| Document and Entity Information Document | Oct. 21, 2019 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Information, Former Legal or Registered Name | N/A |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 21, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | CELANESE CORPORATION |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-32410 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-0420726 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 222 West Las Colinas Blvd. Suite 900N |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Irving |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 75039 |
| City Area Code | 972 |
| Local Phone Number | 443-4000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001306830 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | CE |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 1.125% Senior Notes due 2023 | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.125% Senior Notes due 2023 |
| Trading Symbol | CE /23 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 1.250% Senior Notes due 2025 | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.250% Senior Notes due 2025 |
| Trading Symbol | CE /25 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 2.125% Senior Notes due 2027 | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 2.125% Senior Notes due 2027 |
| Trading Symbol | CE /27 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
