Consolidated Statement Equity (USD $) In Millions, except Share data	Total	Series A Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net [Member]	Total Celanese Corporation Stockholders' Equity [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Balance as of the beginning of the period at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 1,341	$ 0	$ (860)	$ 627	$ 2,424	$ (850)		$ 0
Balance as of the beginning of the period, shares at Dec. 31, 2011		156,463,811	22,921,294
Stock-based compensation, net of tax				8
Stock option exercises, shares		341,655
Stock option exercises, net of tax		0		6
Purchases of treasury stock, shares	444,901	(444,901)	444,901
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees	(20)	0	(20)
Stock awards, shares		15,164
Stock awards		0
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation	183				183
Series A common stock dividends					(10)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	33					33
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0							0
Balance as of the end of the period at Mar. 31, 2012	1,541	0	(880)	641	2,597	(817)		0
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity at Mar. 31, 2012	$ 1,541						$ 1,541
Balance as of the end of the period, shares at Mar. 31, 2012		156,375,729	23,366,195