XML 56 R78.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.1.9

PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets, and Net Funded Status) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Fair value of plan assets — beginning of year | $ 188.6 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets | $ 200.5 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets |
Employer contributions | 7.3 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer | 25.5 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer |
Fair value of plan assets — end of year | 205.8 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets | 188.6 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets |
Funded status at December 31: |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets | 205.8 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets | 188.6 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets |
Amounts recognized in Statements of Financial Position: |  |  |
Noncurrent liabilities | (395.2)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent | (294.0)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent |
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: |  |  |
Retirement And Defined Compensation Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] | The following table summarizes the annual expense recognized related to the retirement plans for 2014, 2013 and 2012:
| (In Millions)
| 2014 |  | 2013 |  | 2012
Defined benefit pension plans | $ | 31.3 |  |  | $ | 52.1 |  |  | $ | 55.2 |
Defined contribution pension plans | 6.3 |  |  | 6.8 |  |  | 6.7 |
Other postretirement benefits | (0.7 | ) |  | 17.4 |  |  | 28.1 |
Total | $ | 36.9 |  |  | $ | 76.3 |  |  | $ | 90.0 |
Pension Benefits [Member] |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Benefit obligations — beginning of year | (1,118.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (1,244.3)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Service cost (excluding expenses) | 30.8 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 38.9 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 32.0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Interest cost | 49.7 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 45.9 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 48.4 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Plan amendments | 0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 0.8 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Actuarial loss | (14.1)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (29.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (30.4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Actuarial (gain) loss | 141.6 clf_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeinActuarialgainloss / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (121.8)clf_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeinActuarialgainloss / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Benefits paid | (87.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (72.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Participant contributions | 0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Federal subsidy on benefits paid | 0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceived / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceived / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Exchange rate gain | (18.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (17.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Benefit obligations — end of year | (1,227.4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (1,118.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (1,244.3)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Fair value of plan assets — beginning of year | 915.3 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 838.7 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Actual return on plan assets | 78.7 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 109.5 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 92.5 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Participant contributions | 0 clf_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsContributionsByPlanParticipants / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 0 clf_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsContributionsByPlanParticipants / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Employer contributions | 60.5 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 53.7 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Benefits paid | (87.0)clf_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsBenefitsPaid / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (72.9)clf_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsBenefitsPaid / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Exchange rate gain | (17.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (13.7)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Fair value of plan assets — end of year | 949.6 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 915.3 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 838.7 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Funded status at December 31: |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets | 949.6 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 915.3 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 838.7 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation | (1,227.4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (1,118.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (1,244.3)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Underfunded status of plan | (277.8)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (202.7)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Amount recognized at December 31 | (277.8)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (202.7)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Amounts recognized in Statements of Financial Position: |  |  |
Current liabilities | (2.4)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (5.2)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Noncurrent liabilities | (275.4)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (197.5)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Net amount recognized | (277.8)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (202.7)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: |  |  |
Prior service cost | 10.6 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 14.9 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Net actuarial loss | 341.5 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 230.6 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Net amount recognized | 352.1 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 245.5 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost in 2013: |  |  |
Net actuarial loss | 22.3 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |
Prior service cost | 2.4 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |
Net amount recognized | 24.7 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountToBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNextFiscalYear / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments | (10.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Defined Benefit Plan, Special Termination Benefits | 3.4 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSpecialTerminationBenefits / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSpecialTerminationBenefits / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Other Benefits [Member] |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Benefit obligations — beginning of year | (356.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (459.8)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Service cost (excluding expenses) | 6.7 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 12.3 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 14.7 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Interest cost | 16.2 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 17.3 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 20.6 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Plan amendments | (0.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Actuarial loss | (5.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (11.5)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (11.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Actuarial (gain) loss | 51.9 clf_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeinActuarialgainloss / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (103.3)clf_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeinActuarialgainloss / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Benefits paid | (27.4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (28.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Participant contributions | 4.8 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 5.6 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Federal subsidy on benefits paid | 0.9 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceived / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 0.5 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceived / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Exchange rate gain | (3.7)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (8.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Benefit obligations — end of year | (395.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (356.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (459.8)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Fair value of plan assets — beginning of year | 251.8 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 237.0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Actual return on plan assets | 31.9 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 11.0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 26.1 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Participant contributions | 0.8 clf_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsContributionsByPlanParticipants / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 1.8 clf_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsContributionsByPlanParticipants / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Employer contributions | 6.9 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 20.7 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Benefits paid | (22.1)clf_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsBenefitsPaid / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (18.7)clf_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsBenefitsPaid / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Exchange rate gain | 0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Fair value of plan assets — end of year | 269.3 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 251.8 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 237.0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Funded status at December 31: |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets | 269.3 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 251.8 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 237.0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation | (395.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (356.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (459.8)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Underfunded status of plan | (126.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (104.4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Amount recognized at December 31 | (126.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (104.4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Amounts recognized in Statements of Financial Position: |  |  |
Current liabilities | (6.8)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (7.9)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Noncurrent liabilities | (119.8)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (96.5)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Net amount recognized | (126.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (104.4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: |  |  |
Prior service cost | (42.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | (45.4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Net actuarial loss | 97.1 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 67.0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Net amount recognized | 54.2 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 21.6 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost in 2013: |  |  |
Net actuarial loss | 6.3 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |
Prior service cost | (3.7)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |
Net amount recognized | 2.6 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountToBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNextFiscalYear / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments | (8.8)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Defined Benefit Plan, Special Termination Benefits | 0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSpecialTerminationBenefits / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSpecialTerminationBenefits / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |
Salaried Employees [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member] |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Benefit obligations — end of year | (471.4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SalariedEmployeesMember | (427.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SalariedEmployeesMember |
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Fair value of plan assets — end of year | 366.4 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SalariedEmployeesMember | 357.4 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SalariedEmployeesMember |
Funded status at December 31: |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets | 366.4 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SalariedEmployeesMember | 357.4 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SalariedEmployeesMember |
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation | (471.4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SalariedEmployeesMember | (427.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SalariedEmployeesMember |
Underfunded status of plan | (105.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SalariedEmployeesMember | (69.8)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SalariedEmployeesMember |
Salaried Employees [Member] | Other Benefits [Member] |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Benefit obligations — end of year | (54.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SalariedEmployeesMember | (53.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SalariedEmployeesMember |
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Fair value of plan assets — end of year | 0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SalariedEmployeesMember | 0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SalariedEmployeesMember |
Funded status at December 31: |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets | 0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SalariedEmployeesMember | 0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SalariedEmployeesMember |
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation | (54.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SalariedEmployeesMember | (53.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SalariedEmployeesMember |
Underfunded status of plan | (54.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SalariedEmployeesMember | (53.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SalariedEmployeesMember |
Hourly Employees [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member] |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Benefit obligations — end of year | (739.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_HourlyEmployeesMember | (674.8)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_HourlyEmployeesMember |
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Fair value of plan assets — end of year | 576.6 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_HourlyEmployeesMember | 552.7 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_HourlyEmployeesMember |
Funded status at December 31: |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets | 576.6 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_HourlyEmployeesMember | 552.7 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_HourlyEmployeesMember |
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation | (739.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_HourlyEmployeesMember | (674.8)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_HourlyEmployeesMember |
Underfunded status of plan | (162.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_HourlyEmployeesMember | (122.1)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_HourlyEmployeesMember |
Hourly Employees [Member] | Other Benefits [Member] |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Benefit obligations — end of year | (341.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_HourlyEmployeesMember | (302.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_HourlyEmployeesMember |
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Fair value of plan assets — end of year | 269.3 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_HourlyEmployeesMember | 251.8 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_HourlyEmployeesMember |
Funded status at December 31: |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets | 269.3 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_HourlyEmployeesMember | 251.8 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_HourlyEmployeesMember |
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation | (341.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_HourlyEmployeesMember | (302.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_HourlyEmployeesMember |
Underfunded status of plan | (72.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_HourlyEmployeesMember | (50.8)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_HourlyEmployeesMember |
Mining Employees [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member] |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Benefit obligations — end of year | (9.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_MiningEmployeesMember | (6.8)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_MiningEmployeesMember |
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Fair value of plan assets — end of year | 6.6 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_MiningEmployeesMember | 5.2 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_MiningEmployeesMember |
Funded status at December 31: |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets | 6.6 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_MiningEmployeesMember | 5.2 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_MiningEmployeesMember |
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation | (9.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_MiningEmployeesMember | (6.8)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_MiningEmployeesMember |
Underfunded status of plan | (2.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_MiningEmployeesMember | (1.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_MiningEmployeesMember |
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan S E R P [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member] |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Benefit obligations — end of year | (7.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSERPMember | (9.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSERPMember |
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Fair value of plan assets — end of year | 0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSERPMember | 0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSERPMember |
Funded status at December 31: |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets | 0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSERPMember | 0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSERPMember |
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation | (7.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSERPMember | (9.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSERPMember |
Underfunded status of plan | $ (7.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSERPMember | $ (9.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis = clf_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSERPMember |

X
- Definition Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Actuarial (gain) loss + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | clf_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeinActuarialgainloss
Namespace Prefix: | clf_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of payments made for which participants are entitled under a pension plan, including pension benefits, death benefits, and benefits due on termination of employment. Also includes payments made under a postretirement benefit plan, including prescription drug benefits, health care benefits, life insurance benefits, and legal, educational and advisory services. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | clf_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsBenefitsPaid
Namespace Prefix: | clf_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Plan Participants + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | clf_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsContributionsByPlanParticipants
Namespace Prefix: | clf_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Pension and Other Post Retirement Benefits + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | clf_RetirementAndDefinedCompensationPlansDisclosuresTableTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | clf_
Data Type: | nonnum:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The pretax total of net gain (loss), prior service cost (credit), and transition assets (obligations), as well as minimum pension liability if still remaining, included in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan(s) because they have yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (j) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 10A -Subparagraph (i-k) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=SL7669646-108580 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The pretax net amount of gains and losses that are not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost, and that are recognized as increases or decreases in other comprehensive income as they arise. Gains and losses are due to changes in the value of either the benefit obligation or the plan assets resulting from experience different from that assumed or from a change in an actuarial assumption, or the consequence of a decision to temporarily deviate from the substantive plan. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 10A -Subparagraph (i) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=SL7669646-108580 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (j) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount related to the pretax cost of benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation, which has not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (j) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 10A -Subparagraph (j) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=SL7669646-108580 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 60 -Glossary Prior Service Cost -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521920 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 30 -Glossary Prior Service Cost -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521884 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The difference between fair value of plan assets at the end of the period and the fair value at the beginning of the period, adjusted for contributions and payments of benefits during the period, and after adjusting for taxes and other expenses, as applicable. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Actual Return on Plan Assets (Component of Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6504192 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Actual Return on Plan Assets (Component of Net Periodic Pension Cost) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6504226 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of gain (loss) related to change in benefit obligation resulting from changes in actuarial assumptions, for example, but not limited to, interest, mortality, employee turnover, salary, and temporary deviation from the substantive plan. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 30 -Glossary Gain or Loss -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6514294 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 60 -Glossary Gain or Loss -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6749293 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate net amount recognized in the balance sheet associated with the defined benefit plan(s). Will normally be the same as the Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan, Total. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915240&loc=d3e1703-114919 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsThatWillBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossInNextFiscalYearAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost for the fiscal year that follows the most recent annual statement of financial position, including gain (loss), prior service cost (credit), and transition asset (obligation). + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountToBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNextFiscalYear
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition 1) For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation, which is the actuarial present value as of a date of all benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to employee service rendered prior to that date. 2) For other postretirement defined benefit plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, which is the actuarial present value of benefits attributed to employee service rendered to a particular date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Projected Benefit Obligation -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522206 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6503904 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of payments made for which participants are entitled under a pension plan, including pension benefits, death benefits, and benefits due on termination of employment. Also includes payments made under a postretirement benefit plan, including prescription drug benefits, health care benefits, life insurance benefits, and legal, educational and advisory services. This item represents a periodic decrease to the plan obligations and a decrease to plan assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Postretirement Benefits -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521376 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 60 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6414203&loc=d3e39716-114964 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 30 -Glossary Benefits -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6506267 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 60 -Glossary Benefits -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6506309 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(6) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(5) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The increase in the fair value of plan assets from contributions made by the employer. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of contributions made by plan participants. This item represents a periodic increase to the plan obligation and an increase to plan assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Assets, usually stocks, bonds, and other investments, that have been segregated and restricted (usually in a trust) to provide benefits, at their fair value as of the measurement date. Plan assets include amounts contributed by the employer (and by employees for a contributory plan) and amounts earned from investing the contributions, less benefits paid. If a plan has liabilities other than for benefits, those non-benefit obligations may be considered as reductions of plan assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 30 -Section 35 -Paragraph 50 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=29635418&loc=d3e12355-114930 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of gain (loss) from foreign currency exchange rate changes for benefit obligation for plans of a foreign operation whose functional currency is not the reporting currency. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(5) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesBenefitObligation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of increase or decrease in plan assets attributed to foreign currency changes. The effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes that are to be disclosed are those applicable to plans of a foreign operation whose functional currency is not the reporting currency. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation. Will normally be the same as the net Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet, Total. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915240&loc=d3e1703-114919 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlanAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) related to gain (loss) expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost for the fiscal year that follows the most recent annual statement of financial position. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) related to prior service cost (credit) expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost for the fiscal year that follows the most recent annual statement of financial position. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of the period's gross receipts received from the prescription drug subsidy, which is to be used in the roll forward of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation of an applicable postretirement benefit plan. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 60 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6414203&loc=d3e39716-114964 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceived
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of increase or decrease due to a change in the terms of an existing plan or the initiation of a new plan. A plan amendment may increase or decrease benefits, including those attributed to years of service already rendered. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 60 -Glossary Plan Amendment -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6520743 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 30 -Glossary Plan Amendment -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6520782 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(7) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of net gain (loss) recognized in net periodic benefit cost as a result of an event that significantly reduces the expected years of future service of present employees or eliminates for a significant number of employees the accrual of defined benefits for some or all of their future services. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(7) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Plan Curtailment -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6520938 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 30 -Section 15 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (a)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7577095&loc=d3e8001-114927 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period. The portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to employee service during the period. The service cost component is a portion of the benefit obligation and is unaffected by the funded status of the plan. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Service Cost (Component of Net Periodic Pension Cost) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6525008 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of increase related to special termination benefits offered to and accepted by employees in connection with their termination of employment that are only offered for a short period of time. A situation involving termination benefits may also involve a curtailment. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(10) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Termination Benefits -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6526498 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSpecialTerminationBenefits
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition For a classified balance sheet, the amount recognized in balance sheet as a current liability associated with an underfunded defined benefit plan. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Current Liabilities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509677 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915240&loc=d3e1703-114919 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This represents the noncurrent liability for underfunded plans recognized in the balance sheet that is associated with the defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement defined benefit plans. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.24) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e2417-114920 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e2410-114920 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915240&loc=d3e1703-114919 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis=us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis=us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis=clf_HourlyEmployeesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis=clf_MiningEmployeesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis=clf_SalariedEmployeesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis=clf_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSERPMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |