Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Schedule of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Schedule of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Schedule of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Automotive Segment [Member] Automotive Segment [Member] Automotive Segment [Member] Schedule of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Schedule of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Schedule of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications [Policy Text Block] Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principals of consolidation [Policy Text Block] Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair value of financial instruments [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restricted cash [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Adoption of new accounting pronouncements [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently issued accounting pronouncements [Policy Text Block] Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block] Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] Financial Instruments [Abstract] Financial Instruments [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities [Member] Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities [Member] Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Federal-Mogul [Member] Federal-Mogul [Member] Federal-Mogul [Member] Reporting unit [Axis] Reporting unit [Axis] Reporting unit [Axis] Production Type [Domain] Production Type [Domain] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Primary underlying risk: Derivative Contract [Domain] Commodity contracts Commodity Contract [Member] Interest rate swap contracts Interest Rate Swap [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Notional value of interest rate swap agreements Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative contracts at fair value (liability) Derivative Liability Unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated other comprehensive income loss commodity price hedges. Accumulated other comprehensive income loss commodity price hedges. Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Net gain from investment activities [Member] Net Gain from Investment Activities [Member] Net Gain from Investment Activities [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Equity contracts Equity Contract [Member] Foreign exchange contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Credit contracts Credit Risk Contract [Member] Interest rate contracts Interest Rate Contract [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Gain (loss) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments recognized in income Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Limited partners: Depositary units issued Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Issued Limited partners: Depositary units outstanding Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding Other (Loss) Income, Net [Abstract] Other (Loss) Income, Net [Abstract] Other (Loss) Income, Net Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Inventories, Net [Abstract] Inventories, Net [Abstract] 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 Inventory, net Inventory, Net Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Icahn Enterprises Holdings [Member] Icahn Enterprises Holdings [Member] Icahn Enterprises Holdings [Member] 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] Net (loss) income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Post-employment benefits Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of 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 loss, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive (loss) income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive loss (income) 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 (loss) income attributable to Icahn Enterprises allocable to: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Credit swaps(1) Credit Default Swap [Member] Equity swaps Equity Swap [Member] Foreign currency forwards Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] 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 Notional Exposure of Derivatives, Short Position, less than three months Notional Exposure of Derivatives, Short Position, less than three months Notional Exposure of Derivatives, Short Position, less than three months Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Net Income Per LP Unit [Abstract] Net Income Per LP Unit [Abstract] Schedule Of Earnings Per LP Unit Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Statement of Partners' Capital [Abstract] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Parent [Member] Parent [Member] Non-controlling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward] Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net loss Other comprehensive income Partnership distributions Partners' Capital Account, Distributions Partnership contribution Partners' Capital Account, Contributions Investment segment contributions Investment Management Contributions Contributions from non-controlling investors in the Private Funds. Dividends and distributions to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Acquisitions Partners' Capital Account, Acquisitions Proceeds from subsidiary equity offering 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 Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Gaming Segment [Member] Gaming Segment [Member] Gaming Segment [Member] Holding Company [Member] Holding Company [Member] Holding Company [Member] Energy Segment [Member] Energy Segment [Member] Energy Segment [Member] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Trading Securities [Member] Trading Securities [Member] Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Instruments Classified in Shareholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Instruments Classified in Shareholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Unrealized gain included in earnings related to Level 3 assets still held at period end Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Gross unrealized gains (losses) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Transfer out of Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3 Purchases of level 3 investment Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Fair value of investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Fair value of investments measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring Impairment of goodwill Goodwill, Impairment Loss Impairment of PP&E Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Table] Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Table] Goodwill and Intangible Assets [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] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Trademarks and brand names [Member] Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] Pep Boys [Member] Pep Boys [Member] Pep Boys [Member] Trump [Member] Trump [Member] Trump [Member] Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Line Items] Amortization expense associated with definite-lived intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Allocation to indefinite-lived intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Allocation to definite-lived intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Allocation to goodwill Goodwill, Acquired During Period Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Pensions,Other Post-employment Benefits and Employee Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Investment Segment [Abstract] Investment Segment [Abstract] Operating Units [Table] OPerating Units [Table] OPerating Units [Table] Investment Funds [Member] 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. Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Fair value of our interest in Funds of 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. Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Condensed statements of operations by reporting segment Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed balance sheets by reporting segment Condensed Financial Statements [Table Text Block] Segment information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] 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] Distribution declared [Member] Dividend Declared [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Distribution declared per depositary unit Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash held at consolidated affiliated partnerships and restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Investments Investments Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net Inventories, net Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other assets Other Assets Total Assets Assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable Accrued expenses and other liabilities Accrued Liabilities Deferred tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net 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 Debt Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (Note 17) Commitments and Contingencies Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Limited partners: Depositary units: 132,166,426 and 131,481,059 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively Limited Partners' Capital Account General partner General Partners' Capital Account Equity attributable to Icahn Enterprises Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Equity attributable to non-controlling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Total Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Determination of what constitutes a segment [Policy Text Block] Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments and Related Matters [Abstract] Investments and Related Matters [Abstract] Schedule of Investments [Table] Schedule of Investments [Table] Other Segments [Member] Other Segments [Member] Other Segments [Member] Equity method investments Equity Method Investments [Member] Other investments Other Investments [Member] Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair value measurements, Recurring and nonrecurring [Member] Fair value measurements, Recurring and nonrecurring [Member] Fair value measurements, Recurring and nonrecurring [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [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] Assets [Abstract] Derivative contracts, at fair value (asset) Derivative Asset Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities [Abstract] Liabilities [Abstract] Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Interest rate reference [Axis] Interest rate reference [Axis] Interest rate reference [Axis] Interest rate reference [Domain] Interest rate reference [Domain] [Domain] for Interest rate reference [Axis] LIBOR [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Prime Rate [Member] Prime Rate [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Federal-Mogul Credit Facility [Member] Federal-Mogul Credit Facility [Member] Federal-Mogul Credit Facility [Member] IEH Auto Credit Facility [Member] IEH Auto Credit Facility [Member] IEH Auto Credit Facility [Member] Pep Boys Credit Facility [Member] Pep Boys Credit Facility [Member] Pep Boys Credit Facility [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Line of credit facility increase in borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net Line of credit facility borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Interest rate spread on variable rate debt Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Line of credit facility amount outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding Line of credit facility unused borrowing availability Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Letters of credit outstanding amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Text Block] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Debt Facility [Member] Debt Facility [Member] Debt Facility [Member] Other Income (Loss) Not Specified [Member] Other Income (Loss) Not Specified [Member] Other Income (Loss) not otherwise specified in the disclosure [Member] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Price and basis swap [Member] Price and basis swap [Member] Price and basis swap [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative, non-monetary notional amount (barrels) Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Realized loss on interest rate swaps reclassified from AOCI into interest expense Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Gain (Loss) on Sale of Commodity Contracts Gain (Loss) on Sale of Commodity Contracts Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item Gaming Segment [Abstract] Gaming Segment [Abstract] Tropicana [Member] Tropicana [Member] Tropicana [Member] Location of operations, State or country [Axis] Location of operations, State or country [Axis] Location of operations, State or country [Axis] State or country of operations [Domain] State or country of operations [Domain] State or country of operations [Domain] MISSOURI MISSOURI LOUISIANA LOUISIANA NEVADA NEVADA INDIANA INDIANA NEW JERSEY NEW JERSEY ARUBA ARUBA MISSISSIPPI MISSISSIPPI Number of casinos Number of Casinos Number of Casinos Owned and Operated Square footage of casino space Casino space, square footage Casino space, square footage Number of slot machines Number of Slot Machines Number of Slot Machines Number of table games Number of Table Games Number of Table Games Number of hotel rooms Number of Hotel Rooms Number of Hotel Rooms Percentage of equity ownership in subsidiary Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Ownership Interest Fair value of investment prior to acquiring a controlling interest Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Fair Value Gain on remeasurement to fair value of equity interest in subsidiary prior to acquiring a controlling interest Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain Business combinations, recognized net tangible assets business combinations, recognized identifiable assets, net tangible assets business combinations, recognized identifiable assets, net tangible assets Debt Debt 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 [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Operating Units [Abstract] Operating Units. [Abstract] Operating Units Operating Units [Text Block] Supplemental information regarding the entity's reportable segments, as a single block text, including narrative business descriptions of reportable segments and relevent financial disclosures specific to reprortable segments no disclosed elsewhere. Automotive Segment [Abstract] Automotive Segment [Abstract] IEH Auto [Member] IEH Auto [Member] IEH Auto [Member] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Cost restructure program [Member] Cost restructure program [Member] Cost restructure program [Member] Prior restructuring programs Other Restructuring [Member] Proposed price per share to acquire subsidiary shares Business Acquisition, Share Price Number of locations Number of locations Number of locations Automotive supercenter, square footage Automotive supercenter, square footge Automotive supercenter, square footage Service center, square footage Service center, square footage Service center, square footage Business combination, purchase price Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Business combination, recognized goodwill and other intangible net assets Business combination, recognized goodwill and other intangible net assets Business combination, recognized goodwill and other intangible net assets Business combination, unfavorable lease intangible liability acquired Business combination, unfavorable lease intangible liability acquired Business combination, unfavorable lease intangible liability acquired Gross amount of transferred receivables under factoring arrangement 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. Undrawn cash with respect to transferred receivables Undrawn cash with respect to transferred receivables Undrawn cash with respect to transferred receivables 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 Maximum exposure associated with transferred receivables under factoring arrangements Continuing Involvement with Transferred Financial Assets, Principal Amount Outstanding Restructuring Restructuring Charges Expected additional cost to complete restructuring programs Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Number of Distribution Centers Number of Distribution Centers Number of Distribution Centers Number of stores Number of Stores Number of independent wholesalers in network Number of independent wholesalers in network Number of independent wholesalers in network Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Table Text Block] Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Table Text Block] Investment Segment [Member] Investment Segment [Member] Investment Segment [Member] Other assets Other Assets [Member] Interest rate swap contracts 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 Asset Derivatives, Netting across contract types Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Asset Derivatives, Total Collateral for derivative positions Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value CVR Refining Credit Facility [Member] CVR Refining Credit Facility [Member] CVR Refining Credit Facility [Member] CVR Partners Credit Facility [Member] CVR Partners Credit Facility [Member] CVR Partners Credit Facility [Member] Debt Debt Instrument, Face Amount Schedule Of Earnings Per LP Unit [Table] Schedule Of Earnings Per LP Unit [Table] Schedule Of Earnings Per LP Unit [Table] ARL [Member] ARL [Member] ARL [Member] Railcar Segment [Member] Railcar Segment [Member] Railcar Segment [Member] Unit distribution [Member] Unit Distribution [Member] Ownership percentage [Member] Ownership percentage [Member] Ownership percentage [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 his affiliates [Member] Principal Owners and Affiliates [Member] Mr. Icahn and certain other entities beneficially owned by Mr. Icahn Capital Units by Class [Axis] Capital Units by Class [Axis] Capital Unit, Class [Domain] Capital Unit, Class [Domain] Depositary units [Member] Common Stock [Member] Earnings Per LP Unit [Line Items] Earnings Per LP Unit [Line Items] Earnings Per LP Unit [Line Items] Net (loss) income attributable to Icahn Enterprises Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net (loss) income attributable to Icahn Enterprises allocable to limited partners (98.01% allocation) Net Income (Loss) Allocated to Limited Partners Basic (loss) income 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 Dilutive effect of unit distribution declared (income) Dilutive securities, effect on earnings per unit from distribution of depositary units Dilutive securities, effect on earnings per unit from distribution of depositary units Dilutive effect of unit distribution declared (units) Additional shares included in the calculation of diluted EPS as a result of the potentially dilutive effect of unit distribution. Additional shares included in the calculation of diluted EPS as a result of the potentially dilutive effect of unit distribution. Diluted (loss) income 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 Subsidiary units issued as partial consideration for acquisition Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares Distribution made to limited partners, Unit distribution Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Unit Distribution Affiliate ownership interest in Icahn Enterprises Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest Distribution payable Dividends Payable Antidilutive units excluded from computation of diluted earnings per LP unit Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] 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] AOCI, Post-employment benefts, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of 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, net of tax OCI, Post-employment benefts before reclassificaitons, net of tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax OCI, Hedge instruments before reclassificaitons, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax OCI, 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 OCI, Post-employment benefts reclassificaitons to income, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), Net of Tax OCI, Hedge instruments reclassificaitons to income, net of tax Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net OCI, Translation adjustments and other reclassificaitons to income, 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 OCI, Post-employment benefts, net of tax OCI, Hedge instruments, net of tax OCI, Translation adjustments and other, net of tax Energy Segment [Abstract] Energy Segment [Abstract] Business combination [Member] Business combination [Member] Business combination [Member] Property location [Axis] Property location [Axis] Property location [Axis] Location [Domain] Location [Domain] Coffeyville, Kansas [Member] Coffeyville, Kansas [Member] Coffeyville, Kansas [Member] Wynnewood, Oklahoma [Member] Wynnewood, Oklahoma [Member] Wynnewood, Oklahoma [Member] Oil and Gas Production Type [Axis] Oil and Gas Production Type [Axis] Petroleum [Member] Crude Oil [Member] Crude oil gathering [Member] Crude oil gathering [Member] Crude oil gathering [Member] Pipeline transportation of oil [Member] 486110 Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil [Member] Nitrogen Fertilizer [Member] 325311 Nitrogenous Fertilizer Manufacturing [Member] CVR Refining, LP [Member] CVR Refining, LP [Member] CVR Refining, LP [Member] CVR Partners, LP [Member] CVR Partners, LP [Member] CVR Partners, LP [Member] CVR Energy, Inc. [Member] CVR Energy, Inc. [Member] CVR Energy, Inc. [Member] East Dubuque [Member] East Dubuque [Member] East Dubuque [Member] Gross cash portion of consideration paid to acquire business Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Intercompany debt, face amount Intercompany debt, face amount Intercompany debt, face amount Barrels per day Production, Barrels of Oil Per Day Production, Barrels of Oil Per Day Crude oil pipeline length (in miles) Crude oil pipeline length (in miles) Crude oil pipeline length (in miles) Production barrels of oil storage capacity Production barrels of oil storage capacity Production barrels of oil storage capacity Production barrels of oil combined refinery related storage capacity Production barrels of oil combined refinery related storage capacity Production barrels of oil combined refinery related storage capacity Area of land (acres) Area of Land Ton-per-day ammonia unit facility Production, Tons of Ammonia Per Day Production, Tons of Ammonia Per Day Ton-per-day of Urea and Ammonium Nitrate unit facility Production, Tons of Urea and Ammonium Nitrate Per Day Production, Tons of Urea and Ammonium Nitrate Per Day Cubic feet of hydrogen per day gasifiation complex Production, Cubic Feet of Hydrogen Per Day Production, Cubic Feet of Hydrogen Per Day Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] Inventories Inventories [Member] Goodwill Goodwill [Member] Intangible assets, net Intangible assets, net [Member] Intangible assets, net [Member] Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities [Member] Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities [Member] Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities [Member] Debt [Member] Debt [Member] Icahn Enterprises G.P. [Member] Icahn Enterprises G.P. [Member] Icahn Enterprises G.P. [Member] Icahn Enterprises G.P. [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 [Member] Restricted cash [Member] Restricted cash Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Percentage of equity ownership in operating subsidiary 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 Icahn Enterprises Holdings 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 Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities Fair value of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value Affect on prior year financial statements from adopting new accounting principle New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification 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] 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] Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net loss (gain) 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 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. Impairment Asset Impairment Charges Deferred taxes Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes Other, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Changes in cash held at consolidated affiliated partnerships and restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash for Operating Activities Changes in other operating assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Net proceeds from business dispositions Net payments associated with business dispositions Net payments associated with business dispositions Net proceeds from the sale and disposition of assets Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Other, net Other items provided by (used in) investing activities, cash flow statement Other items provided by (used in) investing activities, cash flow statement Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Capital contributions by non-controlling interests Capital Contributions by Non-controlling Interests Cash contributions by non-controlling investors in the Private Funds Partnership contribution Proceeds from Partnership Contribution Proceeds from offering of subsidiary equity Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity Dividends and distributions to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Proceeds from other borrowings Proceeds from Other Debt Repayments of other borrowings Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) 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, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Supplemental information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash payments for interest, net of amounts capitalized Interest Paid, Net Net cash payments (refunds) for income taxes Income Taxes Paid, Net Distribution payable to Icahn Enterprises unitholders Distrubtion payable to LP unit holders Distrubtion payable to LP unit holders Investment in Pep Boys prior to acquiring a controlling interest Investment in Pep Boys prior to acquiring a controlling interest Investment in Pep Boys prior to acquiring a controlling interest Investment in Trump prior to acquiring a controlling interest Investment in Trump prior to acquiring a controlling interest Investment in Trump prior to acquiring a controlling interest LP unit issuance for remaining 25% interest in ARL LP unit issuance to purchase majority interests LP unit issuance to purchase majority interests Investment additions included in accrued expenses and other liabilities Purchase of investments not yet paid Purchase of investments not yet paid Construction in progress additions included in accounts payable Construction in Progress Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid MASSACHUSETTS MASSACHUSETTS FLORIDA FLORIDA Ferrous Resources [Member] Ferrous Resources [Member] Ferrous Resources [Member] ARI [Member] ARI [Member] ARI [Member] Viskase [Member] Viskase [Member] Viskase [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] Real Estate Segment [Member] Number of Manufacturing Facilities Nnumber of Manufacturing Facilities Nnumber of Manufacturing Facilities Net sales from customers located outside the U.S. Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries, Percentage Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries, Percentage Number of Real Estate commercial rental properties Number of Real Estate Properties Number of units of residential housing in future development Number of Units of Residential Housing in Future Development Number of Units of Residential Housing in Future Development Accounting Policies [Abstract] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Investments and Related Matters Investments and Other Noncurrent Assets [Text Block] Senior unsecured notes [Member] Senior Debt Obligations [Member] Debt facilities [Member] Secured credit facilities [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Other Debt Obligations [Member] Other Debt Obligations [Member] Food Packaging Segment [Member] Food Packaging Segment [Member] Food Packaging Segment [Member] 2022 Notes [Member] 2022 Notes [Member] 2022 Notes [Member] 2020 Notes [Member] 2020 Notes [Member] 2020 Notes [Member] 2019 Notes [Member] 2019 Notes [Member] 2019 Notes [Member] 2017 Notes [Member] 2017 Notes [Member] 2017 Notes [Member] 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] Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] 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 [Member] Railcars [Member] Railcars [Member] Real estate properties [Member] Real estate properties [Member] Real estate properties [Member] 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, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment, useful life (in years) Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 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 Depreciation and amortization expense related to property, plant and equipment Depreciation 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] 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] 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] Definite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Definite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Definite-lived intangible assets, 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] Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Net Carrying Value Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible assets, net Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Holding Company [Member] Metals Segment [Member] Metals Segment [Member] Metals Segment [Member] Mining segment [Member] Mining segment [Member] Mining Segment [Member] Home Fashion Segment [Member] Home Fashion Segment [Member] Home Fashion Segment [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] 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 Total assets Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Total assets Equity attributable to Icahn Enterprises Total equity Total liabilities and equity Interest expense Interest Expense Components of Other Income (Loss), Net [Table] Component of Other Income (Loss), Ne [Table] Component of Other Income (Loss), Net [Table] Component of Other (Loss) Income, Net [Axis] Component of Other Income (Loss), Net [Axis] Component of Other Income (Loss), net [Axis] Component of Other (Loss) Income, Net, Name [Domain] Component of Other Income (Loss), Net Name [Domain] Component of Other Income (Loss), Net Name [Domain] Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net Unrealized gain loss on derivatives [Member] Unrealized gain loss on derivatives Gain on disposition of assets Gain (loss) on dispositions of assets [Member] Gain (loss) on dispositions of assets 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 translation loss Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Other Component of Other Income (Loss), Net [Line Items] Component of Other Income (Loss), Net [Line Items] Component of Other Income (Loss), Net [Line Items] Other income (loss), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] ACF [Member] ACF [Member] ACF [Member] Starfire Holding Corporation [Member] Starfire Holding Corporation [Member] Starfire Holding Corporation [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Rent expense on operating leases Operating Leases, Rent Expense Accrued environmental liabilities Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Litigation claim gain amount Litigation claim gain amount Litigation claim gain amount Litigation counterclaim amount Litigation counterclaim amount Litigation counterclaim amount Possible material additional losses, above and beyond best estimate of required remediation costs Site Contingency, Loss Exposure in Excess of Accrual, Best Estimate Affiliate ownership in parent company general partner Affiliate ownership in parent company general partner Affiliate ownership in parent company general partner Affiliate ownership interest Defined benefit plan underfunded amount Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan Ownership percentage by Mr. Icahn Ownership Percentage by Principal Owner Ownership percentage by principal owner in related party Net worth floor for which distributions to stockholders would be limited while contingent liabilities exist that can be imposed on us 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 Asset retirement obligation Asset Retirement Obligation Environmental remediation expense Environmental Remediation Expense Cost of RINs Cost of RINs Expenses incurred to purchase additional rewnewable identification numbers Biofuel blending obligation Biofuel blending obligation Biofuel blending obligation Energy [Axis] Energy [Axis] Energy [Domain] Energy [Domain] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Position [Axis] Position [Axis] Position [Domain] Position [Domain] Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] 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] Investment Sector [Axis] Investment Sector [Axis] Investment Sector [Domain] Investment Sector [Domain] Basic materials Basic Materials [Member] Basic Materials [Member] Communications Communications [Member] Communications [Member] Consumer, non-cyclical Consumer, non-cyclical [Member] Consumer, non-cyclical [Member] Consumer, cyclical Consumer, cyclical [Member] Consumer, cyclical [Member] Diversified Diversified [Member] Diversified [Member] Energy Energy sector [Member] Energy sector [Member] Financial Financial [Member] Financial [Member] Industrial Industrial [Member] Industrial [Member] Technology Technology [Member] Technology [Member] Sovereign debt Sovereign Debt [Member] Utilities Utilities [Member] Utilities [Member] Equity securities: Equity Securities [Member] Corporate debt: Debt Securities [Member] Mortgage-backed securities: Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Portion of trading gains (loss) that relates to trading securities still held Trading Securities, Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Net Income Per LP Unit Earnings Per Share [Text Block] ARI Revolving Loan Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Railcars pledged as collateral Pledged Assets, Other, Not Separately Reported on Statement of Financial Position Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income before income tax expense Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Statutory federal income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Purchases Transfers (out) in Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Trading Symbol Trading Symbol 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 Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Related party agreement [Axis] Related party agreement [Axis] Related party agreement [Axis] Related party agreement [Domain] Related party agreement [Domain] [Domain] for Related party agreement [Axis] Agreements with ACF [Member] Agreements with ACF [Member] Agreements with ACF [Member] Icahn Capital [Member] Icahn Capital [Member] Icahn Capital [Member] Related Party Transactions, by Transaction Type [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Investment in Funds [Member] Hedge Funds, Equity [Member] Expense sharing agreement [Member] Expense Sharing Agreement [Member] Expense Sharing Agreement [Member] Railcar Sales [Member] Railcar Sales [Member] Railcar Sales [Member] Railcar component sales [Member] Railcar component sales [Member] Railcar component sales [Member] Investment in funds Investment in funds Investment in funds 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 Expenses charged by related party Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction Revenues from transactions with related party Related Party Transaction, Other Revenues from Transactions with Related Party Expenses from transactions with related party Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Net sales Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Other revenues from operations Other Revenue, Net Net gain from investment activities Gain (Loss) on Investments, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Interest and dividend income Interest and Dividend Income, Operating Other (loss) income, net Total Revenues Revenues Expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Cost of goods sold Cost of Goods Sold Other expenses from operations Other Cost and Expense, Operating Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Total Expenses Total Expenses Total of all operating and non-operating costs and expenses. Income tax expense Less: net loss (income) 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 Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill, Gross Goodwill, Gross Goodwill, Accumulated Impairment Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Goodwill, Net Carrying Value 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] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Pension Benefits Pension Plan [Member] OPEB Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Amortization of actuarial losses Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Amortization of prior service credit Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Put Option [Member] Put Option [Member] Maximum payout amount relating to certain put options Open Option Contract Written, Potential Payment Amount The maximum payout of the open option contracts written for the investment. Maximum payout amount relating to certain covered put options on existing short positions Open Option Contracts Written, Covered Put Options on Existing Short Positions Open Option Contracts Written, Covered Put Options on Existing Short Positions Unrealized gains relating to certain put options Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Fair value derivative instruments with credit risk related contingent features in a liability position Credit Risk Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Net (loss) gain from investment activities Total Revenues Total Expenses (Loss) income before income tax expense Net (loss) income Net (loss) income attributable to Icahn Enterprises Net (loss) income attributable to Icahn Enterprises allocable to: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Limited partners General partner Net Income (Loss) Allocated to General Partners Basic (loss) income per LP unit Net Income (Loss), Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Basic, Net of Tax [Abstract] Diluted (loss) income per LP unit Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Cash distributions declared per LP unit Distributions Per Limited Partnership Unit Outstanding, Basic Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Financial Instruments Financial Instruments Disclosure [Text Block]