Description of the Company and Basis of Presentation (Schedule of Changes in Accounting Policy Regarding Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 142	$ 193	[1]
Pension and postretirement benefits	0	(4)	[1]
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(30)	23	[1]
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	112	216	[1]
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation	112	216	[1]
As Previously Reported [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)		183
Pension and postretirement benefits		6
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		33
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		216
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation		216
Effect of Change [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)		10
Pension and postretirement benefits		(10)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(10)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation		$ 0

[1] As Adjusted (Note 1)