Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 25, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Mr. Icahn and his affiliates [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Affiliate ownership interest				88.80%
ACF [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan underfunded amount		$ 623		$ 623		$ 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		28		28		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		16		16		15
Possible material additional losses, above and beyond best estimate of required remediation costs				44
Asset retirement obligation		19		19		24
Energy Segment [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Rent expense on operating leases				7	$ 7
Proceeds from Legal Settlements				31
Insurance Recoveries				27
Reduction in receivable related to litigation settlement				4
Litigation receivable						4
Accrued environmental liabilities		3		3		1
Environmental remediation expense		9	$ 23	27	83
Cost of RINs		19	$ 19	93	$ 82
Biofuel blending obligation		$ 21		$ 21		$ 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%