Earnings (loss) per share (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Basic earnings (loss) per share -
Net income (loss) attributable to Tenneco Inc.	$ 30	$ 30	$ 50	$ 47	$ (18)	$ 10	$ 40	$ 7	$ 157	$ 39	$ (73)
Average shares of common stock outstanding									59,884,139	59,208,103	48,572,463
Earnings (loss) per average share of common stock	$ 0.50	$ 0.51	$ 0.84	$ 0.78	$ (0.31)	$ 0.17	$ 0.68	$ 0.11	$ 2.62	$ 0.65	$ (1.50)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share -
Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc	$ 30	$ 30	$ 50	$ 47	$ (18)	$ 10	$ 40	$ 7	$ 157	$ 39	$ (73)
Average shares of common stock outstanding									59,884,139	59,208,103	48,572,463
Effect of dilutive securities:
Restricted stock									168,539	441,561
Stock options									1,467,482	1,349,030
Average shares of common stock outstanding including dilutive securities									61,520,160	60,998,694	48,572,463
Earnings (loss) per average share of common stock	$ 0.49	$ 0.49	$ 0.81	$ 0.75	$ (0.31)	$ 0.17	$ 0.66	$ 0.11	$ 2.55	$ 0.63	$ (1.50)
Earnings (loss) Per Share (Textual) [Abstract]
Stock Options									202,009	612,832