Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Feb. 11, 2013
Jun. 30, 2012
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, 2012    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   142,506,400  
Trading Symbol clf    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Public Float     $ 7,314,008,684