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Consolidating Guarantor Financial Information (Schedule of Consolidating Statements of Operations) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]      
Net sales $ 6,802us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet $ 6,510us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet $ 6,418us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
Cost of sales (5,186)us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold (5,145)us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold (5,237)us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold
Gross profit 1,616us-gaap_GrossProfit 1,365us-gaap_GrossProfit 1,181us-gaap_GrossProfit
Selling, general and administrative expenses (758)us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense (311)us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense (830)us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
Amortization of intangible assets (20)us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets (32)us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets (51)us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets
Research and development expenses (86)us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense (85)us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense (104)us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
Other (charges) gains, net 15ce_OtherChargesGainsNet (158)ce_OtherChargesGainsNet (14)ce_OtherChargesGainsNet
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net (2)us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax (6)us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax (4)us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax
Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net (7)us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets 735us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets (3)us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets
Operating profit (loss) 758us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss 1,508us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss 175us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates 246us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments 180us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments 242us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
Interest expense (147)us-gaap_InterestExpense (172)us-gaap_InterestExpense (185)us-gaap_InterestExpense
Refinancing expense (29)us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt (1)us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt (3)us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
Interest income 1us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest 1us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest 2us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest
Dividend income - cost investments 116us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeDividend 93us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeDividend 85us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeDividend
Other income (expense), net (4)us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense 0us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense 5us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax 941us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest 1,609us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest 321us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest
Income tax (provision) benefit (314)us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit (508)us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit 55us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations 627us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest 1,101us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest 376us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations (11)us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationDuringPhaseOutPeriodBeforeIncomeTax 0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationDuringPhaseOutPeriodBeforeIncomeTax (6)us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationDuringPhaseOutPeriodBeforeIncomeTax
Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations 0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax 0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax 0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations 4us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation 0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation 2us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (7)us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax 0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax (4)us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
Net earnings (loss) 620us-gaap_ProfitLoss 1,101us-gaap_ProfitLoss 372us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 4us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest 0us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest 0us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation 624us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss 1,101us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss 372us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Parent Guarantor [Member]      
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]      
Net sales 0us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
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0us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
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0us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
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Cost of sales 0us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold
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0us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold
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0us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold
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Gross profit 0us-gaap_GrossProfit
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0us-gaap_GrossProfit
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0us-gaap_GrossProfit
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Selling, general and administrative expenses 0us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
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0us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
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0us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
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Amortization of intangible assets 0us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets
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0us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets
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0us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets
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Research and development expenses 0us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
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0us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
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0us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
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Other (charges) gains, net 0ce_OtherChargesGainsNet
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0ce_OtherChargesGainsNet
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0ce_OtherChargesGainsNet
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Foreign exchange gain (loss), net 0us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax
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0us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax
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0us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax
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Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net 0us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets
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0us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets
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0us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets
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Operating profit (loss) 0us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
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0us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
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0us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
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= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates 622us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
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1,096us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
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369us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
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Interest expense 0us-gaap_InterestExpense
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0us-gaap_InterestExpense
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0us-gaap_InterestExpense
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Refinancing expense 0us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
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0us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
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0us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
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Interest income 0us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest
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0us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest
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0us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest
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Dividend income - cost investments 0us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeDividend
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0us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeDividend
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0us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeDividend
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Other income (expense), net 0us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense
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0us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense
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0us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense
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Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax 622us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest
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1,096us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
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369us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest
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Income tax (provision) benefit 2us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
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5us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
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3us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
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Earnings (loss) from continuing operations 624us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
1,101us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
372us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations 0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationDuringPhaseOutPeriodBeforeIncomeTax
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= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationDuringPhaseOutPeriodBeforeIncomeTax
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
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0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationDuringPhaseOutPeriodBeforeIncomeTax
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations 0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
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= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations 0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation
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0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation
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= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation
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Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations 0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
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0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
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Net earnings (loss) 624us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
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1,101us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
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372us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 0us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation 624us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
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= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
1,101us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
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372us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Issuer [Member]      
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]      
Net sales 0us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
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0us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
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0us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
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Cost of sales 0us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold
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0us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold
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0us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold
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Gross profit 0us-gaap_GrossProfit
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0us-gaap_GrossProfit
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0us-gaap_GrossProfit
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Selling, general and administrative expenses 0us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
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0us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
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0us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
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Amortization of intangible assets 0us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets
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0us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets
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0us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets
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Research and development expenses 0us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
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0us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
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0us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
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Other (charges) gains, net 0ce_OtherChargesGainsNet
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0ce_OtherChargesGainsNet
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0ce_OtherChargesGainsNet
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Foreign exchange gain (loss), net 0us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax
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0us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax
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0us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax
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Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net 0us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets
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0us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets
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0us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets
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Operating profit (loss) 0us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
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0us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
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0us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
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Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates 806us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
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1,180us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
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473us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
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Interest expense (190)us-gaap_InterestExpense
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= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
(192)us-gaap_InterestExpense
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(198)us-gaap_InterestExpense
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Refinancing expense (29)us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
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(1)us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
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(3)us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
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Interest income 57us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest
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55us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest
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59us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest
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Dividend income - cost investments 0us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeDividend
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0us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeDividend
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0us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeDividend
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Other income (expense), net 0us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense
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0us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense
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0us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense
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Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax 644us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest
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1,042us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest
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331us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest
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Income tax (provision) benefit (22)us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
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54us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
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38us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
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Earnings (loss) from continuing operations 622us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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1,096us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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369us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations 0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationDuringPhaseOutPeriodBeforeIncomeTax
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0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationDuringPhaseOutPeriodBeforeIncomeTax
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0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationDuringPhaseOutPeriodBeforeIncomeTax
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Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations 0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
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0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
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0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
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Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations 0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation
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0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation
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0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation
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Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations 0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
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0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
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0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Net earnings (loss) 622us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
1,096us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
369us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 0us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation 622us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
1,096us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
369us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Subsidiary Guarantors [Member]      
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]      
Net sales 2,860us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
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2,799us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
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2,692us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cost of sales (1,822)us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(1,827)us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(1,906)us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold
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972us-gaap_GrossProfit
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53us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
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17ce_OtherChargesGainsNet
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0us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax
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0us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax
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961us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
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270us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
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116us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
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199us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
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(34)us-gaap_InterestExpense
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0us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
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0us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
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65us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest
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482us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest
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(16)us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
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730us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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466us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations (8)us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationDuringPhaseOutPeriodBeforeIncomeTax
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2us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationDuringPhaseOutPeriodBeforeIncomeTax
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(5)us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationDuringPhaseOutPeriodBeforeIncomeTax
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Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations 0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
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0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
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0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
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Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations 3us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation
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(1)us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation
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2us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation
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1us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
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(3)us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
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Net earnings (loss) 590us-gaap_ProfitLoss
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731us-gaap_ProfitLoss
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463us-gaap_ProfitLoss
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Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 0us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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0us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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0us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation 590us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
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731us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
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463us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
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Non-Guarantors [Member]      
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]      
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4,911us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
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4,829us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
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(4,531)us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold
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(4,423)us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold
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380us-gaap_GrossProfit
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406us-gaap_GrossProfit
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(364)us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
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(390)us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
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(21)us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets
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(32)us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
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(30)us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
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(156)ce_OtherChargesGainsNet
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Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net 4us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets
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737us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets
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538us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
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(75)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
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158us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
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201us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
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(73)us-gaap_InterestExpense
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Refinancing expense 0us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
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776us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest
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159us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest
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(229)us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
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15us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
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Earnings (loss) from continuing operations 292us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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547us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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174us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations (3)us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationDuringPhaseOutPeriodBeforeIncomeTax
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Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations 0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
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0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
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0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
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0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation
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(1)us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
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546us-gaap_ProfitLoss
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173us-gaap_ProfitLoss
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Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 4us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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0us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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0us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation 294us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
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546us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
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173us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
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Consolidation Eliminations [Member]      
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]      
Net sales (1,224)us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
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(1,200)us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
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9us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
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(20)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
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Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates (1,482)us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
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(2,370)us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
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