Summary of Accounting Policies (Schedule of Change in Accounting Policy For Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Consolidated Statements of Operations) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cost of sales	$ (5,145)	$ (5,237)	$ (5,346)
Gross profit	1,365	1,181	1,417
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(311)	(830)	(805)
Research and development expenses	(85)	(104)	(98)
Operating profit (loss)	1,508	175	402
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax	1,609	321	467
Income tax (provision) benefit	(508)	55	(41)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	1,101	376	426
Net earnings (loss)	1,101	372	427
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation	1,101	372	427
Earnings (loss) per common share - basic
Continuing operations	$ 6.93	$ 2.37	$ 2.72
Discontinued operations	$ 0	$ (0.02)	$ 0.01
Net earnings (loss) - basic	$ 6.93	$ 2.35	$ 2.73
Earnings (loss) per common share - diluted
Continuing operations	$ 6.91	$ 2.35	$ 2.68
Discontinued operations	$ 0	$ (0.02)	$ 0.01
Net earnings (loss) - diluted	$ 6.91	$ 2.33	$ 2.69
Previous Accounting Method [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cost of sales	(5,223)	(5,226)	(5,329)
Gross profit	1,287	1,192	1,434
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(514)	(507)	(536)
Research and development expenses	(95)	(102)	(96)
Operating profit (loss)	1,217	511	690
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax	1,318	657	755
Income tax (provision) benefit	(406)	(48)	(149)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	912	609	606
Net earnings (loss)	912	605	607
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation	912	605	607
Earnings (loss) per common share - basic
Continuing operations	$ 5.74	$ 3.84	$ 3.88
Discontinued operations	$ 0	$ (0.02)	$ 0.01
Net earnings (loss) - basic	$ 5.74	$ 3.82	$ 3.89
Earnings (loss) per common share - diluted
Continuing operations	$ 5.72	$ 3.81	$ 3.81
Discontinued operations	$ 0	$ (0.02)	$ 0.01
Net earnings (loss) - diluted	$ 5.72	$ 3.79	$ 3.82
Effect of Change [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cost of sales	78	(11)	(17)
Gross profit	78	(11)	(17)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	203	(323)	(269)
Research and development expenses	10	(2)	(2)
Operating profit (loss)	291	(336)	(288)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax	291	(336)	(288)
Income tax (provision) benefit	(102)	103	108
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	189	(233)	(180)
Net earnings (loss)	189	(233)	(180)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation	$ 189	$ (233)	$ (180)
Earnings (loss) per common share - basic
Continuing operations	$ 1.19	$ (1.47)	$ (1.16)
Discontinued operations	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Net earnings (loss) - basic	$ 1.19	$ (1.47)	$ (1.16)
Earnings (loss) per common share - diluted
Continuing operations	$ 1.19	$ (1.46)	$ (1.13)
Discontinued operations	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Net earnings (loss) - diluted	$ 1.19	$ (1.46)	$ (1.13)