Discontinued Operations (Net sales and earnings from discontinued operations) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Income from operations		$ 0
Net gain from separation and merger of commodity chemicals business	1,468
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	1,018	2,248
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests, discontinued operations	39	35
Net income from discontinued operations (attributable to PPG)	985	2,219
Commodity Chemicals Segment [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales		108
Net gain from separation and merger of commodity chemicals business		2,192
Income tax expense		(1)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax		2,191
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests, discontinued operations		0
Net income from discontinued operations (attributable to PPG)		2,191
Transitions Optical Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales	247	231
Income from operations	104	77
Net gain from separation and merger of commodity chemicals business	1,468	0
Income tax expense	(554)	(20)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	1,018	57
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests, discontinued operations	(33)	(29)
Net income from discontinued operations (attributable to PPG)	$ 985	$ 28