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						11
Stock option exercises, shares				80,669
Stock option exercises, net of tax				0		3
Purchases of treasury stock, shares				(143,713)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees				0
Purchases of treasury stock, shares	137,692	[1]			143,713
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees	(6)				(6)
Stock awards, shares				11,372
Stock awards				0
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation	275						275
Series A common stock dividends							(26)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(2)							(2)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0								0
Balance as of the end of the period at Jun. 30, 2013	1,985			0	(911)	745	2,242	(91)	0
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity at Jun. 30, 2013	$ 1,985		$ 1,985
Balance as of the end of the period, shares at Jun. 30, 2013				159,590,729	24,130,549

[1] Excludes 6,021 shares withheld from employee to cover statutory minimum withholding requirements for personal income taxes related to the vesting of restricted stock. Restricted stock is considered outstanding at the time of issuance and therefore, the shares withheld are treated as treasury shares.