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Debt Narrative - Reporting Segment Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts and premiums	$ 5	$ 10	$ 14
Energy Segment \| CVR 2022 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt face amount	$ 500
Interest rate on debt instrument	6.50%
Energy Segment \| CVR Partners 2023 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt face amount	$ 645
Interest rate on debt instrument	9.25%
Energy Segment \| Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing availability on credit facilities	$ 444	382
Energy Segment \| CVR Refining credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding	6	28
Automotive Segment \| IEP Auto Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt face amount	370	337
Borrowing availability on credit facilities	90	75
Letters of credit outstanding	$ 40	$ 33
Weighted average interest rate on debt	4.37%	3.58%
Food Packaging Segment \| Viskase credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on debt instrument	6.05%	4.88%