| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 30, 2019 |
| Document and Entity Information | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 30, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | CF Industries Holdings, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-32597 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-2697511 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 4 Parkway North, Suite 400 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Deerfield, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | IL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 60015 |
| City Area Code | 847 |
| Local Phone Number | 405-2400 |
| Entity Shell Company | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | common stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | CF |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001324404 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
