Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Schedule of Earnings (Loss) Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Amounts attributable to Celanese Corporation
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$ 609	$ 606	$ 426
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	(4)	1	(49)
Net earnings (loss)	605	607	377
Cumulative preferred stock dividends	0	0	(3)
Net earnings (loss) available to common stockholders, diluted	$ 605	$ 607	$ 374
Weighted average shares - basic	158,325,442	156,204,077	154,564,136
Dilutive stock options	848,439	1,930,072	1,828,746
Dilutive restricted stock units	622,433	813,685	425,385
Assumed conversion of preferred stock	0	0	1,553,925
Weighted-average shares - diluted	159,796,314	158,947,834	158,372,192