Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to the controlling and noncontrolling interests	$ 899	$ 1,427	$ 2,159
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment	(476)	(717)	(596)
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments	808	113	(335)
Net change – derivative financial instruments	4	5	69
Other comprehensive (loss) / income, net of tax	336	(599)	(862)
Total comprehensive income	1,235	828	1,297
Less: amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests:
Net income	(22)	(21)	(57)
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment	10	13	6
Comprehensive income attributable to PPG	$ 1,223	$ 820	$ 1,246