| Document and Entity Information | Nov. 03, 2021 | Aug. 09, 2021 |
| Document and Entity Information | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 3, 2021 | |
| 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 |
