Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to the controlling and noncontrolling interests	$ 615	$ (179)	$ 1,460	$ 551
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits	(29)	348	(63)	391
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments	26	(147)	387	(231)
Derivative financial instruments	1	8	(16)	0
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	(2)	209	308	160
Total comprehensive income	613	30	1,768	711
Less: amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests:
Net income	(6)	(5)	(16)	(18)
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments	(2)	(1)	(15)	1
Comprehensive income attributable to PPG	$ 605	$ 24	$ 1,737	$ 694