XML 93 R78.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.24.0.1

Income Taxes (Details 4) $ in Millions, $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2022 CAD ($) | Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest |  |  |  | $ 313.0 | $ 591.0 | $ 343.0
Transfer pricing arbitration |  |  |  | 0.0 | 69.0 | 0.0
State income taxes, net of federal |  |  |  | 44.0 | 143.0 | 34.0
Income tax expense (benefit) |  |  |  | (410.0) | (1,158.0) | (283.0)
Undistributed earnings | $ 12.0 |  | $ 12.0 | 9.0 | 12.0 |
State tax credits | 7.0 |  | 7.0 | 16.0 | 7.0 |
Tax credit carryforward decrease during period |  |  |  |  |  | 27.0
Tax credit carryforwards not expected to be realized | 18.0 |  | 18.0 |  | 18.0 |
Additions for tax positions taken during prior years |  |  |  | 69.0 | 154.0 |
Unrecognized tax benefits | 181.0 |  | 181.0 | 222.0 | 181.0 | 27.0
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate | 29.0 |  | 29.0 |  | 29.0 |
Additions for tax positions taken during the current year |  |  |  | 5.0 | 0.0 |
Reductions related to settlements with tax jurisdictions |  |  |  | 33.0 | 0.0 | 59.0
Interest expense and penalties related to potential income taxes |  |  |  | (4.0) | 66.0 |
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance | 190.0 |  | 190.0 | 194.0 | 190.0 |
Interest expense and penalties |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest expense and penalties related to potential income taxes |  |  |  | (4.0) | 66.0 |
Accrued interest expense and penalties |  |  |  |  |  |
Amount recognized in consolidated balance sheets for accrued interest and penalties related to income taxes | 62.0 |  | 62.0 | 51.0 | 62.0 |
Tax Year 2012 - 2016 |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Decrease resulting from prior period tax positions |  |  |  |  |  | 13.0
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Liability (refund) adjustment from settlement with taxing authority |  |  |  |  |  | (38.0)
State Tax Authority |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Liability (refund) adjustment from settlement with taxing authority |  |  |  |  |  | 12.0
Operating loss carryforwards |  |  |  | 66.0 |  |
Additions for tax positions taken during the current year |  |  |  |  |  | $ 5.0
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration |  |  |  | 32.0 |  |
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Not Subject to Expiration |  |  |  | 34.0 |  |
Foreign Tax Authority |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating loss carryforwards |  |  |  | 116.0 |  |
Tax credit carryforward valuation allowance | 44.0 |  | 44.0 |  | 44.0 |
Unrecognized tax benefits increase in period |  |  |  |  | 26.0 |
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount |  |  |  | 11.0 |  |
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance |  |  |  | 55.0 |  |
Foreign Tax Authority | UNITED KINGDOM |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount |  |  |  | (7.0) |  |
Domestic Tax Authority |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Income taxes receivable | 51.0 |  | 51.0 |  | 51.0 |
State and Local Jurisdiction and Foreign Tax Authority |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Decrease resulting from prior period tax positions |  |  |  | 33.0 |  |
Point Lisas Nitrogen Limited (PLNL) | Foreign Tax Authority |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Change in enacted tax rate |  |  |  |  | 12.0 |
Canada Revenue Agency | State Tax Authority | Tax Years 2006-2011 |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
State income taxes, net of federal |  |  |  |  | 9.0 |
Canada Revenue Agency | Foreign Tax Authority |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Additions for tax positions taken during prior years |  |  |  | $ 74.0 | 154.0 |
Payments for other taxes | 267.0 | $ 363 |  |  |  |
Canada Revenue Agency | Foreign Tax Authority | Tax Years 2006-2011 |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Liability (refund) adjustment from settlement with taxing authority | (129.0) |  | (129.0) |  | (129.0) |
Foreign tax contingency |  |  |  |  | 78.0 |
Interest on income taxes accrued | 102.0 |  | 102.0 |  | 102.0 |
Income taxes paid |  |  | 224.0 |  |  |
Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) | Foreign Tax Authority |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Tax credit carryforward valuation allowance | $ 24.0 |  | $ 24.0 |  | $ 24.0 |

X
- Definition Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Expected to Expire + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cf_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwardsExpectedToExpire
Namespace Prefix: | cf_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, State + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cf_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwardsState
Namespace Prefix: | cf_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Transfer Pricing Arbitration, Amount + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cf_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTransferPricingArbitrationAmount
Namespace Prefix: | cf_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Tax Credit Carryforward, Valuation Allowance, Decrease During Period + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cf_TaxCreditCarryforwardValuationAllowanceDecreaseDuringPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | cf_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible operating loss carryforwards that are not subject to expiration dates. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsNotSubjectToExpiration
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible operating loss carryforwards that are subject to expiration dates. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsSubjectToExpiration
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-2 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences from undistributed earnings of subsidiary and other recognized entity not within country of domicile. Includes, but is not limited to, other basis differences. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-6 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesUndistributedForeignEarnings
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of the additional liability or refund received or expected based on a final settlement with a taxing authority. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationLiabilityRefundAdjustmentFromSettlementWithTaxingAuthority
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of estimated penalties and interest accrued as of the balance sheet date arising from income tax examinations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-15 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestAccruedAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The sum of the amounts of estimated penalties and interest recognized in the period arising from income tax examinations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-15 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestExpenseAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-8 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 10 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-10 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 6.I.7) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479360/740-10-S99-1 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (h) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-22 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 220 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(9)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483586/944-220-S99-1 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -SubTopic 20 -Topic 740 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482659/740-20-45-2 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(h)) -SubTopic 10 -Topic 235 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480678/235-10-S99-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of income taxes previously overpaid to tax authorities (such as U.S. Federal, state and local tax authorities) representing refunds of overpayments or recoveries based on agreed-upon resolutions of disputes. Also called income tax refund receivable. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(3)(a)(4)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxReceivable
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations, attributable to increase (decrease) in the income tax rates. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 12 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-12 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482525/740-10-45-15 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to state and local income tax expense (benefit). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 12 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-12 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to increase (decrease) in foreign income tax contingency. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 12 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-12 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxContingenciesForeign
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of cash paid during the current period to foreign, federal, state, and local authorities as taxes on income. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482913/230-10-50-2 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 25 -Subparagraph (f) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482740/230-10-45-25 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of Net Income (Loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-8 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 220 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(17)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483586/944-220-S99-1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482765/220-10-50-6 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (a)(2) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481203/810-10-50-1A Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 4J -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481175/810-10-55-4J Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482790/220-10-45-1A Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482790/220-10-45-1B + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of operating loss carryforward, before tax effects, available to reduce future taxable income under enacted tax laws. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-3 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of cash outflow for taxes classified as other. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 25 -Subparagraph (g) -SubTopic 10 -Topic 230 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482740/230-10-45-25 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsForOtherTaxes
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of valuation allowance pertaining to the deferred tax asset representing potential future taxable deductions from tax credit carryforwards for which it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-2 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardValuationAllowance
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of unrecognized tax benefits. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 15A -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-15A Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 10B -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482525/740-10-45-10B + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of decrease in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from tax positions taken in prior period tax returns. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 15A -Subparagraph (a)(1) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-15A + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of decrease in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from settlements with taxing authorities. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 15A -Subparagraph (a)(3) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-15A + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromSettlementsWithTaxingAuthorities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of increase in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from tax positions that have been or will be taken in current period tax return. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 15A -Subparagraph (a)(2) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-15A + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of increase in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from tax positions taken in prior period tax returns. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 15A -Subparagraph (a)(1) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-15A + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of interest expense accrued for an underpayment of income taxes. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-15 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesAccrued
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax benefits attributable to uncertain tax positions taken in tax returns. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 15A -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-15A + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 15A -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-15A + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) in the valuation allowance for a specified deferred tax asset. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-2 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis=cf_TaxYear20122016Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis=us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis=us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis=us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_StatementGeographicalAxis=country_GB
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis=us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis=cf_StateAndLocalJurisdictionAndForeignTaxAuthorityMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis=cf_PointLisasNitrogenLimitedMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameAxis=us-gaap_CanadaRevenueAgencyMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis=cf_TaxYears20062011Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameAxis=us-gaap_HerMajestysRevenueAndCustomsHMRCMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |