Consolidated Statement Equity (USD $) In Millions, except Share data	Total	Total Celanese Corporation Stockholders' Equity [Member]	Series A Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Balance as of the beginning of the period at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 1,730		$ 0	$ (905)	$ 731	$ 1,993	$ (89)	$ 0
Balance as of the beginning of the period, shares at Dec. 31, 2012			159,642,401	23,986,836
Stock-based compensation, net of tax					4
Stock option exercises, shares			36,900
Stock option exercises, net of tax			0		1
Purchases of treasury stock, shares			0
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees			0
Purchases of treasury stock, shares	0			0
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees	0			0
Stock awards, shares			793
Stock awards			0
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation	142					142
Series A common stock dividends						(12)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(30)						(30)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0							0
Balance as of the end of the period at Mar. 31, 2013	1,835		0	(905)	736	2,123	(119)	0
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity at Mar. 31, 2013	$ 1,835	$ 1,835
Balance as of the end of the period, shares at Mar. 31, 2013			159,680,094	23,986,836