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				12
Stock option exercises, shares		3,351,483
Stock option exercises, net of tax		0		86
Purchases of treasury stock, shares		(636,710)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees		0
Purchases of treasury stock, shares			636,710
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees			(28)
Stock awards, shares		101,602
Stock awards		0
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation	393				393
Series A common stock dividends					(19)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(8)					(8)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0							0
Balance as of the end of the period at Jun. 30, 2012	1,777	0	(888)	725	2,798	(858)		0
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity at Jun. 30, 2012	$ 1,777						$ 1,777
Balance as of the end of the period, shares at Jun. 30, 2012		159,280,186	23,558,004