Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets, and Net Funded Status) (Details)

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 $ 188.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets $ 200.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets  
Employer contributions 7.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer 25.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer  
Fair value of plan assets — end of year 205.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets 188.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets  
Funded status at December 31:      
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets 205.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets 188.6us-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) 30.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		38.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		32.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Interest cost 49.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		45.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		48.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Plan amendments 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		0.8us-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 141.6clf_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 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		 
Federal subsidy on benefits paid 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceived
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		0us-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 915.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		838.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		 
Actual return on plan assets 78.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		109.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		92.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Participant contributions 0clf_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		0clf_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		 
Employer contributions 60.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		53.7us-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 949.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		915.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		838.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Funded status at December 31:      
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets 949.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		915.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		838.7us-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 10.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		14.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		 
Net actuarial loss 341.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		230.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		 
Net amount recognized 352.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		245.5us-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 22.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		   
Prior service cost 2.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		   
Net amount recognized 24.7us-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 		0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		 
Defined Benefit Plan, Special Termination Benefits 3.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSpecialTerminationBenefits
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		0us-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) 6.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		12.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		14.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Interest cost 16.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		17.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		20.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Plan amendments (0.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		0us-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 51.9clf_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 4.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		5.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		 
Federal subsidy on benefits paid 0.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceived
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		0.5us-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 251.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		237.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		 
Actual return on plan assets 31.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		11.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		26.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Participant contributions 0.8clf_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		1.8clf_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		 
Employer contributions 6.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		20.7us-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 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		 
Fair value of plan assets — end of year 269.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		251.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		237.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Funded status at December 31:      
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets 269.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		251.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		237.0us-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 97.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		67.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		 
Net amount recognized 54.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		21.6us-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 6.3us-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 2.6us-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 		0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		 
Defined Benefit Plan, Special Termination Benefits 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSpecialTerminationBenefits
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 		0us-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 366.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis
= clf_SalariedEmployeesMember 		357.4us-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 366.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis
= clf_SalariedEmployeesMember 		357.4us-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 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis
= clf_SalariedEmployeesMember 		0us-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 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis
= clf_SalariedEmployeesMember 		0us-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 576.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis
= clf_HourlyEmployeesMember 		552.7us-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 576.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis
= clf_HourlyEmployeesMember 		552.7us-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 269.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis
= clf_HourlyEmployeesMember 		251.8us-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 269.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis
= clf_HourlyEmployeesMember 		251.8us-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 6.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis
= clf_MiningEmployeesMember 		5.2us-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 6.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis
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Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation (9.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
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Underfunded status of plan (2.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
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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
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Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]      
Fair value of plan assets — end of year 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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Funded status at December 31:      
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation (7.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
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Underfunded status of plan $ (7.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
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= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
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