Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 25, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Mr. Icahn and his affiliates [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Affiliate ownership interest				88.70%
ACF [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan underfunded amount		$ 500		$ 500		$ 474
Starfire Holding Corporation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Ownership percentage by Mr. Icahn		99.40%		99.40%
Net worth floor for which distributions to stockholders would be limited while contingent liabilities exist that can be imposed on us		$ 250		$ 250
Metals Segment [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrued environmental liabilities		27		27		28
Railcar Segment [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Litigation claim gain amount	$ 25
Litigation counterclaim amount	$ 10
Automotive Segment [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrued environmental liabilities		14		14		15
Possible material additional losses, above and beyond best estimate of required remediation costs				36
Asset retirement obligation		20		20		24
Home Fashion Segment [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrued environmental liabilities		1		1		1
Energy Segment [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Rent expense on operating leases				4	$ 5
Proceeds from Legal Settlements				31
Insurance Recoveries		27		27
Reduction in receivable related to litigation settlement				4
Litigation receivable						4
Accrued environmental liabilities		3		3		1
Environmental remediation expense		7	$ 26	18	60
Cost of RINs		38	$ 29	74	$ 64
Biofuel blending obligation		$ 33		$ 33		$ 52
Icahn Enterprises G.P. [Member] | Mr. Icahn and his affiliates [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Affiliate ownership in parent company general partner				100.00%