Leggett & Platt (LEG) 10-Q 6 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 24, 2015
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	LEGGETT & PLATT INC
Entity Central Index Key	58492
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	LEG
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		137,779,784

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_BALANCE

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$262.20	$332.80
Trade receivables, net	482.5	470.4
Other receivables, net	49.5	52.9
Total net receivables	532	523.3
Inventories
Finished goods	257.1	252.1
Work in process	51.2	55.5
Raw materials and supplies	259.6	247
LIFO reserve	-61.7	-73
Total inventories, net	506.2	481.6
Other current assets	108.9	91.9
Total current assets	1,409.30	1,429.60
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT—AT COST
Machinery and equipment	1,101.70	1,161.50
Buildings and other	529.9	551.1
Land	39.9	40.1
Total property, plant and equipment	1,671.50	1,752.70
Less accumulated depreciation	1,138.30	1,193.80
Net property, plant and equipment	533.2	558.9
OTHER ASSETS
Goodwill	809	819
Other intangibles, less accumulated amortization of $133.6 and $129.7 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	211.9	204.7
Sundry	139.8	128.4
Total other assets	1,160.70	1,152.10
TOTAL ASSETS	3,103.20	3,140.60
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Current maturities of long-term debt	202.2	201.7
Accounts payable	357.5	369.8
Accrued expenses	304.6	337.6
Other current liabilities	88.8	83.1
Total current liabilities	953.1	992.2
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Long-term debt	798	766.7
Other long-term liabilities	184.9	185
Deferred income taxes	50.8	41.8
Total long-term liabilities	1,033.70	993.5
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
EQUITY
Common stock	2	2
Additional contributed capital	506.8	502.4
Retained earnings	2,089	2,061.30
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-40.8	-2.6
Treasury stock	-1,450.10	-1,416.60
Total Leggett & Platt, Inc. equity	1,106.90	1,146.50
Noncontrolling interest	9.5	8.4
Total equity	1,116.40	1,154.90
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$3,103.20	$3,140.60

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_BALANCE1

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Other intangibles, accumulated amortization	$133.60	$129.70

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$966.20	$875.50
Cost of goods sold	748.4	698.7
Gross profit	217.8	176.8
Selling and administrative expenses	97.5	92.1
Amortization of intangibles	5.2	4.8
Goodwill impairment	4.1	0
Other (income) expense, net	3.4	-5.9
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before interest and income taxes	111.7	85.8
Interest expense	11	10.4
Interest income	1.3	1.4
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	102	76.8
Income taxes	28.7	20.8
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	73.3	56
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations. net of tax	-0.5	-2.3
Net earnings (loss)	72.8	53.7
(Earnings) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	-1.1	-0.6
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Leggett & Platt, Inc. common shareholders	$71.70	$53.10
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to Leggett & Platt, Inc. common shareholders
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.51	$0.39
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.50	$0.38
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations attributable to Leggett & Platt, Inc. common shareholders
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0	($0.02)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0	($0.02)
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to Leggett & Platt, Inc. common shareholders
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.51	$0.37
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.50	$0.37
Cash dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$0.31	$0.30
Average shares outstanding
Basic (in shares)	141.9	142.4
Diluted (in shares)	143.8	144

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME1

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$72.80	$53.70
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-37.8	-15.1
Cash flow hedges	-1.7	-0.1
Defined benefit pension plans	1.3	0.6
Other comprehensive loss	-38.2	-14.6
Comprehensive income	34.6	39.1
Less: comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	-1.1	-0.4
Comprehensive income attributable to Leggett & Platt, Inc.	$33.50	$38.70

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME2

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings	$72.80	$53.70
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	22.5	22.1
Amortization of intangibles and debt issuance costs	7.1	6.8
Provision for losses on accounts and notes receivable	1.5	1.1
Writedown of inventories	2.5	2.4
Goodwill impairment	4.1	0
Long-lived asset impairments	1.8	0.5
Net gain from sales of assets and businesses	-1.5	-4.1
Deferred income tax expense	9.9	10.7
Stock-based compensation	12.2	10.5
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	-11.4	-1.3
Other, net	4.9	1.6
Increases/decreases in, excluding effects from acquisitions and divestitures:
Accounts and other receivables	-28.5	-96.5
Inventories	-36.8	-27.6
Other current assets	-0.1	-1.7
Accounts payable	-5	18
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-23.9	-15.9
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES	32.1	-19.7
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-21.7	-15.1
Purchases of companies, net of cash acquired	-12.2	-2
Proceeds from sales of assets and businesses	6.3	8.5
Other, net	-4.8	-5.7
NET CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES	-32.4	-14.3
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Payments on long-term debt	-2.5	-6
Additions to long-term debt	0.4	0
Change in commercial paper and short-term debt	32.8	126.4
Dividends paid	-42.7	-42
Issuances of common stock	3.5	4.3
Purchases of common stock	-63.9	-50
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	11.4	1.3
Other, net	-1.8	-0.4
NET CASH (USED FOR) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES	-62.8	33.6
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	-7.5	-3.7
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-70.6	-4.1
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—January 1,	332.8	272.7
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—March 31,	$262.20	$268.60

INTERIM_PRESENTATION

INTERIM PRESENTATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
INTERIM PRESENTATION	INTERIM PRESENTATION
	The interim financial statements of Leggett & Platt, Incorporated (“we”, “us” or “our”) included herein have not been audited by an independent registered public accounting firm. The statements include all adjustments, including normal recurring accruals, which management considers necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and operating results for the periods presented. We have prepared the statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for an entire year.
	The December 31, 2014 financial position data included herein was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in Form 10-K, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year's information in the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements to conform to the first quarter 2015 presentation as a result of changes in our management organizational structure and all related internal reporting (See Note 4 - Segment Information).

NEW_ACCOUNTING_GUIDANCE

NEW ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
NEW ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE	NEW ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE
	In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standard Update 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires those costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability. We will adopt this guidance on January 1, 2016, and we do not believe it will have a material impact on our future financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. This guidance changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. We adopted this guidance on January 1, 2015, and we do not believe it will have a material impact on our future financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued new authoritative literature, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which supersedes much of the existing authoritative literature for revenue recognition. This guidance will be effective January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the newly issued guidance and the impact on our future financial statements.

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	INVENTORIES
	About 50% of our inventories are valued using the Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) cost method and the remainder using the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) cost method. We calculate our LIFO reserve (the excess of FIFO cost over LIFO cost) on an annual basis. During interim periods, we estimate the current year annual change in the LIFO reserve (i.e., the annual LIFO expense or benefit) and allocate that change ratably to the four quarters. Because accurately predicting inventory prices for the year is difficult, the change in the LIFO reserve for the full year could be significantly different from the amount currently estimated. In addition, a variation in expected ending inventory levels could also impact total change in the LIFO reserve for the year. Any change in the annual LIFO estimate will be reflected in future quarters.
	The following table contains the LIFO benefit (expense) included in continuing operations for each of the periods presented.
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015		2014
	LIFO benefit (expense)	$	5	$	(.2	)

SEGMENT_INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	Our reportable segments are the same as our operating segments, which also correspond with our management organizational structure. Because of the recent divestiture of the majority of the Store Fixtures business unit (formerly in the Commercial Products segment) along with the retirement of the senior operating vice president of the Industrial Materials segment, our management organizational structure and all related internal reporting changed during the first quarter of 2015. As a result, the composition of our four reportable segments changed to reflect the new structure beginning in the first quarter of 2015. The segment changes include: (i) the Adjustable Bed and Fashion Bed (formerly named Consumer Products) business units moved from Residential Furnishings to Commercial Products; (ii) the Aerospace Products business unit moved from Industrial Materials to Specialized Products; and (iii) the Spuhl machinery division moved from Specialized Products to Residential Furnishings. These segment changes were retrospectively applied to all prior periods presented.
	We have four operating segments that supply a wide range of products:
	•	Residential Furnishings—components for bedding and furniture, fabric and carpet cushion
	•	Commercial Products—components for office and institutional furnishings, adjustable beds and consumer products
	•	Industrial Materials—drawn steel wire, fabricated wire products, steel rod and welded steel tubing
	•	Specialized Products—automotive seating components; titanium, nickel alloy and stainless steel tubing for the aerospace industry; specialized machinery and equipment; and commercial vehicle interiors
	Each reportable segment has a senior operating vice-president that reports to the chief operating officer. The chief operating officer in turn reports directly to the chief operating decision maker. The operating results and financial information reported through the segment structure are regularly reviewed and used by the chief operating decision maker to evaluate segment performance, allocate overall resources and determine management incentive compensation.
	Separately, we also utilize a role-based approach (Grow, Core, Fix or Divest) as a supplemental management tool to ensure capital (which is a subset of the overall resources referred to above) is efficiently allocated within the reportable segment structure.
	The accounting principles used in the preparation of the segment information are the same as those used for the consolidated financial statements, except that the segment assets and income reflect the FIFO basis of accounting for inventory. Certain inventories are accounted for using the LIFO basis in the consolidated financial statements. We evaluate performance based on earnings from operations before interest and income taxes (EBIT). Intersegment sales are made primarily at prices that approximate market-based selling prices. Centrally incurred costs are allocated to the segments based on estimates of services used by the segment. Certain of our general and administrative costs and miscellaneous corporate income and expenses are allocated to the segments based on sales. These allocated corporate costs include depreciation and other costs and income related to assets that are not allocated or otherwise included in the segment assets.
	A summary of segment results from continuing operations are shown in the following tables.
		External		Inter-			Total		EBIT
		Sales		Segment			Sales
				Sales
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Residential Furnishings	$	511.7	$	17.8		$	529.5	$	52.1
	Commercial Products	123.5		17.5			141		8
	Industrial Materials	112		80.4			192.4		8
	Specialized Products	219		9.5			228.5		39.3
	Intersegment eliminations and other								(.7		)
	Change in LIFO reserve								5
		$	966.2	$	125.2		$	1,091.40	$	111.7
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Residential Furnishings	$	432.8	$	15.6		$	448.4	$	46.8
	Commercial Products	111.4		5.2			116.6		5.7
	Industrial Materials	123.2		57.5			180.7		7.7
	Specialized Products	208.1		7.8			215.9		27.6
	Intersegment eliminations and other								(1.8		)
	Change in LIFO reserve								(.2		)
		$	875.5	$	86.1		$	961.6	$	85.8
	Average assets for our segments are shown in the table below and reflect the basis for return measures used by management to evaluate segment performance. These segment totals include working capital (all current assets and current liabilities) plus net property, plant and equipment. Segment assets for all years are reflected at their estimated average for the periods presented.
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Residential Furnishings	$	626.3	$	588.1
	Commercial Products	97.6		96.2
	Industrial Materials	188		200.9
	Specialized Products	258.5		260.5
	Other (1)	44.8		90.4
	Average current liabilities included in segment numbers above	522.8		520.2
	Unallocated assets (2)	1,347.10		1,451.40
	Difference between average assets and period-end balance sheet	18.1		(67.1		)
	Total assets	$	3,103.20	$	3,140.60
	-1	Businesses sold or classified as discontinued operations.
	-2	Unallocated assets consist primarily of goodwill, other intangibles, cash and deferred tax assets.

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND ASSETS HELD FOR SALE
	During 2014 we engaged an investment banker and began exploring strategic alternatives regarding the Store Fixtures reporting unit, including the possibility of divestiture of this business. During the third quarter of 2014, all of the criteria to classify this unit as held for sale and discontinued operations were met. On November 1, 2014, we sold the majority of the Store Fixtures reporting unit for total consideration of $59.2 and recorded an after-tax loss of $4.7, which was recognized in discontinued operations. We continue to pursue the sale of the remaining portion of the reporting unit. Store Fixtures was previously part of the Commercial Products Segment and is classified as discontinued operations, net of income taxes, in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations for the periods presented.
	The table below includes activity related to these operations:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	External sales:
	Commercial Products - Store Fixtures	$	6.2		$	43.6
	Earnings (loss):
	Commercial Products - Store Fixtures	0.4			(3.3		)
	Subsequent activity related to previous divestitures	(.8		)	—
	Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes	(.4		)	(3.3		)
	Income tax (expense) benefit	(.1		)	1
	Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(.5	)	$	(2.3	)
	Net assets held for sale by segment were as follows:
		31-Mar-15								31-Dec-14
		Assets			Liabilities			Net Assets		Assets		Liabilities		Net Assets
	Residential Furnishings	$	2.5		$	—		$	2.5	$	4.1	$	—	$	4.1
	Commercial Products	18.5			2.7			15.8		20.1		5.6		14.5
	Industrial Materials	39.7			8.7			31		3.4		—		3.4
	Specialized Products	5.2			—			5.2		5.2		—		5.2
		$	65.9		$	11.4		$	54.5	$	32.8	$	5.6	$	27.2
	The major classes of assets and liabilities held for sale included in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets were as follows:
		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Current assets associated with discontinued operations:
	Trade receivables, net	$	4.5		$	7
	Other receivables, net	0.1			0.3
	Inventories, net	2.8			3
	Other current assets	0.1			0.1
	Total current assets held for sale associated with discontinued operations	7.5			10.4
	Current assets held for sale not associated with discontinued operations (1)	22.5			—
	Total current assets held for sale	30			10.4
	Non-current assets associated with discontinued operations:
	Property, plant and equipment, net	4.8			5.2
	Other intangibles, net	0.9			0.6
	Sundry	1.4			1.4
	Total non-current assets held for sale associated with discontinued operations	7.1			7.2
	Non-current assets held for sale not assoc.with discontinued operations (1) (2)	28.8			15.2
	Total non-current assets held for sale	35.9			22.4
	Total assets held for sale	65.9			32.8
	Current liabilities associated with discontinued operations:
	Accounts payable	1.9			3.7
	Accrued expenses	0.5			1.5
	Other current liabilities	0.2			0.3
	Total current liabilities held for sale associated with discontinued operations	2.6			5.5
	Total current liabilities held for sale not assoc. with discontinued operations (1)	8.7			—
	Total current liabilities held for sale	11.3			5.5
	Long term liabilities associated with discontinued operations:
	Deferred income tax	0.1			0.1
	Total liabilities held for sale	11.4			5.6
	Net assets held for sale	$	54.5		$	27.2
	(1) The Steel Tubing business reached held for sale status in the first quarter of 2015, but did not qualify for discontinued operations treatment.
	(2) This table includes $14.9 and $15.2 of property, plant and equipment held for sale at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, primarily associated with the closings of various operations and prior year restructurings.

IMPAIRMENTS_CHARGES

IMPAIRMENTS CHARGES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
IMPAIRMENT CHARGES	IMPAIRMENT CHARGES
	Pre-tax impact of impairment charges is summarized in the following table.
	Other long-lived asset impairments are reported in "Other (income) expense, net." Charges associated with discontinued operations are reported on the Statements of Operations in “Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax.”
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015						2014
		Goodwill Impairment		Other Long-Lived Asset Impairments				Other Long-Lived Asset Impairments
	Continuing operations:
	Residential Furnishings	$	—	$	0.2			$	0.4
	Industrial Materials - Steel Tubing	4.1		1.4				—
	Total continuing operations	4.1		1.6				0.4
	Discontinued operations:
	Subsequent activity related to previous divestitures	—		0.2				0.1
	Total discontinued operations	—		0.2				0.1
	Total impairment charges	$	4.1	$	1.8			$	0.5
	Other Long-Lived Assets
	We test other long-lived assets for recoverability at year-end and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Fair value and the resulting impairment charges noted above were based primarily upon offers from potential buyers or third party estimates of fair value less selling costs.
	Goodwill
	Goodwill is required to be tested for impairment at least once a year and as triggering events may occur. We perform our annual goodwill impairment review in the second quarter of each year.
	We have not had any triggering events since the last annual goodwill impairment review in the second quarter of 2014. As discussed in Note 4, our internal management organizational structure and all related internal reporting changed during the first quarter of 2015. We reassigned the assets and liabilities of the reporting units affected, and also reassigned goodwill using a relative fair value approach. The results in the table below reflect the updated reporting unit structure.
	The Steel Tubing unit met the held for sale criteria during the first quarter of 2015, and is not reflected in the table below. Because fair value less costs to sell had fallen below recorded book value, we fully impaired this unit's goodwill and incurred a $4.1 goodwill impairment charge in the first quarter of 2015.
	The reassigned fair values of reporting units in relation to their respective carrying values and significant assumptions used in the June 2014 review are presented in the table below.
	Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Value	March 31, 2015		10-year		Terminal			Discount  Rate
		Goodwill Value		Compound		Values Long-			Ranges
				Annual Growth		term Growth
				Rate Range for Sales		Rate for Debt-Free Cash Flow
	< 25%	$	—
	25% - 49%	150.7		4.0% - 5.5%		3	%		10.00%
	50% - 74%	435.1		.5% - 3.8%		3	%		9.0% - 12.0%
	75%+	223.2		3.7% - 8.2%		3	%		9.0% - 9.5%
		$	809	.5% - 8.2%		3	%		9.0% - 12.0%

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Earnings:
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	73.3		$	56
	(Earnings) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	(1.1		)	(.6		)
	Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to Leggett & Platt, Inc. common shareholders	72.2			55.4
	Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(.5		)	(2.3		)
	Net earnings attributable to Leggett & Platt, Inc. common shareholders	$	71.7		$	53.1
	Weighted average number of shares (in millions):
	Weighted average number of common shares used in basic EPS	141.9			142.4
	Dilutive effect of equity-based compensation	1.9			1.6
	Weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares used in diluted EPS	143.8			144
	Basic and Diluted EPS:
	Basic EPS attributable to Leggett & Platt, Inc. common shareholders
	Continuing operations	$	0.51		$	0.39
	Discontinued operations	—			(.02		)
	Basic EPS attributable to Leggett & Platt, Inc. common shareholders	$	0.51		$	0.37
	Diluted EPS attributable to Leggett & Platt, Inc. common shareholders
	Continuing operations	$	0.5		$	0.38
	Discontinued operations	—			(.02		)
	Diluted EPS attributable to Leggett & Platt, Inc. common shareholders	$	0.5		$	0.37
	Other information:
	Anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted EPS computation	—			—

ACCOUNTS_AND_OTHER_RECEIVABLES

ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES	ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
	Accounts and other receivables consisted of the following:
		31-Mar-15						31-Dec-14
		Current			Long-term			Current			Long-term
	Trade accounts receivable	$	495.5		$	—		$	484		$	—
	Trade notes receivable	1.1			2.9			1.1			2.9
	Total trade receivables	496.6			2.9			485.1			2.9
	Other notes receivable:
	Notes received as partial payment for divestitures	—			—			0.9			—
	Other	—			3.3			—			3.3
	Income tax receivables	18.9			—			14			—
	Other receivables	30.6			—			38			—
	Subtotal other receivables	49.5			3.3			52.9			3.3
	Total trade and other receivables	546.1			6.2			538			6.2
	Allowance for doubtful accounts:
	Trade accounts receivable	(14.0		)	—			(14.7		)	—
	Trade notes receivable	(.1		)	(2.3		)	—			(2.1		)
	Total trade receivables	(14.1		)	(2.3		)	(14.7		)	(2.1		)
	Other notes receivable	—			(.4		)	—			(.4		)
	Total allowance for doubtful accounts	(14.1		)	(2.7		)	(14.7		)	(2.5		)
	Total net receivables	$	532		$	3.5		$	523.3		$	3.7
	Notes that were past due more than 90 days or had been placed on non-accrual status were not significant for the periods presented.
	Activity related to the allowance for doubtful accounts is reflected below:
		Balance at December 31, 2014			2015			2015			Balance at March 31, 2015
					Charges			Charge-
								offs,
								Net of
								Recoveries
	Trade accounts receivable	$	14.7		$	1.2		$	1.9		$	14
	Trade notes receivable	2.1			0.3			—			2.4
	Total trade receivables	16.8			1.5			1.9			16.4
	Other notes receivable	0.4			—			—			0.4
	Total allowance for doubtful accounts	$	17.2		$	1.5		$	1.9		$	16.8

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	The following table recaps the components of stock-based and stock-related compensation for each period presented:
		Three Months Ended March 31,								Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015								2014
		To be settled with stock				To be settled in cash				To be settled with stock			To be settled in cash
	Options:
	Amortization of the grant date fair value	$	0.1			$	—			$	0.2		$	—
	Cash payments in lieu of options	—				1				—			0.9
	Stock-based retirement plans contributions	2.2				0.4				1.6			0.5
	Discounts on various stock awards:
	Deferred Stock Compensation Program	0.6				—				0.7			—
	Stock-based retirement plans	0.4				—				0.7			—
	Discount Stock Plan	0.3				—				0.3			—
	Performance Stock Unit awards (1)	1.6				2.9				1.5			1.2
	Restricted Stock Unit awards	0.9				—				0.8			—
	Profitable Growth Incentive awards (2)	1.9				1.7				0.4			0.4
	Other, primarily non-employee directors restricted stock	0.4				—				0.3			—
	Total stock-related compensation expense	8.4				$	6			6.5			$	3
	Employee contributions for above stock plans	3.8								4
	Total stock-based compensation	$	12.2							$	10.5
	Recognized tax benefits on stock-based compensation expense	$	3.2							$	2.5
	Included below is the activity in our most significant stock-based plans:
	(1) Performance Stock Unit Awards
	We grant Performance Stock Unit (PSU) awards in the first quarter of each year to selected officers and other key managers. These awards contain the following conditions:
	•	A service requirement—Awards generally “cliff” vest three years following the grant date; and
	•	A market condition—Awards are based on our Total Shareholder Return [TSR =Change in Stock Price + Dividends) / Beginning Stock Price] as compared to the TSR of a group of peer companies. The peer group consists of all the companies in the Industrial, Materials and Consumer Discretionary sectors of the S&P 500 and S&P Midcap 400 (approximately 320 companies). Participants will earn from 0% to 175% of the base award depending upon how our Total Shareholder Return ranks within the peer group at the end of the 3-year performance period.
	Grant date fair values are calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation of stock and volatility data for Leggett and each of the comparator companies. Grant date fair values are amortized using the straight-line method over the three-year vesting period.
	Below is a summary of the number of shares and related grant date fair value of PSU’s for the periods presented.
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Total shares base award	0.2				0.2
	Grant date per share fair value	$	42.22			$	30.45
	Risk-free interest rate	1.1		%		0.8		%
	Expected life in years	3				3
	Expected volatility (over expected life)	19.8		%		25.9		%
	Expected dividend yield (over expected life)	2.9		%		3.9		%
	Three-Year Performance Cycle
	Award Year		Completion Date		TSR Performance		Payout as a		Number of Shares		Distribution Date
					Relative to the  Peer Group (1%¾st)		Percent of the		Distributed
							Base Award
	2011		December 31, 2013		55th percentile		64.20%		.2 million		Jan-14
	2012		December 31, 2014		30th percentile		157.00%		.4 million		Jan-15
	The above information represents the 65% portion of the award that was settled in shares of our common stock. For outstanding awards, we intend to pay 65% in shares of our common stock, although we reserve the right to pay up to 100% in cash. The additional amount that represents 35% of the award will be settled in cash, and is recorded as a liability and adjusted to fair value at each reporting period.
	(2) Profitable Growth Incentive Awards
	Starting in 2013, certain key management employees participated in a new Profitable Growth Incentive (PGI) program in lieu of the annual option grant. The PGI awards are issued as growth performance stock units (GPSUs). The GPSUs vest (0% to 250%) at the end of a two-year performance period. Vesting is based on the Company's or applicable profit center's revenue growth (adjusted by a GDP factor when applicable) and EBITDA margin at the end of a two-year performance period. The 2015 and 2014 base target PGI awards were each .1 shares. If earned, we intend to pay half in shares of our common stock and half in cash, although we reserve the right to pay up to 100% in cash. Both components are adjusted to fair value at each reporting period.
	Two-Year Performance Cycle
	Award Year		Completion Date		Average Payout as a		Number of  Shares		Cash Portion			Distribution Date
					Percent of the		Distributed
					Base Award
	2013		December 31, 2014		127.00%		.1 million		$	3.5		Feb-15

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS	ACQUISITIONS
	The following table contains the estimated fair values (using inputs as discussed in Note 13) of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition for all acquisitions during the periods presented, and any additional consideration paid for prior years’ acquisitions. We are finalizing all the information required to complete the purchase price allocations related to certain recent acquisitions and do not anticipate any material modifications.
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Accounts receivable	$	3.7			$	—
	Inventory	4.9				0.3
	Property, plant and equipment	1.9				1.5
	Goodwill (1)	8.4				5.5
	Other intangible assets	14.8				0.6
	Current liabilities	(11.1		)		(5.9		)
	Long-term liabilities	(10.4		)		—
	Net cash consideration	$	12.2			$	2
	(1) Goodwill associated with the 2015 and 2014 acquisitions are expected to provide an income tax benefit.
	The following table summarizes acquisitions for the periods presented.
	Three Months Ended		Number of Acquisitions		Segment		Product/Service
	31-Mar-15		1		Commercial Products		Upholstered office furniture
	31-Mar-14		1		Residential Furnishings		Foam carpet underlay
	In March 2015 we acquired a 70% interest in a European private-label manufacturer of high-end upholstered furniture for office, commercial and other settings. This business, which will be included in the Work Furniture Group of our Commercial Products segment, is complimentary to our existing North American private-label operation and allows us to support our Work Furniture customers as they expand globally. We will acquire the remaining 30% over the next five years and have recorded a long-term liability of approximately $10.0 for the future payments.
	The results of operations of the above acquired companies have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the dates of acquisition. The unaudited pro forma consolidated net sales, net earnings and earnings per share as though the 2015 and 2014 acquisitions had occurred on January 1 of each year presented are not materially different from the amounts reflected in the accompanying financial statements. Certain of our acquisition agreements provide for additional consideration to be paid in cash at a later date and are recorded as a liability at the acquisition date. At March 31, 2015, there was no substantial remaining consideration payable other than the liability discussed above.

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	The following table provides interim information as to our domestic and foreign defined benefit pension plans. Expected 2015 employer contributions are not significantly different than the $1.9 previously reported at December 31, 2014.
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Components of net pension expense
	Service cost	$	1		$	0.8
	Interest cost	3.3			3.2
	Expected return on plan assets	(4.2		)	(3.9		)
	Recognized net actuarial loss	1.5			0.8
	Net pension expense	$	1.6		$	0.9

STATEMENT_OF_CHANGES_IN_EQUITY

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
		Total			Retained			Common			Treasury			Noncontrolling			Accumulated
		Equity			Earnings			Stock &			Stock			Interest			Other
								Additional									Comprehensive
								Contributed									Income
								Capital
	Beginning balance, January 1, 2015	$	1,154.90		$	2,061.30		$	504.4		$	(1,416.6	)	$	8.4		$	(2.6	)
	Net earnings	72.8			72.8			—			—			—			—
	(Earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	—			(1.1		)	—			—			1.1			—
	Dividends declared	(42.7		)	(44.0		)	1.3			—			—			—
	Treasury stock purchased	(68.9		)	—			—			(68.9		)	—			—
	Treasury stock issued	15.9			—			(19.5		)	35.4			—			—
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(37.8		)	—			—			—			—			(37.8		)
	Cash flow hedges, net of tax	(1.7		)	—			—			—			—			(1.7		)
	Defined benefit pension plans, net of tax	1.3			—			—			—			—			1.3
	Stock options and benefit plan transactions, net of tax	22.6			—			22.6			—			—			—
	Ending balance, March 31, 2015	$	1,116.40		$	2,089.00		$	508.8		$	(1,450.1	)	$	9.5		$	(40.8	)
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Total			Retained			Common			Treasury			Noncontrolling			Accumulated
		Equity			Earnings			Stock &			Stock			Interest			Other
								Additional									Comprehensive
								Contributed									Income
								Capital
	Beginning balance, January 1, 2014	$	1,399.20		$	2,136.40		$	481.1		$	(1,320.7	)	$	7.9		$	94.5
	Net earnings	53.7			53.7			—			—			—			—
	(Earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	—			(.6		)	—			—			0.6			—
	Dividends declared	(41.5		)	(42.7		)	1.2			—			—			—
	Treasury stock purchased	(46.4		)	—			—			(46.4		)	—			—
	Treasury stock issued	9.1			—			(17.0		)	26.1			—			—
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(15.1		)	—			—			—			(.2		)	(14.9		)
	Cash flow hedges, net of tax	(.1		)	—			—			—			—			(.1		)
	Defined benefit pension plans, net of tax	0.6			—			—			—			—			0.6
	Stock options and benefit plan transactions, net of tax	11.4			—			11.4			—			—			—
	Ending balance, March 31, 2014	$	1,370.90		$	2,146.80		$	476.7		$	(1,341.0	)	$	8.3		$	80.1
	The following tables set forth the components of and changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for each of the periods presented:
		Foreign			Cash			Defined			Accumulated
		Currency			Flow			Benefit			Other
		Translation			Hedges			Pension			Comprehensive
		Adjustments						Plans			Income (Loss)
	Beginning balance, January 1, 2015	$	86.8		$	(20.1	)	$	(69.3	)	$	(2.6	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, pretax	(37.8		)	(2.8		)	0.4			(40.2		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, pretax:
	Net Sales	—			(.2		)	—			(.2		)
	Cost of goods sold; selling and administrative expenses	—			—			1.5			1.5
	Interest expense	—			1			—			1
	Subtotal of reclassifications, pretax	—			0.8			1.5			2.3
	Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	(37.8		)	(2.0		)	1.9			(37.9		)
	Income tax effect	—			0.3			(.6		)	(.3		)
	Attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			—
	Ending balance, March 31, 2015	$	49		$	(21.8	)	$	(68.0	)	$	(40.8	)
	Beginning balance, January 1, 2014	$	158.3		$	(23.5	)	$	(40.3	)	$	94.5
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, pretax	(15.1		)	(1.0		)	0.1			(16.0		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, pretax:
	Net Sales	—			0.1			—			0.1
	Cost of goods sold; selling and administrative expenses	—			—			0.8			0.8
	Interest expense	—			1			—			1
	Subtotal of reclassifications, pretax	—			1.1			0.8			1.9
	Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	(15.1		)	0.1			0.9			(14.1		)
	Income tax effect	—			(.2		)	(.3		)	(.5		)
	Attributable to noncontrolling interest	0.2			—			—			0.2
	Ending balance, March 31, 2014	$	143.4		$	(23.6	)	$	(39.7	)	$	80.1

FAIR_VALUE

FAIR VALUE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE	FAIR VALUE
	We utilize fair value measures for both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities.
	Items measured at fair value on a recurring basis
	The areas in which we utilize fair value measures of financial assets and liabilities are presented in the table below.
	Fair value measurements are established using a three level valuation hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into the following categories:
	•	Level 1: Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
	•	Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly. Short-term investments in this category are valued using discounted cash flow techniques with all significant inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data. Derivative assets and liabilities in this category are valued using models that consider various assumptions and information from market-corroborated sources. The models used are primarily industry-standard models that consider items such as quoted prices, market interest rate curves applicable to the instruments being valued as of the end of each period, discounted cash flows, volatility factors, current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace, can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace.
	•	Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
		As of March 31, 2015
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents:
	Bank time deposits with original maturities of three months or less	$	—	$	107.7	$	—	$	107.7
	Derivative assets (Note 14)	—		2.7		—		2.7
	Diversified investments associated with the Executive Stock Unit Program (ESUP)* (Note 9)	20.9		—		—		20.9
	Total assets	$	20.9	$	110.4	$	—	$	131.3
	Liabilities:
	Derivative liabilities* (Note 14)	$	—	$	6	$	—	$	6
	Liabilities associated with the ESUP* (Note 9)	20.7		—		—		20.7
	Total liabilities	$	20.7	$	6	$	—	$	26.7
		As of December 31, 2014
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents:
	Bank time deposits with original maturities of three months or less	$	—	$	140.7	$	—	$	140.7
	Derivative assets (Note 14)	—		2		—		2
	Diversified investments associated with the ESUP* (Note 9)	18.8		—		—		18.8
	Total assets	$	18.8	$	142.7	$	—	$	161.5
	Liabilities:
	Derivative liabilities* (Note 14)	$	—	$	2.7	$	—	$	2.7
	Liabilities associated with the ESUP* (Note 9)	18.6		—		—		18.6
	Total liabilities	$	18.6	$	2.7	$	—	$	21.3
	* - Includes both current and long-term amounts combined.
	There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for any of the periods presented.
	The fair value for fixed rate debt (Level 2) was greater than its $950 carrying value by $22 at March 31, 2015 and was not significantly different from its $950 carrying value at December 31, 2014. We value this debt using discounted cash flow and secondary market rates provided by Bloomberg.
	Items measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis
	The primary areas in which we use fair value measurements of non-financial assets and liabilities are allocating purchase price to the assets and liabilities of acquired companies as discussed in Note 10, and evaluating long-term assets (including goodwill) for potential impairment as discussed in Note 6. Determination of fair values for these items requires significant judgment and are calculated utilizing a variety of methods and models that utilize significant Level 3 inputs.
	Long lived assets, acquisitions and the second step of a goodwill impairment test utilize the following methodologies in determining fair value: (i) Buildings and machinery are valued at an estimated replacement cost for an asset of comparable age and condition. Market pricing of comparable assets is used to estimate replacement cost where available. (ii) The most common identified intangible assets are customer relationships and tradenames. Customer relationships are valued using an excess earnings method, using various inputs such as the estimated customer attrition rate, future earnings forecast,  the amount of contributory asset charges, and a discount rate. Tradenames are valued  using a relief from royalty method, which is based upon comparable market royalty rates for tradenames of similar value. (iii) Inventory is valued at current replacement cost for raw materials, with a step-up for work in process and finished goods items that reflects the amount of ultimate profit earned as of the valuation date. (iv) Other working capital items are generally recorded at face value, unless there are known conditions that would impact the ultimate settlement amount of the particular item.

RISK_MANAGEMENT_AND_DERIVATIVE

RISK MANAGEMENT AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
RISK MANAGEMENT AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	RISK MANAGEMENT AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	Risk Management Strategy & Objectives
	We are subject to market and financial risks related to interest rates, foreign currency, and commodities. In the normal course of business, we utilize derivative instruments (individually or in combinations) to manage these risks. We seek to use derivative contracts that qualify for hedge accounting treatment; however, some instruments may not qualify for this treatment. It is our policy not to speculate using derivative instruments.
	Cash Flow Hedges
	Derivative financial instruments that we use to hedge forecasted transactions and anticipated cash flows are as follows:
	•	Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges - In August 2012, we issued $300 of 10-year notes with a coupon rate of 3.40%. As a part of this transaction, we settled our $200 forward starting interest rate swaps we had entered into during 2010 and recognized a loss of $42.7, which will be amortized out of accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense over the life of the notes.
	•	Currency Cash Flow Hedges—The foreign currency hedges manage risk associated with exchange rate volatility of various currencies.
	The effective changes in fair value of unexpired contracts are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and reclassified to income or expense in the period in which earnings are impacted. Cash flows from settled contracts are presented in the category consistent with the nature of the item being hedged. (Settlements associated with the sale or production of product are presented in operating cash flows and settlements associated with debt issuance are presented in financing cash flows.)
	Fair Value Hedges
	Our fair value hedges typically manage foreign currency risk associated with subsidiaries’ inter-company assets and liabilities. Hedges designated as fair value hedges recognize gain or loss currently in earnings. Cash flows from settled contracts are presented in the category consistent with the nature of the item being hedged.
	Hedge Effectiveness
	We have deemed ineffectiveness to be immaterial, and as a result, have not recorded any amounts for ineffectiveness. If a hedge was not highly effective, the portion of the change in fair value considered to be ineffective would be recognized immediately in the consolidated statements of operations.
	We have recorded the following assets and liabilities representing the fair value for our most significant derivative financial instruments. The fair values of the derivatives reflect the change in the market value of the derivative from the date of the trade execution, and do not consider the offsetting underlying hedged item.
		Expiring at various dates through:	Total USD			As of March 31, 2015
			Equivalent
			Notional			Assets			Liabilities
			Amount			Other			Other Current		Other Long-Term Liabilities
						Current			Liabilities
						Assets
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
	Cash flow hedges:
	Currency Hedges:
	-Future USD sales of Canadian, Chinese and Swiss subsidiaries	Dec-16	$	153.9		$	—		$	3	$	1.8
	-Future MXN purchases of a USD subsidiary	Dec-16	4.3			—			0.3		0.1
	-Future USD purchases of Canadian, European, and Korean subsidiaries	Dec-15	9.9			1.3			0.1		—
	-Future EUR sales of Chinese and Swiss subsidiaries	Dec-15	5.6			0.8			—		—
	-Future JPY sales of Chinese subsidiary	Dec-15	5.3			0.3			—		—
	Total cash flow hedges					2.4			3.4		1.9
	Fair value hedges:
	DKK inter-company note receivable on a USD subsidiary	May-15	3			0.2			—		—
	USD inter-company note receivable on a CAD subsidiary	Apr-15	10			0.1			—		—
	USD inter-company note receivable on a Swiss subsidiary	Sep-15	18.5			—			0.7		—
	Total fair value hedges					0.3			0.7		—
						$	2.7		$	4.1	$	1.9
		Expiring at various dates through:	Total USD			As of December 31, 2014
			Equivalent
			Notional			Assets			Liabilities
			Amount			Other Current			Other Current		Other Long-Term Liabilities
						Assets			Liabilities
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
	Cash flow hedges:
	Currency Hedges:
	-Future USD sales of Canadian and Chinese subsidiaries	Dec-16	$	153.3		$	0.3		$	1	$	0.2
	-Future USD purchases of Canadian and European subsidiaries	Dec-15	10.4			0.9			—		—
	-Future MXN purchases of a USD subsidiary	Dec-16	5.3			—			0.3		0.1
	-Future JPY sales of a Chinese subsidiary	Dec-15	6.9			0.5			—		—
	-Future EUR sales of a Chinese subsidiary	Dec-15	6			0.3			—		—
	Total cash flow hedges					2			1.3		0.3
	Fair value hedges:
	USD inter-company note receivable on a Swiss subsidiary	Sep-15	18.5			—			1.1		—
						$	2		$	2.4	$	0.3
	The following table sets forth the pre-tax (gains) losses from continuing operations for our hedging activities for the years presented. This schedule includes reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (see Note 12) as well as derivative settlements recorded directly to income or expense.
		Income Statement	Amount of (Gain) Loss
		Caption	Recorded in Income
			Three Months Ended
			March 31
			2015			2014
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
	Interest rate cash flow hedges	Interest expense	$	1		$	1
	Foreign currency cash flow hedges	Net sales	—			0.3
	Foreign currency cash flow hedges	Cost of goods sold	(.4		)	—
	Foreign currency cash flow hedges	Other (income) expense, net	—			0.1
	Total cash flow hedges		0.6			1.4
	Fair value hedges	Other (income) expense, net	0.7			(.5		)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Hedge of USD cash-UK and Swiss subsidiaries	Other (income) expense, net	(.1		)	—
Hedge of EUR cash-Swiss subsidiary	Other (income) expense, net	0.7			—
Total derivative instruments		$	1.9		$	0.9

CONTINGENCIES

CONTINGENCIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
CONTINGENCIES	CONTINGENCIES
	We are a party to various proceedings and matters involving employment, antitrust, intellectual property, environmental, taxation and other laws. When it is probable, in management's judgment, that we may incur monetary damages or other costs resulting from these proceedings or other claims, and we can reasonably estimate the amounts, we record appropriate liabilities in the financial statements and make charges against earnings. For all periods presented, we have recorded no material charges against earnings other than as indicated below.
	Foam Antitrust Lawsuits
	We deny all allegations in all pending antitrust proceedings. We will vigorously defend ourselves in all proceedings and believe that we have valid bases to contest all claims. However, we have established an accrual for the estimated amount that we believe is necessary to resolve all antitrust matters. We also believe and expect, based on current facts and circumstances, that any reasonably possible losses incremental to the recorded accrual will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. For specific information regarding accruals please see “Accrual for Loss Contingencies” below.
	Beginning in August 2010, a series of civil lawsuits was initiated in several U.S. federal courts and in Canada against several defendants alleging that competitors of our carpet underlay business unit and other manufacturers of polyurethane foam products had engaged in price fixing in violation of U.S. and Canadian antitrust laws.
	U.S. Direct Purchaser Class Action Cases. We were named as a defendant in three pending direct purchaser class action cases (the first on November 15, 2010) on behalf of a class of all direct purchasers of polyurethane foam products. The direct purchaser class action cases were all filed in or were transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio under the name In re: Polyurethane Foam Antitrust Litigation, Case No. 1:10-MD-2196. The plaintiffs, on behalf of themselves and/or a class of direct purchasers, seek three times the amount of damages allegedly suffered as a result of alleged overcharges in the price of polyurethane foam products from at least 1999 to the present. Each plaintiff also seeks attorney fees, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, court costs, and injunctive relief against future violations. We filed motions to dismiss the U.S. direct purchaser class actions in the consolidated case in Ohio, for failure to state a legally valid claim, which were denied by the Ohio Court. A motion for class certification was filed on behalf of the direct purchasers. A hearing on the motion was held and the Court certified the direct purchaser class. We filed a Petition for Permission to Appeal from Class Certification Order to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit which was denied. The Court ordered all parties to attend non-binding mediation with a mediator of their choosing.
	Settlement of U.S. Direct Purchaser Class Action Cases. We reached a tentative settlement in the U.S. direct purchaser class action cases on August 14, 2014, by agreeing to pay an aggregate amount of $39.8, inclusive of plaintiff attorneys' fees and costs. We continue to deny all allegations in the cases, but settled the direct purchaser class cases to avoid the risk, uncertainty, expense and distraction of litigation. The settlement was subject to Court approval. We recorded a $39.8 (pre-tax) accrual for the settlement in the third quarter 2014. In the fourth quarter of 2014, we paid $4 to the Court related to the settlement. Since the accrual is partially attributable to our former Prime Foam Products business, which was sold in the first quarter of 2007, $8.3 of expense was reflected in discontinued operations. The deadline for direct purchasers to exclude themselves from the litigation and settlement classes was January 26, 2015. A final fairness hearing was held on February 3, 2015, and on February 26, 2015, the Court entered a memorandum opinion and order granting the motion for final approval of the class settlement.  Subsequently, final judgments of dismissal with prejudice were entered on March 13, 2015.  On March 20, 2015, an objector filed a notice of appeal of the order approving the class settlement to the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals.  The direct purchaser class plaintiffs filed a motion to dismiss or, in the alternative, transfer the appeal on March 27, 2015. On May 1, 2015, the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals denied the motion to dismiss and transferred the appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
	U.S. Indirect Purchaser Class Action Cases. We were named as a defendant in an indirect purchaser class consolidated amended complaint filed on March 21, 2011 and were subsequently sued in an indirect purchaser class action case filed on May 23, 2011, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio under the name In re: Polyurethane Foam Antitrust Litigation, Case No. 1:10-MD-2196. The plaintiffs, on behalf of themselves and/or a class of indirect purchasers, bring damages claims under various states’ antitrust and consumer protection statutes, and are seeking three times an amount of damages allegedly suffered as a result of alleged overcharges in the price of polyurethane foam products from at least 1999 to the present. Each plaintiff also seeks attorney fees, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, court costs, and injunctive relief against future violations. We filed motions to dismiss the indirect
	purchaser class action, for failure to state a legally valid claim. The Ohio Court denied the motions to dismiss. Discovery is substantially complete in this case. A motion for class certification was filed on behalf of the indirect purchasers. A
	hearing on the motion was held and the Court certified the indirect purchaser class. The deadline for indirect purchasers to exclude themselves from the litigation was March 13, 2015. We filed a Petition for Permission to Appeal from Class Certification Order to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, which was denied. On November 18, 2014, we filed a Petition for a Writ of Certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court, which was denied on March 2, 2015. The Ohio Court ordered all parties to attend non-binding mediation with a mediator of their choosing. Trial is tentatively set to begin in mid-October 2015.
	U.S. Individual Direct Purchaser Cases. We have been named as a defendant in 34 pending individual direct purchaser cases filed between March 22, 2011 and October 16, 2013, which were filed in or transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio under the name In re: Polyurethane Foam Antitrust Litigation, Case No. 1:10-MD-2196. The claims in the individual direct purchaser cases are generally the same as those asserted in the direct purchaser class action case. Additionally, several individual direct purchaser plaintiffs bring state claims under individual states’ consumer protection and/or antitrust statutes in addition to their federal claims. Once pretrial practice concludes, some of the individual direct purchaser cases are scheduled to be tried in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio and others will be remanded back to the federal district courts where the cases were originally filed for trial. Trial in 12 of the individual direct purchaser cases is set to begin on August 18, 2015.
	Kansas Restraint of Trade Act Cases. We have been named as a defendant in two individual cases alleging direct and indirect purchaser claims under the Kansas Restraint of Trade Act, one filed on November 29, 2012 and the other on April 11, 2013. These two cases were filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas and then transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio under the name In re: Polyurethane Foam Antitrust Litigation, Case No. 1:10-MD-2196. The claims and allegations of these plaintiffs are generally the same as the other direct and indirect purchaser plaintiffs, with the exception that the Kansas plaintiffs seek full consideration damages (their total purchase amounts for the allegedly price-fixed polyurethane foam products). On April 6, 2015, the plaintiffs in these two actions filed a motion for immediate remand of those actions back to the District of Kansas federal district court for further pretrial practice and trial. On May 5, 2015, the Ohio Court entered an order suggesting to the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation that the Kansas case be remanded to the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas.
	Canadian Class Action Cases. We were named in two Canadian class action cases (for direct and indirect purchasers of polyurethane foam products), both under the name Hi Neighbor Floor Covering Co. Limited and Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company, et.al. in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Windsor), Court File Nos. CV-10-15164 (amended November 2, 2011) and CV-11-17279 (issued December 30, 2011). In each of these Canadian cases, the plaintiffs, on behalf of themselves and/or a class of purchasers, seek from over 13 defendants restitution of the amount allegedly overcharged, general and special damages in the amount of $100, punitive damages of $10, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, and the costs of the investigation and the action. The first issued class action is on behalf of a class of purchasers of polyurethane foam. The second issued class action is on behalf of purchasers of carpet underlay. We are not yet required to file our defenses in these or any other Canadian actions. In addition, on July 10, 2012, plaintiff in a class action case (for direct and indirect purchasers of polyurethane foam products) styled Option Consommateurs and Karine Robillard v. Produits Vitafoam Canada Limitée, et. al. in the Quebec Superior Court of Justice (Montréal), Court File No. 500-6-524-104, filed an amended motion for authorization seeking to add us and other manufacturers of polyurethane foam products as defendants in this case, which was granted. This action has a pending motion for certification, which has been postponed indefinitely. We also were notified in June 2014 of two motions to add us as parties to two class proceedings in British Columbia. Those proceedings are similar to the Ontario proceedings in that one proposes a class of purchasers of polyurethane foam (Majestic Mattress Mfg. Ltd. v. Vitafoam Products et al., No. VLC-S-S-106362 Vancouver Registry) and one proposes a class of purchasers of carpet underlay (Trillium Project Management Ltd. v. Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company et al., No.S106213 Vancouver Registry). The motion to add us as parties to these actions was heard on April 7, 2015 and the British Columbia Supreme Court ordered our addition as parties to the two actions in British Columbia. The British Columbia actions involve British Columbia purchasers only whereas the Ontario actions propose classes of Canadian purchasers.
	Missouri Class Action Case. On June 22, 2012, we were made a party to a lawsuit brought in the 16th Judicial Circuit Court, Jackson County, Missouri, Case Number 1216-CV15179 under the caption “Dennis Baker, on Behalf of Himself and all Others Similarly Situated vs. Leggett & Platt, Incorporated.” The plaintiff, on behalf of himself and/or a class of indirect purchasers of polyurethane foam products in the State of Missouri, alleged that we violated the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act based upon our alleged illegal price inflation of flexible polyurethane foam products. The plaintiff seeks unspecified actual damages, punitive damages and the recovery of reasonable attorney fees. We filed a
	motion to dismiss this action, which was denied. Discovery has commenced and plaintiff has filed a motion for class certification. A hearing on the motion was held, and the Court subsequently entered an order denying plaintiff's motion for
	class certification on March 18, 2015. Plaintiff filed a motion for reconsideration of that order on March 30, 2015, but we have yet to receive ruling.
	Brazilian Value-Added Tax Matters
	We deny all of the allegations in all of the below Brazilian actions. We believe that we have valid bases upon which to contest such actions and will vigorously defend ourselves. However, these contingencies are subject to many uncertainties, and based on current facts and circumstances, we believe that it is reasonably possible (but not probable) that we may incur losses with respect to these assessments. Therefore, no accrual has been recorded for Brazilian VAT matters.
	Brazilian Federal Cases. On December 22, 2011, the Brazilian Finance Ministry, Federal Revenue Office issued a notice of violation against our wholly-owned subsidiary, Leggett & Platt do Brasil Ltda. (“L&P Brazil”) in the amount of $2.5, under Case No. 10855.724660/2011-43. The Brazilian Revenue Office claimed that for the period beginning November 2006 and continuing through December 2007, L&P Brazil used an incorrect tariff code for the collection and payment of value-added tax primarily on the sale of mattress innerspring units in Brazil. L&P Brazil responded to the notice of violation denying the violation. The Federal Revenue Office denied L&P Brazil’s defenses and upheld the assessment at the first administrative level. L&P Brazil has filed an appeal.
	On December 29, 2011, L&P Brazil received another assessment in the amount of $.1, under case No. 10855.724509/2011-13 on the same subject matter in connection to certain import transactions carried out between 2007 and 2011. L&P Brazil has filed its defense.
	On December 17, 2012, the Brazilian Revenue Office issued an additional notice of violation in the amount of $4.4 under MPF Case No. 10855.725260/2012-36 covering the period from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2010 on the same subject matter. L&P Brazil responded to the notice of violation denying the violation. The Brazilian Revenue Office denied L&P Brazil's defenses and upheld the assessment at the first administrative level. L&P Brazil has appealed this decision, but the appeal was denied by the second administrative level on January 27, 2015. L&P Brazil filed a motion for clarification on March 27, 2015.
	In addition, L&P Brazil received assessments on December 22, 2011, and June 26, July 2 and November 5, 2012, and September 13, 2013 from the Brazilian Federal Revenue Office where the Revenue Office challenged L&P Brazil’s use of certain tax credits in the years 2005 through 2010. Such credits are generated based upon the tariff classification and rate used by L&P Brazil for value-added tax on the sale of mattress innersprings. On September 4, 2014, the tax authorities issued five additional assessments regarding this same issue (use of credits), covering certain periods of 2011 and 2012. L&P Brazil has filed its defense to all of these assessments. Combined with the prior assessments, L&P Brazil has received assessments totaling $3.0 on the same or similar denial of tax credit matters.
	On February 1, 2013, the Brazilian Finance Ministry filed a Tax Collection action against L&P Brazil in the Camanducaia Judicial District Court, Case No. 0002222-35.2013.8.13.0878, alleging the untimely payment of $.2 of social contributions (social security and social assistance payments) for the period September to October 2010. L&P Brazil filed its response, a Motion to Stay of Execution. L&P Brazil argued the payments were not required to be made because of the application of certain tax credits that were generated by L&P Brazil's use of a correct tariff code for the classification of value-added tax on the sale of mattress innersprings (i.e., the same underlying issue at stake in the other Brazilian matters).
	On June 26, 2014, the Brazilian Revenue Office issued a new notice of violation against L&P Brazil in the amount of $.8, under Case No. 10660.721523/2014-87, covering the period from 2011 through 2012 on the same subject matter. L&P Brazil has filed its defense denying the assessments.
	On July 1, 2014, the Brazilian Finance Ministry rendered a preliminary decision to reject certain offsetting requests presented by L&P Brazil, which originated with Administrative Proceeding No. 10660.720850/2014-11. The Brazilian Finance Ministry alleges that L&P Brazil improperly offset $.1 of social contributions otherwise due in 2011. L&P Brazil filed its response denying the allegations. L&P Brazil is defending on the basis that the social contribution debts were correctly offset with certain tax credits that were generated by L&P Brazil's use of a correct tariff code classification for value-added tax on the sale of mattress innersprings (i.e., the same underlying issue at stake in the other Federal Brazilian matters).
	On September 4, 2014, the Brazilian Federal Revenue issued an assessment against L&P Brazil in the amount of $.2, for the period of April 2011 through June 2012, as a penalty for L&P Brazil’s requests to offset certain tax credits. We have filed our defense.
	State of São Paulo, Brazil Cases. L&P Brazil is party to a proceeding involving the State of São Paulo, Brazil where the State of São Paulo, on April 16, 2009, issued a Notice of Tax Assessment and Imposition of Fine to L&P Brazil seeking $2.0 for the tax years 2006 and 2007, under Case No. 3.111.006 (DRT n°.04-256.169/2009). The State of São Paulo argued that L&P Brazil was using an incorrect tariff code for the collection and payment of value-added tax on sales of mattress innerspring units in the State of São Paulo. The Court of Tax and Fees of the State of São Paulo ruled in favor of L&P Brazil nullifying the tax assessment. The State filed a special appeal and the Special Appeals Court remanded the case back to the Court of Tax and Fees for further findings. The Court of Tax and Fees again ruled in favor of L&P Brazil and nullified the tax assessment. The State filed another special appeal. On April 17, 2014, the Court of Tax and Fees ruled in the State's favor upholding the original assessment of $2.0. On July 31, 2014, L&P Brazil filed an annulment action, Case No. 101712346.2014.8260602 in the Sorocaba State Court, seeking to have the Court of Tax and Fees ruling annulled for an updated assessment amount of $3.9. On December 3, 2014, the State of São Paulo filed a Tax Collection action against L&P Brazil in Sorocaba Judicial District Court, Case No. 1501115-34.2014.8.26.0602, seeking to collect the same amounts at issue in annulment action No. 101712346.2014.8260602. The original assessment amount of $3.9 was increased by 10% to include attorneys' fees.
	On October 4, 2012, the State of São Paulo issued a Tax Assessment under Procedure Number 4.003.484 against L&P Brazil in the amount of $1.6 for the tax years 2009 through 2011. Similar to the 2009 assessment, the State of São Paulo argues that L&P Brazil was using an incorrect tax rate for the collection and payment of value-added tax on sales of mattress innerspring units in the State of São Paulo. On June 21, 2013, the State of São Paulo's attorneys converted the Tax Assessment No. 4.003.484 to a tax collection action against L&P Brazil in the amount of $2.1, under Sorocaba Judicial District Court, Case No. 3005528-50.2013.8.26.0602. L&P Brazil filed its response, a Motion to Stay of Execution denying the allegations.
	L&P Brazil also received a Notice of Tax Assessment and Imposition of a Fine from the State of São Paulo dated March 27, 2014, under Procedure Number 4.038.746-0 against L&P Brazil in the amount of $1.0 for the tax years January 2011 through August 2012 regarding the same subject matter. L&P filed its response denying the allegations. The first administrative level denied L&P Brazil’s defense and upheld the assessment. L&P Brazil filed its appeal of this decision.
	State of Minas Gerais, Brazil Cases. On December 18, 2012, the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil issued a tax assessment to L&P Brazil relating to L&P Brazil's classifications of innersprings for the collection and payment of value-added tax on the sale of mattress innersprings in Minas Gerais from March 1, 2008 through August 31, 2012 in the amount of $.5, under PTA Case No. 01.000.182756-62. L&P Brazil filed its response denying any violation. The first administrative level ruled against us but did reduce the tax to $.2 (plus interest and penalties). We appealed to the second administrative level, which affirmed the first administrative level ruling. The case will now proceed judicially under Case No. 0003673-61.2014.8.13.0878 in Camanducaia Judicial District Court for the updated amount of $.5. L&P Brazil filed its response, a Motion to Stay of Execution, on June 5, 2014.
	Patent Infringement Claim
	At this time, we do not expect that the outcome of this matter will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	First Lawsuit. On January 24, 2012, in a case in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, the jury entered a verdict against us in the amount of $5 based upon an allegation by plaintiff that we infringed three patents on an automatic stapling machine and on methods used to assemble boxsprings. This action was originally filed on October 4, 2010, as case number CV10-7416 RGK (SSx) under the caption Imaginal Systematic, LLC v. Leggett & Platt, Incorporated; Simmons Bedding Company; and Does 1 through 10, inclusive. Leggett is contractually obligated to defend and indemnify Simmons Bedding Company against a claim for infringement.
	On summary judgment motions, we unsuccessfully disputed each patent’s validity and denied that we infringed any patent. At the jury trial on damages issues, the plaintiff alleged damages of $16.2. The court denied plaintiff’s attempt to win an attorney fee award and triple the pre-verdict damages. We appealed the case to the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. Oral argument was held before a three judge appeal panel in the Federal Circuit in Washington D.C. The Court of Appeals issued a judgment affirming the $5 verdict against us, which was fully accrued for in the first quarter of 2013
	and then paid in the second quarter of 2013. We filed a petition for a rehearing of the Court of Appeals decision which was denied.
	The plaintiff requested royalties for post-verdict use of the machines, and requested pre-judgment interest in the amount of $.7. The District Court ruled that the plaintiff was not entitled to additional ongoing royalties for our continued use of the machines, but did award pre-judgment interest of $.5. Both parties filed a notice of appeal of this order to the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, but plaintiff has since withdrawn its appeal.
	We also filed reexamination proceedings in the Patent Office (Case Nos. 95/001,543 filed February 11, 2011; 95/001,546 and 95/001,547 filed February 16, 2011), challenging the validity of each patent at issue in the lawsuit the plaintiff brought. The Patent Office examiner ruled in our favor on the key claims of one of the three patents. The Patent Office examiner initially ruled in our favor on the pertinent claims of the second of the patents, but subsequently reversed that decision. With respect to the third patent, the Patent Office examiner's decision upheld the validity of all claims. All three of these proceedings were appealed to the Board of Patent Appeals. The plaintiff filed petitions to terminate all re-examination proceedings based on the final ruling of the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. We opposed those petitions. The Patent Office terminated all three re-examination proceedings, and we requested an ex parte reexamination as to one of the patents. The Patent Office did not accept our request.
	Second Lawsuit. On July 29, 2013, the plaintiff filed a second lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Case No. CV13-05463 alleging that we and Simmons Bedding Company have continued to infringe the three patents on an automatic stapling machine and the methods used to assemble boxsprings, and that the plaintiff is entitled to additional damages from January 24, 2012 forward. Leggett and Simmons Bedding Company filed their answers, and the Court granted summary judgment finding that the use of an earlier version of the automatic stapling machines constituted infringement, but also finding that use of a redesigned version of the machine does not infringe any Imaginal patent. On October 17, 2014, the parties entered into a Confidential Settlement Agreement and Limited Release, whereby Leggett agreed to pay Imaginal a cash payment, which is not material to the Company, to settle the part of the case concerning the machines found to infringe and the pre-judgment interest issue from the first lawsuit. Imaginal is appealing the summary judgment ruling that the redesigned stapling machines do not infringe to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The appeal is currently pending.
	Accrual for Loss Contingencies
	Although the Company denies liability in all threatened or pending litigation proceedings in which it is or may be a party and believes that it has valid bases to contest all claims threatened or made against it, we recorded, in addition to previously recognized unpaid accruals disclosed above, an additional aggregate (pre-tax) litigation accrual in continuing operations of $22 in the fourth quarter of 2014 which represents our reasonable estimate of unrecorded probable loss for all pending and threatened litigation proceedings impacting continuing operations. We expect to make most of these cash payments in 2015 with the remainder expected to be paid in 2016. We have relied on several facts and circumstances to conclude that some loss is probable with respect to certain proceedings and matters, to arrive at a reasonable estimate of loss and record the accrual, including: the maturation of the pending proceedings and matters; our experience in settlement negotiations and mediation; comparative settlements of other companies in similar proceedings; discovery becoming substantially complete in certain proceedings; certain quantitative metrics used to value probable loss contingencies; and our willingness to settle certain proceedings to forgo the cost and risk of litigation and distraction to our senior executives. We also recorded an additional $27 litigation contingency accrual in discontinued operations in the fourth quarter of 2014 based upon the same facts, circumstances and analysis as described above. We expect to make most of these cash payments in 2015 with the remainder expected to be paid in 2016. By far the largest portion of the accruals is for the foam antitrust proceedings.
	Although there are a number of uncertainties and potential outcomes associated with all of our pending or threatened litigation proceedings, we believe, based on current facts and circumstances, that additional reasonably possible losses (other than those Brazilian VAT matters quantified and disclosed above), are not expected to materially affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	For more information regarding discontinued operations, please refer to Note 5 on page 8 of our Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

Interim_Presentation_Policies

Interim Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Interim Presentation	The interim financial statements of Leggett & Platt, Incorporated (“we”, “us” or “our”) included herein have not been audited by an independent registered public accounting firm. The statements include all adjustments, including normal recurring accruals, which management considers necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and operating results for the periods presented. We have prepared the statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for an entire year.
	The December 31, 2014 financial position data included herein was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in Form 10-K, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
New Accounting Guidance	In April 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. This guidance changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. We adopted this guidance on January 1, 2015, and we do not believe it will have a material impact on our future financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued new authoritative literature, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which supersedes much of the existing authoritative literature for revenue recognition. This guidance will be effective January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the newly issued guidance and the impact on our future financial statements.

INVENTORIES_Tables

INVENTORIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
LIFO Expense	The following table contains the LIFO benefit (expense) included in continuing operations for each of the periods presented.
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015		2014
	LIFO benefit (expense)	$	5	$	(.2	)

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of Segment Results from Continuing Operations	A summary of segment results from continuing operations are shown in the following tables.
		External		Inter-			Total		EBIT
		Sales		Segment			Sales
				Sales
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Residential Furnishings	$	511.7	$	17.8		$	529.5	$	52.1
	Commercial Products	123.5		17.5			141		8
	Industrial Materials	112		80.4			192.4		8
	Specialized Products	219		9.5			228.5		39.3
	Intersegment eliminations and other								(.7		)
	Change in LIFO reserve								5
		$	966.2	$	125.2		$	1,091.40	$	111.7
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Residential Furnishings	$	432.8	$	15.6		$	448.4	$	46.8
	Commercial Products	111.4		5.2			116.6		5.7
	Industrial Materials	123.2		57.5			180.7		7.7
	Specialized Products	208.1		7.8			215.9		27.6
	Intersegment eliminations and other								(1.8		)
	Change in LIFO reserve								(.2		)
		$	875.5	$	86.1		$	961.6	$	85.8
Average Assets for Segments	Average assets for our segments are shown in the table below and reflect the basis for return measures used by management to evaluate segment performance. These segment totals include working capital (all current assets and current liabilities) plus net property, plant and equipment. Segment assets for all years are reflected at their estimated average for the periods presented.
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Residential Furnishings	$	626.3	$	588.1
	Commercial Products	97.6		96.2
	Industrial Materials	188		200.9
	Specialized Products	258.5		260.5
	Other (1)	44.8		90.4
	Average current liabilities included in segment numbers above	522.8		520.2
	Unallocated assets (2)	1,347.10		1,451.40
	Difference between average assets and period-end balance sheet	18.1		(67.1		)
	Total assets	$	3,103.20	$	3,140.60
	-1	Businesses sold or classified as discontinued operations.

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Tables

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures	The table below includes activity related to these operations:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	External sales:
	Commercial Products - Store Fixtures	$	6.2		$	43.6
	Earnings (loss):
	Commercial Products - Store Fixtures	0.4			(3.3		)
	Subsequent activity related to previous divestitures	(.8		)	—
	Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes	(.4		)	(3.3		)
	Income tax (expense) benefit	(.1		)	1
	Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(.5	)	$	(2.3	)
	Net assets held for sale by segment were as follows:
		31-Mar-15								31-Dec-14
		Assets			Liabilities			Net Assets		Assets		Liabilities		Net Assets
	Residential Furnishings	$	2.5		$	—		$	2.5	$	4.1	$	—	$	4.1
	Commercial Products	18.5			2.7			15.8		20.1		5.6		14.5
	Industrial Materials	39.7			8.7			31		3.4		—		3.4
	Specialized Products	5.2			—			5.2		5.2		—		5.2
		$	65.9		$	11.4		$	54.5	$	32.8	$	5.6	$	27.2
	The major classes of assets and liabilities held for sale included in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets were as follows:
		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Current assets associated with discontinued operations:
	Trade receivables, net	$	4.5		$	7
	Other receivables, net	0.1			0.3
	Inventories, net	2.8			3
	Other current assets	0.1			0.1
	Total current assets held for sale associated with discontinued operations	7.5			10.4
	Current assets held for sale not associated with discontinued operations (1)	22.5			—
	Total current assets held for sale	30			10.4
	Non-current assets associated with discontinued operations:
	Property, plant and equipment, net	4.8			5.2
	Other intangibles, net	0.9			0.6
	Sundry	1.4			1.4
	Total non-current assets held for sale associated with discontinued operations	7.1			7.2
	Non-current assets held for sale not assoc.with discontinued operations (1) (2)	28.8			15.2
	Total non-current assets held for sale	35.9			22.4
	Total assets held for sale	65.9			32.8
	Current liabilities associated with discontinued operations:
	Accounts payable	1.9			3.7
	Accrued expenses	0.5			1.5
	Other current liabilities	0.2			0.3
	Total current liabilities held for sale associated with discontinued operations	2.6			5.5
	Total current liabilities held for sale not assoc. with discontinued operations (1)	8.7			—
	Total current liabilities held for sale	11.3			5.5
	Long term liabilities associated with discontinued operations:
	Deferred income tax	0.1			0.1
	Total liabilities held for sale	11.4			5.6
	Net assets held for sale	$	54.5		$	27.2
	(1) The Steel Tubing business reached held for sale status in the first quarter of 2015, but did not qualify for discontinued operations treatment.
	(2) This table includes $14.9 and $15.2 of property, plant and equipment held for sale at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, primarily associated with the closings of various operations and prior year restructurings.

IMPAIRMENT_CHARGES_Tables

IMPAIRMENT CHARGES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary Of Impairment Charges On Continued And Discontinued Operations
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015						2014
		Goodwill Impairment		Other Long-Lived Asset Impairments				Other Long-Lived Asset Impairments
	Continuing operations:
	Residential Furnishings	$	—	$	0.2			$	0.4
	Industrial Materials - Steel Tubing	4.1		1.4				—
	Total continuing operations	4.1		1.6				0.4
	Discontinued operations:
	Subsequent activity related to previous divestitures	—		0.2				0.1
	Total discontinued operations	—		0.2				0.1
	Total impairment charges	$	4.1	$	1.8			$	0.5
Schedule Of Goodwill Impairment Charges
	Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Value	March 31, 2015		10-year		Terminal			Discount  Rate
		Goodwill Value		Compound		Values Long-			Ranges
				Annual Growth		term Growth
				Rate Range for Sales		Rate for Debt-Free Cash Flow
	< 25%	$	—
	25% - 49%	150.7		4.0% - 5.5%		3	%		10.00%
	50% - 74%	435.1		.5% - 3.8%		3	%		9.0% - 12.0%
	75%+	223.2		3.7% - 8.2%		3	%		9.0% - 9.5%
		$	809	.5% - 8.2%		3	%		9.0% - 12.0%

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Earnings:
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	73.3		$	56
	(Earnings) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	(1.1		)	(.6		)
	Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to Leggett & Platt, Inc. common shareholders	72.2			55.4
	Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(.5		)	(2.3		)
	Net earnings attributable to Leggett & Platt, Inc. common shareholders	$	71.7		$	53.1
	Weighted average number of shares (in millions):
	Weighted average number of common shares used in basic EPS	141.9			142.4
	Dilutive effect of equity-based compensation	1.9			1.6
	Weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares used in diluted EPS	143.8			144
	Basic and Diluted EPS:
	Basic EPS attributable to Leggett & Platt, Inc. common shareholders
	Continuing operations	$	0.51		$	0.39
	Discontinued operations	—			(.02		)
	Basic EPS attributable to Leggett & Platt, Inc. common shareholders	$	0.51		$	0.37
	Diluted EPS attributable to Leggett & Platt, Inc. common shareholders
	Continuing operations	$	0.5		$	0.38
	Discontinued operations	—			(.02		)
	Diluted EPS attributable to Leggett & Platt, Inc. common shareholders	$	0.5		$	0.37
	Other information:
	Anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted EPS computation	—			—

ACCOUNTS_AND_OTHER_RECEIVABLES1

ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Components of Accounts and Other Receivables	Accounts and other receivables consisted of the following:
		31-Mar-15						31-Dec-14
		Current			Long-term			Current			Long-term
	Trade accounts receivable	$	495.5		$	—		$	484		$	—
	Trade notes receivable	1.1			2.9			1.1			2.9
	Total trade receivables	496.6			2.9			485.1			2.9
	Other notes receivable:
	Notes received as partial payment for divestitures	—			—			0.9			—
	Other	—			3.3			—			3.3
	Income tax receivables	18.9			—			14			—
	Other receivables	30.6			—			38			—
	Subtotal other receivables	49.5			3.3			52.9			3.3
	Total trade and other receivables	546.1			6.2			538			6.2
	Allowance for doubtful accounts:
	Trade accounts receivable	(14.0		)	—			(14.7		)	—
	Trade notes receivable	(.1		)	(2.3		)	—			(2.1		)
	Total trade receivables	(14.1		)	(2.3		)	(14.7		)	(2.1		)
	Other notes receivable	—			(.4		)	—			(.4		)
	Total allowance for doubtful accounts	(14.1		)	(2.7		)	(14.7		)	(2.5		)
	Total net receivables	$	532		$	3.5		$	523.3		$	3.7
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Activity related to the allowance for doubtful accounts is reflected below:
		Balance at December 31, 2014			2015			2015			Balance at March 31, 2015
					Charges			Charge-
								offs,
								Net of
								Recoveries
	Trade accounts receivable	$	14.7		$	1.2		$	1.9		$	14
	Trade notes receivable	2.1			0.3			—			2.4
	Total trade receivables	16.8			1.5			1.9			16.4
	Other notes receivable	0.4			—			—			0.4
	Total allowance for doubtful accounts	$	17.2		$	1.5		$	1.9		$	16.8

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity	The following table recaps the components of stock-based and stock-related compensation for each period presented:
		Three Months Ended March 31,								Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015								2014
		To be settled with stock				To be settled in cash				To be settled with stock			To be settled in cash
	Options:
	Amortization of the grant date fair value	$	0.1			$	—			$	0.2		$	—
	Cash payments in lieu of options	—				1				—			0.9
	Stock-based retirement plans contributions	2.2				0.4				1.6			0.5
	Discounts on various stock awards:
	Deferred Stock Compensation Program	0.6				—				0.7			—
	Stock-based retirement plans	0.4				—				0.7			—
	Discount Stock Plan	0.3				—				0.3			—
	Performance Stock Unit awards (1)	1.6				2.9				1.5			1.2
	Restricted Stock Unit awards	0.9				—				0.8			—
	Profitable Growth Incentive awards (2)	1.9				1.7				0.4			0.4
	Other, primarily non-employee directors restricted stock	0.4				—				0.3			—
	Total stock-related compensation expense	8.4				$	6			6.5			$	3
	Employee contributions for above stock plans	3.8								4
	Total stock-based compensation	$	12.2							$	10.5
	Recognized tax benefits on stock-based compensation expense	$	3.2							$	2.5
	Included below is the activity in our most significant stock-based plans:
	(1) Performance Stock Unit Awards
	We grant Performance Stock Unit (PSU) awards in the first quarter of each year to selected officers and other key managers. These awards contain the following conditions:
	•	A service requirement—Awards generally “cliff” vest three years following the grant date; and
	•	A market condition—Awards are based on our Total Shareholder Return [TSR =Change in Stock Price + Dividends) / Beginning Stock Price] as compared to the TSR of a group of peer companies. The peer group consists of all the companies in the Industrial, Materials and Consumer Discretionary sectors of the S&P 500 and S&P Midcap 400 (approximately 320 companies). Participants will earn from 0% to 175% of the base award depending upon how our Total Shareholder Return ranks within the peer group at the end of the 3-year performance period.
	Grant date fair values are calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation of stock and volatility data for Leggett and each of the comparator companies. Grant date fair values are amortized using the straight-line method over the three-year vesting period.
	Below is a summary of the number of shares and related grant date fair value of PSU’s for the periods presented.
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Total shares base award	0.2				0.2
	Grant date per share fair value	$	42.22			$	30.45
	Risk-free interest rate	1.1		%		0.8		%
	Expected life in years	3				3
	Expected volatility (over expected life)	19.8		%		25.9		%
	Expected dividend yield (over expected life)	2.9		%		3.9		%
	Three-Year Performance Cycle
	Award Year		Completion Date		TSR Performance		Payout as a		Number of Shares		Distribution Date
					Relative to the  Peer Group (1%¾st)		Percent of the		Distributed
							Base Award
	2011		December 31, 2013		55th percentile		64.20%		.2 million		Jan-14
	2012		December 31, 2014		30th percentile		157.00%		.4 million		Jan-15
	The above information represents the 65% portion of the award that was settled in shares of our common stock. For outstanding awards, we intend to pay 65% in shares of our common stock, although we reserve the right to pay up to 100% in cash. The additional amount that represents 35% of the award will be settled in cash, and is recorded as a liability and adjusted to fair value at each reporting period.
	(2) Profitable Growth Incentive Awards
	Starting in 2013, certain key management employees participated in a new Profitable Growth Incentive (PGI) program in lieu of the annual option grant. The PGI awards are issued as growth performance stock units (GPSUs). The GPSUs vest (0% to 250%) at the end of a two-year performance period. Vesting is based on the Company's or applicable profit center's revenue growth (adjusted by a GDP factor when applicable) and EBITDA margin at the end of a two-year performance period. The 2015 and 2014 base target PGI awards were each .1 shares. If earned, we intend to pay half in shares of our common stock and half in cash, although we reserve the right to pay up to 100% in cash. Both components are adjusted to fair value at each reporting period.
	Two-Year Performance Cycle
	Award Year		Completion Date		Average Payout as a		Number of  Shares		Cash Portion			Distribution Date
					Percent of the		Distributed
					Base Award
	2013		December 31, 2014		127.00%		.1 million		$	3.5		Feb-15
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Total shares base award	0.2				0.2
	Grant date per share fair value	$	42.22			$	30.45
	Risk-free interest rate	1.1		%		0.8		%
	Expected life in years	3				3
	Expected volatility (over expected life)	19.8		%		25.9		%
	Expected dividend yield (over expected life)	2.9		%		3.9		%
Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Performance Based Units
	Three-Year Performance Cycle
	Award Year		Completion Date		TSR Performance		Payout as a		Number of Shares		Distribution Date
					Relative to the  Peer Group (1%¾st)		Percent of the		Distributed
							Base Award
	2011		December 31, 2013		55th percentile		64.20%		.2 million		Jan-14
	2012		December 31, 2014		30th percentile		157.00%		.4 million		Jan-15

ACQUISITIONS_Tables

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Estimated Fair Values Of The Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed	The following table contains the estimated fair values (using inputs as discussed in Note 13) of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition for all acquisitions during the periods presented, and any additional consideration paid for prior years’ acquisitions. We are finalizing all the information required to complete the purchase price allocations related to certain recent acquisitions and do not anticipate any material modifications.
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Accounts receivable	$	3.7			$	—
	Inventory	4.9				0.3
	Property, plant and equipment	1.9				1.5
	Goodwill (1)	8.4				5.5
	Other intangible assets	14.8				0.6
	Current liabilities	(11.1		)		(5.9		)
	Long-term liabilities	(10.4		)		—
	Net cash consideration	$	12.2			$	2
	(1) Goodwill associated with the 2015 and 2014 acquisitions are expected to provide an income tax benefit.
	The following table summarizes acquisitions for the periods presented.
	Three Months Ended		Number of Acquisitions		Segment		Product/Service
	31-Mar-15		1		Commercial Products		Upholstered office furniture
	31-Mar-14		1		Residential Furnishings		Foam carpet underlay

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Tables

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Net Pension (Expense) Income	The following table provides interim information as to our domestic and foreign defined benefit pension plans. Expected 2015 employer contributions are not significantly different than the $1.9 previously reported at December 31, 2014.
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Components of net pension expense
	Service cost	$	1		$	0.8
	Interest cost	3.3			3.2
	Expected return on plan assets	(4.2		)	(3.9		)
	Recognized net actuarial loss	1.5			0.8
	Net pension expense	$	1.6		$	0.9

STATEMENT_OF_CHANGES_IN_EQUITY1

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Statement of Changes in Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
		Total			Retained			Common			Treasury			Noncontrolling			Accumulated
		Equity			Earnings			Stock &			Stock			Interest			Other
								Additional									Comprehensive
								Contributed									Income
								Capital
	Beginning balance, January 1, 2015	$	1,154.90		$	2,061.30		$	504.4		$	(1,416.6	)	$	8.4		$	(2.6	)
	Net earnings	72.8			72.8			—			—			—			—
	(Earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	—			(1.1		)	—			—			1.1			—
	Dividends declared	(42.7		)	(44.0		)	1.3			—			—			—
	Treasury stock purchased	(68.9		)	—			—			(68.9		)	—			—
	Treasury stock issued	15.9			—			(19.5		)	35.4			—			—
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(37.8		)	—			—			—			—			(37.8		)
	Cash flow hedges, net of tax	(1.7		)	—			—			—			—			(1.7		)
	Defined benefit pension plans, net of tax	1.3			—			—			—			—			1.3
	Stock options and benefit plan transactions, net of tax	22.6			—			22.6			—			—			—
	Ending balance, March 31, 2015	$	1,116.40		$	2,089.00		$	508.8		$	(1,450.1	)	$	9.5		$	(40.8	)
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Total			Retained			Common			Treasury			Noncontrolling			Accumulated
		Equity			Earnings			Stock &			Stock			Interest			Other
								Additional									Comprehensive
								Contributed									Income
								Capital
	Beginning balance, January 1, 2014	$	1,399.20		$	2,136.40		$	481.1		$	(1,320.7	)	$	7.9		$	94.5
	Net earnings	53.7			53.7			—			—			—			—
	(Earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	—			(.6		)	—			—			0.6			—
	Dividends declared	(41.5		)	(42.7		)	1.2			—			—			—
	Treasury stock purchased	(46.4		)	—			—			(46.4		)	—			—
	Treasury stock issued	9.1			—			(17.0		)	26.1			—			—
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(15.1		)	—			—			—			(.2		)	(14.9		)
	Cash flow hedges, net of tax	(.1		)	—			—			—			—			(.1		)
	Defined benefit pension plans, net of tax	0.6			—			—			—			—			0.6
	Stock options and benefit plan transactions, net of tax	11.4			—			11.4			—			—			—
	Ending balance, March 31, 2014	$	1,370.90		$	2,146.80		$	476.7		$	(1,341.0	)	$	8.3		$	80.1
Changes in Each Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	e following tables set forth the components of and changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for each of the periods presented:
		Foreign			Cash			Defined			Accumulated
		Currency			Flow			Benefit			Other
		Translation			Hedges			Pension			Comprehensive
		Adjustments						Plans			Income (Loss)
	Beginning balance, January 1, 2015	$	86.8		$	(20.1	)	$	(69.3	)	$	(2.6	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, pretax	(37.8		)	(2.8		)	0.4			(40.2		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, pretax:
	Net Sales	—			(.2		)	—			(.2		)
	Cost of goods sold; selling and administrative expenses	—			—			1.5			1.5
	Interest expense	—			1			—			1
	Subtotal of reclassifications, pretax	—			0.8			1.5			2.3
	Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	(37.8		)	(2.0		)	1.9			(37.9		)
	Income tax effect	—			0.3			(.6		)	(.3		)
	Attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			—
	Ending balance, March 31, 2015	$	49		$	(21.8	)	$	(68.0	)	$	(40.8	)
	Beginning balance, January 1, 2014	$	158.3		$	(23.5	)	$	(40.3	)	$	94.5
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, pretax	(15.1		)	(1.0		)	0.1			(16.0		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, pretax:
	Net Sales	—			0.1			—			0.1
	Cost of goods sold; selling and administrative expenses	—			—			0.8			0.8
	Interest expense	—			1			—			1
	Subtotal of reclassifications, pretax	—			1.1			0.8			1.9
	Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	(15.1		)	0.1			0.9			(14.1		)
	Income tax effect	—			(.2		)	(.3		)	(.5		)
	Attributable to noncontrolling interest	0.2			—			—			0.2
	Ending balance, March 31, 2014	$	143.4		$	(23.6	)	$	(39.7	)	$	80.1

FAIR_VALUE_Tables

FAIR VALUE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
		As of March 31, 2015
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents:
	Bank time deposits with original maturities of three months or less	$	—	$	107.7	$	—	$	107.7
	Derivative assets (Note 14)	—		2.7		—		2.7
	Diversified investments associated with the Executive Stock Unit Program (ESUP)* (Note 9)	20.9		—		—		20.9
	Total assets	$	20.9	$	110.4	$	—	$	131.3
	Liabilities:
	Derivative liabilities* (Note 14)	$	—	$	6	$	—	$	6
	Liabilities associated with the ESUP* (Note 9)	20.7		—		—		20.7
	Total liabilities	$	20.7	$	6	$	—	$	26.7
		As of December 31, 2014
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents:
	Bank time deposits with original maturities of three months or less	$	—	$	140.7	$	—	$	140.7
	Derivative assets (Note 14)	—		2		—		2
	Diversified investments associated with the ESUP* (Note 9)	18.8		—		—		18.8
	Total assets	$	18.8	$	142.7	$	—	$	161.5
	Liabilities:
	Derivative liabilities* (Note 14)	$	—	$	2.7	$	—	$	2.7
	Liabilities associated with the ESUP* (Note 9)	18.6		—		—		18.6
	Total liabilities	$	18.6	$	2.7	$	—	$	21.3
	* - Includes both current and long-term amounts combined.

RISK_MANAGEMENT_AND_DERIVATIVE1

RISK MANAGEMENT AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments at Fair Value
		Expiring at various dates through:	Total USD			As of March 31, 2015
			Equivalent
			Notional			Assets			Liabilities
			Amount			Other			Other Current		Other Long-Term Liabilities
						Current			Liabilities
						Assets
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
	Cash flow hedges:
	Currency Hedges:
	-Future USD sales of Canadian, Chinese and Swiss subsidiaries	Dec-16	$	153.9		$	—		$	3	$	1.8
	-Future MXN purchases of a USD subsidiary	Dec-16	4.3			—			0.3		0.1
	-Future USD purchases of Canadian, European, and Korean subsidiaries	Dec-15	9.9			1.3			0.1		—
	-Future EUR sales of Chinese and Swiss subsidiaries	Dec-15	5.6			0.8			—		—
	-Future JPY sales of Chinese subsidiary	Dec-15	5.3			0.3			—		—
	Total cash flow hedges					2.4			3.4		1.9
	Fair value hedges:
	DKK inter-company note receivable on a USD subsidiary	May-15	3			0.2			—		—
	USD inter-company note receivable on a CAD subsidiary	Apr-15	10			0.1			—		—
	USD inter-company note receivable on a Swiss subsidiary	Sep-15	18.5			—			0.7		—
	Total fair value hedges					0.3			0.7		—
						$	2.7		$	4.1	$	1.9
		Expiring at various dates through:	Total USD			As of December 31, 2014
			Equivalent
			Notional			Assets			Liabilities
			Amount			Other Current			Other Current		Other Long-Term Liabilities
						Assets			Liabilities
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
	Cash flow hedges:
	Currency Hedges:
	-Future USD sales of Canadian and Chinese subsidiaries	Dec-16	$	153.3		$	0.3		$	1	$	0.2
	-Future USD purchases of Canadian and European subsidiaries	Dec-15	10.4			0.9			—		—
	-Future MXN purchases of a USD subsidiary	Dec-16	5.3			—			0.3		0.1
	-Future JPY sales of a Chinese subsidiary	Dec-15	6.9			0.5			—		—
	-Future EUR sales of a Chinese subsidiary	Dec-15	6			0.3			—		—
	Total cash flow hedges					2			1.3		0.3
	Fair value hedges:
	USD inter-company note receivable on a Swiss subsidiary	Sep-15	18.5			—			1.1		—
						$	2		$	2.4	$	0.3
Gains (Losses) of Hedging Activities Recorded in Income	The following table sets forth the pre-tax (gains) losses from continuing operations for our hedging activities for the years presented. This schedule includes reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (see Note 12) as well as derivative settlements recorded directly to income or expense.
		Income Statement	Amount of (Gain) Loss
		Caption	Recorded in Income
			Three Months Ended
			March 31
			2015			2014
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
	Interest rate cash flow hedges	Interest expense	$	1		$	1
	Foreign currency cash flow hedges	Net sales	—			0.3
	Foreign currency cash flow hedges	Cost of goods sold	(.4		)	—
	Foreign currency cash flow hedges	Other (income) expense, net	—			0.1
	Total cash flow hedges		0.6			1.4
	Fair value hedges	Other (income) expense, net	0.7			(.5		)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Hedge of USD cash-UK and Swiss subsidiaries	Other (income) expense, net	(.1		)	—
	Hedge of EUR cash-Swiss subsidiary	Other (income) expense, net	0.7			—
	Total derivative instruments		$	1.9		$	0.9

LIFO_Expense_Detail

LIFO Expense (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Percentage of LIFO inventory	50.00%
LIFO benefit (expense)	$5	($0.20)

Summary_of_Segment_Results_fro

Summary of Segment Results from Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments	4
Net sales	$966.20	$875.50
Total Sales	1,091.40	961.6
EBIT	111.7	85.8
Change in LIFO reserve	5	-0.2
Residential Furnishings
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	511.7	432.8
Total Sales	529.5	448.4
EBIT	52.1	46.8
Commercial Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	123.5	111.4
Total Sales	141	116.6
EBIT	8	5.7
Industrial Materials
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	112	123.2
Total Sales	192.4	180.7
EBIT	8	7.7
Specialized Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	219	208.1
Total Sales	228.5	215.9
EBIT	39.3	27.6
Intersegment eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	125.2	86.1
Intersegment eliminations and other	-0.7	-1.8
Intersegment eliminations | Residential Furnishings
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	17.8	15.6
Intersegment eliminations | Commercial Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	17.5	5.2
Intersegment eliminations | Industrial Materials
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	80.4	57.5
Intersegment eliminations | Specialized Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$9.50	$7.80

Average_Assets_for_Segments_De

Average Assets for Segments (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$3,103.20		$3,140.60
Residential Furnishings
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	626.3		588.1
Commercial Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	97.6		96.2
Industrial Materials
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	188		200.9
Specialized Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	258.5		260.5
Industrial Materials - Steel Tubing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	44.8	[1]	90.4	[1]
Average current liabilities included in segment numbers above
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	522.8		520.2
Unallocated assets
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,347.10	[2]	1,451.40	[2]
Difference between average assets and period-end balance sheet
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$18.10		($67.10)
[1]	Businesses sold or classified as discontinued operations.
[2]	Unallocated assets consist primarily of goodwill, other intangibles, cash and deferred tax assets.

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Consideration received upon sale of discontinued operations	$59.20
Loss on sale of discontinued operations	4.7
Goodwill impairment		4.1	0
Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes		-0.4	-3.3
Income tax (expense) benefit		-0.1	1
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		-0.5	-2.3
Commercial Products | Commercial Products - Store Fixtures [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
External sales:		6.2	43.6
Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes		0.4	-3.3
Subsequent Activity Related To Divestitures Completed Prior To Reporting Period [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes		($0.80)	$0

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Net_As

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Net Assets Held for Sale by Segment (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Discontinued operation real property	$14,900,000	$15,200,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets	65,900,000	32,800,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities	11,400,000	5,600,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Total Assets, Net	54,500,000	27,200,000
Residential Furnishings Segment [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets	2,500,000	4,100,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities	0	0
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Total Assets, Net	2,500,000	4,100,000
Commercial Products
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets	18,500,000	20,100,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities	2,700,000	5,600,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Total Assets, Net	15,800,000	14,500,000
Industrial Materials
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets	39,700,000	3,400,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities	8,700,000	0
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Total Assets, Net	31,000,000	3,400,000
Specialized Products
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets	5,200,000	5,200,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities	0	0
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Total Assets, Net	$5,200,000	$5,200,000

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Major_

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Major classes of assets and liabilities held for sale (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Trade receivables, net	$4.50	$7
Other receivables, net	0.1	0.3
Inventories, net	2.8	3
Other current assets	0.1	0.1
Total current assets held for sale associated with discontinued operations	7.5	10.4
Current assets held for sale not associated with discontinued operations	22.5	0
Total current assets held for sale	30	10.4
Property, plant and equipment, net	4.8	5.2
Other intangibles, net	0.9	0.6
Sundry	1.4	1.4
Total non-current assets held for sale associated with discontinued operations	7.1	7.2
Non-current assets held for sale not assoc.with discontinued operations	28.8	15.2
Total non-current assets held for sale	35.9	22.4
Total assets held for sale	65.9	32.8
Accounts payable	1.9	3.7
Accrued expenses	0.5	1.5
Other current liabilities	0.2	0.3
Total current liabilities held for sale associated with discontinued operations	2.6	5.5
Total current liabilities held for sale not assoc. with discontinued operations	8.7	0
Total current liabilities held for sale	11.3	5.5
Deferred income tax	0.1	0.1
Total liabilities held for sale	11.4	5.6
Net Assets	54.5	27.2
Disposal Group, Discontinued operation real property	$14.90	$15.20

Impairment_Charges_Narrative_D

Impairment Charges Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill impairment	$4.10	$0

Impairment_Charges_Summary_of_

Impairment Charges (Summary of Impairment Charges On Continued and Discontinued Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill Impairment	$4.10	$0
Other Long-Lived Asset Impairments	1.8	0.5
Continuing operations:
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill Impairment	4.1
Other Long-Lived Asset Impairments	1.6	0.4
Continuing operations: | Residential Furnishings
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill Impairment	0
Other Long-Lived Asset Impairments	0.2	0.4
Continuing operations: | Industrial Materials - Steel Tubing
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill Impairment	4.1
Other Long-Lived Asset Impairments	1.4	0
Discontinued operations:
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill Impairment	0
Other Long-Lived Asset Impairments	0.2	0.1
Discontinued operations: | Subsequent Activity Related To Divestitures Completed Prior To Reporting Period [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill Impairment	0
Other Long-Lived Asset Impairments	$0.20	$0.10

Impairment_Charges_Components_

Impairment Charges (Components of Fair Values in Relation to Their Respective Carrying Values) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$809	$819
Terminal Values Long- term Growth Rate for Debt-Free Cash Flow	3.00%
Less than 25%
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	0
25% - 49%
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	150.7
Terminal Values Long- term Growth Rate for Debt-Free Cash Flow	3.00%
50% - 74%
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	435.1
Terminal Values Long- term Growth Rate for Debt-Free Cash Flow	3.00%
75% Plus
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$223.20
Terminal Values Long- term Growth Rate for Debt-Free Cash Flow	3.00%
Maximum
Goodwill [Line Items]
10-year Compound Annual Growth Rate Range for Sales	8.20%
Discount Rate Ranges	12.00%
Maximum | Less than 25%
Goodwill [Line Items]
Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Value	25.00%
Maximum | 25% - 49%
Goodwill [Line Items]
Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Value	49.00%
10-year Compound Annual Growth Rate Range for Sales	5.50%
Discount Rate Ranges	10.00%
Maximum | 50% - 74%
Goodwill [Line Items]
Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Value	74.00%
10-year Compound Annual Growth Rate Range for Sales	3.80%
Discount Rate Ranges	12.00%
Maximum | 75% Plus
Goodwill [Line Items]
10-year Compound Annual Growth Rate Range for Sales	8.20%
Discount Rate Ranges	9.50%
Minimum
Goodwill [Line Items]
10-year Compound Annual Growth Rate Range for Sales	0.50%
Discount Rate Ranges	9.00%
Minimum | 25% - 49%
Goodwill [Line Items]
Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Value	25.00%
10-year Compound Annual Growth Rate Range for Sales	4.00%
Minimum | 50% - 74%
Goodwill [Line Items]
Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Value	50.00%
10-year Compound Annual Growth Rate Range for Sales	0.50%
Discount Rate Ranges	9.00%
Minimum | 75% Plus
Goodwill [Line Items]
Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Value	75.00%
10-year Compound Annual Growth Rate Range for Sales	3.70%
Discount Rate Ranges	9.00%

Calculation_of_Basic_and_Dilut

Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net earnings	$73.30	$56
(Earnings) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	-1.1	-0.6
Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to Leggett & Platt, Inc. common shareholders	72.2	55.4
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations. net of tax	-0.5	-2.3
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Leggett & Platt, Inc. common shareholders	$71.70	$53.10
Weighted average number of shares:
Weighted average number of common shares used in basic EPS	141.9	142.4
Additional dilutive shares principally from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options	1.9	1.6
Weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares used in diluted EPS	143.8	144
Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract]
Continuing Operations (in dollars per share)	$0.51	$0.39
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	($0.02)
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.51	$0.37
Diluted EPS attributable to Leggett & Platt, Inc. common shareholders
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.50	$0.38
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	($0.02)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.50	$0.37
Other information:
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted EPS computation	0	0

Components_of_Accounts_and_Oth

Components of Accounts and Other Receivables (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current
Trade accounts receivable	$495.50	$484
Trade notes receivable	1.1	1.1
Total trade receivables	496.6	485.1
Other notes receivable:
Notes received as partial payment for divestitures	0	0.9
Other	0	0
Income tax receivables	18.9	14
Other receivables	30.6	38
Subtotal other receivables	49.5	52.9
Total trade and other receivables	546.1	538
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Trade accounts receivable	-14	-14.7
Trade notes receivable	-0.1	0
Total trade receivables	-14.1	-14.7
Other notes receivable		0
Total allowance for doubtful accounts	-14.1	-14.7
Total net receivables	532	523.3
Long-term
Trade accounts receivable	0	0
Trade notes receivable	2.9	2.9
Total trade receivables	2.9	2.9
Other notes receivable:
Notes received as partial payment for divestitures	0	0
Other	3.3	3.3
Income tax receivables	0	0
Other receivables	0	0
Subtotal other receivables	3.3	3.3
Total trade and other receivables	6.2	6.2
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Trade accounts receivable	0	0
Trade notes receivable	-2.3	-2.1
Total trade receivables	-2.3	-2.1
Other notes receivable	-0.4	-0.4
Total allowance for doubtful accounts	-2.7	-2.5
Total net receivables	$3.50	$3.70

Allowance_for_Doubtful_Account

Allowance for Doubtful Account (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2014	$17.20
2015 Charges	1.5	1.1
2015 Charge- offs, Net of Recoveries	1.9
Balance at March 31, 2015	16.8
Total trade receivables
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2014	16.8
2015 Charges	1.5
2015 Charge- offs, Net of Recoveries	1.9
Balance at March 31, 2015	16.4
Trade accounts receivable
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2014	14.7
2015 Charges	1.2
2015 Charge- offs, Net of Recoveries	-1.9
Balance at March 31, 2015	14
Notes Receivable [Member]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2014	2.1
2015 Charges	0.3
2015 Charge- offs, Net of Recoveries	0
Balance at March 31, 2015	2.4
Other notes receivable
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2014	0.4
2015 Charges	0
2015 Charge- offs, Net of Recoveries	0
Balance at March 31, 2015	$0.40

Components_of_Stock_Based_Comp

Components of Stock Based Compensation (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation	$12.20		$10.50
To be settled with stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-related compensation expense	8.4		6.5
Employee contributions for above stock plans	3.8		4
Total stock-based compensation	12.2		10.5
Recognized tax benefits on stock-based compensation expense	3.2		2.5
To be settled with stock | Amortization of the grant date fair value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-related compensation expense	0.1	[1]	0.2	[1]
To be settled with stock | Cash payments in lieu of options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-related compensation expense	0	[1]	0	[1]
To be settled with stock | Stock-based retirement plans contributions
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-related compensation expense	2.2	[2]	1.6	[2]
To be settled with stock | Deferred Stock Compensation Program
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-related compensation expense	0.6	[1]	0.7	[1]
To be settled with stock | Stock-based retirement plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-related compensation expense	0.4	[2]	0.7	[2]
To be settled with stock | Discount Stock Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-related compensation expense	0.3	[3]	0.3	[3]
To be settled with stock | Performance Stock Unit awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-related compensation expense	1.6	[4]	1.5	[4]
To be settled with stock | Restricted Stock Unit awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-related compensation expense	0.9	[5]	0.8	[5]
To be settled with stock | Profitable Growth Incentive awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-related compensation expense	1.9	[6]	0.4	[6]
To be settled with stock | Other, primarily non-employee directors restricted stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-related compensation expense	0.4		0.3
To be settled in cash
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-related compensation expense	6		3
To be settled in cash | Amortization of the grant date fair value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-related compensation expense	0	[1]	0	[1]
To be settled in cash | Cash payments in lieu of options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-related compensation expense	1	[1]	0.9	[1]
To be settled in cash | Stock-based retirement plans contributions
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-related compensation expense	0.4	[2]	0.5	[2]
To be settled in cash | Deferred Stock Compensation Program
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-related compensation expense	0	[1]	0	[1]
To be settled in cash | Stock-based retirement plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-related compensation expense	0	[2]	0	[2]
To be settled in cash | Discount Stock Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-related compensation expense	0	[3]	0	[3]
To be settled in cash | Performance Stock Unit awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-related compensation expense	2.9	[4]	1.2	[4]
To be settled in cash | Restricted Stock Unit awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-related compensation expense	0	[5]	0	[5]
To be settled in cash | Profitable Growth Incentive awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-related compensation expense	1.7	[6]	0.4	[6]
To be settled in cash | Other, primarily non-employee directors restricted stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-related compensation expense	$0		$0
[1]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOmVlMTVmNjBmYTI2NDQ5ZTViNGIwNTNmMDY1MWU1MzZkfFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246RTkyNDA1M0ZGMzRGNTAxQzhFRUM2ODE3MDM4RDlCRTcM}
[2]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOmVlMTVmNjBmYTI2NDQ5ZTViNGIwNTNmMDY1MWU1MzZkfFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246ODFDNjNBQTUyQzczNUZDN0EzRDgwRkRFNTM2RjVGQ0MM}
[3]	tarting in 2013, certain key management employees participated in a new Profitable Growth Incentive (PGI) program in lieu of the annual option grant. The PGI awards are issued as growth performance stock units (GPSUs). The GPSUs vest (0% to 250%) at the end of a two-year performance period. Vesting is based on the Company's or applicable profit center's revenue growth (adjusted by a GDP factor when applicable) and EBITDA margin at the end of a two-year performance period. The 2015 and 2014 base target PGI awards were each .1 shares. If earned, we intend to pay half in shares of our common stock and half in cash, although we reserve the right to pay up to 100% in cash. Both components are adjusted to fair value at each reporting period.Two-Year Performance CycleAward Year Completion Date Average Payout as aPercent of theBase Award Number of SharesDistributed Cash Portion Distribution Date2013 December 31, 2014 127.0% .1 million $3.5 February 2015
[4]	Performance Stock Unit AwardsWe grant Performance Stock Unit (PSU) awards in the first quarter of each year to selected officers and other key managers. These awards contain the following conditions:•A service requirement—Awards generally “cliff” vest three years following the grant date; and•A market condition—Awards are based on our Total Shareholder Return [TSR =Change in Stock Price + Dividends) / Beginning Stock Price] as compared to the TSR of a group of peer companies. The peer group consists of all the companies in the Industrial, Materials and Consumer Discretionary sectors of the S&P 500 and S&P Midcap 400 (approximately 320 companies). Participants will earn from 0% to 175% of the base award depending upon how our Total Shareholder Return ranks within the peer group at the end of the 3-year performance period. Grant date fair values are calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation of stock and volatility data for Leggett and each of the comparator companies. Grant date fair values are amortized using the straight-line method over the three-year vesting period. Below is a summary of the number of shares and related grant date fair value of PSU’s for the periods presented. Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 2014Total shares base award.2 .2Grant date per share fair value$42.22 $30.45Risk-free interest rate1.1% .8%Expected life in years3.0 3.0Expected volatility (over expected life)19.8% 25.9%Expected dividend yield (over expected life)2.9% 3.9%Three-Year Performance CycleAward Year Completion Date TSR PerformanceRelative to the Peer Group (1%¾st) Payout as aPercent of theBase Award Number of SharesDistributed Distribution Date2011 December 31, 2013 55th percentile 64.2% .2 million January 20142012 December 31, 2014 30th percentile 157.0% .4 million January 2015The above information represents the 65% portion of the award that was settled in shares of our common stock. For outstanding awards, we intend to pay 65% in shares of our common stock, although we reserve the right to pay up to 100% in cash. The additional amount that represents 35% of the award will be settled in cash, and is recorded as a liability and adjusted to fair value at each reporting period.
[5]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOmVlMTVmNjBmYTI2NDQ5ZTViNGIwNTNmMDY1MWU1MzZkfFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246MUExMDZFQzMyQzc0NUJBQ0FENDk3OUVGMERENjYwQTQM}
[6]	Profitable Growth Incentive AwardsStarting in 2013, certain key management employees participated in a new Profitable Growth Incentive (PGI) program in lieu of the annual option grant. The PGI awards are issued as growth performance stock units (GPSUs). The GPSUs vest (0% to 250%) at the end of a two-year performance period. Vesting is based on the Company's or applicable profit center's revenue growth (adjusted by a GDP factor when applicable) and EBITDA margin at the end of a two-year performance period. The 2015 and 2014 base target PGI awards were each .1 shares. If earned, we intend to pay half in shares of our common stock and half in cash, although we reserve the right to pay up to 100% in cash. Both components are adjusted to fair value at each reporting period.

Stock_Based_Compensation_Addit

Stock Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Growth Performance Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award performance period	2 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Base Target Share Award	0.1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Cash Payout Ratio	100.00%
Growth Performance Stock Units | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights percentage	0.00%
Growth Performance Stock Units | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights percentage	250.00%
Deferred Stock Compensation Program
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Granted, Deferred Compensation Multiplier	500.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Awards, Discount from Market Price, Acquisition Interval	14 days
Performance Stock Unit awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Award performance period	3 years
Expected life in years	3 years
Number of companies forming peer group	320
Percentage of award intended to pay out in stock	65.00%
Reserved percentage of award intended to pay out in cash	100.00%
Percentage recorded as a liability	35.00%
Performance Stock Unit awards | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Base award percentage of Total Shareholder Return	0.00%
Performance Stock Unit awards | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Base award percentage of Total Shareholder Return	175.00%

Calculation_and_Assumptions_Ut

Calculation and Assumptions Utilized in Calculation of Fair Values of Options Granted (Detail) (Performance Stock Unit, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Performance Stock Unit
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total shares base award	0.2	0.2
Grant date per share fair value (in dollars per share)	$42.22	$30.45
Risk-free interest rate	1.10%	0.80%
Expected life in years	3 years	3 years
Expected volatility (over expected life)	19.80%	25.90%
Expected dividend yield (over expected life)	2.90%	3.90%

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Perfor

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Performance Awards (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Cash Portion	$3.50
2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
TSR Performance Relative to the Peer Group (1%Best)		55.00%
Payout as a Percent of the Base Award		64.20%
Number of Shares Distributed		0.2
2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Two year Performance Cycle Payout As A Percent Of The Base Award	127.00%
TSR Performance Relative to the Peer Group (1%Best)			30.00%
Payout as a Percent of the Base Award			157.00%
Number of Shares Distributed	0.1		0.4

Acquisitions_Estimated_Fair_Va

Acquisitions (Estimated Fair Values Of The Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$809				$819
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	3.7		0
Inventory	4.9		0.3
Property, plant and equipment	1.9		1.5
Goodwill	8.4	[1]	5.5	[1]
Other intangible assets	14.8		0.6
Current liabilities	-11.1		-5.9
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities	-10.4		0
Net cash consideration	$12.20		$2
[1]	Goodwill associated with the 2015 and 2014 acquisitions are expected to provide an income tax benefit.

Acquisitions_Purchase_Price_Al

Acquisitions (Purchase Price Allocations Related To Acquisitions) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	acquisition	acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	809		$819
Percentage of voting interest acquired	70.00%
Percentage of voting interest remaining that is expected to be acquired	30.00%
Long term liability recorded in connection with future payments	10
Upholstered office furniture | Residential Furnishings
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Acquisitions	1
Foam carpet underlay | Industrial Materials
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Acquisitions		1

Components_of_Net_Pension_Expe

Components of Net Pension (Expense) Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Expected employer contribution	$1.90
Components of net pension expense
Service cost	1	0.8
Interest cost	3.3	3.2
Expected return on plan assets	-4.2	-3.9
Recognized net actuarial loss	1.5	0.8
Net pension expense	$1.60	$0.90

Recovered_Sheet1

Statement of Changes in Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$1,154.90	$1,399.20
Net earnings	72.8	53.7
(Earnings) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	-1.1	-0.6
Dividends declared	-42.7	-41.5
Treasury stock purchased	-68.9	-46.4
Treasury stock issued	15.9	9.1
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-37.8	-15.1
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	-1.7	-0.1
Defined benefit pension plans, net of tax	1.3	0.6
Stock options and benefit plan transactions, net of tax	22.6	11.4
Ending balance	1,116.40	1,370.90
Retained Earnings
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	2,061.30	2,136.40
Net earnings	72.8	53.7
(Earnings) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	-1.1	-0.6
Dividends declared	-44	-42.7
Ending balance	2,089	2,146.80
Common Stock & Additional Contributed Capital
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	504.4	481.1
Dividends declared	1.3	1.2
Treasury stock issued	-19.5	-17
Stock options and benefit plan transactions, net of tax	22.6	11.4
Ending balance	508.8	476.7
Treasury Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-1,416.60	-1,320.70
Treasury stock purchased	-68.9	-46.4
Treasury stock issued	35.4	26.1
Ending balance	-1,450.10	-1,341
Noncontrolling Interest
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	8.4	7.9
(Earnings) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	1.1	0.6
Dividends declared	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	-0.2
Ending balance	9.5	8.3
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-2.6	94.5
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-37.8	-14.9
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	-1.7	-0.1
Defined benefit pension plans, net of tax	1.3	0.6
Ending balance	($40.80)	$80.10

Changes_in_Each_Component_of_A

Changes in Each Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance beginning of period	($2.60)	$94.50
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, pretax	-40.2	-16
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	2.3	1.9
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	-37.9	-14.1
Income tax effect	-0.3	-0.5
Attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0.2
Balance end of period	-40.8	80.1
Net Sales
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	-0.2	0.1
Cost of goods sold; selling and administrative expenses
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	1.5	0.8
Interest expense
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	1	1
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance beginning of period	86.8	158.3
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, pretax	-37.8	-15.1
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	-37.8	-15.1
Income tax effect	0	0
Attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	-0.2
Balance end of period	49	143.4
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments | Net Sales
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	0	0
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments | Cost of goods sold; selling and administrative expenses
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	0	0
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments | Interest expense
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	0	0
Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance beginning of period	-20.1	-23.5
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, pretax	-2.8	-1
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	0.8	1.1
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	-2	0.1
Income tax effect	-0.3	0.2
Attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0
Balance end of period	-21.8	-23.6
Cash Flow Hedges | Net Sales
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	-0.2	0.1
Cash Flow Hedges | Cost of goods sold; selling and administrative expenses
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	0	0
Cash Flow Hedges | Interest expense
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	1	1
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance beginning of period	-69.3	-40.3
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, pretax	0.4	0.1
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	1.5	0.8
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	1.9	0.9
Income tax effect	0.6	0.3
Attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0
Balance end of period	-68	-39.7
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Net Sales
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	0	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Cost of goods sold; selling and administrative expenses
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	1.5	0.8
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Interest expense
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax	$0	$0

Items_Measured_at_Fair_Value_o

Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Total
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (Note 14)	$2.70		$2
Total assets	131.3		161.5
Derivative liabilities (Note 14)	6		2.7
Total liabilities	26.7		21.3
Bank time deposits with original maturities of three months or less | Total
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Bank time deposits with original maturities of three months or less	107.7		140.7
Diversified investments associated with the Executive Stock Unit Program (ESUP) (Note 9) | Total
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Diversified investments associated with the Executive Stock Unit Program (ESUP) (Note 9)	20.9	[1]	18.8
Liabilities Associated With Esup | Total
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total liabilities	20.7	[1]	18.6	[1]
Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (Note 14)	0		0
Total assets	20.9		18.8
Derivative liabilities (Note 14)	0		0
Total liabilities	20.7		18.6
Level 1 | Bank time deposits with original maturities of three months or less
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Bank time deposits with original maturities of three months or less	0		0
Level 1 | Diversified investments associated with the Executive Stock Unit Program (ESUP) (Note 9)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Diversified investments associated with the Executive Stock Unit Program (ESUP) (Note 9)	20.9	[1]	18.8
Level 1 | Liabilities Associated With Esup
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total liabilities	20.7	[1]	18.6	[1]
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (Note 14)	2.7		2
Total assets	110.4		142.7
Derivative liabilities (Note 14)	6		2.7
Total liabilities	6		2.7
Level 2 | Bank time deposits with original maturities of three months or less
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Bank time deposits with original maturities of three months or less	107.7		140.7
Level 2 | Diversified investments associated with the Executive Stock Unit Program (ESUP) (Note 9)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Diversified investments associated with the Executive Stock Unit Program (ESUP) (Note 9)	0	[1]	0
Level 2 | Liabilities Associated With Esup
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total liabilities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (Note 14)	0		0
Total assets	0		0
Derivative liabilities (Note 14)	0		0
Total liabilities	0		0
Level 3 | Bank time deposits with original maturities of three months or less
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Bank time deposits with original maturities of three months or less	0		0
Level 3 | Diversified investments associated with the Executive Stock Unit Program (ESUP) (Note 9)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Diversified investments associated with the Executive Stock Unit Program (ESUP) (Note 9)	0	[1]	0
Level 3 | Liabilities Associated With Esup
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total liabilities	$0	[1]	$0	[1]
[1]	Includes both current and long-term amounts combined.

Fair_Value_Additional_Informat

Fair Value - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fixed rate debt carrying value	$950	$950
Fixed rate debt difference between carrying value and fair value	$22

Recovered_Sheet2

Risk Management and Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Aug. 15, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]
Liquidation of interest rate swap agreement	$42,700,000
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount of debt hedged	200,000,000
3.40% Senior Notes due 2022 | Senior Notes
Derivative [Line Items]
Aggregate principal of Senior Notes	$300,000,000
Debt instrument term	10 years
Interest rate on Senior Notes	3.40%

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments at Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Other Long Term Liabilities | USD inter-company note receivables on a Swiss subsidiary
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities		$0
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Future EUR Sales of Chinese Subsidiary
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total USD Equivalent Notional Amount, Currency cash flow hedges	5.6
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivative assets	2.7	2
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Assets | Future EUR Sales of Chinese Subsidiary
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Currency cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Assets	0.8
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivative liabilities	4.1	2.4
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Liabilities | Future EUR Sales of Chinese Subsidiary
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Currency cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities	0
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Long Term Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivative liabilities	1.9	0.3
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Long Term Liabilities | Future EUR Sales of Chinese Subsidiary
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Currency cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities	0
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | -Future USD sales of Canadian, Chinese and Swiss subsidiaries
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total USD Equivalent Notional Amount, Currency cash flow hedges	153.9
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Future JPY Sales of Chinese Subsidiaries
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total USD Equivalent Notional Amount, Currency cash flow hedges	5.3	6.9
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Future Usd Sales Of Canadian and Chinese Subsidiary
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total USD Equivalent Notional Amount, Currency cash flow hedges		153.3
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Future USD Purchases of Canadian and European Subsidiaries [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total USD Equivalent Notional Amount, Currency cash flow hedges		10.4
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Future MXN Purchases of a USD Subsidiary
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total USD Equivalent Notional Amount, Currency cash flow hedges	4.3	5.3
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Future USD Purchases of Canadian, European and Korean Subsidiaries [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total USD Equivalent Notional Amount, Currency cash flow hedges	9.9
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Future USD sales of a Chinese subsidiary
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total USD Equivalent Notional Amount, Currency cash flow hedges		6
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total cash flow hedges, Assets	2.4	2
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Assets | -Future USD sales of Canadian, Chinese and Swiss subsidiaries
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Currency cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Assets	0
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Assets | Future JPY Sales of Chinese Subsidiaries
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Currency cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Assets	0.3	0.5
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Assets | Future Usd Sales Of Canadian and Chinese Subsidiary
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Currency cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Assets		0.3
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Assets | Future USD Purchases of Canadian and European Subsidiaries [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Currency cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Assets		0.9
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Assets | Future MXN Purchases of a USD Subsidiary
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Currency cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Assets	0	0
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Assets | Future USD Purchases of Canadian, European and Korean Subsidiaries [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Currency cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Assets	1.3
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Assets | Future USD sales of a Chinese subsidiary
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Currency cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Assets		0.3
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total cash flow hedges, Liabilities	3.4	1.3
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Liabilities | -Future USD sales of Canadian, Chinese and Swiss subsidiaries
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Currency cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities	3
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Liabilities | Future JPY Sales of Chinese Subsidiaries
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Currency cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities	0	0
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Liabilities | Future Usd Sales Of Canadian and Chinese Subsidiary
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Currency cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities		1
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Liabilities | Future USD Purchases of Canadian and European Subsidiaries [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Currency cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities		0
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Liabilities | Future MXN Purchases of a USD Subsidiary
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Currency cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities	0.3	0.3
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Liabilities | Future USD Purchases of Canadian, European and Korean Subsidiaries [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Currency cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities	0.1
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Liabilities | Future USD sales of a Chinese subsidiary
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Currency cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities		0
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Long Term Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total cash flow hedges, Liabilities	1.9	0.3
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Long Term Liabilities | Future USD sales of Canadian, European and Korean Subsidiaries [Member] [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Currency cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities	0
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Long Term Liabilities | -Future USD sales of Canadian, Chinese and Swiss subsidiaries
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Currency cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities	1.8
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Long Term Liabilities | Future JPY Sales of Chinese Subsidiaries
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Currency cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities	0	0
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Long Term Liabilities | Future Usd Sales Of Canadian and Chinese Subsidiary
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Currency cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities		0.2
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Long Term Liabilities | Future USD Purchases of Canadian and European Subsidiaries [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Currency cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities		0
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Long Term Liabilities | Future MXN Purchases of a USD Subsidiary
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Currency cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities	0.1	0.1
Cash Flow Hedging | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Long Term Liabilities | Future USD sales of a Chinese subsidiary
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Currency cash flow derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities		0
Fair value hedges | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | DKK Intercompany Note Receivable On USD Subsidiary [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total USD Equivalent Notional Amount, Currency cash flow hedges	3
Fair value hedges | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Usd Inter Company Note Receivable On Canadian Subsidiary
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total USD Equivalent Notional Amount, Currency cash flow hedges	10
Fair value hedges | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | USD inter-company note receivables on a Swiss subsidiary
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total USD Equivalent Notional Amount, Currency cash flow hedges	18.5	18.5
Fair value hedges | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Assets	0.3
Fair value hedges | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Assets | DKK Intercompany Note Receivable On USD Subsidiary [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Assets	0.2
Fair value hedges | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Assets | Usd Inter Company Note Receivable On Canadian Subsidiary
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Assets	0.1
Fair value hedges | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Assets | USD inter-company note receivables on a Swiss subsidiary
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Assets	0	0
Fair value hedges | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities	0.7
Fair value hedges | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Liabilities | DKK Intercompany Note Receivable On USD Subsidiary [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities	0
Fair value hedges | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Liabilities | Usd Inter Company Note Receivable On Canadian Subsidiary
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities	0
Fair value hedges | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Liabilities | USD inter-company note receivables on a Swiss subsidiary
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities	0.7	1.1
Fair value hedges | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Long Term Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities	0
Fair value hedges | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Long Term Liabilities | DKK Intercompany Note Receivable On USD Subsidiary [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities	0
Fair value hedges | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other Long Term Liabilities | Usd Inter Company Note Receivable On Canadian Subsidiary
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value derivatives designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities	$0

Gains_Losses_of_Hedging_Activi

Gains (Losses) of Hedging Activities Recorded in Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain) Loss recorded in income	$1.90	$0.90
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain) Loss recorded in income	0.6	1.4
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Fair value hedges | Other expense (income), net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain) Loss recorded in income	0.7	-0.5
Interest rate cash flow hedges | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedging | Interest expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain) Loss recorded in income	1	1
Currency cash flow hedges | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedging | Cost of goods sold
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain) Loss recorded in income	-0.4	0
Currency cash flow hedges | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedging | Net Sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain) Loss recorded in income	0	0.3
Currency cash flow hedges | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedging | Other expense (income), net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain) Loss recorded in income	0	0.1
Hedge Of Eur Inter Company Note Receivable From USD Subsidiary [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain) Loss recorded in income	0.7	0
Hedge Of Eur Inter Company Note Receivable From USD Subsidiary [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other expense (income), net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain) Loss recorded in income	($0.10)	$0

Contingencies_Additional_Infor

Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

36 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Mar. 31, 2015

Aug. 14, 2014

Dec. 03, 2014

Sep. 04, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 01, 2014

Jun. 26, 2014

Jun. 05, 2014

Apr. 17, 2014

Mar. 27, 2014

Oct. 22, 2013

Jun. 21, 2013

Feb. 01, 2013

Dec. 18, 2012

Oct. 04, 2012

Dec. 30, 2011

Dec. 22, 2011

Apr. 16, 2009

Dec. 31, 2014

Jul. 03, 2013

Feb. 14, 2013

Jan. 24, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 11, 2013

Oct. 16, 2013

Feb. 28, 2011

direct_purchaser_class_action_case

direct_purchaser_class_action_case

direct_purchaser_class_action_case

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

Payments for legal settlements charged to Discontinued Operations

$0

Direct Purchaser and Indirect Purchaser Cases [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

Named as a defendant in pending cases

2

Individual Direct Purchaser Cases [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

Named as a defendant in pending cases

34

Direct Purchaser Class Action Cases [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

Named as a defendant in pending cases

3

General and special damages

39.8

Payments for Legal Settlements

4

39.8

Brazilian Value- Added Tax Matters

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

General and special damages

3.9

3.9

0.8

0.5

2

1

0.2

2.1

0.2

0.5

1.6

0.1

2.5

2

4.4

Improperly offset social contribution

0.2

0.1

Tax Credit Matters [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

General and special damages

3

Patent Infringement Claim

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

General and special damages

16.2

Damages awarded

5

5

Pre-judgment interest requested

0.7

Pre-judgment interest awarded

0.5

Antitrust Lawsuits Canada [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

Named as a defendant in pending cases

2

General and special damages

100

Number of defendants

13

Antitrust Canada Lawsuits Punitive Damages [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

General and special damages

10

Continuing Operations [Member]

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

Additional litigation accrual

22

Discontinued operations:

Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]

Additional litigation accrual

$27