Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 214	[1]	$ 233	[1]
Receivables -
Customer notes and accounts, net	936		796
Other	44		30
Inventories	592		547
Deferred income taxes	40		38
Prepayments and other	153		146
Total current assets	1,979		1,790
Other assets:
Long-term receivables, net	10		9
Goodwill	74		89
Intangibles, net	32		32
Deferred income taxes	92		92
Other	103		105
Total other assets	311		327
Plant, property, and equipment, at cost	3,153		3,109
Less - Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(2,106)		(2,059)
Total plant, property, and equipment, net	1,047		1,050
Total assets	3,337		3,167
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt (including current maturities of long-term debt)	66		63
Trade payables	1,171		1,048
Accrued taxes	44		51
Accrued interest	13		13
Accrued liabilities	226		227
Other	50		66
Total current liabilities	1,570		1,468
Long-term debt	1,158		1,160
Deferred income taxes	51		56
Postretirement benefits	385		311
Deferred credits and other liabilities	118		125
Commitments and contingencies
Total liabilities	3,282		3,120
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	12		12
Tenneco Inc. Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	1		1
Premium on common stock and other capital surplus	3,016		3,008
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(382)		(237)
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	(2,379)		(2,536)
Shareholders equity before deduction of treasury stock	256		236
Less - Shares held as treasury stock, at cost	256		240
Total Tenneco Inc. shareholders' equity	0		(4)
Noncontrolling interests	43		39
Total equity	43		35
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	$ 3,337		$ 3,167

[1] Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase.