Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Schedule of Earnings (Loss) Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Amounts attributable to Celanese Corporation
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$ 141	$ 193	[1]
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	1	0
Net earnings (loss) available to common stockholders	$ 142	$ 193	[1]
Weighted average shares - basic	159,682,386	156,576,896
Dilutive stock options	240,507	1,855,015
Dilutive restricted stock units	278,743	683,321
Weighted average shares - diluted	160,201,636	159,115,232

[1] As Adjusted (Note 1)