Commitments and Contingencies (Purchase Obligations Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended						3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011 Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Inventories [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Other Purchase Obligations [Member]	Mar. 31, 2010 Advanced Engineered Materials [Member]	Sep. 30, 2010 Advanced Engineered Materials [Member]	Mar. 31, 2010 Acetyl Intermediates [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Acetyl Intermediates [Member]	Sep. 30, 2010 Acetyl Intermediates [Member]
Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation					$ 1,900	$ 889
Capital lease obligations				63
Property, plant and equipment, net		3,233	3,017	56
Accelerated amortization	22						2	2	20		20
Commercial dispute resolutions, bankrupt supplier										$ 17