/FS. At this time, it is not possible to reasonably estimate the total costs associated with the investigation work, or any resulting remediation therefrom, although such amounts may be material. Mobile, AL In the second quarter of 2012, we recorded a liability for probable and estimable costs associated with the clean closure of a non-hazardous containment pond located on the property of our previously idled Mobile, AL Building Products plant. We anticipate that this work could start in the fourth quarter of 2012. At that time, additional closure actions may become known and reasonably estimable. We are unable to anticipate all of the closure actions that will be required by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, although amounts associated with such actions may be material. Elizabeth City, NC This site is a former cabinet manufacturing facility that was operated by Triangle Pacific Corporation, now known as Armstrong Wood Products, Inc. (“Triangle Pacific”) from 1977 until 1996. The site was formerly owned by the U.S. Navy (“Navy”) and Westinghouse, now CBS Corporation (“CBS”). We assumed ownership of the site when we acquired the stock of Triangle Pacific in 1998. Prior to our acquisition, the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources listed the site as a hazardous waste site. In 1997, Triangle Pacific entered into a cost sharing agreement with Westinghouse whereby the parties agreed to share equally in costs associated with investigation and potential remediation. In 2000, Triangle Pacific and CBS entered into an RI/FS with the EPA for the site. In 2007, we and CBS entered into an agreement with the Navy whereby the Navy agreed to pay one third of defined past and future site costs up to $1.5 million. Although the parties initially submitted the RI/FS work plan to the EPA in 2004, the EPA did not approve the RI/FS work plan until August 2011. We are currently in an investigation phase with respect to this site. Current estimated liabilities for this site include only our share of the probable costs for investigative work required by the EPA. At this time, it is not possible to reasonably estimate any additional investigative costs or determine whether remediation will be required. If remediation is required, such costs may be material. Summary of Financial Position Liabilities of $10.8 million at September 30, 2012 and $7.3 million at December 31, 2011 were recorded for potential environmental liabilities, on a global basis, that we consider probable and for which a reasonable estimate of the probable liability could be made. Where existing data is sufficient to estimate the liability, that estimate has been used; where only a range of probable liabilities is available and no amount within that range is more likely than any other, the lower end of the range has been used. As assessments and remediation activities progress at each site, these liabilities are reviewed to reflect new information as it becomes available. These liabilities are undiscounted. The estimated liabilities above do not take into account any claims for recoveries from insurance or third parties. It is our policy to record probable recoveries that are either available through settlement or anticipated to be recovered through negotiation or litigation as assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. No amounts were recorded for probable recoveries at September 30, 2012 or December 31, 2011. Actual costs to be incurred at identified sites may vary from our estimates. Based on our current knowledge of the identified sites, it is not possible to reasonably estimate future costs in excess of amounts already recognized. OTHER CLAIMS We are involved in various lawsuits, claims, investigations and other legal matters from time to time that arise in the ordinary course of conducting business, including matters involving our products, intellectual property, relationships with suppliers, distributors, relationships with competitors, employees and other matters. While complete assurance cannot be given to the outcome of these proceedings, we do not currently believe that any of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.

NOTE 17. LITIGATION AND RELATED MATTERS

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

Environmental Compliance

Our manufacturing and research facilities are affected by various federal, state and local requirements relating to the discharge of materials and the protection of the environment. We make expenditures necessary for compliance with applicable environmental requirements at each of our operating facilities. These regulatory requirements continually change, therefore we cannot predict with certainty future expenditures associated with compliance with environmental requirements.

Environmental Sites

Summary

We are actively involved in the investigation, closure and/or remediation of existing or potential environmental contamination under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), and state or international Superfund and similar type environmental laws at several domestically- and internationally-owned, formerly owned and non-owned locations allegedly resulting from past industrial activity. In a few cases, we are one of several potentially responsible parties ("PRPs”) and have agreed to jointly fund the required investigation and remediation, while preserving our defenses to the liability. We may also have rights of contribution or reimbursement from other parties or coverage under applicable insurance policies.

Estimates of our future liability at the environmental sites are based on evaluations of currently available facts regarding each individual site. We consider factors such as our activities associated with the site, existing technology, presently enacted laws and regulations and prior company experience in remediating contaminated sites. Although current law imposes joint and several liability on all parties at Superfund sites, our contribution to the remediation of these sites is expected to be limited by the number of other companies potentially liable for site remediation. As a result, our estimated liability reflects only our expected share. In determining the probability of contribution, we consider the solvency of other parties, the site activities of other parties, whether liability is being disputed, the terms of any existing agreements and experience with similar matters, and the effect of our Chapter 11 reorganization upon the validity of the claim.

Specific Material Events

St Helens, OR

In August 2010, we entered into a Consent Order (the “Consent Order”) with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (“ODEQ”), along with Kaiser Gypsum Company, Inc. (“Kaiser”), and Owens Corning Sales LLC (“OC”), with respect to our St. Helens, OR Building Products facility, which was previously owned by Kaiser and then OC. The Consent Order, which replaces a previous order of the ODEQ requiring us to investigate and remediate hazardous substances present at the facility, requires that we and Kaiser complete a remedial investigation and feasibility study (“RI/FS”) on the portion of the site owned by us (“Owned Property”). The Consent Order further requires us, Kaiser and OC to conduct an RI/FS in the adjacent Scappoose Bay. We are currently in an investigation phase for both the Owned Property and the Scappoose Bay and are actively conducting sampling and analysis at these sites. We anticipate submitting a Remedial Investigation Report and Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessments to ODEQ in the first half of 2013. At this time, we have determined that it is probable that remedial action for certain portions of the Owned Property will be required. The current estimate of our future liability at the site includes the known investigation work required by the Consent Order and the current projected cost of possible remedies for certain portions of the Owned Property. At this time, we are unable to reasonably estimate any remediation costs that we may ultimately incur with respect to other portions of the Owned Property or the Scappoose Bay, although such costs may be material. If additional investigative or remedial action is required by ODEQ, it could result in additional costs greater than the amounts currently estimated and those costs may be material.

Costs and responsibilities for investigation, including the current RI/FS of the Owned Property continue to be shared with Kaiser pursuant to a cost sharing agreement with Kaiser. Limited contributions are also being made by ODEQ pursuant to its settlement with OC for OC’s liabilities for the property, although we anticipate that the settlement funds will be depleted this year. Contemporaneously with the execution of the Consent Order, we, Kaiser and OC also entered into a separate cost sharing agreement for both the investigation and possible remediation of the Scappoose Bay. Kaiser’s shares under the cost sharing agreements are being funded by certain insurance policies, which comprise substantially all of Kaiser’s assets. If Kaiser and OC are unwilling or unable to fulfill their obligations under the cost sharing agreements, or seek to contest or challenge the allocations, or if Kaiser’s insurance policies are unable to fund Kaiser’s shares, it could result in additional cost to us greater than the amounts currently estimated and those costs may be material.

The principal contaminants at the St. Helens site are arsenic and dioxin compounds from historic operations by prior owners of the plant. As part of the investigation on the site pursuant to the Consent Order, we conducted an analysis of the raw materials used in our manufacturing processes at the St. Helens facility to identify possible sources of these same contaminants. Our testing found low levels of naturally occurring dioxin in sourced clay, known as ball clay, used in the production of some of our fire-retardant products at our St. Helens manufacturing facility. Based on the data from the soil and sediment samples from our St. Helens property and the data from the ball clay, we do not believe that the presence of dioxin in our raw material will have a material impact on our ultimate liability at the site. In addition, consistent with our health and safety policies, we tested employee exposure levels at our St. Helens facility and determined that the ball clay does not pose a hazard to our employees at that facility based on applicable regulatory standards. We are awaiting results from similar testing at one of our other mineral wool ceilings plants in which ball clay is processed. Based on the manufacturing process and the amount of raw material utilized, we also believe that the dioxin levels in our finished products do not pose a hazard to installers or consumers. While we have not received any claims related to this raw material or our fire-retardant products, there can be no assurance that the raw material or the finished products will not become the subject of legal claims or regulatory actions or that such claims or actions will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Macon, GA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has listed two landfills located on a portion of our Building Products facility in Macon, GA, along with the former Macon Naval Ordnance Plant landfill adjacent to our property, and portions of Rocky Creek (collectively, the “Macon Site”) as a Superfund site on the National Priorities List due to the presence of contaminants, most notably PCBs. In September 2010, we entered into an Administrative Order on Consent for a Removal Action with the EPA to investigate PCB contamination in one of the landfills on our property, the Wastewater Treatment Plant Landfill (the “WWTP Landfill”) that is a portion of the Superfund Site. We are currently in the process of concluding an investigative phase of the Removal Action for the WWTP Landfill. We submitted our final Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis to the EPA in the third quarter of 2012, and are awaiting EPA comment. Our current estimate of future liability includes costs for remedial work for the WWTP Landfill. Additionally, it is probable that we will incur field investigation, engineering and oversight costs associated with a RI/FS with respect to the remainder of the Superfund site, including Rocky Creek (the “Remaining Site”). We have not yet entered into an Order with the EPA for the Remaining Site and, as a result, have not yet commenced an investigation of this portion of the site. At this time, we are able to estimate only a small portion of the probable costs that may be associated with the RI/FS for the Remaining Site. It is anticipated that significant investigative work may be required by the EPA for the Remaining Site. Additionally, we, as well as other parties, may ultimately incur costs in remediating any contamination discovered during the RI/FS. At this time, it is not possible to reasonably estimate the total costs associated with the investigation work, or any resulting remediation therefrom, although such amounts may be material.

Mobile, AL

In the second quarter of 2012, we recorded a liability for probable and estimable costs associated with the clean closure of a non-hazardous containment pond located on the property of our previously idled Mobile, AL Building Products plant. We anticipate that this work could start in the fourth quarter of 2012. At that time, additional closure actions may become known and reasonably estimable. We are unable to anticipate all of the closure actions that will be required by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, although amounts associated with such actions may be material.

Elizabeth City, NC

This site is a former cabinet manufacturing facility that was operated by Triangle Pacific Corporation, now known as Armstrong Wood Products, Inc. (“Triangle Pacific”) from 1977 until 1996. The site was formerly owned by the U.S. Navy (“Navy”) and Westinghouse, now CBS Corporation (“CBS”). We assumed ownership of the site when we acquired the stock of Triangle Pacific in 1998. Prior to our acquisition, the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources listed the site as a hazardous waste site. In 1997, Triangle Pacific entered into a cost sharing agreement with Westinghouse whereby the parties agreed to share equally in costs associated with investigation and potential remediation. In 2000, Triangle Pacific and CBS entered into an RI/FS with the EPA for the site. In 2007, we and CBS entered into an agreement with the Navy whereby the Navy agreed to pay one third of defined past and future site costs up to $1.5 million. Although the parties initially submitted the RI/FS work plan to the EPA in 2004, the EPA did not approve the RI/FS work plan until August 2011. We are currently in an investigation phase with respect to this site. Current estimated liabilities for this site include only our share of the probable costs for investigative work required by the EPA. At this time, it is not possible to reasonably estimate any additional investigative costs or determine whether remediation will be required. If remediation is required, such costs may be material.

Summary of Financial Position

Liabilities of $10.8 million at September 30, 2012 and $7.3 million at December 31, 2011 were recorded for potential environmental liabilities, on a global basis, that we consider probable and for which a reasonable estimate of the probable liability could be made. Where existing data is sufficient to estimate the liability, that estimate has been used; where only a range of probable liabilities is available and no amount within that range is more likely than any other, the lower end of the range has been used. As assessments and remediation activities progress at each site, these liabilities are reviewed to reflect new information as it becomes available. These liabilities are undiscounted.

The estimated liabilities above do not take into account any claims for recoveries from insurance or third parties. It is our policy to record probable recoveries that are either available through settlement or anticipated to be recovered through negotiation or litigation as assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. No amounts were recorded for probable recoveries at September 30, 2012 or December 31, 2011.

Actual costs to be incurred at identified sites may vary from our estimates. Based on our current knowledge of the identified sites, it is not possible to reasonably estimate future costs in excess of amounts already recognized.

OTHER CLAIMS

We are involved in various lawsuits, claims, investigations and other legal matters from time to time that arise in the ordinary course of conducting business, including matters involving our products, intellectual property, relationships with suppliers, distributors, relationships with competitors, employees and other matters. While complete assurance cannot be given to the outcome of these proceedings, we do not currently believe that any of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.