CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock	Premium on Common Stock and Other Capital Surplus	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Less — Common Stock Held as Treasury Stock, at Cost	Tenneco Inc.	Noncontrolling Interests
Balance January 1 at Dec. 31, 2011		$ 1	$ 3,016	$ (382)	$ (2,379)	$ 256		$ 43
Balance January 1 at Dec. 31, 2011		62,101,335				1,694,692
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Premium on common stock issued pursuant to benefit plans			3
Other comprehensive income (loss)				29				(1)
Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc.	30				30
Net income								5
Dividends declared								(2)
Issued pursuant to benefit plans		148,397
Stock options exercised		104,742
Balance March 31 at Mar. 31, 2012	107	1	3,019	(353)	(2,349)		62	45
Balance March 31 at Mar. 31, 2012		62,354,474
Balance January 1 at Dec. 31, 2012	291	1	3,031	(408)	(2,104)	274		45
Balance January 1 at Dec. 31, 2012		62,789,382				2,294,692
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Premium on common stock issued pursuant to benefit plans			6
Other comprehensive income (loss)				(22)				0
Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc.	54				54
Net income								5
Dividends declared								0
Issued pursuant to benefit plans		160,827
Stock options exercised	82,622	97,622
Balance March 31 at Mar. 31, 2013	$ 334	$ 1	$ 3,037	$ (430)	$ (2,050)		$ 284	$ 50
Balance March 31 at Mar. 31, 2013		63,047,831