Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v3.6.0.2
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Feb. 06, 2017
Jun. 30, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]      
Entity Registrant Name CLIFFS NATURAL RESOURCES INC.    
Entity Central Index Key 0000764065    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2016    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   233,074,091  
Trading Symbol clf    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Public Float     $ 1,068,236,979