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, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Basic earnings per share -
Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc.	$ 125	$ 30	$ 242	$ 127
Weighted Average shares of common stock outstanding	59,766,097	59,793,866	59,983,310	59,866,717
Earnings per average share of common stock	$ 2.09	$ 0.51	$ 4.04	$ 2.12
Diluted earnings per share -
Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc.	$ 125	$ 30	$ 242	$ 127
Weighted Average shares of common stock outstanding	59,766,097	59,793,866	59,983,310	59,866,717
Effect of dilutive securities:
Restricted stock	120,169	227,243	132,755	283,543
Stock options	1,063,366	1,520,367	1,150,059	1,652,143
Weighted Average shares of common stock outstanding including dilutive securities	60,949,632	61,541,476	61,266,124	61,802,403
Earnings per average share of common stock	$ 2.05	$ 0.49	$ 3.95	$ 2.06