Investments and Related Matters [Abstract] Investments and Related Matters [Abstract] Investments and Related Matters Investments and Other Noncurrent Assets [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Starfire Holding Corporation [Member] Starfire Holding Corporation [Member] Starfire Holding Corporation [Member] Members or Partners [Axis] Members or Partners [Axis] Members or Partners, including managing members or members or general partners or limited partners [Axis] Partner Name [Domain] Partner Name [Domain] Partner Name [Domain] Mr. Icahn and affiliates Principal Owners and Affiliates [Member] Mr. Icahn and certain other entities beneficially owned by Mr. Icahn Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Icahn Enterprises G.P. Icahn Enterprises G.P. [Member] Icahn Enterprises G.P. [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Automotive Segment Automotive Segment [Member] Automotive Segment [Member] Energy Segment Energy Segment [Member] Energy Segment [Member] Railcar Segment Railcar Segment [Member] Railcar Segment [Member] Metals Segment Metals Segment [Member] Metals Segment [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Purchase commitments Purchase commitments Purchase commitments Environmental loss contingency accrual Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Estimate of additional remediation costs Site Contingency, Loss Exposure in Excess of Accrual, Best Estimate Environmental remediation costs Environmental Remediation Expense Asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligation Price of RINs Cost of RINs Expenses incurred to purchase additional rewnewable identification numbers Biofuel blending obligation Biofuel blending obligation Biofuel blending obligation Railcar loss contingency accrual Loss Contingency Accrual Affiliate ownership in parent company general partner Affiliate ownership in parent company general partner Affiliate ownership in parent company general partner Affiliate ownership interest Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest Funded status of the plan and amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan Ownership percentage by principal owner Ownership Percentage by Principal Owner Ownership percentage by principal owner in related party Pension funding indemnity agreement with subsidiary Subsidiary Indemnity Agreement, Pension Funding Contingencies As A Result of Being In The Controlled Group, Distribution Limitation, Net Worth Floor Subsidiary Indemnity Agreement, Pension Funding Contingencies As A Result of Being In The Controlled Group, Distribution Limitation, Net Worth Floor 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Future minimum payments due on operating leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Rent expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Railcar and Food Packaging Railcar and Food Packaging [Member] Railcar and Food Packaging [Member] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which we use Level 3 inputs to determine fair value Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Defined benefit plan assets measured at fair value Schedule of fair value of defined benefit plan asset [Table Text Block] Schedule of fair value of defined benefit plan asset [Table Text Block] Plan assets measured at fair value for which we use level 3 inputs to determine fair value Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Icahn Enterprises Holdings Icahn Enterprises Holdings [Member] Icahn Enterprises Holdings [Member] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] difference in book basis and tax basis of net assets not subject to income taxes [Table Text Block] difference in book basis and tax basis of net assets not subject to income taxes [Table Text Block] difference in book basis and tax basis of net assets not subject to income taxes [Table Text Block] Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Non-U.S. Plans Foreign Plan [Member] United States Plans Domestic Plan [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Recurring measurement Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair value of asset measured on a recurring basis Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Fair value, measurement with unobservable inputs reconciliation, recurring basis, assets, unrealized gain (loss) Fair value, measurement with unobservable inputs reconciliation, recurring basis, assets, unrealized gain (loss) Fair value, measurement with unobservable inputs reconciliation, recurring basis, assets, unrealized gain (loss) Purchases (settlements), net Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Proceeds from sales Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales Foreign currency exchange rate movements FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetForeignExchangeMovements Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Foreign Exchange Movements Transfers out of Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3 Earnings Per Unit [Abstract] Net Income Per LP Unit Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract] Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract] AOCI, Post-employment Benefits, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax AOCI, Hedge instruments, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax AOCI, Translation adjustments and other, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Translation adjustments and other, net of tax Accumulated adjustment, net of tax, that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into the reporting currency from the functional currency of the reporting entity, net of reclassification of realized foreign currency translation gains or losses. Also includes other immaterial balances. Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, before Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, before Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income, translation adjustments and other, before reclassificaitons, net of tax Other comprehensive income, translation adjustments and other, before reclassificaitons, net of tax Other comprehensive income, translation adjustments and other, before reclassificaitons, net of tax Other comprehensive income, before reclassifications to income Other comprehensive income, before reclassifications to income Other comprehensive income, before reclassifications to income Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net (Gain) Loss, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax Amount of Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Reclassificaion of translation adjustments and other in AOCI into earnings, net of tax Reclassificaion of translation adjustments and other in AOCI into earnings, net of tax Reclassificaion of translation adjustments and other in AOCI into earnings, net of tax Other comprehensive income, portion representing reclassificaitons to earnings Other comprehensive income, portion representing reclassificaitons to earnings Other comprehensive income, portion representing reclassificaitons to earnings Post-employment benefits Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Hedge instruments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Translation adjustments and other Other Comprehensive Income - Translation Adjustments and Other Changes in Other Comprehensive Income Principally includes change in the balance sheet adjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into functional currency of the reporting entity for the period being reported, net of tax. If an entity's functional currency is a foreign currency, translation adjustments result from the process of translating that entity's financial statements into the reporting currency. Includes gain (loss) on foreign currency forward exchange contracts. Includes foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity and intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements. Includes the gain (loss) on a derivative instrument or nonderivative financial instrument that may give rise to a foreign currency transaction gain (loss) and that have been designated and have qualified as hedging instruments for hedges of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. Also includes other changes in other comprehensive income not otherwise identified. Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Table Text Block] Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Corporate debt securities Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Trading securities Trading Securities [Member] Gaming Segment Gaming Segment [Member] Gaming Segment [Member] Holding Company Holding Company [Member] Holding Company [Member] Nonrecurring measurement Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] Impairment of property, plant and equipment Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Inventory Write-down Inventory Write-down Impairment of assets held for sale Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Public Float (in millions) Entity Public Float Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent event Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Distribution declared per LP unit Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distributions Declared, Per Unit Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension 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Segment Food Packaging Segment [Member] Food Packaging Segment [Member] Real Estate Segment Real Estate Segment [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] Home Fashion Segment Home Fashion Segment [Member] Home Fashion Segment [Member] Reporting Segments [Member] Reporting Segments [Member] Reporting Segments Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 3.500% senior unsecured notes due 2017 2017 Notes [Member] 2017 Notes [Member] 4.875% senior unsecured notes due 2019 2019 Notes [Member] 2019 Notes [Member] 6.000% senior unsecured notes due 2020 2020 Notes [Member] 2020 Notes [Member] 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2022 2022 Notes [Member] 2022 Notes [Member] 6.250% senior unsecured notes due 2022 New 2022 Notes [Member] New 2022 Notes 6.750% senior unsecured notes due 2024 2024 Notes [Member] 2024 Notes 6.375% senior unsecured notes due 2025 2025 Notes [Member] 2025 Notes Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule I - Statements of Operations [Abstract] Schedule I - Statements of Operations [Abstract] Schedule of Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Statement of Operations [Table] Schedule of Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Statement of Operations [Table] Schedule of Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Statement of Operations [Table] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Icahn Enterprises (Parent) Parent Company [Member] Icahn Enterprises Holdings (Parent) Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Interest and dividend income Interest and Dividend Income, Operating Loss on extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Other income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total revenues Revenues Interest expense Interest Expense Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Total Expenses Costs and Expenses Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Limited partners Net Income (Loss) Allocated to Limited Partners General partner Net Income (Loss) Allocated to General Partners Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Table] Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Table] Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Table] Reporting unit [Axis] Reporting unit [Axis] Reporting unit [Axis] Production Type [Domain] Production Type [Domain] Motorparts Motorparts [Member] Motorparts [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Line Items] Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Amortization expense associated with definite-lived intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Total estimated future amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets Total Expected Future Amortization Total amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized for all periods after the fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Business combination, allocation to goodwill Goodwill, Acquired During Period Business combination, definite-lived intangible assets acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Business combination, indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Goodwill Goodwill Reporting unit goodwill fair value in excess of carrying value (percent) Reporting Unit, Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount Impairment of goodwill Goodwill, Impairment Loss Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Condensed Income Statement by Segment Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements by Segment Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Income tax benefit (expense) at U.S. statutory rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Foreign operations Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Foreign, Amount Valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Non-controlling interest Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Noncontrolling Interest Income (Loss), Amount Goodwill Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Impairment Losses, Amount Uncertain tax positions and assessments Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Gain on liabilities subject to compromise, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Gain on liabilities subject to compromise, Amount Income not subject to taxation Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Exempt Income, Amount Enactment of U.S. tax legislation, net of valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Reconciling Items, Amount Income tax benefit (expense) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Financial Instruments [Abstract] Financial Instruments [Abstract] Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Partner Type [Axis] Partner Type [Axis] Partner Type of Partners' Capital Account, Name [Domain] Partner Type of Partners' Capital Account, Name [Domain] Limited partners Limited Partner [Member] General partner General Partner [Member] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Post-employment benefits Hedge instruments Translation adjustments and other Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Icahn Enterprises Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Icahn Enterprises allocable to: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Schedule I - Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Schedule I - Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Schedule of Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Cash Flows [Table] Schedule of Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Cash Flows [Table] Schedule of Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Cash Flows [Table] Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Amortization of deferred financing costs Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs Loss on extinguishment of debt Loss on extinguishment of debt, non-cash Loss on extinguishment of debt, non-cash Equity in (income) loss of subsidiary Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization, including non-cash interest expense The aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets as well as the non-cash portion of interest expense as a result of amortizing debt discount, premiums and financing costs. Other, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Change in operating assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net investment in subsidiaries Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Purchase of investments Payments to Acquire Investments Other, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash provided by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Partnership distributions Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Cash Distributions Paid Partnership contributions Proceeds from Partnership Contribution Proceeds from other borrowings Proceeds from Other Debt Repayments of borrowings Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Schedule I - Balance Sheet [Abstract] Schedule I - Balance Sheet [Abstract] Schedule of Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Balance Sheet [Table] Schedule of Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Balance Sheet [Table] Schedule of Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Balance Sheet [Table] Other assets Other Assets Investments in subsidiaries, net Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Total Assets Assets Accrued expenses and other liabilities Accrued Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (Note 17) Commitments and Contingencies Limited partners: Depositary units: 173,564,307 and 144,741,149 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively Limited Partners' Capital Account General partner General Partners' Capital Account Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity Schedule Of Earnings Per LP Unit Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Description of Business [Abstract] Description of Business [Abstract] Description of Business [Table] Description of Business [Table] Description of Business Investment Funds Investment Funds [Member] The Onshore Fund (Icahn Partners LP) and the Offshore Master Funds are collectively referred to as the “Investment Funds". The “Offshore Master Funds” consist of (i) Icahn Partners Master Fund LP, or Master Fund I, (ii) Icahn Partners Master Fund II LP, or Master Fund II and (iii) Icahn Partners Master Fund III LP, or Master Fund III. ADS and Precision Tune AAMCO and Precision Tune [Member] AAMCO and Precision Tune Pep Boys Pep Boys [Member] Pep Boys [Member] IEH Auto IEH Auto [Member] IEH Auto [Member] TRW TRW [Member] TRW [Member] Federal-Mogul Federal-Mogul [Member] Federal-Mogul [Member] CVR Refining CVR Refining, LP [Member] CVR Refining, LP [Member] CVR Nitrogen CVR Nitrogen [Member] CVR Nitrogen [Member] CVR Partners CVR Partners, LP [Member] CVR Partners, LP [Member] CVR Energy CVR Energy, Inc. [Member] CVR Energy, Inc. [Member] ARI ARI [Member] ARI [Member] Tropicana Tropicana [Member] Tropicana [Member] Ferrous Resources Ferrous Resources [Member] Ferrous Resources [Member] Viskase Viskase [Member] Viskase [Member] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Description, Loan Category [Axis] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Description, Loan Category [Axis] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Category [Domain] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Category [Domain] First Mortgage First Mortgage [Member] Second Mortgage Second Mortgage [Member] Name of Property [Axis] Name of Property [Axis] Name of Property [Domain] Name of Property [Domain] Fountainebleu Fountainebleu [Member] Fountainebleu Other properties Other Property [Member] Description of Business [Line Items] Description of Business [Line Items] [Line Items] for Description of Business Percentage of equity ownership in subsidiary Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Ownership Interest Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Value Assigned Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Value Assigned Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Estimated number of railcars to be disposed of (number of railcars) Estimated number of railcars to be disposed of (number of railcars) Estimated number of railcars to be disposed of (number of railcars) General partner ownership percentage in Icahn Enterprises Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest General partner ownership interest in IEH Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest Aggregate general partner ownership interest of parent and operating subsidiary Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Aggregate Ownership interest of Parent and Holding Company Subsidiaries Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Aggregate Ownership interest of Parent and Holding Company Subsidiaries Fair value of investment in subsidiary Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Ownership Interest, Fair Value The fair value of investment held in the subsidiary investment funds by the limited liability company or limited partnership. Total consideration received from sale of asset Total consideration received from sale of asset Total consideration received from sale of asset Subsidiary repurchase of treasury stock Subsidiary repurchase of treasury stock Subsidiary repurchase of treasury stock Gain on disposition of assets, net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Proceeds from disposition of assets Proceeds from Sales of Business, Affiliate and Productive Assets Value of business to be disposed of Value of business to be disposed of Value of business to be disposed of Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Proceeds from rights offering Proceeds From Rights Offering Proceeds From Rights Offering Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Assets pledged as collateral Pledged Assets, Other, Not Separately Reported on Statement of Financial Position Seller financing secured mortgages resulting from disposition of assets Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Amount of Consideration Received CVR 2022 Notes CVR 2022 Notes [Member] CVR 2022 Notes [Member] CVR Partners 2023 Notes CVR Partners 2023 Notes [Member] CVR Partners 2023 Notes [Member] CVR Refining credit facility CVR Refining Credit Facility [Member] CVR Refining Credit Facility [Member] Revolving credit facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Federal-Mogul Credit Facility Federal-Mogul Credit Facility [Member] Federal-Mogul Credit Facility [Member] Federal-Mogul 2022 and 2024 Notes Federal-Mogul 2022 and 2024 Notes [Member] Federal-Mogul 2022 and 2024 Notes Federal-Mogul 2022 Notes Federal-Mogul 2022 Notes [Member] Federal-Mogul 2022 Notes Federal-Mogul 2024 Notes Federal-Mogul 2024 Notes [Member] Federal-Mogul 2024 Notes Viskase credit facility Viskase credit facility [Member] Viskase credit facility IEP Auto Credit Facility IEP Auto Credit Facility [Member] IEP Auto Credit Facility [Member] ARI 2015 Notes ARI 2015 Notes [Member] ARI 2015 Notes [Member] Tropicana term loan Tropicana term loan [Member] Tropicana term loan Debt face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Weighted average interest rate on debt Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time Proceeds from issuance of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Borrowing availability on credit facilities Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Letters of credit outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Interest rate on debt instrument Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Table] Accounting Policies [Table] Accounting Policies Oil and Gas Production Type [Axis] Oil and Gas Production Type [Axis] Nitrogenous fertilizer manufacturing 325311 Nitrogenous Fertilizer Manufacturing [Member] Petroleum refineries 324110 Petroleum Refineries [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Equity Equity [Member] Debt Debt [Member] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Restricted cash Restricted cash [Member] Restricted cash Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Line Items] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Line Items] [Line Items] for Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Table] Property, plant and equipment held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment Debt held for sale Debt held for sale Amount classified as debt attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of. Portion of inventory under LIFO method LIFO Inventory Amount Effect of adopting new accounting principle on consolidated financial statements Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Fair value of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value Planned major maintenance Planned major maintenance Planned major maintenance Planned major maintenance, frequency (in years) Operating Expense, Plant Maintenance, Frequency, Years Operating Expense, Plant Maintenance, Frequency, Years Research and development expense Research and Development Expense Gross amount of transferred receivables under factoring arrangements Transferor's Interests in Transferred Financial Assets, Fair Value Gross amount of transferred receivables under factoring arrangements qualifying as sales Gross accounts receivable factored, qualifying as sales Gross accounts receivable under factoring facilities qualify as sales. Proceeds from transferred receivables under factoring arrangements qualifying as sales Cash Flows Between Transferor and Transferee, Proceeds from New Transfers Expenses associated with transferred receivables under factoring arrangements Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale, Gain (Loss) on Sale 2018 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months 2019 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years 2020 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years 2021 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years 2022 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years Thereafter Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due after Five Years Minimum required payments for unconditional purchase obligations Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net (gain) loss from securities transactions Gain (Loss) on Investments Purchases of securities Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Proceeds from sales of securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities Purchases to cover securities sold, not yet purchased Purchases to Cover Securities Sold Not Yet Purchased Purchases to cover securities sold not yet purchased Proceeds from securities sold, not yet purchased Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Sale Proceeds Changes in receivables and payables relating to securities transactions Increase (Decrease) in Broker-Dealer Related Receivables (Payables), Net Gain on disposition of assets, net Impairment Asset Impairment Charges Equity earnings from non-consolidated affiliates Equity earnings from non-consolidated affiliates Equity earnings from non-consolidated affiliates Deferred taxes Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes Changes in cash held at consolidated affiliated partnerships and restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash for Operating Activities Accounts receivable, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories, net Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Unrealized loss on derivative contracts Increase (Decrease) in Derivative Liabilities Accrued expenses and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Accrued Liabilities Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Purchase of additional interests in consolidated subsidiaries Purchases of investments Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Investment segment contributions from non-controlling interests Proceeds from Investment segment contributions Proceeds from Investment segment contributions Investment segment distributions from non-controlling interests Payment for Investment segment distributions Payment for Investment segment distributions Proceeds from subsidiary equity offerings Proceeds from subsidiary equity issuance Proceeds from subsidiary equity issuance Dividends and distributions to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt Repayments of senior unsecured notes Repayments of Unsecured Debt Subsidiary repurchase of common stock Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net change in cash of assets held for sale Net Change in Cash of Assets Held for Sale Net Change in Cash of Assets Held for Sale Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Investment Segment Investment Segment [Member] Investment Segment [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Cash held at consolidated affiliated partnerships and restricted cash Investments Investments Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net Inventories, net Inventory, Net Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill and intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill) Other assets Other Assets and Due from Correspondent Brokers Other Assets and Due from Correspondent Brokers LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value Financial Instruments Sold, Not yet Purchased, at Fair Value Due to brokers Due to Correspondent Brokers Post-employment benefit liability Postemployment Benefits Liability Equity attributable to Icahn Enterprises Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Equity attributable to non-controlling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Other (Loss) Income, Net [Abstract] Other (Loss) Income, Net [Abstract] Other (Loss) Income, Net Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Equity securities Equity Funds [Member] Fixed income securities Fixed Income Securities [Member] Real estate and other Real Estate Funds [Member] Equity securities Equity Securities [Member] Corporate and other Corporate and Other [Member] Government Government [Member] Hedge funds Hedge Funds [Member] Insurance contracts Insurance contracts [Member] Insurance contracts Corporate bonds Corporate Bond Securities [Member] Other securities Other Security Investments [Member] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Investments Investments measured at fair value Investments measured at fair value Derivative contracts, at fair value(1) Derivative Asset Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Derivative contracts, at fair value (Note 6) Derivative Liability Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States UNITED STATES Germany GERMANY Other geographical locations Segment, geographic, Other [Member] Segment, geographic, Other [Member] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Net sales Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Other revenues from operations Other Revenue, Net Schedule Of Earnings Per LP Unit [Table] Schedule Of Earnings Per LP Unit [Table] Schedule Of Earnings Per LP Unit [Table] Earnings Per LP Unit [Line Items] Earnings Per LP Unit [Line Items] Earnings Per LP Unit [Line Items] Net income (loss) attributable to Icahn Enterprises Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net loss attributable to Icahn Enterprises allocable to limited partners (98.01% allocation) Basic income (loss) per LP unit Net Income (Loss), Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Basic, Net of Tax Basic weighted average LP units outstanding Weighted Average Limited Partnership Units Outstanding, Basic Diluted income (loss) per LP unit Net Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Diluted Diluted weighted average LP units outstanding Weighted Average Limited Partnership Units Outstanding, Diluted Depositary units issued (number of units) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Depositary units issued (value) Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Distribution declared per unit Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Units distributed to LP unitholders Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Unit Distribution 2017 LTIP units vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land Land [Member] Buildings and improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] Machinery, equipment and furniture Machinery, Equipment, and Furniture [Member] Machinery, Equipment, and Furniture [Member] Assets leased to others Assets Leased to Others [Member] Construction in progress Construction in Progress [Member] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Axis] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Axis] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Domain] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Domain] Railcars Railcars [Member] Railcars [Member] Real estate properties Real estate properties [Member] Real estate properties [Member] Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale by Asset Type [Axis] Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale by Asset Type [Axis] Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale, Name [Domain] Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale, Name [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant and equipment, net Property, plant and equipment, useful life (in years) Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Depreciation and amortization expense related to property, plant and equipment Depreciation 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Current 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Two Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Three Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Four Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Thereafter Future minimum lease payments on operating leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Schedule of projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Definite-Lived and Infinite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived and Infinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived and Infinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Excluding Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block] Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Net gain (loss) from investment activities Gain (Loss) on Investments, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Other (loss) income, net Expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Cost of goods sold Cost of Goods Sold Other expenses from operations Other Cost and Expense, Operating Restructuring Restructuring Charges Income before income tax benefit (expense) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax (expense) benefit Less: net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Supplemental information: Supplemental Income Statement Elements [Abstract] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Amortization included in interest expense Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Not designated as hedging instrument Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Equity contracts Equity Contract [Member] Credit contracts Credit Risk Contract [Member] Commodity contracts Commodity Contract [Member] Other assets Other Assets [Member] Accrued expenses and other liabilities Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities [Member] Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities [Member] Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Fair Value [Line Items] Asset derivatives, Gross Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Liability derivatives, Gross Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral, Net Derivative, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral, Net Collateral posted on certain derivative positions Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other Income (Loss), Net [Table Text Block] Table for other income or other expense items (both operating and nonoperating). Sources of nonoperating income or nonoperating expense that may be disclosed, include amounts earned from dividends, interest on securities, profits (losses) on securities, net and miscellaneous other income or income deductions. [Table Text Block] Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Additional borrowing availability Additional borrowing availability Additional borrowing availability Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Component of Other Income (Loss), Net [Table] Component of Other Income (Loss), Ne [Table] Component of Other Income (Loss), Net [Table] Component of Other Income (Loss), Net [Axis] Component of Other Income (Loss), Net [Axis] Component of Other Income (Loss), net [Axis] Component of Other Income (Loss), Net, Name [Domain] Component of Other Income (Loss), Net Name [Domain] Component of Other Income (Loss), Net Name [Domain] Gain on acquisition Gain on acquisition [Member] Gain on acquisition [Member] Realized and unrealized loss on derivatives, net (Note 6) Unrealized gain loss on derivatives [Member] Unrealized gain loss on derivatives Other derivative (loss) income Other derivative gain [Member] Other derivative gain [Member] Dividend expense Dividend expense [Member] Dividend expense Loss on extinguishment of debt Loss on Debt Extinguishment [Member] Loss on Debt Extinguishment [Member] Equity earnings from non-consolidated affiliates Income (loss) from non-consolidated affiliates [Member] Income (loss) from non-consolidated affiliates [Member] Foreign currency transaction loss Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Tax settlement gain Settlement loss with taxing authority [Member] Settlement loss with taxing authority [Member] Predecessor claim settlement Predecessor claim settlement [Member] Predecessor claim settlement [Member] Other Other Income (Loss) Not Specified [Member] Other Income (Loss) not otherwise specified in the disclosure [Member] Component of Other Income (Loss), Net [Line Items] Component of Other Income (Loss), Net [Line Items] Component of Other Income (Loss), Net [Line Items] Automotive segment and Holding Company Automotive segment and Holding Company [Member] Automotive segment and Holding Company Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] United Kingdom UNITED KINGDOM Other Foreign countries Other Foreign countries [Member] Other Foreign countries [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Kansas KANSAS Domestic tax authority Domestic Tax Authority [Member] Foreign tax authority Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Oklahoma OKLAHOMA American Entertainment Properties Corp. American Entertainment Properties Corp. [Member] American Entertainment Properties Corp. [Member] Book basis of net assets income tax disclosure, book basis of net assets income tax disclosure, book basis of net assets Book/tax basis difference income tax disclosure, different between book basis and tax basis of net assets income tax disclosure, different between book basis and tax basis of net assets Tax basis of net assets income tax disclosure, tax basis of net assets income tax disclosure, tax basis of net assets Domestic income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Foreign income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Current income tax (expense) benefit Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income tax (expense) benefit Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax benefit (expense) Deferred tax assets, Property, pland and equipment Deferred Tax Assets, Property, Plant and Equipment Deferred tax asset, net operating loss Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards deferred tax asset, Tax credits deferred tax asset, tax credits Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from tax credits. Deferred tax asset, Post-employment benefits, including pensions Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Postretirement Benefits Deferred tax asset, Reoganization costs deferred tax asset, reoganization costs Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from reorganization costs. Deferred tax asset, Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Deferred tax assets, gross Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax liabilities, Property, plant and equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Deferred tax liabilities, Intangible assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets Deferred tax liability, Investment in partnerships deferred tax liability, investment in partnerships deferred tax liability, investment in partnerships Deferred tax liabilities, Investment in U.S. subsidiaries deferred tax liabilities, investment in subsidiaries Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax liabilities attributable to deductible temporary differences from the entity's investment in its subsidiaries. Deferred tax liabilities, Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred tax liabilities, net of deferred tax assets defered tax liabilities, net of deferred tax assets defered tax liabilities, net of deferred tax assets Deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Net Deferred tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Increase (decrease) in deferred tax asset valuation amount Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Deferred tax assets, Operating loss carryforwards, Subject to expiration Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration Operating Loss carryforward, year of expiration Operating Loss carryforward, year of expiration Operating Loss carryforward, year of expiration Operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Tax credits Income Tax Credits and Adjustments U.S. Federal statutory corporate income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Provisional remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities based on rates at which they are expected to reverse Provisional remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities based on rates at which they are expected to reverse Provisional remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities based on rates at which they are expected to reverse Provisional amount related to one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings Provisional amount related to one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings Provisional amount related to one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Unrecognized tax benefits balance Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Income tax expense related to interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Text Block] Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Table Text Block] Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Table Text Block] Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Table Text Block] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of Definite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, by Segment [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Developed technology Developed Technology Rights [Member] In-place leases Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member] Gasification technology license Gasification Technology [Member] Gasification Technology [Member] Other Unclassified Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Trademarks and brand names Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] Gaming licenses Gaming license [Member] Gaming license Intangible Assets, [Line Items] Finite-Lived and Infinite-Lived Intangible Assets, by Segment [Line Items] Finite-Lived and Infinite-Lived Intangible Assets, by Segment [Line Items] Definite-lived intangible assets: [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross and Net [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross and Net [Abstract] Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Indefinite-lived intangible assets: [Abstract] Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross and Net [Abstract] Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross and Net [Abstract] Net Carrying Value Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Schedule of Investments [Table] Schedule of Investments [Table] Equity method investments Equity Method Investments [Member] Other investments Other Investments [Member] Other segments Other Segments [Member] Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Receipts Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Receipts [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Receipts [Table Text Block] Statement of Partners' Capital [Abstract] Total Partners' Equity Parent [Member] Non-controlling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward] Equity Other comprehensive loss Partnership distributions Partners' Capital Account, Distributions Partnership contributions Partners' Capital Account, Contributions Investment segment contributions Investment segment contributions Investment segment contributions Investment segment distributions Investment segment distributions Investment segment distributions Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of accounting principal Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, Net of Tax Proceeds from subsidiary equity offerings Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance LP unit issuance Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions Changes in subsidiary equity and other Stockholders' Equity, Other Equity Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract] Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract] Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Financial Instruments Financial Instruments Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Due from brokers Due from Correspondent Brokers Intangible assets, net Assets held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Total Assets Accounts payable Accounts Payable Unrealized loss on derivative contracts Liabilities held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities Total liabilities Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Equity attributable to Icahn Enterprises Total equity Total Liabilities and Equity Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Investment in funds Investment in funds [Member] Investment in funds [Member] Investment balance in funds Investment balance in funds [Member] Investment balance in funds Expense sharing arrangement Expense Sharing Agreement [Member] Expense Sharing Agreement [Member] Repair services revenue from related party 7600 Services, Miscellaneous Repair Services [Member] Purchases from related party Purchases from related party [Member] Purchases from related party Distribution of cash Cash Distribution [Member] Withholdings Withholding [Member] Withholding Sales to related party Railcar component sales [Member] Railcar component sales [Member] Buying group operating expenses Operating Expense [Member] ARL ARL [Member] ARL [Member] Consolidated VIE Consolidated VIE [Member] Consolidated VIE Hertz Equity Method Investee [Member] IRL Holding IRL Holding [Member] IRL Holding ACF ACF [Member] ACF [Member] Insight Portfolio Group LLC Insight Portfolio Group LLC [Member] Insight Portfolio Group LLC [Member] Amount of transaction with related party Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction Related party transaction, balance Related party transaction, balance Related party transaction, balance Percentage fair value of investments in Funds that is attributable to Mr. Icahn Percentage fair value of investments in Funds that is attributable to Mr. Icahn Percentage fair value of investments in Funds that is attributable to Mr. Icahn Equity issued to acquire additional interest in consolidated subsidiary (number of units) Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares Commodity contracts not considered probable of settlement Commodity contracts not considered probable of settlement [Member] Commodity contracts not considered probable of settlement Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Fair value of derivative instruments with credit risk related contingent features in a liability position Credit Risk Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value Derivative volume (barrels) Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Volume Debt designated as net investment in foreign operations Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Net Investment in Foreign Operations, Liabilities, Fair Value Loss recognized in AOCI Gain (Loss) on Derivative Used in Net Investment Hedge, Net of Tax Benefit Obligations and Plan Assets [Abstract] Benefit Obligations and Plan Assets [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid Medicare subsidies received Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipt Curtailments Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Curtailment Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Settlement Actuarial losses (gains) Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Adjustment to benefits Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Increase (Decrease) for Other Change Business combinations Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Business Combination Currency translation Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Actual return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Payment for Settlement Company contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid Business combinations Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Business Combination Medicare subsidies received Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipt Currency translation Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position Actuarial losses included in Accumulated other comprehensive income Actuarial losses included in Accumulated other comprehensive income Actuarial losses included in AOCI, before tax Prior service cost (credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax Defined benefit plan, assumption used calculated projected benefit obligation, discount rate Defined benefit plan, assumption used calculated projected benefit obligation, discount rate Defined benefit plan, assumption used calculated projected benefit obligation, discount rate Defined benefit plan, assumption used calculated projected benefit obligation, rate of compensation increase Defined benefit plan, assumption used calculated projected benefit obligation, rate of compensation increase Defined benefit plan, assumption used calculated projected benefit obligation, rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Defined benefit plan, plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, aggregate projected benefit obligation Defined benefit plan, plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, aggregate projected benefit obligation Defined benefit plan, plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, aggregate projected benefit obligation Defined benefit plan, plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, fair value of plan assets Defined benefit plan, plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, fair value of plan assets Defined benefit plan, plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Fair Value of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Fair Value of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed, Next Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed, Next Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Year Health Care Cost Trend Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Year Health Care Cost Trend Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation 2018 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Next Twelve Months 2019 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two 2020 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three 2021 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four 2022 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five 2023-2027 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Investment and Related Matter [Table] Investment and Related Matter [Table] Investment and Related Matter [Table] Investment and Related Matters [Line Items] Investment and Related Matters [Line Items] Investment and Related Matters [Line Items] Investment Investment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Gross carrying amount of goodwill Goodwill, Gross Goodwill arising from acquisitions Foreign exchange adjustments to goodwill Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Accumulated impairment of goodwill Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Impairment of goodwill Net carrying value of goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Schedule of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Schedule of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Debt Note Details [Table] Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Debt Note Details [Table] Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company - Debt Note Details [Table] Mortgages payable Mortgages [Member] Aggregate cash dividends (received from) paid to Parent by consolidated subsidiaries Cash Dividends Paid to Parent Company by Consolidated Subsidiaries Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Credit Default Swap [Member] Credit Default Swap [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Primary underlying risk: Primary underlying risk: [Abstract] Primary underlying risk: [Abstract] Long Notional Exposure Notional Exposure of Derivatives, Long Position Notional Exposure of Derivatives, Long Position Short Notional Exposure Notional Exposure of Derivatives, Short Position Notional Exposure of Derivatives, Short Position Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Total revenues Total Expenses Income (loss) before income tax benefit (expense) Net income (loss) Net income (loss) attributable to Icahn Enterprises Net income (loss) attributable to Icahn Enterprises allocable to: Net Income Attributable To Ichan Enterprises Allocable To Partners [Abstract] Net Income Attributable To Ichan Enterprises Allocable To Partners [Abstract] Cash distributions declared per LP unit Distributions Per Limited Partnership Unit Outstanding, Basic Derivatives, Offsetting Fair Value Amounts, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives, Offsetting Fair Value Amounts, Policy [Policy Text Block] Determination of when transfers between fair value levels occurs Fair Value Transfer, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Accumulated other comprehensive loss Foreign exchange contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Net gain (loss) from investment activities Net Gain from Investment Activities [Member] Net Gain from Investment Activities [Member] Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] Inventories Inventories [Member] Intangible assets, net Intangible assets, net [Member] Intangible assets, net [Member] Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities [Member] Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities [Member] Cash held at consolidated affiliated partnerships and restricted cash Cash held at consolidated affiliated partnerships and restricted cash [Member] Cash held at consolidated affiliated partnerships and restricted cash Investments Investments [Member] Due from broker Due from broker [Member] Due from broker [Member] Securities Sold, Not yet Purchased Securities Sold, Not yet Purchased [Member] Due to brokers Due to brokers [Member] Due to brokers [Member] Percentage of equity ownership in operating subsidiary Assets of VIE's Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets Liabilities of VIE's Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities Gross margin on net sales Gross Profit Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interests Limited partners: Depositary units issued Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Issued Limited partners: Depositary units outstanding Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding Cash payments for interest, net of amounts capitalized Interest Paid, Net Net cash payments (refunds) for income taxes Income Taxes Paid, Net Acquisition of subsidiary common stock included in accrued expenses and other liabilities Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Investments Acquired Investment in subsidiaries prior to acquiring a controlling interest Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Including Equity Interest in Acquiree Held Prior to Combination LP unit issuance for remaining 25% interest in ARL LP unit issuance to purchase majority interests LP unit issuance to purchase majority interests Fair value of subsidiary common units issued in an acquisition of business Subsidiary common unit issuance for acquisition of CVR Nitrogen Subsidiary common unit issuance for acquisition of CVR Nitrogen Fair value of debt assumed in an acquisition of business Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Value of Liabilities Assumed Capital expenditures included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Other Segments and Holding Company Other Segments and Holding Company [Member] Other Segments and Holding Company [Member] Automotive, Railcar, Food Packaging and Home Fashion Segments Automotive, Railcar, Food Packaging and Home Fashion Segments [Member] Automotive, Railcar, Food Packaging and Home Fashion Segments [Member] Consolidation, Policy Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block] Equity Method Investments, Policy Equity Method Investments [Policy Text Block] Cost Method Investments, Policy Cost Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassification, Policy Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates, Policy Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash Held at Consolidated Affiliated Partnerships and Restricted Cash, Policy Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investment, Policy Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations,Policy Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Securities sold, not yet purchased [Policy Text Block] Securities sold, not yet purchased [Policy Text Block] Securities sold, not yet purchased [Policy Text Block] Due to and from Broker [Policy Text Block] Due to and from Broker [Policy Text Block] Due to and from Broker [Policy Text Block] Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Mining exploration and evaluation expenditures, Policy [Policy Text Block] Mining exploration and evaluation expenditures, Policy [Policy Text Block] Mining exploration and evaluation expenditures, Policy [Policy Text Block] Planned Major Maintenance Activities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Planned Major Maintenance Activities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Held for sale policy [Policy Text Block] Held for sale policy [Policy Text Block] Held for sale policy Asset Retirement Obligation [Policy Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligation [Policy Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Allocation of profits and losses in consolidated affiliated partnerships [Policy Text Block] Allocation of profits and losses in consolidated affiliated partnerships [Policy Text Block] Allocation of profits and losses in consolidated affiliated partnerships [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block] Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block] Common control acquisitions and dispositions [Policy Text Block] Common control acquisitions and dispositions [Policy Text Block] Common control acquisitions and dispositions General partnership policy [Policy Text Block] General partnership policy [Policy Text Block] General partnership policy in the Company Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Incentives [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Incentives [Policy Text Block] Sales and sales related tax [Policy Text Block] Sales and sales related tax [Policy Text Block] Sales and sales related tax [Policy Text Block] Environmental Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Environmental Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Engineering and tooling [Policy Text Block] Engineering and tooling [Policy Text Block] Engineering and tooling policy Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block] Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block] Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restructuring, Policy Restructuring [Policy Text Block] Restructuring policy New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently Issuance Accounting Standards Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block] Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] Addition based on tax positions related to the current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Increase for tax positions of prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Decrease for tax positions of prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Decrease for statute of limitation expiration Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Impact of currency translation and other Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Work in process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Inventories reserves Inventory Valuation Reserves Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Herbalife Herbalife [Member] Herbalife [Member] Hertz Hertz [Member] Hertz Investment Sector [Axis] Investment Sector [Axis] Investment Sector [Domain] Investment Sector [Domain] Basic materials Basic Materials [Member] Basic Materials [Member] Consumer, non-cyclical Consumer, non-cyclical [Member] Consumer, non-cyclical [Member] Consumer, cyclical Consumer, cyclical [Member] Consumer, cyclical [Member] Energy Energy sector [Member] Energy sector [Member] Financial Financial [Member] Financial [Member] Industrial Industrial [Member] Industrial [Member] Technology Technology [Member] Technology [Member] Other sectors Other [Member] Other Debt securities Debt Securities [Member] Portion of trading (losses) gains that relates to trading securities still held at balance sheet date Trading Securities, Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Ownership percentage in equity method investment Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Unrealized gain on equity method investments under fair value option Unrealized gain on equity method investments under fair value option Unrealized gain (loss) on equity method investments under fair value option Fair Value of Equity Method Investment Under Fair Value Option Fair Value of Equity Method Investment Under Fair Value Option Fair Value of Equity Method Investment Under Fair Value Option Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization, Next Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization, Next Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Supplemental Unemployment Benefits, Other Postemployment Supplemental Unemployment Benefits, Other Postemployment Pensions,Other Post-retirement Benefits and Employee Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of Parent [Abstract] Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of Parent [Abstract] Schedule of Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Table] Schedule of Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Table] Schedule of Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Table] Financial Statement Schedule, Parent Company Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Financial Statement Schedule, Parent Company Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Financial Statement Schedule, Parent Company Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Financial Statement Schedule, Parent Company Statement of Operations [Table Text Block] Financial Statement Schedule, Parent Company Statement of Operations [Table Text Block] Financial Statement Schedule, Parent Company Statement of Operations [Table Text Block] Financial Statement Schedule, Parent Company Statement of Cash Flows [Table Text Block] Financial Statement Schedule, Parent Company Statement of Cash Flows [Table Text Block] Financial Statement Schedule, Parent Company Statement of Cash Flows [Table Text Block] Financial Statement Schedule, Parent Company Debt Note [Table Text Block] Financial Statement Schedule, Parent Company Debt Note [Table Text Block] Financial Statement Schedule, Parent Company Debt Note [Table Text Block] 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2022 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Future maturiites due on debt Future maturiites due on debt Amount of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates Unamortized discounts, premiums and deferred financing fees Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]