Acquisitions and Divestitures -Transfers to Noncontrolling Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc.	$ 68	$ 52	$ 78	$ 49	$ 21	$ 78	$ 81	$ 46	$ 247	$ 226	$ 183
Decrease in equity for purchase of noncontrolling equity interest				$ (1)					0	0	(68)
Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc. shareholders less purchase of noncontrolling equity interest									$ 247	$ 226	$ 115