Summary of Earnings Per Share of Common Stock (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Basic earnings per share —
Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc.	$ 81	$ 63	$ 127	$ 117
Weighted Average shares of common stock outstanding	60,736,737	60,542,361	60,631,080	60,424,540
Earnings per share of common stock	$ 1.34	$ 1.04	$ 2.10	$ 1.94
Diluted earnings per share —
Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc.	$ 81	$ 63	$ 127	$ 117
Weighted Average shares of common stock outstanding	60,736,737	60,542,361	60,631,080	60,424,540
Effect of dilutive securities:
Restricted stock	104,679	170,950	139,024	157,551
Stock options	820,480	1,010,813	813,621	950,459
Weighted Average shares of common stock outstanding including dilutive securities	61,661,896	61,724,124	61,583,725	61,532,550
Earnings per share of common stock	$ 1.32	$ 1.02	$ 2.06	$ 1.91