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			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 172	$ 127	[1]	$ 447	$ 541	[1]
Pension and postretirement benefits	0	0	[1]	0	(6)	[1]
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	44	26	[1]	42	(3)	[1]
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	216	153	[1]	489	538	[1]
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation	216	153	[1]	489	538	[1]
As Previously Reported [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)		117			510
Pension and postretirement benefits		10			25
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		36			28
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		153			538
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation		153			538
Effect of Change [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)		10			31
Pension and postretirement benefits		(10)			(31)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(10)			(31)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		0			0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation		$ 0			$ 0

[1] As Adjusted (Note 1)