Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Schedule of Earnings (Loss) Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Amounts attributable to Celanese Corporation
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$ 171	$ 129	[1]	$ 445	$ 543	[1]
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	1	(2)		2	(2)
Net earnings (loss)	$ 172	$ 127	[1]	$ 447	$ 541	[1]
Weighted average shares - basic	158,501,075	159,158,280		159,282,314	157,970,535
Dilutive stock options	230,110	292,661		229,920	1,054,012
Dilutive restricted stock units	364,346	678,435		334,359	654,091
Weighted average shares - diluted	159,095,531	160,129,376		159,846,593	159,678,638

[1] As Adjusted (Note 1)