|
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
|
6 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Jun. 30, 2012
|
Jul. 25, 2012
|
Jun. 30, 2011
|
|
| Document and Entity Information [Abstract] | |||
| Entity Registrant Name | COMPASS MINERALS INTERNATIONAL INC | ||
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001227654 | ||
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 | ||
| Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer | Yes | ||
| Entity Voluntary Filers | No | ||
| Entity Current Reporting Status | Yes | ||
| Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer | ||
| Entity Public Float | $ 2,831,815,321 | ||
| Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 33,109,404 | ||
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2012 | ||
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q2 | ||
| Document Type | 10-Q | ||
| Amendment Flag | false | ||
| Document Period End Date | Jun. 30, 2012 |