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) [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance as of the beginning of the period at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 2,699		$ 0	$ (361)	$ 53	$ 3,011	$ (4)	$ 0
Balance as of the beginning of the period, shares at Dec. 31, 2013			156,939,828	8,928,137
Stock option exercises, shares			177,499
Stock option exercises, net of tax			0		4
Purchases of treasury stock, shares			(3,515,301)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees			0
Stock awards, shares			30,440
Stock awards			0
Purchases of treasury stock, shares	3,515,301			3,515,301
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees	(201)			(201)
Stock-based compensation, net of tax					26
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation	708					708
Series A common stock dividends						(106)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(186)						(186)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3)							(3)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests								194
Balance as of the end of the period at Sep. 30, 2014	3,135		0	(562)	83	3,613	(190)	191
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity at Sep. 30, 2014	$ 2,944	$ 2,944
Balance as of the end of the period, shares at Sep. 30, 2014			153,632,466	12,443,438