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			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 133	$ 221	[1]	$ 275	$ 414	[1]
Pension and postretirement benefits	0	(2)	[1]	0	(6)	[1]
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	28	(52)	[1]	(2)	(29)	[1]
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	161	169	[1]	273	385	[1]
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation	161	169	[1]	273	385	[1]
As Previously Reported [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)		210			393
Pension and postretirement benefits		9			15
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(41)			(8)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		169			385
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation		169			385
Effect of Change [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)		11			21
Pension and postretirement benefits		(11)			(21)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(11)			(21)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		0			0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation		$ 0			$ 0

[1] As Adjusted (Note 1)