Description of the Company and Basis of Presentation (Schedule of Changes in Accounting Policy Regarding Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Segment Information) (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]
Operating profit (loss)	$ 211	$ 176	[1]	$ 564	$ 465	[1]
As Previously Reported [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)		163			425
As Previously Reported [Member] | Advanced Engineered Materials [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)		43			85
As Previously Reported [Member] | Consumer Specialties [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)		70			184
As Previously Reported [Member] | Industrial Specialties [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)		23			76
As Previously Reported [Member] | Acetyl Intermediates [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)		62			199
As Previously Reported [Member] | Other Activities [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)		(35)			(119)
Effect of Change [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)		13			40
Effect of Change [Member] | Advanced Engineered Materials [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)		1			6
Effect of Change [Member] | Consumer Specialties [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)		2			5
Effect of Change [Member] | Industrial Specialties [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)		2			4
Effect of Change [Member] | Acetyl Intermediates [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)		1			4
Effect of Change [Member] | Other Activities [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)		$ 7			$ 21

[1] As Adjusted (Note 1)