Summary of Earnings Per Share of Common Stock (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Basic earnings per share —
Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc.	$ 78	$ 12	$ 205	$ 129
Weighted Average shares of common stock outstanding	60,762,667	60,624,358	60,671,410	60,475,652
Earnings per share of common stock	$ 1.29	$ 0.19	$ 3.39	$ 2.13
Diluted earnings per share —
Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc.	$ 78	$ 12	$ 205	$ 129
Weighted Average shares of common stock outstanding	60,762,667	60,624,358	60,671,410	60,475,652
Effect of dilutive securities:
Restricted stock	122,865	220,132	135,170	182,378
Stock options	828,319	1,020,885	828,482	925,599
Weighted Average shares of common stock outstanding including dilutive securities	61,713,851	61,865,375	61,635,062	61,583,629
Earnings per share of common stock	$ 1.27	$ 0.19	$ 3.33	$ 2.09