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, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Basic earnings per share —
Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc.	$ 63	$ 87	$ 117	$ 117
Weighted Average shares of common stock outstanding	60,542,361	59,992,055	60,424,540	60,067,205
Earnings per share of common stock	$ 1.04	$ 1.45	$ 1.94	$ 1.95
Diluted earnings per share —
Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc.	$ 63	$ 87	$ 117	$ 117
Weighted Average shares of common stock outstanding	60,542,361	59,992,055	60,424,540	60,067,205
Effect of dilutive securities:
Restricted stock	170,950	109,722	157,551	139,995
Stock options	1,010,813	1,159,094	950,459	1,263,313
Weighted Average shares of common stock outstanding including dilutive securities	61,724,124	61,260,871	61,532,550	61,470,513
Earnings per share of common stock	$ 1.02	$ 1.42	$ 1.91	$ 1.90