Subsequent Events (Details) (Subsequent Event, Construction of new units, USD $) In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2012
Subsequent Event \| Construction of new units
Subsequent Events
Authorized expenditure for construction of new ammonia and urea/UAN production units	$ 3.8

Represents the authorized expenditure amount for construction of new ammonia and urea/UAN production units at various locations.

No definition available.

Name:	cf_AuthorizedExpenditureForConstructionOfNewAmmoniaAndUreaProductionUnits
Namespace Prefix:	cf_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant