Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] General Partner [Member] Limited Partner [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Parent [Member] Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Equity, including portion attributable to non-controlling interest Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Treasury units Treasury Stock, Shares Comprehensive Income Net of Tax, Including Non-controlling Interests [Abstract] Comprehensive Income Net of Tax, Including Non-controlling Interests [Abstract] Comprehensive Income Net of Tax, Including Non-controlling Interests [Abstract] Net Income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Post-employment benefits, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Hedge instruments, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Translation adjustments and other, net of tax 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. Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Partnership distributions Partners' Capital Account, Distributions Investment Management distributions Investment Management distributions Distribution to non-controlling investors in the Private Funds. Investment Management contributions Investment Management contributions Contributions from non-controlling investors in the Private Funds. Changes in subsidiary equity Change in subsidiary equity and other Change in subsidiary equity and other Equity, including portion attributable to non-controlling interest Treasury units 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 income Adjustments to reconcile net 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 gain from investment activities Gain (Loss) on Investments, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments 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 Net premiums (paid) received on derivative contracts Net premiums received paid on derivative contracts Net premiums received paid on derivative contracts Changes in receivables and payables relating to securities transactions Increase (Decrease) in Broker-Dealer Related Receivables (Payables), Net Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 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 Purchase of investment in precious metals Investments in precious metals Investments in precious metals Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Other, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities 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 distributions to non-controlling interests Capital distributions to non-controlling interests Cash distributions paid to non-controlling investors in the Private Funds Capital contributions by non-controlling interests Capital contributions by non-controlling interests Cash contributions by non-controlling investors in the Private Funds Partnership contributions Proceeds from Partnership Contribution Partnership distributions Distribution Made to Member or Limited Partner, Cash Distributions Paid Distributions to non-controlling interests in subsidiary Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt Proceeds from other borrowings Proceeds from Other Debt Repayments of borrowings Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash (used in) 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 (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) 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 Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, end of period Supplemental information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash payments for interest, net of amounts capitalized Interest Paid, Net Net cash payments for income taxes Income Taxes Paid, Net Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities Redemptions payable to non-controlling interests Redemptions payable to non controlling interests Redemptions payable to non controlling interests LP unit issuance to purchase majority interests in ARI and Viskase Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions LP unit issuance to settle preferred LP unit redemptions Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Units Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract] Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract] Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Net sales Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Other revenues from operations Other Revenue, Net Net (loss) gain from investment activities Interest and dividend income Interest and Dividend Income, Operating Other income (loss), net Other Income 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 Restructuring Restructuring Charges Impairment Asset Impairment Charges Interest expense Interest Expense Total Expenses Total Expenses Total of all operating and non-operating costs and expenses. (Loss) income before income tax expense Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Sum of operating profit and non-operating income or loss before income taxes, extraordinary items, and non-controlling interest. Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net (loss) income Less: net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net (loss) income attributable to Icahn Enterprises Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net (loss) income 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] Limited partners Net Income (Loss) Allocated to 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 Basic weighted average LP units outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (loss) income per LP unit Net Income (Loss), Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Diluted Diluted weighted average LP units outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Cash distributions declared per LP unit Distributions Per Limited Partnership Unit Outstanding, Basic Other Income (Loss) , Net [Abstract] Other Income (Loss) , Net [Abstract] Other Income (Loss), Net [Text Block] Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Compensation Arrangements [Abstract] Compensation Arrangements [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Debt [Abstract] Debt [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Text Block] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash held at consolidated affiliated partnerships and restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Investments Investments Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net Due from brokers Due from Correspondent Brokers Inventories, net Inventory, 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 Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value Securities Sold, Not yet Purchased, Fair Value Disclosure Redemptions payable Other Liabilities 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 18) Commitments and Contingencies Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Limited partners: Depositary units: 92,400,000 authorized; issued 86,708,914 at September 30, 2011 and 85,865,619 at December 31, 2010; outstanding 85,571,714 at September 30, 2011 (including 843,295 units issued as a unit distribution on May 31, 2011) and 84,728,419 at December 31, 2010 Limited Partners' Capital Account General partner General Partners' Capital Account Limited partners: Limited Partners' Capital Account [Abstract] Treasury units at cost: 1,137,200 depositary units Treasury Stock, Value 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 Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Financial Instruments [Abstract] Financial Instruments [Abstract] Financial Instruments Disclosure [Text Block] Financial Instruments Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Operating Units [Abstract] Operating Units. [Abstract] Operating Units [Text Block] 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. Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensice Loss [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensice Loss [Abstract] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Inventories, Net [Abstract] Inventories, Net [Abstract] Inventories, Net Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Net Income Per LP Unit [Abstract] Net Income Per LP Unit [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Description of Business and Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Description of Business and Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Description of Business and Basis of Presentation [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Pensions Other Post Employment Benefits and Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract] Pensions Other Post Employment Benefits and Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Investments and Related Matters [Abstract] Investments and Related Matters [Abstract] Investments and Other Noncurrent Assets [Text Block] Investments and Other Noncurrent Assets [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] 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 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract] Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated other comprehensive loss Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Parenthetical [Abstract] Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Parenthetical [Abstract] Limited Partner Equity, units authorized Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Authorized Limited Partner Equity, units issued Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Issued Limited Partner Equity, units outstanding Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding Units issued as a unit distribution Unit distribution Unit distribution Treasury Units at Cost, units outstanding