Other (Charges) Gains, Net (Schedule of Other (Charges) Gains, Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Employee termination benefits	$ (2)	$ (5)
Other plant/office closures	(53)	0
Other (charges) gains, net	$ (55)	$ (5)

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