Other (Charges) Gains, Net (Schedule of Other (Charges) Gains, Net) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Employee termination benefits	$ (4)ce_OneTimeTerminationBenefits	$ (2)ce_OneTimeTerminationBenefits
Plant/office closures	0ce_PlantOfficeClosures	1ce_PlantOfficeClosures
Commercial dispute resolution	(1)ce_Commercialdisputeresolution	0ce_Commercialdisputeresolution
Total	$ (5)ce_OtherChargesGainsNet	$ (1)ce_OtherChargesGainsNet

The charge against earnings in the period for known and estimated costs of one time termination benefits provided to current employees that are involuntarily terminated under a benefit arrangement associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan.

No definition available.

Name:	ce_OneTimeTerminationBenefits
Namespace Prefix:	ce_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration