Tenneco (TEN) 10-K 24 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 19, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	TENNECO INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,024,725
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Trading Symbol	TEN
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		57,514,337
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 3.4

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues
Net sales and operating revenues	$ 2,031	$ 2,025	$ 2,130	$ 2,023	$ 2,004	$ 2,081	$ 2,241	$ 2,094	$ 8,209	$ 8,420	$ 7,964
Costs and expenses
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)	1,688	1,707	1,764	1,686	1,685	1,735	1,851	1,754	6,845	7,025	6,734
Engineering, research, and development									146	169	144
Selling, general, and administrative									491	519	453
Depreciation and amortization of other intangibles									203	208	205
Costs and expenses									7,685	7,921	7,536
Other income (expense)
Loss on sale of receivables									(4)	(4)	(4)
Other expense									(1)	(3)	0
Total other income (expense)									(5)	(7)	(4)
Earnings before interest expense, income taxes, and noncontrolling interests	128	116	155	120	83	140	156	113	519	492	424
Interest expense									67	91	80
Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests									452	401	344
Income tax expense									149	131	122
Net income									303	270	222
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									56	44	39
Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc.	$ 68	$ 52	$ 78	$ 49	$ 21	$ 78	$ 81	$ 46	$ 247	$ 226	$ 183
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding —
Basic (in shares)									59,678,309	60,734,022	60,474,492
Diluted (in shares)									60,193,150	61,782,508	61,594,062
Basic earnings per share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 1.18	$ 0.89	$ 1.27	$ 0.81	$ 0.34	$ 1.29	$ 1.34	$ 0.76	$ 4.14	$ 3.72	$ 3.03
Diluted earnings per share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 1.17	$ 0.88	$ 1.26	$ 0.80	$ 0.33	$ 1.27	$ 1.32	$ 0.75	$ 4.11	$ 3.66	$ 2.97

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc.	$ 68	$ 49	$ 21	$ 46	$ 247	$ 226	$ 183
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests					56	44	39
Net income					303	270	222
Cumulative Translation Adjustment
Balance January 1		(163)		(56)	(163)	(56)	(19)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent					(131)	(105)	(37)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest					(4)	(2)	0
Translation of foreign currency statements					(135)	(107)	(37)
Balance December 31	(298)		(163)		(298)	(163)	(56)
Additional Liability for Pension and Postretirement Benefits [Roll Forward]
Balance January 1		(379)		(299)	(379)	(299)	(384)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent					11	(80)	85
Adjustment to the Liability for Pension and Postretirement benefits, net of tax					11	(80)	85
Balance December 31	(368)		(379)		(368)	(379)	(299)
Balance December 31	(666)		(542)		(666)	(542)	(355)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent					(120)	(185)	48
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest					(4)	(2)	0
Other comprehensive loss					(124)	(187)	48
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent					127	41	231
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest					52	42	39
Comprehensive Income					179	83	270
Tenneco Inc.
Cumulative Translation Adjustment
Balance January 1		(166)		(61)	(166)	(61)	(24)
Balance December 31	(297)		(166)		(297)	(166)	(61)
Additional Liability for Pension and Postretirement Benefits [Roll Forward]
Balance January 1		(379)		(299)	(379)	(299)	(384)
Balance December 31	(368)		(379)		(368)	(379)	(299)
Balance December 31	(665)		(545)		(665)	(545)	(360)
Noncontrolling Interests
Cumulative Translation Adjustment
Balance January 1		3		5	3	5	5
Balance December 31	(1)		3		(1)	3	5
Additional Liability for Pension and Postretirement Benefits [Roll Forward]
Balance January 1		$ 0		$ 0	0	0	0
Balance December 31	0		0		0	0	0
Balance December 31	$ (1)		$ 3		$ (1)	$ 3	$ 5

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	[1]	$ 287	$ 282
Restricted cash		1	3
Receivables —
Customer notes and accounts, net		1,102	1,064
Other		10	24
Inventories		682	688
Deferred income taxes		0	81
Prepayments and other		229	284
Total current assets		2,311	2,426
Other assets:
Long-term receivables, net		13	12
Goodwill		60	65
Intangibles, net		22	26
Deferred income taxes		218	143
Other		100	106
Total other assets		413	352
Plant, property, and equipment, at cost		3,418	3,490
Less — Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(2,175)	(2,272)
Plant, property and equipment, net		1,243	1,218
Total Assets		3,967	3,996
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt (including current maturities of long-term debt)		86	60
Accounts payable		1,376	1,372
Accrued taxes		37	40
Accrued interest		4	3
Accrued liabilities		250	258
Other		41	66
Total current liabilities		1,794	1,799
Long-term debt		1,124	1,055
Deferred income taxes		7	18
Postretirement benefits		318	339
Deferred credits and other liabilities		$ 206	$ 212
Commitments and contingencies
Total liabilities		$ 3,449	$ 3,423
Redeemable noncontrolling interests		43	35
Tenneco Inc. Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock		1	1
Premium on common stock and other capital surplus		3,081	3,059
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(666)	(542)
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)		(1,448)	(1,695)
Shareholders equity before deduction of treasury stock		969	820
Less — Shares held as treasury stock, at cost		536	323
Total Tenneco Inc. shareholders’ equity		433	497
Noncontrolling interests		42	41
Total equity		475	538
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity		$ 3,967	$ 3,996
[1]	Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Activities
Net income		$ 303		$ 270		$ 222
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities —
Depreciation and amortization of other intangibles		203		208		205
Deferred income taxes		0		(1)		5
Stock-based compensation		15		13		13
Loss on sale of assets		4		6		1
Changes in components of working capital —
(Increase) decrease in receivables		(90)		(83)		(88)
(Increase) decrease in inventories		(36)		(74)		3
(Increase) decrease in prepayments and other current assets		37		(81)		(53)
Increase (decrease) in payables		90		94		161
Increase (decrease) in accrued taxes		(1)		0		(10)
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest		1		(6)		0
Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities		(10)		13		64
Change in long-term assets		3		12		7
Change in long-term liabilities		(2)		(13)		(32)
Other		0		(17)		5
Net cash provided by operating activities		517		341		503
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of assets		4		3		8
Cash payments for plant, property, and equipment		(286)		(328)		(244)
Cash payments for software related intangible assets		(23)		(13)		(25)
Cash payments for net assets purchased		0		(3)		0
Change in restricted cash		2		2		(5)
Net cash used by investing activities		(303)		(339)		(266)
Financing Activities
Retirement of long-term debt		(37)		(462)		(16)
Issuance of long-term debt		1		570		0
Debt issuance costs of long-term debt		(1)		(12)		0
Purchase of common stock under the share repurchase program		(213)		(22)		(27)
Issuance of common stock		6		19		20
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation		6		26		24
Increase (decrease) in bank overdrafts		(22)		6		(6)
Net increase (decrease) in revolver borrowings and short-term debt excluding current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings secured by accounts receivable		102		(70)		(22)
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings secured by accounts receivable		30		(10)		(40)
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest partner		0		5		0
Purchase of noncontrolling equity interest		0		0		(69)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest partners		(44)		(30)		(39)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities		(172)		20		(175)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(37)		(15)		(10)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents		5		7		52
Cash and cash equivalents, January 1		282	[1]	275	[1]	223
Cash and cash equivalents, December 31 (Note)	[1]	287		282		275
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the year for interest		68		93		79
Cash paid during the year for income taxes (net of refunds)		105		136		109
Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities
Period end balance of trade payables for plant, property, and equipment		$ 50		$ 41		$ 52
[1]	Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock	Premium on Common Stock and Other Capital Surplus	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Less - Common Stock Held as Treasury Stock, at Cost	Noncontrolling Interest
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired						550,000
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	$ 27
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest							$ 24
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012		62,789,382				2,294,692
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012		$ 1	$ 3,031	$ (408)	$ (2,104)	$ 274	45
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issued pursuant to benefit plans (in shares)		156,213
Stock options exercised (in shares)		769,133
Purchase of noncontrolling equity interest	(68)		(68)
Premium on common stock issued pursuant to benefit plans			51
Other comprehensive income (loss)	48			48
Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc.	183				183
Total Tenneco Inc. shareholders’ equity at Dec. 31, 2013	433
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Sale of noncontrolling equity interest							(1)
Other comprehensive income (loss)							0
Dividends declared							(29)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		63,714,728				2,844,692
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	472	$ 1	3,014	(360)	(1,921)	$ 301	39
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired						400,000
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	22
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest							21
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issued pursuant to benefit plans (in shares)		62,334
Stock options exercised (in shares)		677,186
Purchase of noncontrolling equity interest	0		0
Premium on common stock issued pursuant to benefit plans			45
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(187)			(185)
Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc.	226				226
Total Tenneco Inc. shareholders’ equity at Dec. 31, 2014	497
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Sale of noncontrolling equity interest							0
Other comprehensive income (loss)							(1)
Dividends declared							(18)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		64,454,248				3,244,692
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	538	$ 1	3,059	(545)	(1,695)	$ 323	41
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired						4,228,633
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	213
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest							24
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issued pursuant to benefit plans (in shares)		335,766
Stock options exercised (in shares)		277,118
Purchase of noncontrolling equity interest	0		0
Premium on common stock issued pursuant to benefit plans			22
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(124)			(120)
Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc.	247				247
Total Tenneco Inc. shareholders’ equity at Dec. 31, 2015	433
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Sale of noncontrolling equity interest							0
Other comprehensive income (loss)							(3)
Dividends declared							(20)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		65,067,132				7,473,325
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 475	$ 1	$ 3,081	$ (665)	$ (1,448)	$ 536	$ 42

Summary of Accounting Policies

Summary of Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Accounting Policies	Summary of Accounting Policies Consolidation and Presentation Our consolidated financial statements include all majority-owned subsidiaries. We carry investments in 20 percent to 50 percent owned companies in which the Company does not have a controlling interest, as equity method investments, at cost plus equity in undistributed earnings since the date of acquisition and cumulative translation adjustments. We have eliminated intercompany transactions. We have evaluated all subsequent events through the date our financial statements were issued. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates include among others, allowances for doubtful receivables, promotional and product returns, pension and postretirement benefit plans, income taxes, and contingencies. These items are covered in more detail elsewhere in Note 1, Note 7, Note 10, and Note 12 of the consolidated financial statements of Tenneco Inc. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests We have noncontrolling interests in five joint ventures with redemption features that could require us to purchase the noncontrolling interests at fair value in the event of a change in control of Tenneco Inc. or certain of our subsidiaries. We do not believe that it is probable that the redemption features in any of these joint venture agreements will be triggered. However, the redemption of these shares is not solely within our control. Accordingly, the related noncontrolling interests are presented as “Redeemable noncontrolling interests” in the temporary equity section of our consolidated balance sheets. In May 2014, we sold a 45 percent equity interest in Tenneco Fusheng (Chengdu) Automobile Parts Co., Ltd., to a third party for $4 million . As a result of the sale, our equity ownership of Tenneco Fusheng (Chengdu) Automobile Parts Co., Ltd. changed to 55 percent from 100 percent . The following is a rollforward of activity in our redeemable noncontrolling interests for the years ending December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively: 2015 2014 2013 (Millions) Balance January 1 $ 35 $ 20 $ 15 Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 33 23 14 Sale of 45 percent equity interest from Tenneco Inc — 4 — Capital Contributions — 1 — Dividends declared (24 ) (13 ) (9 ) Balance December 31 $ 43 $ 35 $ 20 Inventories At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , inventory by major classification was as follows: 2015 2014 (Millions) Finished goods $ 257 $ 272 Work in process 233 221 Raw materials 135 137 Materials and supplies 57 58 $ 682 $ 688 Our inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost methods. Work in process includes purchased parts such as substrates coated with precious metals. Goodwill and Intangibles, net We evaluate goodwill for impairment in the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently if events indicate it is warranted. The goodwill impairment test consists of a two-step process. In step one, we compare the estimated fair value of our reporting units with goodwill to the carrying value of the unit’s assets and liabilities to determine if impairment exists within the recorded balance of goodwill. We estimate the fair value of each reporting unit using the income approach which is based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. The income approach is dependent on a number of factors, including estimates of market trends, forecasted revenues and expenses, capital expenditures, weighted average cost of capital and other variables. A separate discount rate derived by a combination of published sources, internal estimates and weighted based on our debt to equity ratio, was used to calculate the discounted cash flows for each of our reporting units. These estimates are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and outside of the control of management. If the carrying value of the reporting unit is higher than its fair value, there is an indication that impairment may exist which requires step two to be performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss. The amount of impairment is determined by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill to its carrying value. At December 31, 2015 , accumulated goodwill impairment charges include $306 million related to our North America Ride Performance reporting unit, $32 million related to our Europe, South America & India Ride Performance reporting unit and $11 million related to our Asia Pacific Ride Performance reporting unit. In the fourth quarter of 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , as a result of our annual goodwill impairment testing, the estimated fair value of each of our reporting units exceeded the carrying value of their assets and liabilities as of the testing date. The changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 were as follows: Clean Air Division Ride Performance Division North Europe, South America & India Asia North Europe, South America & India Asia Total (Millions) Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 14 $ 14 $ — $ 10 $ 31 $ — $ 69 Translation Adjustment — (2 ) — — (2 ) — (4 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 14 12 — 10 29 — 65 Translation Adjustment — (1 ) — — (4 ) — (5 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 14 11 — 10 25 — 60 We have capitalized certain intangible assets, primarily technology rights, trademarks and patents, based on their estimated fair value at the date we acquired them. We amortize our finite useful life intangible assets on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from 5 to 50 years. Amortization of intangibles amounted to $5 million in 2015 , $4 million in 2014 , and $5 million in 2013 , and are included in the statements of income caption “Depreciation and amortization of intangibles.” The carrying amount and accumulated amortization of our finite useful life intangible assets were as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Gross Carrying Accumulated Gross Carrying Accumulated (Millions) (Millions) Customer contract $ 8 $ (4 ) $ 8 $ (4 ) Patents 2 (2 ) 3 (2 ) Technology rights 29 (19 ) 26 (15 ) Other 10 (2 ) 11 (2 ) Total $ 49 $ (27 ) $ 48 $ (23 ) Estimated amortization of intangible assets over the next five years is expected to be $3 million in 2016 , $2 million in 2017 and $1 million in 2018 , 2019 and 2020 . Plant, Property, and Equipment, at Cost At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , plant, property, and equipment, at cost, by major category were as follows: 2015 2014 (Millions) Land, buildings, and improvements $ 561 $ 569 Machinery and equipment 2,569 2,655 Other, including construction in progress 288 266 $ 3,418 $ 3,490 We depreciate these properties excluding land on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Useful lives range from 10 to 50 years for buildings and improvements and from 3 to 25 years for machinery and equipment. Notes and Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivables consist of amounts billed and currently due from customers and unbilled pre-production design and development costs. Short and long-term accounts receivable outstanding were $1,126 million and $1,088 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The allowance for doubtful accounts on short-term and long-term accounts receivable was $16 million at both December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Short and long-term notes receivable outstanding was $5 million at both December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The allowance for doubtful accounts on short-term and long-term notes receivable was zero at both December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Pre-production Design and Development and Tooling Assets We expense pre-production design and development costs as incurred unless we have a contractual guarantee for reimbursement from the original equipment customer. Unbilled pre-production design and development costs recorded in prepayments and other and long-term receivables were $21 million and $23 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. In addition, plant, property and equipment included $64 million and $59 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, for original equipment tools and dies that we own, and prepayments and other included $107 million and $98 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, for in-process tools and dies that we are building for our original equipment customers. Internal Use Software Assets We capitalize certain costs related to the purchase and development of software that we use in our business operations. We amortize the costs attributable to these software systems over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 3 to 12 years, based on various factors such as the effects of obsolescence, technology, and other economic factors. Capitalized software development costs, net of amortization, were $58 million and $54 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and are recorded in other long-term assets. Amortization of software development costs was approximately $13 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 and $15 million for both years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 , and is included in the statements of income (loss) caption “Depreciation and amortization of intangibles.” Additions to capitalized software development costs, including payroll and payroll-related costs for those employees directly associated with developing and obtaining the internal use software, are classified as investing activities in the statements of cash flows. Accounts Payable Accounts payable included $93 million and $91 million at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, for accrued compensation and $17 million and $39 million at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, for bank overdrafts at our European subsidiaries. Income Taxes We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities on the basis of the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences that exist between the financial statement carrying value of assets and liabilities and their respective tax values, and net operating losses ("NOL") and tax credit carryforwards on a taxing jurisdiction basis. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that will apply in the years in which we expect the temporary differences to be recovered or paid. We evaluate our deferred income taxes quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required or should be adjusted. U.S. GAAP requires that companies assess whether valuation allowances should be established against their deferred tax assets based on consideration of all available evidence, both positive and negative, using a “more likely than not” standard. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and amount of recent losses, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, and tax planning strategies. In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. Valuation allowances have been established in certain foreign jurisdictions for deferred tax assets based on a “more likely than not” threshold. The ability to realize deferred tax assets depends on our ability to generate sufficient taxable income within the carryforward periods provided for in the tax law for each tax jurisdiction. We have considered the following possible sources of taxable income when assessing the realization of our deferred tax assets: • Future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences; • Taxable income or loss, based on recent results, exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards; • Tax-planning strategies; and • Taxable income in prior carryback years if carryback is permitted under the relevant tax law. The valuation allowances recorded against deferred tax assets generated by taxable losses in foreign jurisdictions will impact our provision for income taxes until the valuation allowances are released. Our provision for income taxes will include no tax benefit for losses incurred and no tax expense with respect to income generated in these jurisdictions until the respective valuation allowance is eliminated. Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue for sales to our original equipment and aftermarket customers when title and risk of loss passes to the customers under the terms of our arrangements with those customers, which is usually at the time of shipment from our plants or distribution centers. Generally, in connection with the sale of exhaust systems to certain original equipment manufacturers, we purchase catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters or components thereof including precious metals (“substrates”) on behalf of our customers which are used in the assembled system. These substrates are included in our inventory and “passed through” to the customer at our cost, plus a small margin, since we take title to the inventory and are responsible for both the delivery and quality of the finished product. Revenues recognized for substrate sales were $1,916 million , $1,934 million and $1,835 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. For our aftermarket customers, we provide for promotional incentives and returns at the time of sale. Estimates are based upon the terms of the incentives and historical experience with returns. Certain taxes assessed by governmental authorities on revenue producing transactions, such as value added taxes, are excluded from revenue and recorded on a net basis. Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are included in revenues and the related costs are included in cost of sales in our consolidated statements of income (loss). Warranty Reserves Where we have offered product warranty, we also provide for warranty costs. Provisions for estimated expenses related to product warranty are made at the time products are sold or when specific warranty issues are identified on OE products. These estimates are established using historical information about the nature, frequency, and average cost of warranty claims and upon specific warranty issues as they arise. The warranty terms vary but range from one year up to limited lifetime warranties on some of our premium aftermarket products. We actively study trends of our warranty claims and take action to improve product quality and minimize warranty claims. While we have not experienced any material differences between these estimates and our actual costs, it is reasonably possible that future warranty issues could arise that could have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. Earnings Per Share We compute basic earnings per share by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. The computation of diluted earnings per share is similar to the computation of basic earnings per share, except that we adjust the weighted-average number of shares outstanding to include estimates of additional shares that would be issued if potentially dilutive common shares had been issued. In addition, we adjust income available to common shareholders to include any changes in income or loss that would result from the assumed issuance of the dilutive common shares. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements of Tenneco Inc. Engineering, Research and Development We expense engineering, research, and development costs as they are incurred. Engineering, research, and development expenses were $146 million for 2015 , $169 million for 2014 , and $144 million for 2013 , net of reimbursements from our customers. Our customers reimburse us for engineering, research, and development costs on some platforms when we prepare prototypes and incur costs before platform awards. Our engineering, research, and development expense for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 has been reduced by $145 million , $159 million and $169 million , respectively, for these reimbursements. Advertising and Promotion Expenses We expense advertising and promotion expenses as they are incurred. Advertising and promotion expenses were $54 million , $57 million , and $53 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. Foreign Currency We translate the consolidated financial statements of foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and a weighted-average exchange rate for revenues and expenses in each period. We record translation adjustments for those subsidiaries whose local currency is their functional currency as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity. We recognize transaction gains and losses arising from fluctuations in currency exchange rates on transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency in earnings as incurred, except for those intercompany balances which are designated as long-term investments. Our results include foreign currency transaction losses of $6 million in 2015 , of $1 million in 2014 and $13 million in 2013 . The amounts are recorded in cost of sales. We use derivative financial instruments, principally foreign currency forward purchase and sales contracts with terms of less than one year, to hedge our exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Our primary exposure to changes in foreign currency rates results from intercompany loans made between affiliates to minimize the need for borrowings from third parties. Additionally, we enter into foreign currency forward purchase and sale contracts to mitigate our exposure to changes in exchange rates on certain intercompany and third-party trade receivables and payables. We manage counter-party credit risk by entering into derivative financial instruments with major financial institutions that can be expected to fully perform under the terms of such agreements. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. In managing our foreign currency exposures, we identify and aggregate existing offsetting positions and then hedge residual exposures through third-party derivative contracts. The fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts was a net asset position of $1 million at December 31, 2015 and a net liability position of less than $1 million at December 31, 2014 and is based on an internally developed model which incorporates observable inputs including quoted spot rates, forward exchange rates and discounted future expected cash flows utilizing market interest rates with similar quality and maturity characteristics. We record the change in fair value of these foreign exchange forward contracts as part of currency gains (losses) within cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income (loss). The fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts are recorded in prepayments and other current assets or other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. New Accounting Pronouncements In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which requires companies to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and noncurrent amounts. For public business entities, the standard is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for all companies in any interim or annual period. We adopted this standard as of December 31, 2015 and applied prospectively. Adoption of this guidance resulted in a reclassification of our net current deferred tax asset to the net non-current deferred tax asset in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015. No prior periods were retrospectively adjusted. In May 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2015-07, Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent). ASU No. 2015-07 removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. Such investments should be disclosed separate from the fair value hierarchy. For public business entities, the standard is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements but will impact pension asset disclosure. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability. For public business entities, the standard is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of the amendments in this update is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. We adopted this standard for the first quarter of 2015 and applied retrospectively. Please refer to note 5 in our notes to consolidated financial statements located in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion. In May 2014, the FASB issued an amendment on revenue recognition. The amendment in this update creates Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, including most industry-specific revenue recognition guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. In addition, the amendment supersedes the cost guidance in Subtopic 605-35, Revenue Recognition-Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts, and creates new Subtopic 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs-Contracts with Customers. The core principle of Topic 606 is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The FASB has approved a one-year deferral of the effective date from January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2018, while allowing for early adoption as of January 1, 2017 for public entities. We will adopt this amendment on January1, 2018. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of this new guidance on our consolidated financial statements. Restricted Net Assets In certain countries where we operate, transfers of funds out of such countries by way of dividends, loans or advances are subject to certain central bank restrictions which require approval from the central bank authorities prior to transferring funds out of these countries. The countries in which we operate that have such restrictions include Argentina, China, South Africa, and Thailand. The net asset balance of our subsidiaries in the countries in which we operate that have such restrictions was $248 million and $218 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. These central banking restrictions do not have a significant effect on our ability to manage liquidity on a global basis.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share Earnings per share of common stock outstanding were computed as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts) Basic earnings per share — Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc. $ 247 $ 226 $ 183 Average shares of common stock outstanding 59,678,309 60,734,022 60,474,492 Earnings per average share of common stock $ 4.14 $ 3.72 $ 3.03 Diluted earnings per share — Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc. $ 247 $ 226 $ 183 Average shares of common stock outstanding 59,678,309 60,734,022 60,474,492 Effect of dilutive securities: Restricted stock 96,168 130,732 205,020 Stock options 418,673 917,754 914,550 Average shares of common stock outstanding including dilutive securities 60,193,150 61,782,508 61,594,062 Earnings per average share of common stock $ 4.11 $ 3.66 $ 2.97 Options to purchase 175,216 , 1,357 and 205,104 shares of common stock were outstanding as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share, because the options were anti-dilutive.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

Acquisitions and Divestitures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Divestitures	Acquisitions and divestitures In the fourth quarter of 2013, we purchased the remaining 20 percent equity interest in Tenneco Tongtai (Dalian) Exhaust System Co., Ltd. (TTEC) joint venture investment in China for $69 million in cash through two transactions. The joint venture partner also received an additional amount of $9 million in lieu of receiving its pro-rata share of dividends owed from the joint venture. As a result of the purchase, TTEC became a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Tenneco. In May 2014, we sold a 45 percent equity interest in Tenneco Fusheng (Chengdu) Automobile Parts Co., Ltd., to a third party for $4 million . As a result of the sale, our equity ownership of Tenneco Fusheng (Chengdu) Automobile Parts Co., Ltd. changed to 55 percent from 100 percent . The net impact to equity from the sale was less than $1 million . The table below summaries the net income attributable to Tenneco Inc. and transfers to the noncontrolling interest: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Millions) Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc. $ 247 $ 226 $ 183 Decrease in equity for purchase of noncontrolling equity interest — — (68 ) Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc. shareholders less purchase of noncontrolling equity interest 247 226 115 In November 2015, we closed on the sale of certain assets related to our Marzocchi mountain bike suspension product line to affiliates of Fox Factory Holding Corp.; and in December 2015, we closed on the sale of the Marzocchi motorcycle fork product line to an Italian company, VRM S.p.A. We recorded charges of $29 million in 2015 related to severance and other employee related costs, asset write-downs and other expenses related to the closure.

Restructuring and Other Charges

Restructuring and Other Charges Restructuring and Other Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Other Charges	Restructuring and Other Charges Over the past several years, we have adopted plans to restructure portions of our operations. These plans were approved by our Board of Directors and were designed to reduce operational and administrative overhead costs throughout the business. In 2013, we incurred $78 million in restructuring and related costs, primarily related to European cost reduction efforts including non-cash asset write downs of $3 million , the costs to exit the distribution of aftermarket exhaust products and ending production of leaf springs in Australia, headcount reductions in various regions, and the net impact of freezing our defined benefit plans in the United Kingdom, of which $70 million was recorded in cost of sales, $6 million in SG&A, $1 million in engineering expense and $1 million in other expense. In 2014, we incurred $49 million in restructuring and related costs including non-cash charges of $5 million , primarily related to European cost reduction efforts, headcount reductions in Australia and South America, the sale of a closed facility in Cozad, Nebraska and costs related to organizational change, of which $28 million was recorded in cost of sales, $9 million in SG&A, $7 million in engineering expense, $4 million in other expense and $1 million in depreciation and amortization. In 2015, we incurred $63 million in restructuring and related costs including asset write-downs of $10 million , primarily related to European cost reduction efforts, exiting the Marzocchi suspension business, headcount reductions in Australia and South America, and the closure of a JIT plant in Australia, of which $46 million was recorded in cost of sales, $11 million in SG&A, $1 million in engineering expense, $4 million in depreciation and amortization expense and $1 million in other expense. Amounts related to activities that are part of our restructuring plans are as follows: December 31, 2015 2015 Impact of Exchange Rates December 31, (Millions) Employee Severance, Termination Benefits and Other Related Costs $ 40 53 (59 ) (4 ) $ 30 On January 31, 2013, we announced our intent to reduce structural costs in Europe by approximately $60 million annually. We still expect to reach our target annual savings rate in 2016, however the recent dramatic changes in exchange rates will likely have an impact on the actual savings achieved when translated from Euros to U.S. dollars. We incurred $78 million in restructuring and related costs in 2013, of which $69 million was related to this initiative including $3 million for non-cash asset write downs. In 2014, we incurred $49 million in restructuring and related costs, of which $31 million was related to this initiative including $3 million for non-cash asset write downs. In 2015, we incurred $63 million in restructuring and related costs, of which $22 million was related to this initiative. While we are nearing the completion of this initiative, we expect to incur additional restructuring and related costs in 2016 due to certain ongoing matters. For example, we closed a plant in Gijon Spain in 2013, but subsequently re-opened it in July 2014 with about half of its prior workforce after the employees' works council successfully filed suit challenging the closure decision. Pursuant to an agreement we entered into with employee representatives, we are currently engaged in a sale process to identify potential purchasers for the facility and intend to continue operating it until a complete transfer of ownership takes place. On July 22, 2015, we announced our intention to discontinue our Marzocchi motorcycle fork suspension product line and our mountain bike suspension product line, and liquidate our Marzocchi operations. These actions were subject to a consultation process with the employee representatives and in total eliminated approximately 138 jobs. We employed 127 people at the Marzocchi plant in Bologna, Italy and an additional 11 people in our operations in North America and Taiwan. In November 2015, we closed on the sale of certain assets related to our Marzocchi mountain bike suspension product line to the affiliates of Fox Factory Holding Corp.; and in December 2015, we closed on the sale of the Marzocchi motorcycle fork product line to an Italian company, VRM S.p.A. These actions were a part of our ongoing efforts to optimize our Ride Performance product line globally while continuously improving our operations and increasing profitability. We recorded charges of $29 million in 2015 related to severance and other employee related costs, asset write-downs and other expenses related to the closure. Under the terms of our amended and restated senior credit agreement that took effect on December 8, 2014, we are allowed to exclude up to $150 million in the aggregate of all costs, expenses, fees, fines, penalties, judgments, legal settlements and other amounts associated with any restructuring, litigation, claim, proceeding or investigation related to or undertaken by us or any of our subsidiaries, together with any related provision for taxes, incurred after December 8, 2014 in the calculation of the financial covenant ratios required under our senior credit facility. As of December 31, 2015 , we had excluded $53 million of allowable charges relating to restructuring initiatives against the $150 million available under the terms of the senior credit facility.

Long-Term Debt, Short-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt, Short-Term Debt, and Financing Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt, Short-Term Debt, and Financing Arrangements	Long-Term Debt, Short-Term Debt, and Financing Arrangements Long-Term Debt A summary of our long-term debt obligations at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , is set forth in the following table: 2015 2014 (Millions) Tenneco Inc. — Revolver borrowings due 2019, average effective interest rate 2.0% in 2015 $ 105 $ — Senior Tranche A Term Loan due 2016 through 2019, average effective interest rate 1.9% in 2015 285 300 5 3/8% Senior Notes due 2024 225 225 6 7/8% Senior Notes due 2020 500 500 Debentures due 2017 through 2025, average effective interest rate 7.5% in 2014 — 1 Other subsidiaries — Other Long Term Debt due in 2019, average interest rate 6.55% in 2015 and 5.45% in 2014 15 37 Notes due 2016 through 2026, average effective interest rate 0.1% in 2015 and 1.3% in 2014 7 8 1,137 1,071 Less — maturities classified as current 1 2 Total long-term debt $ 1,136 $ 1,069 The aggregate maturities applicable to the long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2015 , are $15 million , $24 million , $30 million , $338 million and $1 million for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. We have excluded the required payments, within the next twelve months, under the Tranche A Term Facility totaling $15 million from current liabilities as of December 31, 2015 , because we have the intent and ability to refinance the obligations on a long-term basis by using our revolving credit facility. Short-Term Debt Our short-term debt includes the current portion of long-term obligations and borrowings by parent company and foreign subsidiaries. Information regarding our short-term debt as of and for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: 2015 2014 (Millions) Maturities classified as current $ 1 $ 2 Short-term borrowings 85 58 Total short-term debt $ 86 $ 60 Notes Payable(a) 2015 2014 (Dollars in Millions) Outstanding borrowings at end of year $ 85 $ 58 Weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings at end of year(b) 3.2 % 2.6 % Maximum month-end outstanding borrowings during year $ 178 $ 124 Average month-end outstanding borrowings during year $ 118 $ 107 Weighted average interest rate on average month-end outstanding borrowings during year(b) 3.0 % 4.0 % (a) Includes borrowings under both committed credit facilities and uncommitted lines of credit and similar arrangements. (b) This calculation does not include the commitment fees to be paid on the unused revolving credit facility balances which are recorded as interest expense for accounting purposes. Financing Arrangements Committed Credit Facilities(a) as of December 31, 2015 Term Commitments Borrowings Letters of Credit(b) Available (Millions) Tenneco Inc. revolving credit agreement 2019 $ 1,200 $ 105 $ — $ 1,095 Tenneco Inc. tranche A term facility 2019 285 285 — — Subsidiaries’ credit agreements 2016-2027 136 107 — 29 $ 1,621 $ 497 $ — $ 1,124 (a) We generally are required to pay commitment fees on the unused portion of the total commitment. (b) Letters of credit reduce the available borrowings under the revolving credit agreement. Overview. Our financing arrangements are primarily provided by a committed senior secured financing arrangement with a syndicate of banks and other financial institutions. The arrangement is secured by substantially all our domestic assets and pledges of up to 66 percent of the stock of certain first-tier foreign subsidiaries, as well as guarantees by our material domestic subsidiaries. In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability. For public business entities, the standard is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of the amendments in this update is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. We adopted this standard for the first quarter of 2015 and applied retrospectively. The balance for unamortized debt issuance costs was $12 million and $14 million at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. On December 8, 2014, we completed an amendment and restatement of our senior credit facility by increasing the amounts and extending the maturity dates of our revolving credit facility and our Tranche A Term Facility. The amended and restated facility replaces our former $850 million revolving credit facility and $213 million Tranche A Term Facility. The proceeds from this refinancing transaction were used to repay the $213 million Tranche A Term Facility, to fund the fees and expenses associated with the purchase and redemption of our $225 million 7 3 / 4 percent senior notes due in 2018 and for general corporate purposes. As of December 31, 2015 , the senior credit facility provides us with a total revolving credit facility size of $1,200 million and a $300 million Tranche A Term Facility, both of which will mature on December 8, 2019. Funds may be borrowed, repaid and re-borrowed under the revolving credit facility without premium or penalty (subject to any customary LIBOR breakage fees). The revolving credit facility is reflected as debt on our balance sheet only if we borrow money under this facility or if we use the facility to make payments for letters of credit. Outstanding letters of credit reduce our availability to borrow revolving loans under the facility. We are required to make quarterly principal payments under the Tranche A Term Facility of $3.75 million through December 31, 2016, $5.625 million beginning March 31, 2017 through December 31, 2017, $7.5 million beginning March 31, 2018 through September 30, 2019 and a final payment of $195 million is due on December 8, 2019. We have excluded the required payments, within the next twelve months, under the Tranche A Term Facility totaling $15 million from current liabilities as of December 31, 2015 , because we have the intent and ability to refinance the obligations on a long-term basis by using our revolving credit facility. On November 20, 2014, we announced a cash tender offer to purchase our outstanding $225 million 7 3 / 4 percent senior notes due in 2018 and a solicitation of consents to certain proposed amendments to the indenture governing these notes. We received tenders and consents representing $181 million aggregate principal amount of the notes and, on December 5, 2014, we purchased the tendered notes at a price of 104.35 percent of the principal amount (which includes a consent payment of three percent of the principal amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest, and amended the related indenture. On December 22, 2014, we redeemed the remaining outstanding $44 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes that were not purchased pursuant to the tender offer at a price of 103.88 percent of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The additional liquidity provided by the new $1,200 million revolving credit facility and the new $300 million Tranche A Term Facility was used in part to fund the fees and expenses of the tender offer and redemption. We recorded $13 million of pre-tax interest charges in December 2014 related to the refinancing of our senior credit facility, the repurchase and redemption of our 7 3 / 4 percent senior notes due in 2018 and the write-off of deferred debt issuance costs relating to those notes. At December 31, 2015 , of the $1,200 million available under the revolving credit facility, we had unused borrowing capacity of $1,095 million with $105 million in balance in outstanding borrowings and zero in outstanding letters of credit. As of December 31, 2015 , our outstanding debt also included (i) $285 million of a term loan which consisted of a $283 million net carrying amount including a $2 million debt issuance cost related to our Tranche A Term Facility which is subject to quarterly principal payments as described above through December 8, 2019 , (ii) $225 million of notes which consisted of a $221 million net carrying amount including a $4 million debt issuance cost of 5 3 /8 percent senior notes due December 15, 2024 , (iii) $500 million of notes which consisted of a $494 million net carrying amount including a $6 million debt issuance cost of 6 7 /8 percent senior notes due December 15, 2020 , and (iv) $107 million of other debt. Senior Credit Facility — Interest Rates and Fees. Beginning December 8, 2014, our Tranche A Term Facility and revolving credit facility bear interest at an annual rate equal to, at our option, either (i) London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a margin of 175 basis points, or (ii) a rate consisting of the greater of (a) the JPMorgan Chase prime rate plus a margin of 75 basis points, (b) the Federal Funds rate plus 50 basis points plus a margin of 75 basis points, and (c) one month LIBOR plus 100 basis points plus a margin of 75 basis points. The margin we pay on these borrowings will be increased by a total of 25 basis points above the original margin following each fiscal quarter for which our consolidated net leverage ratio is equal to or greater than 2.25 and less than 3.25, and will be increased by a total of 50 basis points above the original margin following each fiscal quarter for which our consolidated net leverage ratio is equal to or greater than 3.25. In addition, the margin we pay on these borrowings will be reduced by a total of 25 basis points below the original margin if our consolidated net leverage ratio is less than 1.25. We also pay a commitment fee equal to 30 basis points that will be reduced to 25 basis points or increased to up to 40 basis points depending on consolidated net leverage ratio changes as set forth in the senior credit facility. Senior Credit Facility — Other Terms and Conditions. Our senior credit facility requires that we maintain financial ratios equal to or better than the following consolidated net leverage ratio (consolidated indebtedness net of cash divided by consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the senior credit facility agreement), and consolidated interest coverage ratio (consolidated EBITDA divided by consolidated interest expense, as defined in the senior credit facility agreement) at the end of each period indicated. Failure to maintain these ratios will result in a default under our senior credit facility. The financial ratios required under the amended and restated senior credit facility (or the predecessor facility, as applicable) and the actual ratios we achieved for the four quarters of 2015 , are as follows: Quarter Ended December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, Req. Act. Req. Act. Req. Act. Req. Act. Leverage Ratio (maximum) 3.50 1.32 3.50 1.51 3.50 1.36 3.50 1.41 Interest Coverage Ratio (minimum) 2.75 13.99 2.75 13.07 2.75 12.43 2.75 11.95 The senior credit facility includes a maximum leverage ratio covenant of 3.50 and a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.75 through December 8, 2019. The covenants in our senior credit facility agreement generally prohibit us from repaying or refinancing our senior notes. So long as no default existed, we would, however, under our senior credit facility agreement, be permitted to repay or refinance our senior notes (i) with the net cash proceeds of permitted refinancing indebtedness (as defined in the senior credit facility agreement) or with the net cash proceeds of our common stock in each case issued within 180 days prior to such repayment; (ii) with the net cash proceeds of the incremental facilities (as defined in the senior credit facility agreement) and certain indebtedness incurred by our foreign subsidiaries; (iii) with the proceeds of the revolving loans (as defined in the senior credit facility agreement); (iv) with the cash generated by our operations; (v) in an amount equal to the net cash proceeds of qualified capital stock (as defined in the senior credit facility agreement) issued by us after December 8, 2014; and (vi) in exchange for permitted refinancing indebtedness or in exchange for shares of our common stock; provided that such purchases are capped as follows (with respect to clauses (iii), (iv) and (v) based on a pro forma consolidated leverage ratio after giving effect to such purchase, cancellation or redemption): Pro forma Consolidated Aggregate Senior (Millions) Greater than or equal to 3.0x $ 20 Greater than or equal to 2.5x $ 100 Greater than or equal to 2.0x $ 200 Less than 2.0x no limit Although the senior credit facility agreement would permit us to repay or refinance our senior notes under the conditions described above, any repayment or refinancing of our outstanding notes would be subject to market conditions and either the voluntary participation of note holders or our ability to redeem the notes under the terms of the applicable note indenture. For example, while the senior credit facility agreement would allow us to repay our outstanding notes via a direct exchange of the notes for either permitted refinancing indebtedness or for shares of our common stock, we do not, under the terms of the agreements governing our outstanding notes, have the right to refinance the notes via any type of direct exchange. The senior credit facility agreement also contains other restrictions on our operations that are customary for similar facilities, including limitations on: (i) incurring additional liens; (ii) sale and leaseback transactions (except for the permitted transactions as described in the senior credit facility agreement); (iii) liquidations and dissolutions; (iv) incurring additional indebtedness or guarantees; (v) investments and acquisitions; (vi) dividends and share repurchases; (vii) mergers and consolidations; and (viii) refinancing of the senior notes. Compliance with these requirements and restrictions is a condition for any incremental borrowings under the senior credit facility agreement and failure to meet these requirements enables the lenders to require repayment of any outstanding loans. As of December 31, 2015 , we were in compliance with all the financial covenants and operational restrictions of the senior credit facility. Our senior credit facility does not contain any terms that could accelerate payment of the facility or affect pricing under the facility as a result of a credit rating agency downgrade. Senior Notes. As of December 31, 2015 , our outstanding senior notes included $225 million of 5 3 / 8 percent senior notes due December 15, 2024 which consisted of $221 million net carrying amount including a $4 million debt issuance cost and $500 million of 6 7 / 8 percent senior notes due December 15, 2020 which consisted of $494 million net carrying amount including a $6 million debt issuance cost. Under the indentures governing the notes, we are permitted to redeem some or all of the remaining senior notes at specified prices that decline to par over a specified period, (a) on or after December 15, 2019, in the case of the senior notes due 2024, and (b) on or after December 15, 2015, in the case of the senior notes due 2020. In addition, the notes may also be redeemed at a price generally equal to 100 percent of the principal amount thereof plus a premium based on the present values of the remaining payments due to the note holders. Further, the indentures governing the notes also permit us to redeem up to 35 percent of the senior notes due 2024, with the proceeds of certain equity offerings completed on or before December 15, 2017. If we sell certain of our assets or experience specified kinds of changes in control, we must offer to repurchase the notes due 2024 and 2020 at 101 percent of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest. Our senior notes require that, as a condition precedent to incurring certain types of indebtedness not otherwise permitted, our consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, as calculated on a pro forma basis, be greater than 2.00 . The indentures also contain restrictions on our operations, including limitations on: (i) incurring additional indebtedness or liens; (ii) dividends; (iii) distributions and stock repurchases; (iv) investments; (v) asset sales and (vi) mergers and consolidations. Subject to limited exceptions, all of our existing and future material domestic wholly owned subsidiaries fully and unconditionally guarantee these notes on a joint and several basis. There are no significant restrictions on the ability of the subsidiaries that have guaranteed these notes to make distributions to us. As of December 31, 2015 , we were in compliance with the covenants and restrictions of these indentures. Accounts Receivable Securitization. We securitize some of our accounts receivable on a limited recourse basis in North America and Europe. As servicer under these accounts receivable securitization programs, we are responsible for performing all accounts receivable administration functions for these securitized financial assets including collections and processing of customer invoice adjustments. In North America, we have an accounts receivable securitization program with three commercial banks comprised of a first priority facility and a second priority facility. We securitize original equipment and aftermarket receivables on a daily basis under the bank program. In March 2015, the North American program was amended and extended to April 30, 2017. The first priority facility provides financing of up to $130 million and the second priority facility, which is subordinated to the first priority facility, provides up to an additional $50 million of financing. Both facilities monetize accounts receivable generated in the U.S. and Canada that meet certain eligibility requirements. The second priority facility also monetizes certain accounts receivable generated in the U.S. or Canada that would otherwise be ineligible under the first priority securitization facility. The amount of outstanding third-party investments in our securitized accounts receivable under the North American program was $30 million at December 31, 2015 and zero at December 31, 2014 . Each facility contains customary covenants for financings of this type, including restrictions related to liens, payments, mergers or consolidations and amendments to the agreements underlying the receivables pool. Further, each facility may be terminated upon the occurrence of customary events (with customary grace periods, if applicable), including breaches of covenants, failure to maintain certain financial ratios, inaccuracies of representations and warranties, bankruptcy and insolvency events, certain changes in the rate of default or delinquency of the receivables, a change of control and the entry or other enforcement of material judgments. In addition, each facility contains cross-default provisions, where the facility could be terminated in the event of non-payment of other material indebtedness when due and any other event which permits the acceleration of the maturity of material indebtedness. We also securitize receivables in our European operations with regional banks in Europe. The arrangements to securitize receivables in Europe are provided under six separate facilities provided by various financial institutions in each of the foreign jurisdictions. The commitments for these arrangements are generally for one year , but some may be cancelled with notice 90 days prior to renewal. In some instances, the arrangement provides for cancellation by the applicable financial institution at any time upon notification. The amount of outstanding third-party investments in our securitized accounts receivable in Europe was $174 million and $153 million at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. If we were not able to securitize receivables under either the North American or European securitization programs, our borrowings under our revolving credit agreement might increase. These accounts receivable securitization programs provide us with access to cash at costs that are generally favorable to alternative sources of financing, and allow us to reduce borrowings under our revolving credit agreement. In our North American accounts receivable securitization programs, we transfer a partial interest in a pool of receivables and the interest that we retain is subordinate to the transferred interest. Accordingly, we account for our North American securitization program as a secured borrowing. In our European programs, we transfer accounts receivables in their entirety to the acquiring entities and satisfy all of the conditions established under ASC Topic 860, “Transfers and Servicing,” to report the transfer of financial assets in their entirety as a sale. The fair value of assets received as proceeds in exchange for the transfer of accounts receivable under our European securitization programs approximates the fair value of such receivables. We recognized $2 million in interest expense for each of the years ended 2015 , 2014 and 2013 relating to our North American securitization program. In addition, we recognized a loss of $4 million for each of the years ended 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , on the sale of trade accounts receivable in our European accounts receivable securitization programs, representing the discount from book values at which these receivables were sold to our banks. The discount rate varies based on funding costs incurred by our banks, which averaged approximately two percent for both years ended 2015 and 2014 and three percent for the year ended 2013 , respectively.

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Financial Instruments Additional Information [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments The carrying and estimated fair values of our financial instruments by class at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair (Millions) Long-term debt (including current maturities) $ 1,125 $ 1,160 $ 1,057 $ 1,106 Instruments with off-balance sheet risk: Foreign exchange forward contracts: Asset derivative contracts 1 1 — — Asset and Liability Instruments — The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, short and long-term receivables, accounts payable, and short-term debt was considered to be the same as or was not determined to be materially different from the carrying amount. Long-term Debt — The fair value of our public fixed rate senior notes is based on quoted market prices. The fair value of our private borrowings under our senior credit facility and other long-term debt instruments is based on the market value of debt with similar maturities, interest rates and risk characteristics. The fair value of our level 1 debt, as classified in the fair value hierarchy, was $748 million and $759 million at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. We have classified the $390 million and $301 million as level 2 in the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, since we utilize valuation inputs that are observable both directly and indirectly. We classified the remaining $22 million and $46 million , consisting of foreign subsidiary debt, as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2015 , and December 31, 2014 , respectively. The fair value hierarchy definition prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value into the following levels: Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 — Inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly. Level 3 — Unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions. Foreign exchange forward contracts — We use derivative financial instruments, principally foreign currency forward purchase and sales contracts with terms of less than one year, to hedge our exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Our primary exposure to changes in foreign currency rates results from intercompany loans made between affiliates to minimize the need for borrowings from third parties. Additionally, we enter into foreign currency forward purchase and sale contracts to mitigate our exposure to changes in exchange rates on certain intercompany and third-party trade receivables and payables. We manage counter-party credit risk by entering into derivative financial instruments with major financial institutions that can be expected to fully perform under the terms of such agreements. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. The fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts is based on an internally developed model which incorporates observable inputs including quoted spot rates, forward exchange rates and discounted future expected cash flows utilizing market interest rates with similar quality and maturity characteristics. We record the change in fair value of these foreign exchange forward contracts as part of currency gains (losses) within cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income. The fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts are recorded in prepayments and other current assets or other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts was a net asset position of $1 million at December 31, 2015 and a net liability position of less than $1 million at December 31, 2014 . The following table summarizes by major currency the notional amounts for foreign currency forward purchase and sale contracts as of December 31, 2015 (all of which mature in 2016 ): Notional Amount (Millions) Australian dollars —Purchase 1 British pounds —Purchase 45 —Sell (43 ) Canadian dollars —Sell (2 ) European euro —Sell (16 ) Japanese yen —Purchase 50 —Sell (1,153 ) South African rand —Purchase 80 U.S. dollars —Purchase 93 —Sell (71 ) Guarantees — We have from time to time issued guarantees for the performance of obligations by some of our subsidiaries, and some of our subsidiaries have guaranteed our debt. All of our existing and future material domestic subsidiaries fully and unconditionally guarantee our senior credit facility and our senior notes on a joint and several basis. The arrangement for the senior credit facility is also secured by first-priority liens on substantially all our domestic assets and pledges of up to 66 percent of the stock of certain first-tier foreign subsidiaries. No assets or capital stock secure our senior notes. For additional information, refer to Note 13 of the consolidated financial statements of Tenneco Inc., where we present the Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements. We have two performance guarantee agreements in the U.K. between Tenneco Management (Europe) Limited (“TMEL”) and the two Walker Group Retirement Plans, the Walker Group Employee Benefit Plan and the Walker Group Executive Retirement Benefit Plan (the “Walker Plans”), whereby TMEL will guarantee the payment of all current and future pension contributions in event of a payment default by the sponsoring or participating employers of the Walker Plans. The Walker Plans are comprised of employees from Tenneco Walker (U.K.) Limited and our Futaba-Tenneco U.K. joint venture. Employer contributions are funded by both Tenneco Walker (U.K.) Limited, as the sponsoring employer and Futaba-Tenneco U.K., as a participating employer. The performance guarantee agreements are expected to remain in effect until all pension obligations for the Walker Plans’ sponsoring and participating employers have been satisfied. The maximum amount payable for these pension performance guarantees that is not attributable to Tenneco is approximately $7 million as of December 31, 2015 which is determined by taking 105 percent of the liability of the Walker Plans calculated under section 179 of the U.K. Pension Act of 2004 offset by plan assets multiplied by the ownership percentage in Futaba-Tenneco U.K. that is attributable to Futaba Industrial Co. Ltd. We did not record an additional liability for this performance guarantee since Tenneco Walker (U.K.) Limited, as the sponsoring employer of the Walker Plans, already recognizes 100 percent of the pension obligation calculated based on U.S. GAAP, for all of the Walker Plans’ participating employers on its balance sheet, which was $11 million and $17 million at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. At December 31, 2015 , all pension contributions under the Walker Plans were current for all of the Walker Plans’ sponsoring and participating employers. In June 2011, we entered into an indemnity agreement between TMEL and Futaba Industrial Co. Ltd. which requires Futaba to indemnify TMEL for any cost, loss or liability which TMEL may incur under the performance guarantee agreements relating to the Futaba-Tenneco U.K. joint venture. The maximum amount reimbursable by Futaba to TMEL under this indemnity agreement is equal to the amount incurred by TMEL under the performance guarantee agreements multiplied by Futaba’s shareholder ownership percentage of the Futaba-Tenneco U.K. joint venture. At December 31, 2015 , the maximum amount reimbursable by Futaba to TMEL is approximately $7 million . We have issued guarantees through letters of credit in connection with some obligations of our affiliates. As of December 31, 2015 , we have guaranteed $32 million in letters of credit to support some of our subsidiaries’ insurance arrangements, foreign employee benefit programs, environmental remediation activities and cash management and capital requirements. Financial Instruments — One of our European subsidiaries receives payment from one of its customers whereby the accounts receivable are satisfied through the delivery of negotiable financial instruments. We may collect these financial instruments before their maturity date by either selling them at a discount or using them to satisfy accounts receivable that have previously been sold to a European bank. Any of these financial instruments which are not sold are classified as other current assets. Such financial instruments held by our European subsidiary totaled less than $1 million and $1 million as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. In certain instances, several of our Chinese subsidiaries receive payment from customers through the receipt of financial instruments on the date the customer payments are due. Several of our Chinese subsidiaries also satisfy vendor payments through the delivery of financial instruments on the date the payments are due. Financial instruments issued to satisfy vendor payables and not redeemed totaled $15 million and $24 million at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, and were classified as notes payable. Financial instruments received from OE customers and not redeemed totaled $8 million and $17 million at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. We classify financial instruments received from our customers as other current assets if issued by a financial institution of our customers or as customer notes and accounts, net if issued by our customer. We classified $8 million and $17 million in other current assets at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. The financial instruments received by one of our European subsidiaries and some of our Chinese subsidiaries are drafts drawn that are payable at a future date and, in some cases, are negotiable and/or are guaranteed by the banks of the customers. The use of these instruments for payment follows local commercial practice. Because certain of such financial instruments are guaranteed by our customers’ banks, we believe they represent a lower financial risk than the outstanding accounts receivable that they satisfy which are not guaranteed by a bank. Supply Chain Financing. Certain of our suppliers in the U.S. participate in a supply chain financing program under which they securitize their accounts receivables from Tenneco. Financial institutions participate in the supply chain financing program on an uncommitted basis and can cease purchasing receivables from Tenneco's suppliers at any time. If the financial institutions did not continue to purchase receivables from Tenneco's suppliers under this program, the participating vendors may have a need to renegotiate their payment terms with Tenneco which in turn would cause our borrowings under our revolving credit facility to increase. Restricted Cash - Some of our Chinese subsidiaries that issue their own financial instruments to pay vendors are required to maintain a cash balance if they exceed credit limits with the financial institution that guarantees the financial instruments. A restricted cash balance was required at those Chinese subsidiaries at December 31, 2015 for $1 million and was not required at December 31, 2014 .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The domestic and foreign components of our income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Millions) U.S. income before income taxes $ 198 $ 130 $ 150 Foreign income before income taxes 254 271 194 Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests $ 452 $ 401 $ 344 Following is a comparative analysis of the components of income tax expense: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Millions) Current — U.S. federal $ 64 $ 38 $ 25 State and local 5 3 4 Foreign 83 92 81 152 133 110 Deferred — U.S. federal (1 ) 2 (4 ) State and local 1 7 2 Foreign (3 ) (11 ) 14 (3 ) (2 ) 12 Income tax expense $ 149 $ 131 $ 122 Following is a reconciliation of income taxes computed at the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate ( 35 percent for all years presented) to the income tax expense reflected in the statements of income: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Millions) Income tax expense computed at the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate $ 158 $ 140 $ 120 Increases (reductions) in income tax expense resulting from: Foreign income taxed at different rates (15 ) (21 ) (21 ) Taxes on repatriation of dividends 9 4 9 Remeasurement of estimated tax on unremitted earnings (4 ) — (17 ) State and local taxes on income, net of U.S. federal income tax benefit 11 8 6 Changes in valuation allowance for tax loss carryforwards and credits 13 12 27 Foreign tax holidays (7 ) (6 ) (5 ) Investment and R&D tax credits (26 ) (10 ) (8 ) Foreign earnings subject to U.S. federal income tax 3 7 5 Adjustment of prior years taxes 2 (2 ) (1 ) Impact of tax law changes — — (3 ) Tax contingencies 4 — 6 Other 1 (1 ) 4 Income tax expense $ 149 $ 131 $ 122 In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which requires companies to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and noncurrent amounts. For public business entities, the standard is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for all companies in any interim or annual period. We adopted this standard as of December 31, 2015 and applied prospectively. Adoption of this guidance resulted in a reclassification of our net current deferred tax asset to the net non-current deferred tax asset in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015. No prior periods were retrospectively adjusted. The components of our net deferred tax assets were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 (Millions) Deferred tax assets — Tax loss carryforwards: U.S. federal $ — $ — State 14 15 Foreign 72 75 Tax credit benefits 89 86 Postretirement benefits other than pensions 54 55 Pensions 50 56 Bad debts 2 2 Sales allowances 8 7 Payroll accruals 34 38 Other accruals 55 58 Valuation allowance (127 ) (139 ) Total deferred tax assets 251 253 Deferred tax liabilities — Tax over book depreciation 40 51 Total deferred tax liabilities 40 51 Net deferred tax assets $ 211 $ 202 State tax loss carryforwards have been presented net of uncertain tax positions that if realized, would reduce tax loss carryforwards in 2015 and 2014 by $3 million and $6 million , respectively. Additionally, foreign tax loss carryforwards, have been presented net of uncertain tax positions that if realized, would reduce tax loss carryforwards in 2015 and 2014 by $13 million and $12 million , respectively. Following is a reconciliation of deferred taxes to the deferred taxes shown in the balance sheet: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 (Millions) Balance Sheet: Current portion — deferred tax asset $ — $ 81 Non-current portion — deferred tax asset 218 143 Current portion — deferred tax liability — (4 ) Non-current portion — deferred tax liability (7 ) (18 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 211 $ 202 As a result of the valuation allowances recorded for $127 million and $139 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, we have potential tax assets that were not recognized on our balance sheet. These unrecognized tax assets resulted primarily from foreign tax loss carryforwards, foreign investment tax credits, foreign research and development credits and U.S. state net operating losses that are available to reduce future tax liabilities. We reported income tax expense of $149 million , $131 million and $122 million in the years ended 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The tax expense recorded in 2015 includes a net tax benefit of $15 million primarily relating to prior year U.S. research and development tax credits, changes to uncertain tax positions, and prior year income tax adjustments. The tax expense recorded in 2014 includes a net tax benefit of $11 million for prior year tax adjustments primarily relating to changes to uncertain tax positions and prior year income tax estimates. The tax expense recorded in 2013 differs from the expense that would be recorded using a U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35 percent primarily due to the impact of recording a valuation allowance against a tax benefit for restructuring activities in Spain and Belgium and U.S. taxes on repatriation of dividends, partially offset by tax adjustments related to recognizing a U.S. tax benefit for foreign taxes and a favorable mix of income generated in low tax rate jurisdictions. We have fully utilized our federal net operating loss ("NOL") as of June 30, 2014. The state NOLs expire in various tax years through 2032 . We do not provide for U.S. income taxes on unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries, except for the earnings of certain of our China operations, as our present intention is to reinvest the unremitted earnings in our foreign operations. Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries were approximately $731 million at December 31, 2015 . We estimated that the amount of U.S. and foreign income taxes that would be accrued or paid upon remittance of the assets that represent those unremitted earnings was $150 million . The estimated U.S. and foreign income taxes on unremitted earnings may be impacted in the future if we are unable to claim a U.S. foreign tax credit. U.S. GAAP provides that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is “more likely than not” that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. A reconciliation of our uncertain tax positions is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (Millions) Uncertain tax positions — Balance January 1 $ 114 $ 115 $ 107 Gross increases in tax positions in current period 7 8 15 Gross increases in tax positions in prior period 14 5 — Gross decreases in tax positions in prior period (4 ) (5 ) (1 ) Gross decreases — settlements (1 ) (2 ) — Gross decreases — statute of limitations expired (7 ) (7 ) (6 ) Balance December 31 $ 123 $ 114 $ 115 Included in the balance of uncertain tax positions were $110 million in 2015 , $101 million in 2014 , $107 million in 2013 , of tax benefits, that if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. Penalties of less than $1 million were accrued in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . Additionally, we accrued interest income related to uncertain tax positions of less than $1 million in both 2015 and 2014 , and interest expense of $2 million in 2013 . Our liability for penalties was $2 million at December 31, 2015 , $3 million at December 31, 2014 and $2 million at December 31, 2013 , respectively, and our liability for interest was $6 million , $6 million , and $7 million at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Our uncertain tax position at December 31, 2015 and 2014 included exposures relating to the disallowance of deductions, global transfer pricing and various other issues. We believe it is reasonably possible that a decrease of up to $10 million in unrecognized tax benefits related to the expiration of foreign statute of limitations and the conclusion of income tax examinations may occur within the next twelve months. We are subject to taxation in the U.S. and various state and foreign jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2015 , our tax years open to examination in primary jurisdictions are as follows: Open To Tax United States 2000 China 2005 Spain 2003 Canada 2012 Brazil 2010 Mexico 2010 Belgium 2013 Germany 2013 United Kingdom 2013

Common Stock

Common Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Text Block [Abstract]
Common Stock	Common Stock We have authorized 135 million shares ( $0.01 par value) of common stock, of which 65,067,132 shares and 64,454,248 shares were issued at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. We held 7,473,325 and 3,244,692 shares of treasury stock at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Equity Plans — In December 1996, we adopted the 1996 Stock Ownership Plan, which permitted the granting of a variety of awards, including common stock, restricted stock, performance units, stock equivalent units, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) and stock options to our directors, officers, employees and consultants. The 1996 plan, which terminated as to new awards on December 31, 2001, was renamed the “Stock Ownership Plan.” In December 1999, we adopted the Supplemental Stock Ownership Plan, which permitted the granting of a variety of similar awards to our directors, officers, employees and consultants. We were authorized to deliver up to about 1.1 million treasury shares of common stock under the Supplemental Stock Ownership Plan, which also terminated as to new awards on December 31, 2001. In March 2002, we adopted the 2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan which permitted the granting of a variety of similar awards to our officers, directors, employees and consultants. Up to 4 million shares of our common stock were authorized for delivery under the 2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan. In March 2006, we adopted the 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan which replaced the 2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan and permits the granting of a variety of similar awards to directors, officers, employees and consultants. On May 13, 2009, our stockholders approved an amendment to the Tenneco Inc. 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan to increase the shares of common stock available thereunder by 2.3 million . Each share underlying an award generally counts as one share against the total plan availability under the 2009 amendment, each share underlying a full value award (e.g. restricted stock), however, counts as 1.25 shares against the total plan availability. On May 15, 2013 our stockholders approved another amendment to the Tenneco Inc. 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan to increase the shares of common stock available thereunder by 3.5 million . As part of this amendment, each share underlying a full value award subsequently issued counts as 1.49 shares against total plan availability. As of December 31, 2015 , up to 3,042,433 shares of our common stock remain authorized for delivery under the 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Our nonqualified stock options have seven to 20 year terms and vest equally over a three -year service period from the date of the grant. We have granted restricted common stock and stock options to our directors and certain key employees and restricted stock units, payable in cash, to certain key employees. These awards generally require, among other things, that the award holder remain in service to our company during the restriction period, which is currently three years , with a portion of the award vesting equally each year. We also have granted stock equivalent units and long-term performance units to certain key employees that are payable in cash. At December 31, 2015 , the long-term performance units outstanding included a three -year grant for 2013-2015 payable in the first quarter of 2016, a three -year grant for 2014-2016 payable in the first quarter of 2017 and a three -year grant for 2015-2017 payable in the first quarter of 2018. Payment is based on the attainment of specified performance goals. Grant value is based on stock price, cumulative EBITDA and free cash flow metrics. In addition, we have granted SARs to certain key employees in our Asian and Indian operations that are payable in cash after a three -year service period. The grant value is indexed to the stock price. Accounting Methods — We have recorded compensation expense (net of taxes) of $2 million , $3 million , and $6 million in the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, related to nonqualified stock options as part of our selling, general and administrative expense. This resulted in a $0.03 decrease in basic and diluted earnings per share in 2015 , a $0.06 decrease in basic and diluted earnings per share in 2014 , and a $0.10 decrease in basic and a $0.09 decrease in diluted earnings per share in 2013 . For employees eligible to retire at the grant date, we immediately expense stock options and restricted stock. If employees become eligible to retire during the vesting period, we immediately recognize any remaining expense associated with their stock options and restricted stock. As of December 31, 2015 , there was approximately $2 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to our stock options awards that we expect to recognize over a weighted average period of 0.3 years. Compensation expense for restricted stock, restricted stock units, long-term performance units and SARs (net of taxes) was $12 million , $13 million , and $17 million for each of the years ended 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, and was recorded in selling, general, and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of income. Cash received from stock option exercises was $4 million in 2015 , $10 million in 2014 , and $15 million in 2013 . Stock option exercises generated an excess tax benefit of $6 million in 2015 , $12 million in 2014 and $6 million in 2013 . We started to record this tax benefit in the third quarter of 2013 when we began utilizing our federal and state NOLs. We recorded a tax benefit of $26 million in 2014, of which $14 million was related to the historic tax benefit on stock options from 2011 to 2013. In 2013, we recorded a tax benefit of $24 million related to the historic tax benefit on stock options from 2006 through 2011. Assumptions — We calculated the fair values of stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the weighted average assumptions listed below. The fair value of share-based awards is determined at the time the awards are granted which is generally in January of each year, and requires judgment in estimating employee and market behavior. There were no stock options granted in 2015. 2015 2014 2013 Stock Options Granted: Weighted average grant date fair value, per share $ — $ 26.46 $ 19.84 Weighted average assumptions used: Expected volatility — % 52.8 % 66.4 % Expected lives 0.0 5.0 4.9 Risk-free interest rates — % 1.7 % 0.8 % Dividends yields — % — % — % Expected volatility is calculated based on current implied volatility and historical realized volatility for the Company. Expected lives of options are based upon the historical and expected time to post-vesting forfeiture and exercise. We believe this method is the best estimate of the future exercise patterns currently available. The risk-free interest rates are based upon the Constant Maturity Rates provided by the U.S. Treasury. For our valuations, we used the continuous rate with a term equal to the expected life of the options. Stock Options — The following table reflects the status and activity for all options to purchase common stock for the period indicated: Year Ended December 31, 2015 Shares Weighted Avg. Weighted Avg. Aggregate (Millions) Outstanding Stock Options: Outstanding, January 1, 2015 1,454,003 $ 31.16 4.4 $ 33 Canceled (20,427 ) 23.75 Exercised (96,997 ) 20.78 3 Outstanding, March 31, 2015 1,336,579 $ 32.03 4.3 $ 31 Forfeited (7,531 ) 47.36 Exercised (141,644 ) 14.68 6 Outstanding, June 30, 2015 1,187,404 $ 34.00 4.2 $ 30 Exercised (749 ) 19.48 — Outstanding, September 30, 2015 1,186,655 $ 33.99 3.9 $ 19 Forfeited (5,066 ) 39.81 Exercised (36,870 ) 11.49 1 Outstanding, December 31, 2015 1,144,719 $ 34.69 3.7 $ 19 Of the outstanding 1,144,719 options, 941,607 are currently exercisable and have an intrinsic value of $18 million , a weighted average exercise price of 31.85 and a weighted average remaining life of 3.8 years . The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during the years 2014 and 2013 was $26.48 and $19.91 , respectively. There were no stock options granted in 2015. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 was $10 million , $30 million and $19 million , respectively. The total fair value of shares vested was $6 million in both 2015 and 2014 and $5 million in 2013 . Restricted Stock — The following table reflects the status for all nonvested restricted shares for the period indicated: Year Ended December 31, 2015 Shares Weighted Avg. Nonvested Restricted Shares Nonvested balance at January 1, 2015 286,051 $ 42.35 Granted 350,101 53.40 Vested (150,171 ) 37.86 Nonvested balance at March 31, 2015 485,981 $ 51.70 Granted 17,164 56.06 Vested (13,008 ) 46.37 Forfeited (11,034 ) 48.85 Nonvested balance at June 30, 2015 479,103 $ 52.07 Granted 7,824 57.98 Vested (14,948 ) 49.98 Nonvested balance at September 30, 2015 471,979 $ 52.15 Granted 32,264 44.24 Vested (1,427 ) 35.62 Forfeited (5,974 ) 54.76 Nonvested balance at December 31, 2015 496,842 $ 51.65 The fair value of restricted stock grants is equal to the average market price of our stock at the date of grant. As of December 31, 2015 , approximately $15 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to restricted stock awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.4 years. The weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted stock granted during the years 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $52.85 , $55.26 , and $36.40 , respectively. The total fair value of restricted shares vested was $7 million in 2015 , $8 million in 2014 and $6 million in 2013 . Share Repurchase Program — In January 2013, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program, authorizing our company to repurchase up to 550,000 shares of our outstanding common stock over a 12 month period. This share repurchase program is intended to offset dilution from shares of restricted stock and stock options issued in 2013 to employees. We purchased 450,000 shares through open market purchases and 100,000 shares from the Tenneco Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees, both of which were funded through cash from operations, at a total cost of $27 million , at an average price of 49.33 per share. These repurchased shares are held as part of our treasury stock which increased to 2,844,692 shares at December 31, 2013 from 2,294,692 shares at December 31,2012. In January 2014, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program, authorizing our company to repurchase up to 400,000 shares of our outstanding common stock over a 12 month period. This share repurchase program is intended to offset dilution from shares of restricted stock and stock options issued in 2014 to employees. We purchased 400,000 shares through open market purchases, which were funded through cash from operations, at a total cost of $22 million , at an average price of $56.06 per share. These repurchased shares are held as part of our treasury stock which increased to 3,244,692 shares at December 31, 2014 from 2,844,692 shares at December 31, 2013 . In January 2015, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program, authorizing our company to repurchase up to $350 million of our outstanding common stock over a three-year period. In October 2015 our Board of Directors expanded this share repurchase program, authorizing the repurchase of an additional $200 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock. We purchased 4,228,633 shares through open market purchases, which were funded through cash from operations, at a total cost of $213 million , at an average price of $50.32 per share. These repurchased shares are held as part of our treasury stock which increased to 7,473,325 at December 31, 2015 from 3,244,692 at December 31, 2014 . We anticipate completing the additional $200 million share repurchase authorization by the end of 2017. Long-Term Performance Units, Restricted Stock Units and SARs — Long-term performance units, restricted stock units, and SARs are paid in cash and recognized as a liability based upon their fair value. As of December 31, 2015 , $14 million of total unrecognized compensation costs is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.8 years.

Preferred Stock

Preferred Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Text Block [Abstract]
Preferred Stock	Preferred Stock We had 50 million shares of preferred stock ( $0.01 par value) authorized at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. No shares of preferred stock were outstanding at those dates.

Pension Plans, Postretirement a

Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits	Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits Pension benefits are based on years of service and, for most salaried employees, on average compensation. Our funding policy is to contribute to the plans amounts necessary to satisfy the funding requirement of applicable federal or foreign laws and regulations. Of our $841 million benefit obligation at December 31, 2015 , approximately $770 million required funding under applicable federal and foreign laws. The balance of our benefit obligation, $71 million , did not require funding under applicable federal or foreign laws and regulations. At December 31, 2015 , we had approximately $657 million in assets to fund that obligation. Pension plan assets were invested in the following classes of securities: Percentage of Fair Market Value December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 US Foreign US Foreign Equity Securities 51 % 61 % 70 % 60 % Debt Securities 49 % 30 % 30 % 32 % Real Estate — 2 % — 4 % Other — 7 % — % 4 % The assets of some of our pension plans are invested in trusts that permit commingling of the assets of more than one employee benefit plan for investment and administrative purposes. Each of the plans participating in the trust has interests in the net assets of the underlying investment pools of the trusts. The investments for all our pension plans are recorded at estimated fair value, in compliance with the accounting guidance on fair value measurement. The following table presents our plan assets using the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the methods used to determine the fair value. Level 1 assets refer to those asset values based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets at the measurement date. Level 2 assets refer to assets with values determined using significant other observable inputs, and Level 3 assets include values determined with non-observable inputs. Fair Value Level as of December 31, 2015 US Foreign Asset Category Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (Millions) Equity securities: U.S. large cap $ 33 $ 63 $ — $ 28 $ 24 $ — U.S. mid cap — 8 — 3 5 — U.S. Small Cap — 15 — — — — Non-U.S. large cap — — — 46 66 — Non-U.S. mid cap — 25 — 16 15 — Non-U.S. small cap — — — — 3 — Emerging markets — 8 — 2 4 — Debt securities: U.S. corporate bonds — 35 — — 3 — U.S. other fixed income — 113 — — — — Non-U.S. treasuries/government bonds — — — 29 28 — Non-U.S. corporate bonds — — — 18 21 — Non-U.S. mortgage backed securities — — — — 3 — Non-U.S. municipal obligations — — — 1 — — Non-U.S. asset backed securities — — — — 2 — Non-U.S. other fixed income — — — 2 — — Real Estate: Non-U.S. real estate — — — 1 6 — Other: Insurance contracts — — — — 12 8 Cash held in bank accounts 2 — — 11 — — Total $ 35 $ 267 $ — $ 157 $ 192 $ 8 Fair Value Level as of December 31, 2014 US Foreign Asset Category Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (Millions) Equity securities: U.S. large cap $ 41 $ 134 $ — $ 31 $ 25 $ — U.S. mid cap — — — 4 5 — U.S. Small Cap — 25 — — — — Non-U.S. large cap — — — 57 68 — Non-U.S. mid cap — 24 — 20 16 — Non-U.S. small cap — — — 1 6 — Emerging markets — 8 — — 3 — Debt securities: U.S. corporate bonds — 5 — — 5 — U.S. other fixed income — 95 — — — — Non-U.S. treasuries/government bonds — — — 41 27 — Non-U.S. corporate bonds — — — 20 27 — Non-U.S. mortgage backed securities — — — — 2 — Non-U.S. municipal obligations — — — 1 — — Non-U.S. asset backed securities — — — — — — Non-U.S. other fixed income — — — 1 — — Real Estate: Non-U.S. real estate — — — — 6 — Other: Insurance contracts — — — — 13 9 Cash held in bank accounts 2 — — 4 — — Total $ 43 $ 291 $ — $ 180 $ 203 $ 9 Level 1 assets were valued using market prices based on daily net asset value (NAV) or prices available daily through a public stock exchange. Level 2 assets were valued primarily using market prices, sometimes net of estimated realization expenses, and based on broker/dealer markets or in commingled funds where NAV is not available daily or publicly. For insurance contracts, the estimated surrender value of the policy was used to estimate fair market value. Level 3 assets in the Netherlands were valued using an industry standard model based on certain assumptions such as the U-return and estimated technical reserve. The table below summarizes the changes in the fair value of the Level 3 assets: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Level 3 Assets Level 3 Assets US Foreign US Foreign (Millions) (Millions) Balance at December 31 of the previous year $ — $ 9 $ — $ 8 Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets still held at the reporting date — (1 ) — 1 Ending Balance at December 31 $ — $ 8 $ — $ 9 The following table contains information about significant concentrations of risk, including all individual assets that make up more than 5 percent of the total assets and any direct investments in Tenneco stock: Asset Category Fair Value Level Value Percentage of (Millions) 2015: Tenneco Stock 1 $ 33 5.0 % 2014: Tenneco Stock 1 $ 41 5.6 % Our investment policy for both our domestic and foreign plans is to invest more heavily in equity securities than debt securities. Targeted pension plan allocations are 70 percent in equity securities and 30 percent in debt securities, with acceptable tolerance levels of plus or minus five percent within each category for our domestic plans. Our foreign plans are individually managed to different target levels depending on the investing environment in each country. In December 2015, in anticipation of an offer to active employees and retirees in the U.S. to receive their pension benefit as a lump sum payment, we reallocated a portion of the U.S. pension plan asset portfolio to a lower percentage of equity securities and a higher percentage of debt securities, resulting in a change in the average composition of the domestic investment portfolio to 51 percent equity and 49 percent debt securities. Following the planned distribution of lump sum settlement payments in December 2016, we expect to reestablish the domestic pension plan asset portfolio back to the targeted mix of 70 percent equity and 30 percent debt securities. Our approach to determining expected return on plan asset assumptions evaluates both historical returns as well as estimates of future returns, and adjusts for any expected changes in the long-term outlook for the equity and fixed income markets for both our domestic and foreign plans. A summary of the change in benefit obligation, the change in plan assets, the development of net amount recognized, and the amounts recognized in the balance sheets for the pension plans and postretirement benefit plan follows: Pension Postretirement 2015 2014 2015 2014 US Foreign US Foreign US US (Millions) Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at December 31 of the previous year $ 448 $ 483 $ 421 $ 442 $ 143 $ 112 Currency rate conversion — (46 ) — (41 ) — — Settlement (8 ) (2 ) (53 ) — — — Service cost 1 9 1 8 — — Interest cost 18 15 20 18 6 6 Administrative expenses/taxes paid — (2 ) — (2 ) — — Plan amendments — 2 — — — — Actuarial (gain)/loss (21 ) (17 ) 77 73 1 18 Prior period correction — — — — — 15 Benefits paid (22 ) (18 ) (18 ) (17 ) (9 ) (8 ) Participants’ contributions — 1 — 2 — — Benefit obligation at December 31 $ 416 $ 425 $ 448 $ 483 $ 141 $ 143 Change in plan assets: Fair value at December 31 of the previous year $ 334 $ 392 $ 347 $ 379 $ — $ — Currency rate conversion — (38 ) — (32 ) — — Settlement (8 ) (2 ) (41 ) — — — Actual return on plan assets (11 ) 8 23 40 — — Administrative expenses/taxes paid — (2 ) — (2 ) — — Employer contributions 9 16 23 22 9 8 Participants’ contributions — 1 — 2 — — Benefits paid (22 ) (18 ) (18 ) (17 ) (9 ) (8 ) Fair value at December 31 $ 302 $ 357 $ 334 $ 392 $ — $ — Development of net amount recognized: Unfunded status at December 31 $ (114 ) $ (68 ) $ (115 ) $ (90 ) $ (141 ) $ (143 ) Unrecognized cost: Actuarial loss 232 144 230 172 49 53 Prior service cost/(credit) — 5 1 5 (6 ) (10 ) Net amount recognized at December 31 $ 118 $ 81 $ 116 $ 87 $ (98 ) $ (100 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheets as of December 31 Noncurrent assets $ — $ 6 $ — $ 8 $ — $ — Current liabilities (2 ) (3 ) (10 ) (3 ) (9 ) (9 ) Noncurrent liabilities (112 ) (71 ) (105 ) (95 ) (132 ) (134 ) Net amount recognized $ (114 ) $ (68 ) $ (115 ) $ (90 ) $ (141 ) $ (143 ) Assets of one plan may not be utilized to pay benefits of other plans. Additionally, the prepaid (accrued) pension cost has been recorded based upon certain actuarial estimates as described below. Those estimates are subject to revision in future periods given new facts or circumstances. Net periodic pension costs for the years 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , consist of the following components: 2015 2014 2013 US Foreign US Foreign US Foreign (Millions) Service cost — benefits earned during the year $ 1 $ 9 $ 1 $ 8 $ 1 $ 9 Interest cost 17 15 20 18 19 17 Expected return on plan assets (23 ) (21 ) (25 ) (23 ) (22 ) (20 ) Curtailment loss — — — — — — Settlement loss 4 — 21 — — 1 Net amortization: Actuarial loss 8 8 7 7 9 10 Prior service cost — 1 — 2 — 1 Net pension costs $ 7 $ 12 $ 24 $ 12 $ 7 $ 18 Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss for pension benefits consist of the following components: 2015 2014 US Foreign US Foreign (Millions) Net actuarial loss $ 232 $ 144 $ 230 $ 172 Prior service cost — 5 1 5 $ 232 $ 149 $ 231 $ 177 Amounts recognized for pension and postretirement benefits in other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 include the following components: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Before-Tax Tax Net-of-Tax Before-Tax Tax Net-of-Tax (Millions) Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans: Change in total actuarial gain (loss) $ (7 ) $ 2 $ (5 ) $ (124 ) $ 35 $ (89 ) Amortization of prior service cost included in net periodic pension and postretirement cost (3 ) — (3 ) (5 ) 1 (4 ) Amortization of actuarial gain (loss) included in net periodic pension and postretirement cost 23 (4 ) 19 18 (5 ) 13 Other comprehensive income — pension benefits $ 13 $ (2 ) $ 11 $ (111 ) $ 31 $ (80 ) In 2016 , we expect to recognize the following amounts, which are currently reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss, as components of net periodic benefit cost: 2016 US Foreign (Millions) Net actuarial loss $ 7 $ 7 Prior service cost — 1 $ 7 $ 8 The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for all pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 US Foreign US Foreign (Millions) Projected benefit obligation $ 416 $ 337 $ 448 $ 349 Accumulated benefit obligation 416 332 448 344 Fair value of plan assets 302 262 334 253 The following estimated benefit payments are payable from the pension plans to participants: Year US Foreign (Millions) 2016 $ 22 $ 17 2017 30 16 2018 22 17 2019 24 20 2020 24 20 2021-2025 120 102 The following assumptions were used in the accounting for the pension plans for the years of 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 : 2015 2014 US Foreign US Foreign Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations Discount rate 4.4 % 3.5 % 4.1 % 3.3 % Rate of compensation increase N/A 2.7 % N/A 3.4 % 2015 2014 2013 US Foreign US Foreign US Foreign Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost Discount rate 4.1 % 3.2 % 4.8 % 4.3 % 4.1 % 4.2 % Expected long-term return on plan assets 7.8 % 5.9 % 7.8 % 6.1 % 7.8 % 6.2 % Rate of compensation increase N/A 3.0 % N/A 3.3 % N/A 3.4 % We made contributions of $25 million to our pension plans during 2015 . Based on current actuarial estimates, we believe we will be required to make contributions of $15 million to those plans during 2016 . Pension contributions beyond 2016 will be required, but those amounts will vary based upon many factors, including the performance of our pension fund investments during 2016 and future discount rate changes. The Company announced and launched a voluntary program offering to buyout former employees vested in the U.S. pension plan during the third quarter of 2014. The process was completed in the fourth quarter of 2014. Based on participant responses, more than 60% of the former employees who were eligible to participate received a buyout. This resulted in a non-cash charge of $21 million . The cash payments to those former employees who elected to take the buyout were made from the pension plan's assets and did not impact the company's cash flow. This program reduced the outstanding U.S. pension liability by approximately $50 million . In February 2016, the Company launched a voluntary program to buy out active employees and retirees who have earned benefits in the U.S. pension plans and announced that the program is expected to be completed by the end of 2016 and will record a non-cash charge at that time. Cash payments to those who elect to take the buyout will be made from pension plan assets. We have life insurance plans which provided benefit to a majority of our U.S. employees. We also have postretirement plans for our U.S. employees hired before January 1, 2001. The plans cover salaried employees retiring on or after attaining age 55 who have at least 10 years of service with us. For hourly employees, the postretirement benefit plans generally cover employees who retire according to one of our hourly employee retirement plans. All of these benefits may be subject to deductibles, co-payment provisions and other limitations, and we have reserved the right to change these benefits. For those employees hired after January 1, 2001, we do not provide any postretirement benefits. Our postretirement healthcare and life insurance plans are not funded. The measurement date used to determine postretirement benefit obligations is December 31. Net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , consists of the following components: 2015 2014 2013 (Millions) Service cost — benefits earned during the year $ — $ — $ — Interest on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 6 6 5 Net amortization: Actuarial loss 6 4 4 Prior service credit (4 ) (7 ) (6 ) Prior period correction — $ 9 $ — Net periodic postretirement benefit cost $ 8 $ 12 $ 3 In the fourth quarter of 2014, we recorded an $11 million adjustment to our postretirement medical expense as a result of approximately 170 retirees who were entitled to benefits but had not been included in the prior year calculations of net periodic postretirement benefit cost. In 2016 , we expect to recognize the following amounts, which are currently reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss, as components of net periodic benefit cost: 2016 (Millions) Net actuarial loss $ 5 Prior service credit (2 ) $ 3 The following estimated postretirement benefit payments are payable from the plan to participants: Year Postretirement (Millions) 2016 $ 9 2017 9 2018 9 2019 9 2020 9 2021-2025 44 We do not expect to receive any future subsidies under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act. The weighted-average assumed health care cost trend rate used in determining the 2015 accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was 7.0 percent , declining to 4.5 percent by 2026. For 2014 , the health care cost trend rate was 6.5 percent declining to 4.5 percent by 2019 and for 2013 , the health care cost trend rate was 7.0 percent declining to 4.5 percent by 2019. The following assumptions were used in the accounting for postretirement cost for the years of 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : 2015 2014 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations Discount rate 4.3 % 4.1 % Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A 2015 2014 2013 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost Discount rate 4.1 % 4.8 % 4.1 % Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A N/A A one-percentage-point increase in the 2015 assumed health care cost trend rates would increase total service and interest cost by $1 million and would increase the postretirement benefit obligation by $15 million . A one-percentage-point decrease in the 2015 assumed health care cost trend rates would decrease the total service and interest cost by $1 million and decrease the postretirement benefit obligation by $13 million . Based on current actuarial estimates, we believe we will be required to make postretirement contributions of approximately $9 million during 2016 . Effective January 1, 2012, the Tenneco Employee Stock Ownership Plan for Hourly Employees and the Tenneco Employee Stock Ownership Plan for Salaried Employees were merged into one plan called the Tenneco 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (the “Retirement Savings Plan”). Under the plan, subject to limitations in the Internal Revenue Code, participants may elect to defer up to 75 percent of their salary through contributions to the plan, which are invested in selected mutual funds or used to buy our common stock. We match 100 percent of an employee's contributions up to three percent of the employee's salary and 50 percent of an employee's contributions that are between three percent and five percent of the employee's salary. In connection with freezing the defined benefit pension plans for nearly all U.S. based salaried and non-union hourly employees effective December 31, 2006, and the related replacement of those defined benefit plans with defined contribution plans, we are making additional contributions to the Employee Stock Ownership Plans. We recorded expense for these contributions of approximately $27 million , $25 million and $23 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Matching contributions vest immediately. Defined benefit replacement contributions fully vest on the employee’s third anniversary of employment.

Segment and Geographic Area Inf

Segment and Geographic Area Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment and Geographic Area Information	Segment and Geographic Area Information We are organized and manage our business along our two major product lines (clean air and ride performance) and three geographic areas (North America; Europe, South America and India; and Asia Pacific), resulting in six operating segments (North America Clean Air, North America Ride Performance, Europe, South America and India Clean Air, Europe, South America and India Ride Performance, Asia Pacific Clean Air and Asia Pacific Ride Performance). Within each geographical area, each operating segment manufactures and distributes either clean air or ride performance products primarily for the original equipment and aftermarket industries. Each of the six operating segments constitutes a reportable segment. Costs related to other business activities, primarily corporate headquarter functions, are disclosed separately from the six operating segments as "Other." We evaluate segment performance based primarily on earnings before interest expense, income taxes, and noncontrolling interests. Products are transferred between segments and geographic areas on a basis intended to reflect as nearly as possible the "market value" of the products. Segment results for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 are as follows: Clean Air Division Ride Performance Division North Europe, South America & India Asia North Europe, South America & India Asia Other Reclass & Elims Total (Millions) At December 31, 2015, and for the Year Ended Revenues from external customers $ 2,851 $ 1,835 $ 1,037 $ 1,313 $ 944 $ 229 $ — $ — $ 8,209 Intersegment revenues 16 100 — 10 28 46 — (200 ) — EBIT, Earnings (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, and noncontrolling interests 244 52 121 155 (5 ) 39 (87 ) — 519 Total assets 1,209 713 596 692 499 226 — 32 3,967 At December 31, 2014, and for the Year Ended Revenues from external customers $ 2,815 $ 1,974 $ 1,022 $ 1,351 $ 1,032 $ 226 $ — $ — $ 8,420 Intersegment revenues 25 114 — 10 38 43 — (230 ) — EBIT, Earnings (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, and noncontrolling interests 237 59 101 143 40 36 (124 ) — 492 Total assets 1,156 789 593 659 503 227 — 69 3,996 At December 31, 2013, and for the Year Ended Revenues from external customers $ 2,658 $ 1,934 $ 852 $ 1,255 $ 1,046 $ 219 $ — $ — $ 7,964 Intersegment revenues 8 111 1 10 41 32 — (203 ) — EBIT, Earnings (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, and noncontrolling interests 229 57 84 124 (7 ) 22 (85 ) — 424 Total assets 1,030 827 544 628 552 213 — 36 3,830 The following table shows information relating to our external customer revenues for each product or each group of similar products: Net Sales 2015 2014 2013 (Millions) Clean Air Products & Systems Aftermarket $ 318 $ 318 $ 327 Original Equipment OE Value-add 3,489 3,559 3,282 OE Substrate 1,916 1,934 1,835 5,405 5,493 5,117 5,723 5,811 5,444 Ride Performance Products & Systems Aftermarket 941 976 953 Original Equipment 1,545 1,633 1,567 2,486 2,609 2,520 Total Revenues $ 8,209 $ 8,420 $ 7,964 The following customers accounted for 10 percent or more of our net sales in the last three years. The net sales to both customers were across segments. Customer 2015 2014 2013 General Motors Company 15 % 15 % 15 % Ford Motor Company 13 % 13 % 14 % The following table shows information relating to the geographic regions in which we operate: Geographic Area United China Germany Mexico Canada Other Reclass & Consolidated (Millions) At December 31, 2015, and for the Year Then Ended Revenues from external customers(b) $ 3,362 $ 1,101 $ 807 $ 431 $ 387 $ 2,121 $ — $ 8,209 Long-lived assets(c) 496 203 108 35 41 473 — 1,356 Total assets 1,726 696 258 158 146 1,099 (116 ) 3,967 At December 31, 2014, and for the Year Then Ended Revenues from external customers(b) $ 3,348 $ 1,079 $ 955 $ 423 $ 413 $ 2,202 $ — $ 8,420 Long-lived assets(c) 473 192 113 34 52 487 — 1,351 Total assets 1,696 683 319 156 164 1,133 (155 ) 3,996 At December 31, 2013, and for the Year Then Ended Revenues from external customers(b) $ 3,144 $ 875 $ 941 $ 397 $ 387 $ 2,220 $ — $ 7,964 Long-lived assets(c) 448 158 120 31 59 500 — 1,316 Total assets 1,552 602 358 126 182 1,200 (190 ) 3,830 (a) Revenues from external customers and long-lived assets for individual foreign countries other than China, Germany, Mexico, and Canada are not material. (b) Revenues are attributed to countries based on location of the shipper. (c) Long-lived assets include all long-term assets except goodwill, intangibles and deferred tax assets.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Capital Commitments We estimate that expenditures aggregating approximately $89 million will be required after December 31, 2015 to complete facilities and projects authorized at such date, and we have made substantial commitments in connection with these facilities and projects. Lease Commitments We have long-term leases for certain facilities, equipment and other assets. The minimum lease payments under our non-cancelable operating leases with lease terms in excess of one year are $38 million in 2016 , $28 million in 2017 , $18 million in 2018 , $13 million in 2019 , and $13 million in 2020 and $15 million in subsequent years. The minimum lease payments under our non-cancelable capital leases with lease terms in excess of one year are less than $1 million in each of the next five years. Total rental expense for the year 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $61 million , $64 million and $58 million , respectively. Environmental Matters, Legal Proceedings and Product Warranties We are involved in environmental remediation matters, legal proceedings, claims, investigations and warranty obligations. These matters are typically incidental to the conduct of our business and create the potential for contingent losses. We accrue for potential contingent losses when our review of available facts indicates that it is probable a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. Each quarter we assess our loss contingencies based upon currently available facts, existing technology, presently enacted laws and regulations and taking into consideration the likely effects of inflation and other societal and economic factors and record adjustments to these reserves as required. As an example, we consider all available evidence including prior experience in remediation of contaminated sites, other companies’ cleanup experiences and data released by the United States Environmental Protection Agency or other organizations when we evaluate our environmental remediation contingencies. All of our loss contingency estimates are subject to revision in future periods based on actual costs or new information. With respect to our environmental liabilities, where future cash flows are fixed or reliably determinable, we have discounted those liabilities. We evaluate recoveries separately from the liability and, when they are assured, recoveries are recorded and reported separately from the associated liability in our consolidated financial statements. Environmental Matters We are subject to a variety of environmental and pollution control laws and regulations in all jurisdictions in which we operate. We expense or capitalize, as appropriate, expenditures for ongoing compliance with environmental regulations that relate to current operations. We expense costs related to an existing condition caused by past operations that do not contribute to current or future revenue generation. As of December 31, 2015 , we have the obligation to remediate or contribute towards the remediation of certain sites, including one Federal Superfund site. At December 31, 2015 , our aggregated estimated share of environmental remediation costs for all these sites on a discounted basis was approximately $14 million , of which $2 million is recorded in other current liabilities and $12 million is recorded in deferred credits and other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. For those locations where the liability was discounted, the weighted average discount rate used was 1.8 percent . The undiscounted value of the estimated remediation costs was $17 million . Our expected payments of environmental remediation costs are estimated to be approximately $2 million in 2016 , $1 million each year beginning 2017 through 2020 and $11 million in aggregate thereafter. Based on information known to us, we have established reserves that we believe are adequate for these costs. Although we believe these estimates of remediation costs are reasonable and are based on the latest available information, the costs are estimates and are subject to revision as more information becomes available about the extent of remediation required. At some sites, we expect that other parties will contribute to the remediation costs. In addition, certain environmental statutes provide that our liability could be joint and several, meaning that we could be required to pay in excess of our share of remediation costs. Our understanding of the financial strength of other potentially responsible parties at these sites has been considered, where appropriate, in our determination of our estimated liability. We do not believe that any potential costs associated with our current status as a potentially responsible party in the Federal Superfund site, or as a liable party at the other locations referenced herein, will be material to our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. Antitrust Investigations On March 25, 2014, representatives of the European Commission were at Tenneco GmbH's Edenkoben, Germany administrative facility to gather information in connection with an ongoing global antitrust investigation concerning multiple automotive suppliers. On March 25, 2014, we also received a related subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”). On November 5, 2014, the DOJ granted us conditional leniency pursuant to an agreement we entered into under the Antitrust Division’s Corporate Leniency Policy. This agreement provides us with important benefits in exchange for our self reporting of matters to the DOJ and our continuing full cooperation with the DOJ’s resulting investigation. For example, the DOJ will not bring any criminal antitrust prosecution against us, nor seek any criminal fines or penalties, in connection with the matters we reported to the DOJ. Additionally, there are limits on our liability related to any follow on civil antitrust litigation in the U.S. The limits include single rather than treble damages, as well as relief from joint and several antitrust liability with other relevant civil antitrust action defendants. These limits are subject to our satisfying the DOJ and any court presiding over such follow on civil litigation. We cannot provide any assurance as to when such actions will be filed in the future or how they will ultimately be resolved. Certain other competition agencies are also investigating possible violations of antitrust laws relating to products supplied by our company. We have cooperated and continue to cooperate fully with all of these antitrust investigations, and take other actions to minimize our potential exposure. Antitrust law investigations and related matters often continue for several years and can result in significant penalties and liability. At this point, we cannot estimate the ultimate impact on our company from investigations into our antitrust compliance and related matters in light of the uncertainties and many variables involved, and there can be no assurance that the ultimate resolution of these matters, including any civil litigation claims, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity. Other Legal Proceedings, Claims and Investigations We are also from time to time involved in other legal proceedings, claims or investigations. Some of these matters involve allegations of damages against us relating to environmental liabilities (including, toxic tort, property damage and remediation), intellectual property matters (including patent, trademark and copyright infringement, and licensing disputes), personal injury claims (including injuries due to product failure, design or warning issues, and other product liability related matters), taxes, employment matters, and commercial or contractual disputes, sometimes related to acquisitions or divestitures. Additionally, some of these matters involve allegations relating to legal compliance. For example, one of our Argentine subsidiaries is currently defending itself against a criminal complaint alleging the failure to comply with laws requiring the proceeds of export transactions to be collected, reported and/or converted to local currency within specified time periods. As another example, in the U.S. we are subject to an audit in 11 states with respect to the payment of unclaimed property to those states, spanning a period as far back as over 30 years. While we vigorously defend ourselves against all of these legal proceedings, claims and investigations and take other actions to minimize our potential exposure, in future periods, we could be subject to cash costs or charges to earnings if any of these matters are resolved on unfavorable terms. Although the ultimate outcome of any legal matter cannot be predicted with certainty, based on current information, including our assessment of the merits of the particular claim, except as described above under "Antitrust Investigations," we do not expect the legal proceedings, claims or investigations currently pending against us will have any material adverse impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity. In addition, for many years we have been and continue to be subject to lawsuits initiated by claimants alleging health problems as a result of exposure to asbestos. Our current docket of active and inactive cases is less than 500 cases nationwide. A small number of claims have been asserted against one of our subsidiaries by railroad workers alleging exposure to asbestos products in railroad cars. The substantial majority of the remaining claims are related to alleged exposure to asbestos in our automotive products although a significant number of those claims appear also to involve occupational exposures sustained in industries other than automotive. We believe, based on scientific and other evidence, it is unlikely that claimants were exposed to asbestos by our former products and that, in any event, they would not be at increased risk of asbestos-related disease based on their work with these products. Further, many of these cases involve numerous defendants, with the number in some cases exceeding 100 defendants from a variety of industries. Additionally, the plaintiffs either do not specify any, or specify the jurisdictional minimum, dollar amount for damages. As major asbestos manufacturers and/or users continue to go out of business or file for bankruptcy, we may experience an increased number of these claims. We vigorously defend ourselves against these claims as part of our ordinary course of business. In future periods, we could be subject to cash costs or charges to earnings if any of these matters are resolved unfavorably to us. To date, with respect to claims that have proceeded sufficiently through the judicial process, we have regularly achieved favorable resolutions. Accordingly, we presently believe that these asbestos-related claims will not have a material adverse impact on our future consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity. Warranty Matters We provide warranties on some of our products. The warranty terms vary but range from one year up to limited lifetime warranties on some of our premium aftermarket products. Provisions for estimated expenses related to product warranty are made at the time products are sold or when specific warranty issues are identified on OE products. These estimates are established using historical information about the nature, frequency, and average cost of warranty claims. We actively study trends of our warranty claims and take action to improve product quality and minimize warranty claims. We believe that the warranty reserve is appropriate; however, actual claims incurred could differ from the original estimates, requiring adjustments to the reserve. The reserve is included in both current and long-term liabilities on the balance sheet. Below is a table that shows the activity in the warranty accrual accounts: Year Ended 2015 2014 2013 (Millions) Beginning Balance $ 26 $ 24 $ 23 Accruals related to product warranties 15 24 20 Reductions for payments made (18 ) (22 ) (19 ) Ending Balance $ 23 $ 26 $ 24

Supplemental Guarantor Condense

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statement Basis of Presentation Substantially all of our existing and future material domestic 100% owned subsidiaries (which are referred to as the Guarantor Subsidiaries) fully and unconditionally guarantee our senior notes due in 2020 and 2024 on a joint and several basis. However, a subsidiary’s guarantee may be released in certain customary circumstances such as a sale of the subsidiary or all or substantially all of its assets in accordance with the indenture applicable to the notes. The Guarantor Subsidiaries are combined in the presentation below. These consolidating financial statements are presented on the equity method. Under this method, our investments are recorded at cost and adjusted for our ownership share of a subsidiary’s cumulative results of operations, capital contributions and distributions, and other equity changes. You should read the condensed consolidating financial information of the Guarantor Subsidiaries in connection with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes of which this note is an integral part. Distributions There are no significant restrictions on the ability of the Guarantor Subsidiaries to make distributions to us. STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 Guarantor Nonguarantor Tenneco Inc. Reclass Consolidated (Millions) Revenues Net sales and operating revenues — External $ 3,711 $ 4,498 $ — $ — $ 8,209 Affiliated companies 411 558 — (969 ) — 4,122 5,056 — (969 ) 8,209 Costs and expenses Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below) 3,442 4,372 — (969 ) 6,845 Engineering, research, and development 70 76 — — 146 Selling, general, and administrative 193 295 3 — 491 Depreciation and amortization of other intangibles 87 116 — — 203 3,792 4,859 3 (969 ) 7,685 Other income (expense) Loss on sale of receivables (1 ) (3 ) — — (4 ) Other income (expense) 41 6 — (48 ) (1 ) 40 3 — (48 ) (5 ) Earnings (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, noncontrolling interests and equity in net income from affiliated companies 370 200 (3 ) (48 ) 519 Interest expense — External (net of interest capitalized) (2 ) 3 66 — 67 Affiliated companies (net of interest income) 54 (56 ) 2 — — Earnings (loss) before income taxes, noncontrolling interests and equity in net income from affiliated companies 318 253 (71 ) (48 ) 452 Income tax expense 43 106 — — 149 Equity in net income (loss) from affiliated companies 84 — 318 (402 ) — Net income (loss) 359 147 247 (450 ) 303 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 56 — — 56 Net income (loss) attributable to Tenneco Inc. $ 359 $ 91 $ 247 $ (450 ) $ 247 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Tenneco Inc. $ 359 $ 91 $ 127 $ (450 ) $ 127 STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 Guarantor Nonguarantor Tenneco Inc. Reclass Consolidated (Millions) Revenues Net sales and operating revenues — External $ 3,727 $ 4,693 $ — $ — $ 8,420 Affiliated companies 403 602 — (1,005 ) — 4,130 5,295 — (1,005 ) 8,420 Costs and expenses Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below) 3,391 4,639 — (1,005 ) 7,025 Engineering, research, and development 81 88 — — 169 Selling, general, and administrative 211 302 6 — 519 Depreciation and amortization of other intangibles 86 122 — — 208 3,769 5,151 6 (1,005 ) 7,921 Other income (expense) Loss on sale of receivables — (4 ) — — (4 ) Other income (expense) 26 9 — (38 ) (3 ) 26 5 — (38 ) (7 ) Earnings (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, noncontrolling interests and equity in net income from affiliated companies 387 149 (6 ) (38 ) 492 Interest expense — External (net of interest capitalized) (1 ) 4 88 — 91 Affiliated companies (net of interest income) 73 (75 ) 2 — — Earnings (loss) before income taxes, noncontrolling interests and equity in net income from affiliated companies 315 220 (96 ) (38 ) 401 Income tax expense 94 37 — — 131 Equity in net income (loss) from affiliated companies 129 — 322 (451 ) — Net income (loss) 350 183 226 (489 ) 270 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 44 — — 44 Net income (loss) attributable to Tenneco Inc. $ 350 $ 139 $ 226 $ (489 ) $ 226 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Tenneco Inc. $ 350 $ 139 $ 41 $ (489 ) $ 41 STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 Guarantor Nonguarantor Tenneco Inc. Reclass Consolidated (Millions) Revenues Net sales and operating revenues — External $ 3,498 $ 4,466 $ — $ — $ 7,964 Affiliated companies 350 572 — (922 ) — 3,848 5,038 — (922 ) 7,964 Costs and expenses Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below) 3,103 4,553 — (922 ) 6,734 Engineering, research, and development 66 78 — — 144 Selling, general, and administrative 187 260 6 — 453 Depreciation and amortization of other intangibles 78 127 — — 205 3,434 5,018 6 (922 ) 7,536 Other income (expense) Loss on sale of receivables — (4 ) — — (4 ) Other income (expense) (1 ) 59 — (58 ) — (1 ) 55 — (58 ) (4 ) Earnings (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, noncontrolling interests, and equity in net income from affiliated companies 413 75 (6 ) (58 ) 424 Interest expense — External (net of interest capitalized) (2 ) 5 77 — 80 Affiliated companies (net of interest income) 70 (72 ) 2 — — Earnings (loss) before income taxes, noncontrolling interests, and equity in net income from affiliated companies 345 142 (85 ) (58 ) 344 Income tax expense 60 62 — — 122 Equity in net income (loss) from affiliated companies 32 — 268 (300 ) — Net income (loss) 317 80 183 (358 ) 222 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 39 — — 39 Net income (loss) attributable to Tenneco Inc. $ 317 $ 41 $ 183 $ (358 ) $ 183 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Tenneco Inc. $ 317 $ 41 $ 231 $ (358 ) $ 231 BALANCE SHEET December 31, 2015 Guarantor Nonguarantor Tenneco Inc. Reclass Consolidated (Millions) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 2 $ 285 $ — $ — $ 287 Restricted cash — 1 — — 1 Receivables, net 299 1,241 — (428 ) 1,112 Inventories 333 349 — — 682 Prepayments and other 67 162 — — 229 Total current assets 701 2,038 — (428 ) 2,311 Other assets: Investment in affiliated companies 1,146 — 891 (2,037 ) — Notes and advances receivable from affiliates 938 13,291 4,788 (19,017 ) — Long-term receivables, net 11 2 — — 13 Goodwill 22 38 — — 60 Intangibles, net 9 13 — — 22 Deferred income taxes 122 28 68 — 218 Other 42 47 11 — 100 2,290 13,419 5,758 (21,054 ) 413 Plant, property, and equipment, at cost 1,281 2,137 — — 3,418 Less — Accumulated depreciation and amortization (851 ) (1,324 ) — — (2,175 ) 430 813 — — 1,243 Total assets $ 3,421 $ 16,270 $ 5,758 $ (21,482 ) $ 3,967 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Short-term debt (including current maturities of long-term debt) Short-term debt — non-affiliated $ — $ 73 $ 13 $ — $ 86 Short-term debt — affiliated 164 147 — (311 ) — Accounts payable 484 955 — (63 ) 1,376 Accrued taxes 6 31 — — 37 Other 125 221 3 (54 ) 295 Total current liabilities 779 1,427 16 (428 ) 1,794 Long-term debt — non-affiliated — 21 1,103 — 1,124 Long-term debt — affiliated 1,583 13,226 4,208 (19,017 ) — Deferred income taxes — 7 — — 7 Postretirement benefits and other liabilities 424 100 — — 524 Commitments and contingencies Total liabilities 2,786 14,781 5,327 (19,445 ) 3,449 Redeemable noncontrolling interests — 43 — — 43 Tenneco Inc. Shareholders’ equity 635 1,404 433 (2,039 ) 433 Noncontrolling interests — 42 — — 42 Total equity 635 1,446 433 (2,039 ) 475 Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity $ 3,421 $ 16,270 $ 5,760 $ (21,484 ) $ 3,967 BALANCE SHEET December 31, 2014 Guarantor Nonguarantor Tenneco Inc. Reclass Consolidated (Millions) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 10 $ 272 $ — $ — $ 282 Restricted cash — 3 — — 3 Receivables, net 408 1,309 — (629 ) 1,088 Inventories 312 376 — — 688 Deferred income taxes 49 25 7 — 81 Prepayments and other 96 188 — — 284 Total current assets 875 2,173 7 (629 ) 2,426 Other assets: Investment in affiliated companies 1,064 — 764 (1,828 ) — Notes and advances receivable from affiliates 944 10,589 4,844 (16,377 ) — Long-term receivables, net 12 — — — 12 Goodwill 22 43 — — 65 Intangibles, net 10 16 — — 26 Deferred income taxes 76 14 53 — 143 Other 40 53 13 — 106 2,168 10,715 5,674 (18,205 ) 352 Plant, property, and equipment, at cost 1,236 2,254 — — 3,490 Less — Accumulated depreciation and amortization (845 ) (1,427 ) — — (2,272 ) 391 827 — — 1,218 Total assets $ 3,434 $ 13,715 $ 5,681 $ (18,834 ) $ 3,996 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Short-term debt (including current maturities of long-term debt) Short-term debt — non-affiliated $ — $ 54 $ 6 $ — $ 60 Short-term debt — affiliated 243 220 9 (472 ) — Accounts payable 478 1,000 — (106 ) 1,372 Accrued taxes (15 ) 31 24 — 40 Other 134 241 3 (51 ) 327 Total current liabilities 840 1,546 42 (629 ) 1,799 Long-term debt — non-affiliated — 44 1,011 — 1,055 Long-term debt — affiliated 1,730 10,516 4,131 (16,377 ) — Deferred income taxes — 18 — — 18 Postretirement benefits and other liabilities 418 129 — 4 551 Commitments and contingencies Total liabilities 2,988 12,253 5,184 (17,002 ) 3,423 Redeemable noncontrolling interests — 35 — — 35 Tenneco Inc. Shareholders’ equity 446 1,386 497 (1,832 ) 497 Noncontrolling interests — 41 — — 41 Total equity 446 1,427 497 (1,832 ) 538 Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity $ 3,434 $ 13,715 $ 5,681 $ (18,834 ) $ 3,996 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 31, 2015 Guarantor Nonguarantor Tenneco Inc. Reclass Consolidated (Millions) Operating Activities Net cash provided (used) by operating activities $ 204 $ 311 $ 49 $ (47 ) $ 517 Investing Activities Proceeds from sale of assets — 4 — — 4 Cash payments for plant, property, and equipment (114 ) (172 ) — — (286 ) Cash payments for software related intangible assets (16 ) (7 ) — — (23 ) Change in restricted cash — 2 — — 2 Net cash used by investing activities (130 ) (173 ) — — (303 ) Financing Activities Retirement of long-term debt — (22 ) (15 ) — (37 ) Issuance of long-term debt — 1 — — 1 Debt issuance cost on long-term debt — — (1 ) — (1 ) Tax impact from stock-based compensation — — 6 — 6 Purchase of common stock under the share repurchase program — — (213 ) — (213 ) Issuance of common shares — — 6 — 6 Increase in bank overdrafts — (22 ) — — (22 ) Net increase in revolver borrowings and short-term debt excluding current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings secured by accounts receivable — 20 82 — 102 Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings secured by accounts receivable — — 30 — 30 Intercompany dividends and net increase (decrease) in intercompany obligations (82 ) (21 ) 56 47 — Distribution to noncontrolling interests partners — (44 ) — — (44 ) Net cash provided (used) by financing activities (82 ) (88 ) (49 ) 47 (172 ) Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — (37 ) — — (37 ) Increase in cash and cash equivalents (8 ) 13 — — 5 Cash and cash equivalents, January 1 10 272 — — 282 Cash and cash equivalents, December 31 (Note) $ 2 $ 285 $ — $ — $ 287 Note: Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 31, 2014 Guarantor Nonguarantor Tenneco Inc. Reclass Consolidated (Millions) Operating Activities Net cash provided (used) by operating activities $ 44 $ 314 $ 21 $ (38 ) $ 341 Investing Activities Proceeds from sale of assets — 3 — — 3 Cash payments for plant, property, and equipment (106 ) (222 ) — — (328 ) Cash payments for software related intangible assets (5 ) (8 ) — — (13 ) Cash payments for net assets purchased (3 ) — — — (3 ) Change in restricted cash — 2 — — 2 Net cash used by investing activities (114 ) (225 ) — — (339 ) Financing Activities Retirement of long-term debt — (9 ) (453 ) — (462 ) Issuance of long-term debt — 45 525 — 570 Debt issuance cost on long-term debt — — (12 ) — (12 ) Tax impact from stock-based compensation — — 26 — 26 Purchase of common stock under the share repurchase program — — (22 ) — (22 ) Issuance of common shares — — 19 — 19 Increase in bank overdrafts — 6 — — 6 Net decrease in revolver borrowings and short-term debt excluding current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings secured by accounts receivable — (13 ) (57 ) — (70 ) Net decrease in short-term borrowings secured by accounts receivable — — (10 ) — (10 ) Intercompany dividends and net increase (decrease) in intercompany obligations 74 (75 ) (37 ) 38 — Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest partner — 5 — — 5 Distribution to noncontrolling interests partners — (30 ) — — (30 ) Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 74 (71 ) (21 ) 38 20 Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — (15 ) — — (15 ) Increase in cash and cash equivalents 4 3 — — 7 Cash and cash equivalents, January 1 6 269 — — 275 Cash and cash equivalents, December 31 (Note) $ 10 $ 272 $ — $ — $ 282 Note: Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 31, 2013 Guarantor Nonguarantor Tenneco Inc. Reclass Consolidated (Millions) Operating Activities Net cash provided (used) by operating activities $ 270 $ 244 $ 48 $ (59 ) $ 503 Investing Activities Proceeds from sale of assets 1 7 — — 8 Cash payments for plant, property, and equipment (102 ) (142 ) — — (244 ) Cash payments for software related intangible assets (19 ) (6 ) — — (25 ) Cash payments for net assets purchased — (5 ) — — (5 ) Net cash used by investing activities (120 ) (146 ) — — (266 ) Financing Activities Retirement of long-term debt — (2 ) (14 ) — (16 ) Tax impact from stock-based compensation — — 24 — 24 Purchase of common stock under the share repurchase program — — (27 ) — (27 ) Issuance of common shares — — 20 — 20 Increase in bank overdrafts — (6 ) — — (6 ) Net increase (decrease) in revolver borrowings and short-term debt excluding current maturities of long-term debt — (43 ) 21 — (22 ) Net decrease in short-term borrowings secured by accounts receivable — — (40 ) — (40 ) Intercompany dividends and net increase (decrease) in intercompany obligations (148 ) 121 (32 ) 59 — Purchase of noncontrolling equity interest — (69 ) — — (69 ) Distribution to noncontrolling interests partners — (39 ) — — (39 ) Net cash provided (used) by financing activities (148 ) (38 ) (48 ) 59 (175 ) Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — (10 ) — — (10 ) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 2 50 — — 52 Cash and cash equivalents, January 1 4 219 — — 223 Cash and cash equivalents, December 31 (Note) $ 6 $ 269 $ — $ — $ 275 Note: Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase.

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarter Net Sales Cost of Sales Earnings Before Net Income (Millions) 2015 1st $ 2,023 $ 1,686 $ 120 $ 49 2nd 2,130 1,764 155 78 3rd 2,025 1,707 116 52 4th 2,031 1,688 128 68 $ 8,209 $ 6,845 $ 519 $ 247 2014 1st $ 2,094 $ 1,754 $ 113 $ 46 2nd 2,241 1,851 156 81 3rd 2,081 1,735 140 78 4th 2,004 1,685 83 21 $ 8,420 $ 7,025 $ 492 $ 226 Quarter Basic Diluted 2015 1st $ 0.81 $ 0.80 2nd 1.27 1.26 3rd 0.89 0.88 4th 1.18 1.17 Full Year 4.14 4.11 2014 1st $ 0.76 $ 0.75 2nd 1.34 1.32 3rd 1.29 1.27 4th 0.34 0.33 Full Year 3.72 3.66 Note: The sum of the quarters may not equal the total of the respective year’s earnings per share on either a basic or diluted basis due to changes in the weighted average shares outstanding throughout the year. (The preceding notes are an integral part of the foregoing consolidated financial statements.)

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUN

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	SCHEDULE II TENNECO INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Additions Description Balance Charged Charged Deductions Balance (Millions) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Notes Receivable Deducted from Assets to Which it Applies: Year Ended December 31, 2015 $ 16 4 — 4 $ 16 Year Ended December 31, 2014 $ 14 4 — 2 $ 16 Year Ended December 31, 2013 $ 14 1 — 1 $ 14 Description Balance Provision Charged (Credited) to Expense Allowance Changes Other Additions (Deductions) Balance (Millions) Deferred Tax Assets- Valuation Allowance Year Ended December 31, 2015 $ 139 15 (3 ) (24 ) $ 127 Year Ended December 31, 2014 $ 135 15 (3 ) (8 ) $ 139 Year Ended December 31, 2013 $ 118 19 8 (10 ) $ 135

Summary of Accounting Policies

Summary of Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation and Presentation	Consolidation and Presentation Our consolidated financial statements include all majority-owned subsidiaries. We carry investments in 20 percent to 50 percent owned companies in which the Company does not have a controlling interest, as equity method investments, at cost plus equity in undistributed earnings since the date of acquisition and cumulative translation adjustments. We have eliminated intercompany transactions. We have evaluated all subsequent events through the date our financial statements were issued.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates include among others, allowances for doubtful receivables, promotional and product returns, pension and postretirement benefit plans, income taxes, and contingencies.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests We have noncontrolling interests in five joint ventures with redemption features that could require us to purchase the noncontrolling interests at fair value in the event of a change in control of Tenneco Inc. or certain of our subsidiaries. We do not believe that it is probable that the redemption features in any of these joint venture agreements will be triggered. However, the redemption of these shares is not solely within our control. Accordingly, the related noncontrolling interests are presented as “Redeemable noncontrolling interests” in the temporary equity section of our consolidated balance sheets.
Inventories	Our inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost methods.
Goodwill and Intangibles, net	Goodwill and Intangibles, net We evaluate goodwill for impairment in the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently if events indicate it is warranted. The goodwill impairment test consists of a two-step process. In step one, we compare the estimated fair value of our reporting units with goodwill to the carrying value of the unit’s assets and liabilities to determine if impairment exists within the recorded balance of goodwill. We estimate the fair value of each reporting unit using the income approach which is based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. The income approach is dependent on a number of factors, including estimates of market trends, forecasted revenues and expenses, capital expenditures, weighted average cost of capital and other variables. A separate discount rate derived by a combination of published sources, internal estimates and weighted based on our debt to equity ratio, was used to calculate the discounted cash flows for each of our reporting units. These estimates are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and outside of the control of management. If the carrying value of the reporting unit is higher than its fair value, there is an indication that impairment may exist which requires step two to be performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss. The amount of impairment is determined by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill to its carrying value.
Plant, Property, and Equipment, at Cost	We depreciate these properties excluding land on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Useful lives range from 10 to 50 years for buildings and improvements and from 3 to 25 years for machinery and equipment.
Notes and Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Notes and Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivables consist of amounts billed and currently due from customers and unbilled pre-production design and development costs.
Pre-production Design and Development and Tooling Assets	Pre-production Design and Development and Tooling Assets We expense pre-production design and development costs as incurred unless we have a contractual guarantee for reimbursement from the original equipment customer.
Internal Use Software Assets	Internal Use Software Assets We capitalize certain costs related to the purchase and development of software that we use in our business operations. We amortize the costs attributable to these software systems over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 3 to 12 years, based on various factors such as the effects of obsolescence, technology, and other economic factors.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities on the basis of the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences that exist between the financial statement carrying value of assets and liabilities and their respective tax values, and net operating losses ("NOL") and tax credit carryforwards on a taxing jurisdiction basis. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that will apply in the years in which we expect the temporary differences to be recovered or paid. We evaluate our deferred income taxes quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required or should be adjusted. U.S. GAAP requires that companies assess whether valuation allowances should be established against their deferred tax assets based on consideration of all available evidence, both positive and negative, using a “more likely than not” standard. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and amount of recent losses, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, and tax planning strategies. In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. Valuation allowances have been established in certain foreign jurisdictions for deferred tax assets based on a “more likely than not” threshold. The ability to realize deferred tax assets depends on our ability to generate sufficient taxable income within the carryforward periods provided for in the tax law for each tax jurisdiction. We have considered the following possible sources of taxable income when assessing the realization of our deferred tax assets: • Future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences; • Taxable income or loss, based on recent results, exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards; • Tax-planning strategies; and • Taxable income in prior carryback years if carryback is permitted under the relevant tax law. The valuation allowances recorded against deferred tax assets generated by taxable losses in foreign jurisdictions will impact our provision for income taxes until the valuation allowances are released. Our provision for income taxes will include no tax benefit for losses incurred and no tax expense with respect to income generated in these jurisdictions until the respective valuation allowance is eliminated.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue for sales to our original equipment and aftermarket customers when title and risk of loss passes to the customers under the terms of our arrangements with those customers, which is usually at the time of shipment from our plants or distribution centers. Generally, in connection with the sale of exhaust systems to certain original equipment manufacturers, we purchase catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters or components thereof including precious metals (“substrates”) on behalf of our customers which are used in the assembled system. These substrates are included in our inventory and “passed through” to the customer at our cost, plus a small margin, since we take title to the inventory and are responsible for both the delivery and quality of the finished product. Revenues recognized for substrate sales were $1,916 million , $1,934 million and $1,835 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. For our aftermarket customers, we provide for promotional incentives and returns at the time of sale. Estimates are based upon the terms of the incentives and historical experience with returns. Certain taxes assessed by governmental authorities on revenue producing transactions, such as value added taxes, are excluded from revenue and recorded on a net basis. Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are included in revenues and the related costs are included in cost of sales in our consolidated statements of income (loss).
Warranty Reserves	Warranty Reserves Where we have offered product warranty, we also provide for warranty costs. Provisions for estimated expenses related to product warranty are made at the time products are sold or when specific warranty issues are identified on OE products. These estimates are established using historical information about the nature, frequency, and average cost of warranty claims and upon specific warranty issues as they arise. The warranty terms vary but range from one year up to limited lifetime warranties on some of our premium aftermarket products. We actively study trends of our warranty claims and take action to improve product quality and minimize warranty claims. While we have not experienced any material differences between these estimates and our actual costs, it is reasonably possible that future warranty issues could arise that could have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share We compute basic earnings per share by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. The computation of diluted earnings per share is similar to the computation of basic earnings per share, except that we adjust the weighted-average number of shares outstanding to include estimates of additional shares that would be issued if potentially dilutive common shares had been issued. In addition, we adjust income available to common shareholders to include any changes in income or loss that would result from the assumed issuance of the dilutive common shares.
Engineering, Research and Development	Engineering, Research and Development We expense engineering, research, and development costs as they are incurred. Engineering, research, and development expenses were $146 million for 2015 , $169 million for 2014 , and $144 million for 2013 , net of reimbursements from our customers. Our customers reimburse us for engineering, research, and development costs on some platforms when we prepare prototypes and incur costs before platform awards.
Advertising and Promotion Expenses	Advertising and Promotion Expenses We expense advertising and promotion expenses as they are incurred.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency We translate the consolidated financial statements of foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and a weighted-average exchange rate for revenues and expenses in each period. We record translation adjustments for those subsidiaries whose local currency is their functional currency as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity. We recognize transaction gains and losses arising from fluctuations in currency exchange rates on transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency in earnings as incurred, except for those intercompany balances which are designated as long-term investments.
Risk Management Activities	We use derivative financial instruments, principally foreign currency forward purchase and sales contracts with terms of less than one year, to hedge our exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Our primary exposure to changes in foreign currency rates results from intercompany loans made between affiliates to minimize the need for borrowings from third parties. Additionally, we enter into foreign currency forward purchase and sale contracts to mitigate our exposure to changes in exchange rates on certain intercompany and third-party trade receivables and payables. We manage counter-party credit risk by entering into derivative financial instruments with major financial institutions that can be expected to fully perform under the terms of such agreements. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. In managing our foreign currency exposures, we identify and aggregate existing offsetting positions and then hedge residual exposures through third-party derivative contracts. The fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts was a net asset position of $1 million at December 31, 2015 and a net liability position of less than $1 million at December 31, 2014 and is based on an internally developed model which incorporates observable inputs including quoted spot rates, forward exchange rates and discounted future expected cash flows utilizing market interest rates with similar quality and maturity characteristics. We record the change in fair value of these foreign exchange forward contracts as part of currency gains (losses) within cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income (loss). The fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts are recorded in prepayments and other current assets or other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which requires companies to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and noncurrent amounts. For public business entities, the standard is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for all companies in any interim or annual period. We adopted this standard as of December 31, 2015 and applied prospectively. Adoption of this guidance resulted in a reclassification of our net current deferred tax asset to the net non-current deferred tax asset in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015. No prior periods were retrospectively adjusted. In May 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2015-07, Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent). ASU No. 2015-07 removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. Such investments should be disclosed separate from the fair value hierarchy. For public business entities, the standard is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements but will impact pension asset disclosure. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability. For public business entities, the standard is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of the amendments in this update is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. We adopted this standard for the first quarter of 2015 and applied retrospectively. Please refer to note 5 in our notes to consolidated financial statements located in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion. In May 2014, the FASB issued an amendment on revenue recognition. The amendment in this update creates Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, including most industry-specific revenue recognition guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. In addition, the amendment supersedes the cost guidance in Subtopic 605-35, Revenue Recognition-Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts, and creates new Subtopic 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs-Contracts with Customers. The core principle of Topic 606 is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The FASB has approved a one-year deferral of the effective date from January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2018, while allowing for early adoption as of January 1, 2017 for public entities. We will adopt this amendment on January1, 2018. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of this new guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
Restricted Net Assets	Restricted Net Assets In certain countries where we operate, transfers of funds out of such countries by way of dividends, loans or advances are subject to certain central bank restrictions which require approval from the central bank authorities prior to transferring funds out of these countries. The countries in which we operate that have such restrictions include Argentina, China, South Africa, and Thailand.

Summary of Accounting Policie23

Summary of Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	The following is a rollforward of activity in our redeemable noncontrolling interests for the years ending December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively: 2015 2014 2013 (Millions) Balance January 1 $ 35 $ 20 $ 15 Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 33 23 14 Sale of 45 percent equity interest from Tenneco Inc — 4 — Capital Contributions — 1 — Dividends declared (24 ) (13 ) (9 ) Balance December 31 $ 43 $ 35 $ 20
Inventories by Major Classification	Inventories At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , inventory by major classification was as follows: 2015 2014 (Millions) Finished goods $ 257 $ 272 Work in process 233 221 Raw materials 135 137 Materials and supplies 57 58 $ 682 $ 688
Changes in Net Carrying Amount of Goodwill	The changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 were as follows: Clean Air Division Ride Performance Division North Europe, South America & India Asia North Europe, South America & India Asia Total (Millions) Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 14 $ 14 $ — $ 10 $ 31 $ — $ 69 Translation Adjustment — (2 ) — — (2 ) — (4 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 14 12 — 10 29 — 65 Translation Adjustment — (1 ) — — (4 ) — (5 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 14 11 — 10 25 — 60
Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Finite Useful Life Intangible Assets	The carrying amount and accumulated amortization of our finite useful life intangible assets were as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Gross Carrying Accumulated Gross Carrying Accumulated (Millions) (Millions) Customer contract $ 8 $ (4 ) $ 8 $ (4 ) Patents 2 (2 ) 3 (2 ) Technology rights 29 (19 ) 26 (15 ) Other 10 (2 ) 11 (2 ) Total $ 49 $ (27 ) $ 48 $ (23 )
Property, Plant and Equipment	At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , plant, property, and equipment, at cost, by major category were as follows: 2015 2014 (Millions) Land, buildings, and improvements $ 561 $ 569 Machinery and equipment 2,569 2,655 Other, including construction in progress 288 266 $ 3,418 $ 3,490

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Summary of Earnings Per Share of Common Stock	Earnings per share of common stock outstanding were computed as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts) Basic earnings per share — Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc. $ 247 $ 226 $ 183 Average shares of common stock outstanding 59,678,309 60,734,022 60,474,492 Earnings per average share of common stock $ 4.14 $ 3.72 $ 3.03 Diluted earnings per share — Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc. $ 247 $ 226 $ 183 Average shares of common stock outstanding 59,678,309 60,734,022 60,474,492 Effect of dilutive securities: Restricted stock 96,168 130,732 205,020 Stock options 418,673 917,754 914,550 Average shares of common stock outstanding including dilutive securities 60,193,150 61,782,508 61,594,062 Earnings per average share of common stock $ 4.11 $ 3.66 $ 2.97

Acquisitions and Divestitures (

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Transfers to Noncontrolling Interest	The table below summaries the net income attributable to Tenneco Inc. and transfers to the noncontrolling interest: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Millions) Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc. $ 247 $ 226 $ 183 Decrease in equity for purchase of noncontrolling equity interest — — (68 ) Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc. shareholders less purchase of noncontrolling equity interest 247 226 115

Restructuring and Other Charg26

Restructuring and Other Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Roll Forward of Restructuring Reserve	Amounts related to activities that are part of our restructuring plans are as follows: December 31, 2015 2015 Impact of Exchange Rates December 31, (Millions) Employee Severance, Termination Benefits and Other Related Costs $ 40 53 (59 ) (4 ) $ 30

Long-Term Debt, Short-Term De27

Long-Term Debt, Short-Term Debt, and Financing Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Long-term Debt Obligations	Long-Term Debt A summary of our long-term debt obligations at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , is set forth in the following table: 2015 2014 (Millions) Tenneco Inc. — Revolver borrowings due 2019, average effective interest rate 2.0% in 2015 $ 105 $ — Senior Tranche A Term Loan due 2016 through 2019, average effective interest rate 1.9% in 2015 285 300 5 3/8% Senior Notes due 2024 225 225 6 7/8% Senior Notes due 2020 500 500 Debentures due 2017 through 2025, average effective interest rate 7.5% in 2014 — 1 Other subsidiaries — Other Long Term Debt due in 2019, average interest rate 6.55% in 2015 and 5.45% in 2014 15 37 Notes due 2016 through 2026, average effective interest rate 0.1% in 2015 and 1.3% in 2014 7 8 1,137 1,071 Less — maturities classified as current 1 2 Total long-term debt $ 1,136 $ 1,069
Summary of Short-term Debt Obligations	Information regarding our short-term debt as of and for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: 2015 2014 (Millions) Maturities classified as current $ 1 $ 2 Short-term borrowings 85 58 Total short-term debt $ 86 $ 60 Notes Payable(a) 2015 2014 (Dollars in Millions) Outstanding borrowings at end of year $ 85 $ 58 Weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings at end of year(b) 3.2 % 2.6 % Maximum month-end outstanding borrowings during year $ 178 $ 124 Average month-end outstanding borrowings during year $ 118 $ 107 Weighted average interest rate on average month-end outstanding borrowings during year(b) 3.0 % 4.0 % (a) Includes borrowings under both committed credit facilities and uncommitted lines of credit and similar arrangements. (b) This calculation does not include the commitment fees to be paid on the unused revolving credit facility balances which are recorded as interest expense for accounting purposes.
Financing Arrangements	Financing Arrangements Committed Credit Facilities(a) as of December 31, 2015 Term Commitments Borrowings Letters of Credit(b) Available (Millions) Tenneco Inc. revolving credit agreement 2019 $ 1,200 $ 105 $ — $ 1,095 Tenneco Inc. tranche A term facility 2019 285 285 — — Subsidiaries’ credit agreements 2016-2027 136 107 — 29 $ 1,621 $ 497 $ — $ 1,124 (a) We generally are required to pay commitment fees on the unused portion of the total commitment. (b) Letters of credit reduce the available borrowings under the revolving credit agreement.
Financial Ratios under Senior Credit Facility	The financial ratios required under the amended and restated senior credit facility (or the predecessor facility, as applicable) and the actual ratios we achieved for the four quarters of 2015 , are as follows: Quarter Ended December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, Req. Act. Req. Act. Req. Act. Req. Act. Leverage Ratio (maximum) 3.50 1.32 3.50 1.51 3.50 1.36 3.50 1.41 Interest Coverage Ratio (minimum) 2.75 13.99 2.75 13.07 2.75 12.43 2.75 11.95
Proforma Consolidated Leverage Ratio	So long as no default existed, we would, however, under our senior credit facility agreement, be permitted to repay or refinance our senior notes (i) with the net cash proceeds of permitted refinancing indebtedness (as defined in the senior credit facility agreement) or with the net cash proceeds of our common stock in each case issued within 180 days prior to such repayment; (ii) with the net cash proceeds of the incremental facilities (as defined in the senior credit facility agreement) and certain indebtedness incurred by our foreign subsidiaries; (iii) with the proceeds of the revolving loans (as defined in the senior credit facility agreement); (iv) with the cash generated by our operations; (v) in an amount equal to the net cash proceeds of qualified capital stock (as defined in the senior credit facility agreement) issued by us after December 8, 2014; and (vi) in exchange for permitted refinancing indebtedness or in exchange for shares of our common stock; provided that such purchases are capped as follows (with respect to clauses (iii), (iv) and (v) based on a pro forma consolidated leverage ratio after giving effect to such purchase, cancellation or redemption): Pro forma Consolidated Aggregate Senior (Millions) Greater than or equal to 3.0x $ 20 Greater than or equal to 2.5x $ 100 Greater than or equal to 2.0x $ 200 Less than 2.0x no limit

Financial Instruments (Tables)

Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Financial Instruments Additional Information [Abstract]
Carrying and Estimated Fair Value	The carrying and estimated fair values of our financial instruments by class at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair (Millions) Long-term debt (including current maturities) $ 1,125 $ 1,160 $ 1,057 $ 1,106 Instruments with off-balance sheet risk: Foreign exchange forward contracts: Asset derivative contracts 1 1 — —
Summarization for Foreign Currency Forward Purchase and Sale Contracts	The following table summarizes by major currency the notional amounts for foreign currency forward purchase and sale contracts as of December 31, 2015 (all of which mature in 2016 ): Notional Amount (Millions) Australian dollars —Purchase 1 British pounds —Purchase 45 —Sell (43 ) Canadian dollars —Sell (2 ) European euro —Sell (16 ) Japanese yen —Purchase 50 —Sell (1,153 ) South African rand —Purchase 80 U.S. dollars —Purchase 93 —Sell (71 )

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income before Income Taxes and Noncontrolling Interests	The domestic and foreign components of our income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Millions) U.S. income before income taxes $ 198 $ 130 $ 150 Foreign income before income taxes 254 271 194 Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests $ 452 $ 401 $ 344
Comparative Analysis of Components of Income Tax Expense	Following is a comparative analysis of the components of income tax expense: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Millions) Current — U.S. federal $ 64 $ 38 $ 25 State and local 5 3 4 Foreign 83 92 81 152 133 110 Deferred — U.S. federal (1 ) 2 (4 ) State and local 1 7 2 Foreign (3 ) (11 ) 14 (3 ) (2 ) 12 Income tax expense $ 149 $ 131 $ 122
Reconciliation of Income Taxes Computed at Statutory U.S. Federal Income Tax Rate to Income Tax Expense	Following is a reconciliation of income taxes computed at the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate ( 35 percent for all years presented) to the income tax expense reflected in the statements of income: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Millions) Income tax expense computed at the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate $ 158 $ 140 $ 120 Increases (reductions) in income tax expense resulting from: Foreign income taxed at different rates (15 ) (21 ) (21 ) Taxes on repatriation of dividends 9 4 9 Remeasurement of estimated tax on unremitted earnings (4 ) — (17 ) State and local taxes on income, net of U.S. federal income tax benefit 11 8 6 Changes in valuation allowance for tax loss carryforwards and credits 13 12 27 Foreign tax holidays (7 ) (6 ) (5 ) Investment and R&D tax credits (26 ) (10 ) (8 ) Foreign earnings subject to U.S. federal income tax 3 7 5 Adjustment of prior years taxes 2 (2 ) (1 ) Impact of tax law changes — — (3 ) Tax contingencies 4 — 6 Other 1 (1 ) 4 Income tax expense $ 149 $ 131 $ 122
Components of Our Net Deferred Tax Assets	The components of our net deferred tax assets were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 (Millions) Deferred tax assets — Tax loss carryforwards: U.S. federal $ — $ — State 14 15 Foreign 72 75 Tax credit benefits 89 86 Postretirement benefits other than pensions 54 55 Pensions 50 56 Bad debts 2 2 Sales allowances 8 7 Payroll accruals 34 38 Other accruals 55 58 Valuation allowance (127 ) (139 ) Total deferred tax assets 251 253 Deferred tax liabilities — Tax over book depreciation 40 51 Total deferred tax liabilities 40 51 Net deferred tax assets $ 211 $ 202
Reconciliation of Deferred Taxes to Deferred Taxes Shown In Balance Sheet	Following is a reconciliation of deferred taxes to the deferred taxes shown in the balance sheet: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 (Millions) Balance Sheet: Current portion — deferred tax asset $ — $ 81 Non-current portion — deferred tax asset 218 143 Current portion — deferred tax liability — (4 ) Non-current portion — deferred tax liability (7 ) (18 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 211 $ 202
Reconciliation of our Uncertain Tax Positions	A reconciliation of our uncertain tax positions is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (Millions) Uncertain tax positions — Balance January 1 $ 114 $ 115 $ 107 Gross increases in tax positions in current period 7 8 15 Gross increases in tax positions in prior period 14 5 — Gross decreases in tax positions in prior period (4 ) (5 ) (1 ) Gross decreases — settlements (1 ) (2 ) — Gross decreases — statute of limitations expired (7 ) (7 ) (6 ) Balance December 31 $ 123 $ 114 $ 115
Tax Years Open to Examination in Primary Jurisdictions	We are subject to taxation in the U.S. and various state and foreign jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2015 , our tax years open to examination in primary jurisdictions are as follows: Open To Tax United States 2000 China 2005 Spain 2003 Canada 2012 Brazil 2010 Mexico 2010 Belgium 2013 Germany 2013 United Kingdom 2013

Common Stock (Tables)

Common Stock (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Text Block [Abstract]
Assumptions Used for Calculating Fair Values of Stock Option Awards	The fair value of share-based awards is determined at the time the awards are granted which is generally in January of each year, and requires judgment in estimating employee and market behavior. There were no stock options granted in 2015. 2015 2014 2013 Stock Options Granted: Weighted average grant date fair value, per share $ — $ 26.46 $ 19.84 Weighted average assumptions used: Expected volatility — % 52.8 % 66.4 % Expected lives 0.0 5.0 4.9 Risk-free interest rates — % 1.7 % 0.8 % Dividends yields — % — % — %
Stock Options Status and Activity	The following table reflects the status and activity for all options to purchase common stock for the period indicated: Year Ended December 31, 2015 Shares Weighted Avg. Weighted Avg. Aggregate (Millions) Outstanding Stock Options: Outstanding, January 1, 2015 1,454,003 $ 31.16 4.4 $ 33 Canceled (20,427 ) 23.75 Exercised (96,997 ) 20.78 3 Outstanding, March 31, 2015 1,336,579 $ 32.03 4.3 $ 31 Forfeited (7,531 ) 47.36 Exercised (141,644 ) 14.68 6 Outstanding, June 30, 2015 1,187,404 $ 34.00 4.2 $ 30 Exercised (749 ) 19.48 — Outstanding, September 30, 2015 1,186,655 $ 33.99 3.9 $ 19 Forfeited (5,066 ) 39.81 Exercised (36,870 ) 11.49 1 Outstanding, December 31, 2015 1,144,719 $ 34.69 3.7 $ 19
Nonvested Restricted Shares	The following table reflects the status for all nonvested restricted shares for the period indicated: Year Ended December 31, 2015 Shares Weighted Avg. Nonvested Restricted Shares Nonvested balance at January 1, 2015 286,051 $ 42.35 Granted 350,101 53.40 Vested (150,171 ) 37.86 Nonvested balance at March 31, 2015 485,981 $ 51.70 Granted 17,164 56.06 Vested (13,008 ) 46.37 Forfeited (11,034 ) 48.85 Nonvested balance at June 30, 2015 479,103 $ 52.07 Granted 7,824 57.98 Vested (14,948 ) 49.98 Nonvested balance at September 30, 2015 471,979 $ 52.15 Granted 32,264 44.24 Vested (1,427 ) 35.62 Forfeited (5,974 ) 54.76 Nonvested balance at December 31, 2015 496,842 $ 51.65

Pension Plans, Postretirement31

Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension Plan Assets Invested	Pension plan assets were invested in the following classes of securities: Percentage of Fair Market Value December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 US Foreign US Foreign Equity Securities 51 % 61 % 70 % 60 % Debt Securities 49 % 30 % 30 % 32 % Real Estate — 2 % — 4 % Other — 7 % — % 4 %
Plan Assets using Fair Value Hierarchy	The following table presents our plan assets using the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the methods used to determine the fair value. Level 1 assets refer to those asset values based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets at the measurement date. Level 2 assets refer to assets with values determined using significant other observable inputs, and Level 3 assets include values determined with non-observable inputs. Fair Value Level as of December 31, 2015 US Foreign Asset Category Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (Millions) Equity securities: U.S. large cap $ 33 $ 63 $ — $ 28 $ 24 $ — U.S. mid cap — 8 — 3 5 — U.S. Small Cap — 15 — — — — Non-U.S. large cap — — — 46 66 — Non-U.S. mid cap — 25 — 16 15 — Non-U.S. small cap — — — — 3 — Emerging markets — 8 — 2 4 — Debt securities: U.S. corporate bonds — 35 — — 3 — U.S. other fixed income — 113 — — — — Non-U.S. treasuries/government bonds — — — 29 28 — Non-U.S. corporate bonds — — — 18 21 — Non-U.S. mortgage backed securities — — — — 3 — Non-U.S. municipal obligations — — — 1 — — Non-U.S. asset backed securities — — — — 2 — Non-U.S. other fixed income — — — 2 — — Real Estate: Non-U.S. real estate — — — 1 6 — Other: Insurance contracts — — — — 12 8 Cash held in bank accounts 2 — — 11 — — Total $ 35 $ 267 $ — $ 157 $ 192 $ 8 Fair Value Level as of December 31, 2014 US Foreign Asset Category Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (Millions) Equity securities: U.S. large cap $ 41 $ 134 $ — $ 31 $ 25 $ — U.S. mid cap — — — 4 5 — U.S. Small Cap — 25 — — — — Non-U.S. large cap — — — 57 68 — Non-U.S. mid cap — 24 — 20 16 — Non-U.S. small cap — — — 1 6 — Emerging markets — 8 — — 3 — Debt securities: U.S. corporate bonds — 5 — — 5 — U.S. other fixed income — 95 — — — — Non-U.S. treasuries/government bonds — — — 41 27 — Non-U.S. corporate bonds — — — 20 27 — Non-U.S. mortgage backed securities — — — — 2 — Non-U.S. municipal obligations — — — 1 — — Non-U.S. asset backed securities — — — — — — Non-U.S. other fixed income — — — 1 — — Real Estate: Non-U.S. real estate — — — — 6 — Other: Insurance contracts — — — — 13 9 Cash held in bank accounts 2 — — 4 — — Total $ 43 $ 291 $ — $ 180 $ 203 $ 9
Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Assets	The table below summarizes the changes in the fair value of the Level 3 assets: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Level 3 Assets Level 3 Assets US Foreign US Foreign (Millions) (Millions) Balance at December 31 of the previous year $ — $ 9 $ — $ 8 Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets still held at the reporting date — (1 ) — 1 Ending Balance at December 31 $ — $ 8 $ — $ 9
Significant Concentrations of Risk	The following table contains information about significant concentrations of risk, including all individual assets that make up more than 5 percent of the total assets and any direct investments in Tenneco stock: Asset Category Fair Value Level Value Percentage of (Millions) 2015: Tenneco Stock 1 $ 33 5.0 % 2014: Tenneco Stock 1 $ 41 5.6 %
Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheets for Pension Plans and Postretirement Benefit Plan	A summary of the change in benefit obligation, the change in plan assets, the development of net amount recognized, and the amounts recognized in the balance sheets for the pension plans and postretirement benefit plan follows: Pension Postretirement 2015 2014 2015 2014 US Foreign US Foreign US US (Millions) Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at December 31 of the previous year $ 448 $ 483 $ 421 $ 442 $ 143 $ 112 Currency rate conversion — (46 ) — (41 ) — — Settlement (8 ) (2 ) (53 ) — — — Service cost 1 9 1 8 — — Interest cost 18 15 20 18 6 6 Administrative expenses/taxes paid — (2 ) — (2 ) — — Plan amendments — 2 — — — — Actuarial (gain)/loss (21 ) (17 ) 77 73 1 18 Prior period correction — — — — — 15 Benefits paid (22 ) (18 ) (18 ) (17 ) (9 ) (8 ) Participants’ contributions — 1 — 2 — — Benefit obligation at December 31 $ 416 $ 425 $ 448 $ 483 $ 141 $ 143 Change in plan assets: Fair value at December 31 of the previous year $ 334 $ 392 $ 347 $ 379 $ — $ — Currency rate conversion — (38 ) — (32 ) — — Settlement (8 ) (2 ) (41 ) — — — Actual return on plan assets (11 ) 8 23 40 — — Administrative expenses/taxes paid — (2 ) — (2 ) — — Employer contributions 9 16 23 22 9 8 Participants’ contributions — 1 — 2 — — Benefits paid (22 ) (18 ) (18 ) (17 ) (9 ) (8 ) Fair value at December 31 $ 302 $ 357 $ 334 $ 392 $ — $ — Development of net amount recognized: Unfunded status at December 31 $ (114 ) $ (68 ) $ (115 ) $ (90 ) $ (141 ) $ (143 ) Unrecognized cost: Actuarial loss 232 144 230 172 49 53 Prior service cost/(credit) — 5 1 5 (6 ) (10 ) Net amount recognized at December 31 $ 118 $ 81 $ 116 $ 87 $ (98 ) $ (100 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheets as of December 31 Noncurrent assets $ — $ 6 $ — $ 8 $ — $ — Current liabilities (2 ) (3 ) (10 ) (3 ) (9 ) (9 ) Noncurrent liabilities (112 ) (71 ) (105 ) (95 ) (132 ) (134 ) Net amount recognized $ (114 ) $ (68 ) $ (115 ) $ (90 ) $ (141 ) $ (143 )
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , consists of the following components: 2015 2014 2013 (Millions) Service cost — benefits earned during the year $ — $ — $ — Interest on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 6 6 5 Net amortization: Actuarial loss 6 4 4 Prior service credit (4 ) (7 ) (6 ) Prior period correction — $ 9 $ — Net periodic postretirement benefit cost $ 8 $ 12 $ 3 Net periodic pension costs for the years 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , consist of the following components: 2015 2014 2013 US Foreign US Foreign US Foreign (Millions) Service cost — benefits earned during the year $ 1 $ 9 $ 1 $ 8 $ 1 $ 9 Interest cost 17 15 20 18 19 17 Expected return on plan assets (23 ) (21 ) (25 ) (23 ) (22 ) (20 ) Curtailment loss — — — — — — Settlement loss 4 — 21 — — 1 Net amortization: Actuarial loss 8 8 7 7 9 10 Prior service cost — 1 — 2 — 1 Net pension costs $ 7 $ 12 $ 24 $ 12 $ 7 $ 18
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss for pension benefits	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss for pension benefits consist of the following components: 2015 2014 US Foreign US Foreign (Millions) Net actuarial loss $ 232 $ 144 $ 230 $ 172 Prior service cost — 5 1 5 $ 232 $ 149 $ 231 $ 177
Amounts Recognized for Pension and Postretirement Benefits in Other Comprehensive Income	Amounts recognized for pension and postretirement benefits in other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 include the following components: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Before-Tax Tax Net-of-Tax Before-Tax Tax Net-of-Tax (Millions) Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans: Change in total actuarial gain (loss) $ (7 ) $ 2 $ (5 ) $ (124 ) $ 35 $ (89 ) Amortization of prior service cost included in net periodic pension and postretirement cost (3 ) — (3 ) (5 ) 1 (4 ) Amortization of actuarial gain (loss) included in net periodic pension and postretirement cost 23 (4 ) 19 18 (5 ) 13 Other comprehensive income — pension benefits $ 13 $ (2 ) $ 11 $ (111 ) $ 31 $ (80 )
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	In 2016 , we expect to recognize the following amounts, which are currently reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss, as components of net periodic benefit cost: 2016 US Foreign (Millions) Net actuarial loss $ 7 $ 7 Prior service cost — 1 $ 7 $ 8 In 2016 , we expect to recognize the following amounts, which are currently reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss, as components of net periodic benefit cost: 2016 (Millions) Net actuarial loss $ 5 Prior service credit (2 ) $ 3
Projected Benefit Obligation Accumulated Benefit Obligation and Fair Value of Plan Assets for all Pension Plans	The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for all pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 US Foreign US Foreign (Millions) Projected benefit obligation $ 416 $ 337 $ 448 $ 349 Accumulated benefit obligation 416 332 448 344 Fair value of plan assets 302 262 334 253
Estimated Pension Plan Benefit Payments	The following estimated benefit payments are payable from the pension plans to participants: Year US Foreign (Millions) 2016 $ 22 $ 17 2017 30 16 2018 22 17 2019 24 20 2020 24 20 2021-2025 120 102
Assumptions used in accounting for Pension Plans	The following assumptions were used in the accounting for the pension plans for the years of 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 : 2015 2014 US Foreign US Foreign Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations Discount rate 4.4 % 3.5 % 4.1 % 3.3 % Rate of compensation increase N/A 2.7 % N/A 3.4 % 2015 2014 2013 US Foreign US Foreign US Foreign Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost Discount rate 4.1 % 3.2 % 4.8 % 4.3 % 4.1 % 4.2 % Expected long-term return on plan assets 7.8 % 5.9 % 7.8 % 6.1 % 7.8 % 6.2 % Rate of compensation increase N/A 3.0 % N/A 3.3 % N/A 3.4 %
Estimated Postretirement Benefit Payments	The following estimated postretirement benefit payments are payable from the plan to participants: Year Postretirement (Millions) 2016 $ 9 2017 9 2018 9 2019 9 2020 9 2021-2025 44
Postretirement Cost	The following assumptions were used in the accounting for postretirement cost for the years of 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : 2015 2014 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations Discount rate 4.3 % 4.1 % Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A 2015 2014 2013 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost Discount rate 4.1 % 4.8 % 4.1 % Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A N/A

Segment and Geographic Area I32

Segment and Geographic Area Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment results for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 are as follows: Clean Air Division Ride Performance Division North Europe, South America & India Asia North Europe, South America & India Asia Other Reclass & Elims Total (Millions) At December 31, 2015, and for the Year Ended Revenues from external customers $ 2,851 $ 1,835 $ 1,037 $ 1,313 $ 944 $ 229 $ — $ — $ 8,209 Intersegment revenues 16 100 — 10 28 46 — (200 ) — EBIT, Earnings (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, and noncontrolling interests 244 52 121 155 (5 ) 39 (87 ) — 519 Total assets 1,209 713 596 692 499 226 — 32 3,967 At December 31, 2014, and for the Year Ended Revenues from external customers $ 2,815 $ 1,974 $ 1,022 $ 1,351 $ 1,032 $ 226 $ — $ — $ 8,420 Intersegment revenues 25 114 — 10 38 43 — (230 ) — EBIT, Earnings (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, and noncontrolling interests 237 59 101 143 40 36 (124 ) — 492 Total assets 1,156 789 593 659 503 227 — 69 3,996 At December 31, 2013, and for the Year Ended Revenues from external customers $ 2,658 $ 1,934 $ 852 $ 1,255 $ 1,046 $ 219 $ — $ — $ 7,964 Intersegment revenues 8 111 1 10 41 32 — (203 ) — EBIT, Earnings (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, and noncontrolling interests 229 57 84 124 (7 ) 22 (85 ) — 424 Total assets 1,030 827 544 628 552 213 — 36 3,830
Revenue from External Customers Table	The following table shows information relating to our external customer revenues for each product or each group of similar products: Net Sales 2015 2014 2013 (Millions) Clean Air Products & Systems Aftermarket $ 318 $ 318 $ 327 Original Equipment OE Value-add 3,489 3,559 3,282 OE Substrate 1,916 1,934 1,835 5,405 5,493 5,117 5,723 5,811 5,444 Ride Performance Products & Systems Aftermarket 941 976 953 Original Equipment 1,545 1,633 1,567 2,486 2,609 2,520 Total Revenues $ 8,209 $ 8,420 $ 7,964
Revenue Percent by Major Customers	The following customers accounted for 10 percent or more of our net sales in the last three years. The net sales to both customers were across segments. Customer 2015 2014 2013 General Motors Company 15 % 15 % 15 % Ford Motor Company 13 % 13 % 14 %
Geographic Information Table	The following table shows information relating to the geographic regions in which we operate: Geographic Area United China Germany Mexico Canada Other Reclass & Consolidated (Millions) At December 31, 2015, and for the Year Then Ended Revenues from external customers(b) $ 3,362 $ 1,101 $ 807 $ 431 $ 387 $ 2,121 $ — $ 8,209 Long-lived assets(c) 496 203 108 35 41 473 — 1,356 Total assets 1,726 696 258 158 146 1,099 (116 ) 3,967 At December 31, 2014, and for the Year Then Ended Revenues from external customers(b) $ 3,348 $ 1,079 $ 955 $ 423 $ 413 $ 2,202 $ — $ 8,420 Long-lived assets(c) 473 192 113 34 52 487 — 1,351 Total assets 1,696 683 319 156 164 1,133 (155 ) 3,996 At December 31, 2013, and for the Year Then Ended Revenues from external customers(b) $ 3,144 $ 875 $ 941 $ 397 $ 387 $ 2,220 $ — $ 7,964 Long-lived assets(c) 448 158 120 31 59 500 — 1,316 Total assets 1,552 602 358 126 182 1,200 (190 ) 3,830 (a) Revenues from external customers and long-lived assets for individual foreign countries other than China, Germany, Mexico, and Canada are not material. (b) Revenues are attributed to countries based on location of the shipper. (c) Long-lived assets include all long-term assets except goodwill, intangibles and deferred tax assets.

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Warranty Accrual Table	Below is a table that shows the activity in the warranty accrual accounts: Year Ended 2015 2014 2013 (Millions) Beginning Balance $ 26 $ 24 $ 23 Accruals related to product warranties 15 24 20 Reductions for payments made (18 ) (22 ) (19 ) Ending Balance $ 23 $ 26 $ 24

Supplemental Guarantor Conden34

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 Guarantor Nonguarantor Tenneco Inc. Reclass Consolidated (Millions) Revenues Net sales and operating revenues — External $ 3,711 $ 4,498 $ — $ — $ 8,209 Affiliated companies 411 558 — (969 ) — 4,122 5,056 — (969 ) 8,209 Costs and expenses Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below) 3,442 4,372 — (969 ) 6,845 Engineering, research, and development 70 76 — — 146 Selling, general, and administrative 193 295 3 — 491 Depreciation and amortization of other intangibles 87 116 — — 203 3,792 4,859 3 (969 ) 7,685 Other income (expense) Loss on sale of receivables (1 ) (3 ) — — (4 ) Other income (expense) 41 6 — (48 ) (1 ) 40 3 — (48 ) (5 ) Earnings (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, noncontrolling interests and equity in net income from affiliated companies 370 200 (3 ) (48 ) 519 Interest expense — External (net of interest capitalized) (2 ) 3 66 — 67 Affiliated companies (net of interest income) 54 (56 ) 2 — — Earnings (loss) before income taxes, noncontrolling interests and equity in net income from affiliated companies 318 253 (71 ) (48 ) 452 Income tax expense 43 106 — — 149 Equity in net income (loss) from affiliated companies 84 — 318 (402 ) — Net income (loss) 359 147 247 (450 ) 303 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 56 — — 56 Net income (loss) attributable to Tenneco Inc. $ 359 $ 91 $ 247 $ (450 ) $ 247 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Tenneco Inc. $ 359 $ 91 $ 127 $ (450 ) $ 127 STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 Guarantor Nonguarantor Tenneco Inc. Reclass Consolidated (Millions) Revenues Net sales and operating revenues — External $ 3,727 $ 4,693 $ — $ — $ 8,420 Affiliated companies 403 602 — (1,005 ) — 4,130 5,295 — (1,005 ) 8,420 Costs and expenses Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below) 3,391 4,639 — (1,005 ) 7,025 Engineering, research, and development 81 88 — — 169 Selling, general, and administrative 211 302 6 — 519 Depreciation and amortization of other intangibles 86 122 — — 208 3,769 5,151 6 (1,005 ) 7,921 Other income (expense) Loss on sale of receivables — (4 ) — — (4 ) Other income (expense) 26 9 — (38 ) (3 ) 26 5 — (38 ) (7 ) Earnings (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, noncontrolling interests and equity in net income from affiliated companies 387 149 (6 ) (38 ) 492 Interest expense — External (net of interest capitalized) (1 ) 4 88 — 91 Affiliated companies (net of interest income) 73 (75 ) 2 — — Earnings (loss) before income taxes, noncontrolling interests and equity in net income from affiliated companies 315 220 (96 ) (38 ) 401 Income tax expense 94 37 — — 131 Equity in net income (loss) from affiliated companies 129 — 322 (451 ) — Net income (loss) 350 183 226 (489 ) 270 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 44 — — 44 Net income (loss) attributable to Tenneco Inc. $ 350 $ 139 $ 226 $ (489 ) $ 226 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Tenneco Inc. $ 350 $ 139 $ 41 $ (489 ) $ 41 STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 Guarantor Nonguarantor Tenneco Inc. Reclass Consolidated (Millions) Revenues Net sales and operating revenues — External $ 3,498 $ 4,466 $ — $ — $ 7,964 Affiliated companies 350 572 — (922 ) — 3,848 5,038 — (922 ) 7,964 Costs and expenses Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below) 3,103 4,553 — (922 ) 6,734 Engineering, research, and development 66 78 — — 144 Selling, general, and administrative 187 260 6 — 453 Depreciation and amortization of other intangibles 78 127 — — 205 3,434 5,018 6 (922 ) 7,536 Other income (expense) Loss on sale of receivables — (4 ) — — (4 ) Other income (expense) (1 ) 59 — (58 ) — (1 ) 55 — (58 ) (4 ) Earnings (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, noncontrolling interests, and equity in net income from affiliated companies 413 75 (6 ) (58 ) 424 Interest expense — External (net of interest capitalized) (2 ) 5 77 — 80 Affiliated companies (net of interest income) 70 (72 ) 2 — — Earnings (loss) before income taxes, noncontrolling interests, and equity in net income from affiliated companies 345 142 (85 ) (58 ) 344 Income tax expense 60 62 — — 122 Equity in net income (loss) from affiliated companies 32 — 268 (300 ) — Net income (loss) 317 80 183 (358 ) 222 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 39 — — 39 Net income (loss) attributable to Tenneco Inc. $ 317 $ 41 $ 183 $ (358 ) $ 183 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Tenneco Inc. $ 317 $ 41 $ 231 $ (358 ) $ 231
Balance Sheet	BALANCE SHEET December 31, 2015 Guarantor Nonguarantor Tenneco Inc. Reclass Consolidated (Millions) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 2 $ 285 $ — $ — $ 287 Restricted cash — 1 — — 1 Receivables, net 299 1,241 — (428 ) 1,112 Inventories 333 349 — — 682 Prepayments and other 67 162 — — 229 Total current assets 701 2,038 — (428 ) 2,311 Other assets: Investment in affiliated companies 1,146 — 891 (2,037 ) — Notes and advances receivable from affiliates 938 13,291 4,788 (19,017 ) — Long-term receivables, net 11 2 — — 13 Goodwill 22 38 — — 60 Intangibles, net 9 13 — — 22 Deferred income taxes 122 28 68 — 218 Other 42 47 11 — 100 2,290 13,419 5,758 (21,054 ) 413 Plant, property, and equipment, at cost 1,281 2,137 — — 3,418 Less — Accumulated depreciation and amortization (851 ) (1,324 ) — — (2,175 ) 430 813 — — 1,243 Total assets $ 3,421 $ 16,270 $ 5,758 $ (21,482 ) $ 3,967 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Short-term debt (including current maturities of long-term debt) Short-term debt — non-affiliated $ — $ 73 $ 13 $ — $ 86 Short-term debt — affiliated 164 147 — (311 ) — Accounts payable 484 955 — (63 ) 1,376 Accrued taxes 6 31 — — 37 Other 125 221 3 (54 ) 295 Total current liabilities 779 1,427 16 (428 ) 1,794 Long-term debt — non-affiliated — 21 1,103 — 1,124 Long-term debt — affiliated 1,583 13,226 4,208 (19,017 ) — Deferred income taxes — 7 — — 7 Postretirement benefits and other liabilities 424 100 — — 524 Commitments and contingencies Total liabilities 2,786 14,781 5,327 (19,445 ) 3,449 Redeemable noncontrolling interests — 43 — — 43 Tenneco Inc. Shareholders’ equity 635 1,404 433 (2,039 ) 433 Noncontrolling interests — 42 — — 42 Total equity 635 1,446 433 (2,039 ) 475 Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity $ 3,421 $ 16,270 $ 5,760 $ (21,484 ) $ 3,967 BALANCE SHEET December 31, 2014 Guarantor Nonguarantor Tenneco Inc. Reclass Consolidated (Millions) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 10 $ 272 $ — $ — $ 282 Restricted cash — 3 — — 3 Receivables, net 408 1,309 — (629 ) 1,088 Inventories 312 376 — — 688 Deferred income taxes 49 25 7 — 81 Prepayments and other 96 188 — — 284 Total current assets 875 2,173 7 (629 ) 2,426 Other assets: Investment in affiliated companies 1,064 — 764 (1,828 ) — Notes and advances receivable from affiliates 944 10,589 4,844 (16,377 ) — Long-term receivables, net 12 — — — 12 Goodwill 22 43 — — 65 Intangibles, net 10 16 — — 26 Deferred income taxes 76 14 53 — 143 Other 40 53 13 — 106 2,168 10,715 5,674 (18,205 ) 352 Plant, property, and equipment, at cost 1,236 2,254 — — 3,490 Less — Accumulated depreciation and amortization (845 ) (1,427 ) — — (2,272 ) 391 827 — — 1,218 Total assets $ 3,434 $ 13,715 $ 5,681 $ (18,834 ) $ 3,996 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Short-term debt (including current maturities of long-term debt) Short-term debt — non-affiliated $ — $ 54 $ 6 $ — $ 60 Short-term debt — affiliated 243 220 9 (472 ) — Accounts payable 478 1,000 — (106 ) 1,372 Accrued taxes (15 ) 31 24 — 40 Other 134 241 3 (51 ) 327 Total current liabilities 840 1,546 42 (629 ) 1,799 Long-term debt — non-affiliated — 44 1,011 — 1,055 Long-term debt — affiliated 1,730 10,516 4,131 (16,377 ) — Deferred income taxes — 18 — — 18 Postretirement benefits and other liabilities 418 129 — 4 551 Commitments and contingencies Total liabilities 2,988 12,253 5,184 (17,002 ) 3,423 Redeemable noncontrolling interests — 35 — — 35 Tenneco Inc. Shareholders’ equity 446 1,386 497 (1,832 ) 497 Noncontrolling interests — 41 — — 41 Total equity 446 1,427 497 (1,832 ) 538 Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity $ 3,434 $ 13,715 $ 5,681 $ (18,834 ) $ 3,996
Statement of Cash Flows	STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 31, 2015 Guarantor Nonguarantor Tenneco Inc. Reclass Consolidated (Millions) Operating Activities Net cash provided (used) by operating activities $ 204 $ 311 $ 49 $ (47 ) $ 517 Investing Activities Proceeds from sale of assets — 4 — — 4 Cash payments for plant, property, and equipment (114 ) (172 ) — — (286 ) Cash payments for software related intangible assets (16 ) (7 ) — — (23 ) Change in restricted cash — 2 — — 2 Net cash used by investing activities (130 ) (173 ) — — (303 ) Financing Activities Retirement of long-term debt — (22 ) (15 ) — (37 ) Issuance of long-term debt — 1 — — 1 Debt issuance cost on long-term debt — — (1 ) — (1 ) Tax impact from stock-based compensation — — 6 — 6 Purchase of common stock under the share repurchase program — — (213 ) — (213 ) Issuance of common shares — — 6 — 6 Increase in bank overdrafts — (22 ) — — (22 ) Net increase in revolver borrowings and short-term debt excluding current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings secured by accounts receivable — 20 82 — 102 Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings secured by accounts receivable — — 30 — 30 Intercompany dividends and net increase (decrease) in intercompany obligations (82 ) (21 ) 56 47 — Distribution to noncontrolling interests partners — (44 ) — — (44 ) Net cash provided (used) by financing activities (82 ) (88 ) (49 ) 47 (172 ) Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — (37 ) — — (37 ) Increase in cash and cash equivalents (8 ) 13 — — 5 Cash and cash equivalents, January 1 10 272 — — 282 Cash and cash equivalents, December 31 (Note) $ 2 $ 285 $ — $ — $ 287 Note: Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 31, 2014 Guarantor Nonguarantor Tenneco Inc. Reclass Consolidated (Millions) Operating Activities Net cash provided (used) by operating activities $ 44 $ 314 $ 21 $ (38 ) $ 341 Investing Activities Proceeds from sale of assets — 3 — — 3 Cash payments for plant, property, and equipment (106 ) (222 ) — — (328 ) Cash payments for software related intangible assets (5 ) (8 ) — — (13 ) Cash payments for net assets purchased (3 ) — — — (3 ) Change in restricted cash — 2 — — 2 Net cash used by investing activities (114 ) (225 ) — — (339 ) Financing Activities Retirement of long-term debt — (9 ) (453 ) — (462 ) Issuance of long-term debt — 45 525 — 570 Debt issuance cost on long-term debt — — (12 ) — (12 ) Tax impact from stock-based compensation — — 26 — 26 Purchase of common stock under the share repurchase program — — (22 ) — (22 ) Issuance of common shares — — 19 — 19 Increase in bank overdrafts — 6 — — 6 Net decrease in revolver borrowings and short-term debt excluding current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings secured by accounts receivable — (13 ) (57 ) — (70 ) Net decrease in short-term borrowings secured by accounts receivable — — (10 ) — (10 ) Intercompany dividends and net increase (decrease) in intercompany obligations 74 (75 ) (37 ) 38 — Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest partner — 5 — — 5 Distribution to noncontrolling interests partners — (30 ) — — (30 ) Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 74 (71 ) (21 ) 38 20 Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — (15 ) — — (15 ) Increase in cash and cash equivalents 4 3 — — 7 Cash and cash equivalents, January 1 6 269 — — 275 Cash and cash equivalents, December 31 (Note) $ 10 $ 272 $ — $ — $ 282 Note: Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 31, 2013 Guarantor Nonguarantor Tenneco Inc. Reclass Consolidated (Millions) Operating Activities Net cash provided (used) by operating activities $ 270 $ 244 $ 48 $ (59 ) $ 503 Investing Activities Proceeds from sale of assets 1 7 — — 8 Cash payments for plant, property, and equipment (102 ) (142 ) — — (244 ) Cash payments for software related intangible assets (19 ) (6 ) — — (25 ) Cash payments for net assets purchased — (5 ) — — (5 ) Net cash used by investing activities (120 ) (146 ) — — (266 ) Financing Activities Retirement of long-term debt — (2 ) (14 ) — (16 ) Tax impact from stock-based compensation — — 24 — 24 Purchase of common stock under the share repurchase program — — (27 ) — (27 ) Issuance of common shares — — 20 — 20 Increase in bank overdrafts — (6 ) — — (6 ) Net increase (decrease) in revolver borrowings and short-term debt excluding current maturities of long-term debt — (43 ) 21 — (22 ) Net decrease in short-term borrowings secured by accounts receivable — — (40 ) — (40 ) Intercompany dividends and net increase (decrease) in intercompany obligations (148 ) 121 (32 ) 59 — Purchase of noncontrolling equity interest — (69 ) — — (69 ) Distribution to noncontrolling interests partners — (39 ) — — (39 ) Net cash provided (used) by financing activities (148 ) (38 ) (48 ) 59 (175 ) Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — (10 ) — — (10 ) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 2 50 — — 52 Cash and cash equivalents, January 1 4 219 — — 223 Cash and cash equivalents, December 31 (Note) $ 6 $ 269 $ — $ — $ 275 Note: Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase.

Quarterly Financial Data (Una35

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data	Quarter Net Sales Cost of Sales Earnings Before Net Income (Millions) 2015 1st $ 2,023 $ 1,686 $ 120 $ 49 2nd 2,130 1,764 155 78 3rd 2,025 1,707 116 52 4th 2,031 1,688 128 68 $ 8,209 $ 6,845 $ 519 $ 247 2014 1st $ 2,094 $ 1,754 $ 113 $ 46 2nd 2,241 1,851 156 81 3rd 2,081 1,735 140 78 4th 2,004 1,685 83 21 $ 8,420 $ 7,025 $ 492 $ 226 Quarter Basic Diluted 2015 1st $ 0.81 $ 0.80 2nd 1.27 1.26 3rd 0.89 0.88 4th 1.18 1.17 Full Year 4.14 4.11 2014 1st $ 0.76 $ 0.75 2nd 1.34 1.32 3rd 1.29 1.27 4th 0.34 0.33 Full Year 3.72 3.66

Summary of Accounting Policie36

Summary of Accounting Policies - Consolidation and Presentation (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015
Minimum [Member]
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Range of percentages of investments, equity method investments	20.00%
Maximum [Member]
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Range of percentages of investments, equity method investments	50.00%

Summary of Accounting Policie37

Summary of Accounting Policies - Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015joint_venture
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Number of Joint Ventures | joint_venture		5
Tenneco Fusheng (chendu) Automobile Parts Co Ltd [Member]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Buisness Sale Percentage of Voting Interest Sold	45.00%
Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments | $	$ 4
Equity Ownership Percentage after Additional Sale	55.00%
Equity Ownership Percentage Before Additional Sale	100.00%

Summary of Accounting Policie38

Summary of Accounting Policies - Redeemable Non Controlling Interest (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 35	$ 20	$ 15
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	33	23	14
Sale of 45 percent equity interest from Tenneco Inc	0	4	0
Capital Contributions	0	1	0
Dividends declared	(24)	(13)	(9)
Ending Balance	$ 43	$ 35	$ 20

Summary of Accounting Policie39

Summary of Accounting Policies - Inventories by Major Classification (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 257	$ 272
Work in process	233	221
Raw materials	135	137
Materials and supplies	57	58
Inventories	$ 682	$ 688

Summary of Accounting Policie40

Summary of Accounting Policies - Goodwill and Intangibles, Net (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 5	$ 4	$ 5
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2016	3
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2017	2
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2018	1
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2019	1
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2020	1
North America | Ride Performance Division
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	306
Europe, South America & India | Clean Air Division
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	32
Asia Pacific | Ride Performance Division
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	$ 11
Maximum [Member]
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite useful life of intangible assets, Minimum	50 years
Minimum [Member]
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite useful life of intangible assets, Minimum	5 years

Summary of Accounting Policie41

Summary of Accounting Policies - Net Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	$ 65	$ 69
Translation adjustments	(5)	(4)
Balance, ending	60	65
Clean Air Division | North America
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	14	14
Translation adjustments	0	0
Balance, ending	14	14
Clean Air Division | Europe, South America & India
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	12	14
Translation adjustments	(1)	(2)
Balance, ending	11	12
Clean Air Division | Asia Pacific
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	0	0
Translation adjustments	0	0
Balance, ending	0	0
Ride Performance Division | North America
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	10	10
Translation adjustments	0	0
Balance, ending	10	10
Ride Performance Division | Europe, South America & India
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	29	31
Translation adjustments	(4)	(2)
Balance, ending	25	29
Ride Performance Division | Asia Pacific
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	0	0
Translation adjustments	0	0
Balance, ending	$ 0	$ 0

Summary of Accounting Policie42

Summary of Accounting Policies - Finite-Lived Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	$ 49	$ 48
Accumulated Amortization	(27)	(23)
Customer Contracts
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	8	8
Accumulated Amortization	(4)	(4)
Patents
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	2	3
Accumulated Amortization	(2)	(2)
Technology Rights
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	29	26
Accumulated Amortization	(19)	(15)
Other
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	10	11
Accumulated Amortization	$ (2)	$ (2)

Summary of Accounting Policie43

Summary of Accounting Policies - Plant Property, and Equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Plant, property, and equipment, at cost	$ 3,418	$ 3,490
Land, buildings, and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Plant, property, and equipment, at cost	561	569
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Plant, property, and equipment, at cost	2,569	2,655
Other, including construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Plant, property, and equipment, at cost	$ 288	$ 266

Summary of Accounting Policie44

Summary of Accounting Policies - Plant, Property, and Equipment, at Cost (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Plant, property, and equipment, at cost	$ 3,418	$ 3,490
Land, buildings, and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Plant, property, and equipment, at cost	$ 561	569
Buildings and improvements | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of plant, property and equipment	10 years
Buildings and improvements | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of plant, property and equipment	50 years
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Plant, property, and equipment, at cost	$ 2,569	2,655
Machinery and equipment | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of plant, property and equipment	3 years
Machinery and equipment | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of plant, property and equipment	25 years
Other, including construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Plant, property, and equipment, at cost	$ 288	$ 266

Summary of Accounting Policie45

Summary of Accounting Policies - Notes and Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Short-term and long-term accounts receivable outstanding	$ 1,126	$ 1,088
Allowance for doubtful accounts on short-term and long-term accounts receivable	16	16
Short and Long-term notes receivable outstanding	5	5
Allowance for doubtful accounts on short-term and long-term notes receivable	0	0
Capitalized Computer Software, Amortization	$ 13	$ 15	$ 15

Summary of Accounting Policie46

Summary of Accounting Policies - Pre-production Design and Development and Tooling Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Unbilled pre-production design and development costs	$ 21	$ 23
Original Equipment tools and dies, owned	64	59
In-process tools and dies built for original equipment customers	$ 107	$ 98

Summary of Accounting Policie47

Summary of Accounting Policies - Internal Use Software Assets/Accounts Payable (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Capitalized software development costs, net of amortization	$ 58	$ 54
Capitalized Computer Software, Amortization	$ 13	15	$ 15
Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite useful life of intangible assets, Maximum	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Software Development [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite useful life of intangible assets, Maximum	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite useful life of intangible assets, Maximum	50 years
Maximum [Member] | Software Development [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite useful life of intangible assets, Maximum	12 years
Accounts Payable [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Accounts payable	$ 93	91
Accrued compensation	$ 17	$ 39

Summary of Accounting Policie48

Summary of Accounting Policies - Revenue Recognition (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Substrate sales revenue	$ 1,916	$ 1,934	$ 1,835

Summary of Accounting Policie49

Summary of Accounting Policies - Engineering, Research and Development (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Engineering, research, and development	$ 146	$ 169	$ 144
Customer reimbursements for engineering, research and development expenses	$ 145	$ 159	$ 169

Summary of Accounting Policie50

Summary of Accounting Policies - Advertising and Promotion Expenses (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Advertising and promotion expenses	$ 54	$ 57	$ 53

Summary of Accounting Policie51

Summary of Accounting Policies - Foreign Currency Translation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Foreign currency transaction losses	$ 6	$ 1	$ 13

Summary of Accounting Policie52

Summary of Accounting Policies - Risk Management Activities (Details) - Foreign Exchange Forward - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative asset	$ 1
Fair value of derivative liability		$ 1

Summary of Accounting Policie53

Summary of Accounting Policies - Restricted Net Assets (Narrative) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Restricted Net Assets	$ 248	$ 218

Earnings Per Share - Summary of

Earnings Per Share - Summary of Earnings Per Share of Common Stock (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Basic earnings per share —
Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc.	$ 68	$ 52	$ 78	$ 49	$ 21	$ 78	$ 81	$ 46	$ 247	$ 226	$ 183
Average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)									59,678,309	60,734,022	60,474,492
Earnings per average share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 1.18	$ 0.89	$ 1.27	$ 0.81	$ 0.34	$ 1.29	$ 1.34	$ 0.76	$ 4.14	$ 3.72	$ 3.03
Diluted earnings per share —
Average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)									59,678,309	60,734,022	60,474,492
Effect of dilutive securities:
Restricted stock (in shares)									96,168	130,732	205,020
Stock options (in shares)									418,673	917,754	914,550
Average shares of common stock outstanding including dilutive securities (in shares)									60,193,150	61,782,508	61,594,062
Diluted earnings per share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 1.17	$ 0.88	$ 1.26	$ 0.80	$ 0.33	$ 1.27	$ 1.32	$ 0.75	$ 4.11	$ 3.66	$ 2.97

Earnings Per Share - Additional

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Anti-dilutive stock options	175,216	1,357	205,104

Acquisitions and Divestitures -

Acquisitions and Divestitures -Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Sale of Parent Equity Interest				$ 1	$ 0	$ 0	$ 68
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost					63	$ 49	$ 78
Discontinuation of Marzocchi Motor Bike Fork Suspension Business, Mountain Bike Business, and Liquidation of Marzocchi Operations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost					$ 29
Tenneco Fusheng (chendu) Automobile Parts Co Ltd
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Buisness Sale Percentage of Voting Interest Sold	45.00%
Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments	$ 4
Equity Ownership Percentage after Additional Sale	55.00%
Equity Ownership Percentage Before Additional Sale	100.00%
TTEC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Additional equity interest purchased in joint venture			20.00%		20.00%
Payment to acquire additional interest in joint venture		$ 9	$ 69

Acquisitions and Divestitures57

Acquisitions and Divestitures -Transfers to Noncontrolling Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc.	$ 68	$ 52	$ 78	$ 49	$ 21	$ 78	$ 81	$ 46	$ 247	$ 226	$ 183
Decrease in equity for purchase of noncontrolling equity interest				$ (1)					0	0	(68)
Net income attributable to Tenneco Inc. shareholders less purchase of noncontrolling equity interest									$ 247	$ 226	$ 115

Restructuring and Other Charg58

Restructuring and Other Charges - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	Jul. 22, 2015peoplejob	Dec. 08, 2014USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost				$ 63	$ 49	$ 78
Non- cash charges				10	5	3
Effect on Future Cash Flows, Amount			$ 60
Restructuring and related cost allowed to be excluded from the calculation of financial covenant ratios		$ 150		53
Europe
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost				22	31
Non- cash charges					3	3
Restructuring Charges						69
Discontinuation of Marzocchi Motor Bike Fork Suspension Business, Mountain Bike Business, and Liquidation of Marzocchi Operations
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost				29
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated | job	138
Discontinuation of Marzocchi Motor Bike Fork Suspension Business, Mountain Bike Business, and Liquidation of Marzocchi Operations | Bologna, Italy
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated | people	127
Discontinuation of Marzocchi Motor Bike Fork Suspension Business, Mountain Bike Business, and Liquidation of Marzocchi Operations | North America and Taiwan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated | people	11
Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost				46	28	70
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost				11	9	6
Engineering Expense
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost				1	7	1
Other Expense
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost				1	4	$ 1
Reduced Depreciation [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost				$ 4	$ 1

Restructuring and Other Charg59

Restructuring and Other Charges - Roll Forward of Restructuring Reserve (Details) - Employee Severance $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning balance	$ 40
Expenses	53
Cash Payments	(59)
Impact of Exchange Rates	(4)
Restructuring Reserve, ending balance	$ 30

Long-Term Debt, Short-Term De60

Long-Term Debt, Short-Term Debt, and Financing Arrangements - Summary of Long-Term Debt Obligations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt (including current maturities)	$ 1,137	$ 1,071
Less - maturities classified as current	1	2
Total long-term debt	1,136	1,069
Tenneco Inc. (Parent Company) | Line of Credit [Member] | Revolver Borrowings Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt (including current maturities)	105	0
Tenneco Inc. (Parent Company) | Term Loan [Member] | Senior Tranche A Term Loan Due 2017 Through 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt (including current maturities)	285	300
Tenneco Inc. (Parent Company) | Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes Due 2024, 5.375% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt (including current maturities)	225	225
Tenneco Inc. (Parent Company) | Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes Due 2020, 6.875% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt (including current maturities)	500	500
Tenneco Inc. (Parent Company) | Debentures [Member] | Debentures Due 2017 Through 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt (including current maturities)	0	1
Other subsidiaries | Other Long Term Debt [Member] | Other Long Term Debt Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt (including current maturities)	15	37
Other subsidiaries | Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] | Notes Due 2016 Through 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt (including current maturities)	$ 7	$ 8

Long-Term Debt, Short-Term De61

Long-Term Debt, Short-Term Debt, and Financing Arrangements - Summary of Long-Term Debt Obligations Additional Information (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revolver Borrowings Due 2019 [Member] | Tenneco Inc. (Parent Company) | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Average effective interest rate	2.00%	0.00%
Notes Due 2016 Through 2026 [Member] | Other subsidiaries | Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Average effective interest rate	0.10%	1.30%
Other Long Term Debt Due 2019 [Member] | Other subsidiaries | Other Long Term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Average effective interest rate	6.55%	5.45%
Debentures Due 2017 Through 2025 [Member] | Tenneco Inc. (Parent Company) | Debentures [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Average effective interest rate	0.00%	7.50%
Senior Notes Due 2020, 6.875% [Member] | Tenneco Inc. (Parent Company) | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	6.875%	6.875%
Senior Notes Due 2024, 5.375% [Member] | Tenneco Inc. (Parent Company) | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.38%	5.38%
Senior Tranche A Term Loan Due 2017 Through 2019 [Member] | Tenneco Inc. (Parent Company) | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Average effective interest rate	1.90%	2.70%

Long-Term Debt, Short-Term De62

Long-Term Debt, Short-Term Debt, and Financing Arrangements -Additional Information (Detail)

Dec. 05, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Apr. 30, 2012USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2012USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 07, 2014USD ($)

Dec. 04, 2014

Nov. 19, 2014USD ($)

Apr. 06, 2012

Mar. 22, 2012USD ($)

Mar. 08, 2012USD ($)

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Maturities and sinking fund requirement applicable to long term debt 2014

$ 15,000,000

Maturities and sinking fund requirement applicable to long term debt 2015

24,000,000

Maturities and sinking fund requirement applicable to long term debt 2016

30,000,000

Maturities and sinking fund requirement applicable to long term debt 2017

338,000,000

Maturities and sinking fund requirement applicable to long term debt 2018

$ 1,000,000

Maximum percentage of stock of certain first-tier foreign subsidiaries pledged to secure senior credit facility

66.00%

Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity

$ 1,200,000,000

Unused borrowing capacity

1,124,000,000

Line of credit facility letters of credit outstanding

$ 1,071,000,000

$ 1,137,000,000

$ 1,071,000,000

Leverage ratio required (maximum) through March 22, 2017

3.50

Interest coverage required (minimum) through December 31, 2013

2.75

Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage

100.00%

Percent of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest

101.00%

Subsidiaries' credit agreements

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Unused borrowing capacity

$ 29,000,000

Minimum [Member]

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Senior notes indentures minimum required fixed charge coverage ratio prior to incurring certain types of indebtedness

2

Minimum [Member] | Subsidiaries' credit agreements

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Committed Credit Facilities, Term

2,015

Maximum [Member] | Subsidiaries' credit agreements

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Committed Credit Facilities, Term

2,026

North America

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

North American Program maximum facility size

$ 130,000,000

Additional financing from second priority facility

50,000,000

Outstanding third party investments in securitized accounts receivable bank program

$ 0

30,000,000

0

Interest expense recognized from securitization of receivables

2,000,000

2,000,000

$ 2,000,000

Europe

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Outstanding third party investments in securitized accounts receivable bank program

$ 153,000,000

$ 174,000,000

153,000,000

Term of Commitments

1 year

Bank facility cancellation notification

90 days

Loss on sale of trade accounts receivable

$ 4,000,000

$ 4,000,000

$ 4,000,000

Financing Cost Related To Sale Of Securitized Receivables

2.00%

2.00%

3.00%

Expiration of Former Revolving Credit Agreement due 2014

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity

$ 850,000,000

Expiration Of Tranche B Term Facility

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity

213,000,000

8 1/8 Percent Senior Notes due in 2015

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Percentage of Principal Amount

3.00%

Senior note rate

7.75%

Amount of debt offered for exchange by the company

$ 225,000,000

$ 225,000,000

Amount of debt tendered for exchange by the holders

$ 181,000,000

Debt instrument redemption price as percentage of principal amount prior quarter

104.35%

Amount of debt tendered for exchange by the holders on April 6, 2012

$ 44,000,000

Debt instrument redemption price as percentage of principal amount current quarter

103.88%

Expenses related to redemption

$ 13,000,000

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Line of credit facility, maturity date

Dec. 8, 2019

Tranche A Term Facility due March 22, 2017

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Maturities and sinking fund requirement applicable to long term debt 2014

$ 15,000,000

Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity

$ 300,000,000

Line of credit facility, maturity date

Dec. 8, 2019

Line of credit facility letters of credit outstanding

$ 300,000,000

Tranche A Term Facility due March 22, 2017 | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

175.00%

Tranche A Term Facility due March 22, 2017 | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Initial Spread

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

100.00%

Tranche A Term Facility due March 22, 2017 | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Ending Spread

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

75.00%

Tranche A Term Facility due March 22, 2017 | JP Morgan Chase Prime Rate

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

75.00%

Tranche A Term Facility due March 22, 2017 | Federal Funds Effective Rate | Initial Spread

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

50.00%

Tranche A Term Facility due March 22, 2017 | Federal Funds Effective Rate | Ending Spread

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

75.00%

Five Point Three Seven Five Percent Senior Notes Due December 15 2024 [Member] [Domain]

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Line of credit facility letters of credit outstanding

$ 225,000,000

Other Debt [Member]

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Unsecured debt

$ 107,000,000

Senior Credit Facility

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Borrowings reduced in basis points to applicable margin, resulting from senior secured leverage ratio below minimum

0.0025

Increase (decrease) in basis points to applicable margin, resulting from senior secured leverage ratio below minimum

(0.25%)

0.50%

Commitment fee basis points

0.30%

Senior Credit Facility | Minimum [Member]

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Senior secured leverage ratio

2.25

Senior Credit Facility | Maximum [Member]

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Senior secured leverage ratio

3.25

commitment fee [Domain]

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Increase (decrease) in basis points to applicable margin, resulting from senior secured leverage ratio below minimum

0.40%

Six Point Eight Seven Five Percent Senior Notes Due December 15 2020 [Member] [Member]

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Line of credit facility letters of credit outstanding

$ 500,000,000

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity

1,200,000,000

Unused borrowing capacity

1,095,000,000

Line of credit facility letters of credit outstanding

105,000,000

Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity

$ 1,200,000,000

Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Tranche A Term Facility due March 22, 2017

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Line of credit facility letters of credit outstanding

285,000,000

Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Letter of Credit

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Line of credit facility letters of credit outstanding

0

Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Five Point Three Seven Five Percent Senior Notes Due December 15 2024 [Member] [Domain]

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Line of credit facility letters of credit outstanding

$ 225,000,000

Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage

35.00%

Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Six Point Eight Seven Five Percent Senior Notes Due December 15 2020 [Member] [Member]

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Line of credit facility letters of credit outstanding

$ 500,000,000

Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Tranche A Term Facility due March 22, 2017

Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangement [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Periodic Payment, Principal

$ 195,000,000

$ 5,625,000

$ 3,750,000

$ 7,500,000

Long-Term Debt, Short-Term De63

Long-Term Debt, Short-Term Debt, and Financing Arrangements - Short-Term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Maturities classified as current	$ 1	$ 2
Short-term borrowings	85	58
Total short-term debt	$ 86	$ 60

Long-Term Debt, Short-Term De64

Long-Term Debt, Short-Term Debt, and Financing Arrangements - Notes Payable (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Outstanding borrowings at end of year	$ 85	$ 58
Notes Payable Current
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Outstanding borrowings at end of year	$ 85	$ 58
Weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings at end of year(b)	3.20%	2.60%
Approximate maximum month-end outstanding borrowings during year	$ 178	$ 124
Approximate average month-end outstanding borrowings during year	$ 118	$ 107
Weighted average interest rate on average month-end outstanding borrowings during year(b)	3.00%	4.00%

Long-Term Debt, Short-Term De65

Long-Term Debt, Short-Term Debt, and Financing Arrangements - Financing Arrangements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 1,124		$ 1,055
Long-term debt	1,136		1,069
Committed Credit Facilities, Commitments	1,621
Committed Credit Facilities, Borrowings	497
Committed Credit Facilities, Letter of Credit	0
Committed Credit Facilities, Available	1,124
Long-term Debt, Gross	1,137		1,071
Tenneco Inc. revolving credit agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Committed Credit Facilities, Commitments	1,200
Committed Credit Facilities, Borrowings	105
Committed Credit Facilities, Letter of Credit	0
Committed Credit Facilities, Available	1,095
Tranche A Term Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Committed Credit Facilities, Commitments	285
Committed Credit Facilities, Borrowings	285
Subsidiaries' credit agreements
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Committed Credit Facilities, Commitments	136
Committed Credit Facilities, Borrowings	107
Committed Credit Facilities, Available	$ 29
Subsidiaries' credit agreements | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Committed Credit Facilities, Term	2,015
Subsidiaries' credit agreements | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Committed Credit Facilities, Term	2,026
Tranche A Term Facility due March 22, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 300
Five Point Three Seven Five Percent Senior Notes Due December 15 2024 [Member] [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	221
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	4
Long-term Debt, Gross	225
Six Point Eight Seven Five Percent Senior Notes Due December 15 2020 [Member] [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	494
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	6
Long-term Debt, Gross	500
Other Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured Debt	107
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Committed Credit Facilities, Available	1,095
Long-term Debt, Gross	105
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Tranche A Term Facility due March 22, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	283
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	2
Long-term Debt, Gross	285
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Five Point Three Seven Five Percent Senior Notes Due December 15 2024 [Member] [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	221
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	4
Long-term Debt, Gross	225
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Six Point Eight Seven Five Percent Senior Notes Due December 15 2020 [Member] [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	494
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	6
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 500
Adjustments for New Accounting Principle, Early Adoption [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense		$ 12	$ 14

Long-Term Debt, Short-Term De66

Long-Term Debt, Short-Term Debt, and Financing Arrangements - Financial Ratios Under Senior Credit Facility (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Required
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage Ratio (maximum)	3.5	3.5	3.50	3.5
Interest Coverage Ratio (minimum)	2.75	2.75	2.75	2.75
Actual
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage Ratio (maximum)	1.32	1.51	1.36	1.41
Interest Coverage Ratio (minimum)	13.99	13.07	12.43	11.95

Long-Term Debt, Short-Term De67

Long-Term Debt, Short-Term Debt, and Financing Arrangements - Proforma Consolidated Leverage Ratio (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Greater than or equal to 3.0x
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum aggregate principal amount of purchases, cancellations and redemptions of senior notes	$ 20
Greater than or equal to 2.5x
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum aggregate principal amount of purchases, cancellations and redemptions of senior notes	100
Greater than or equal to 2.0x
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum aggregate principal amount of purchases, cancellations and redemptions of senior notes	$ 200
Less than 2.0x
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Less than 2.0x	no limit
Europe
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Financing Cost Related To Sale Of Securitized Receivables	2.00%	2.00%	3.00%

Financial Instruments - Carryin

Financial Instruments - Carrying and Estimated Fair Value (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt (including current maturities)	$ 1,124	$ 1,055
Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt (including current maturities)	1,125	1,057
Asset derivative contracts	1	0
Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt (including current maturities)	1,160	1,106
Asset derivative contracts	$ 1	$ 0

Financial Instruments - Additio

Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013Agreement
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Maximum percentage of stock of certain first tier foreign subsidiaries pledged to secure senior credit facility	66.00%
Line of credit facility letters of credit outstanding	$ 32
NegotiableFinancialInstrumentsNotRedeemedAndNotUsedForVendorPayment	1	$ 1
Negotiable financial instruments not redeemed and used for vendor payment classified as notes payable	15	24
Negotiable financial instruments received from OE customer not redeemed	8	17
Negotiable financial instruments received classified as other current assets	8	17
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Fair value of long term debt	748	759
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Fair value of long term debt	390	301
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Fair value of long term debt	22	46
TMEL and Walker Plans
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Number of performance guarantee agreements | Agreement			2
Number of group benefit plans under the agreement | Agreement			2
Maximum amount payable for pension performance guarantees	$ 7
Percentage of liability considered to determine maximum amount payable for pension performance guarantees	105.00%
Percentage of the pension obligation recognized for participating employers	100.00%
Pension obligation of participating employers recognized on the balance sheet	$ 11	17
TMEL and Futaba
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Maximum amount reimbursable under indemnity agreement	7
Other subsidiaries | China
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Restricted cash	1
Foreign Exchange Forward
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative asset	$ 1
Fair value of derivative liability		$ 1

Financial Instruments - Summari

Financial Instruments - Summarization for Foreign Currency Forward Purchase and Sale Contracts (Detail) - Dec. 31, 2015 - Foreign Exchange Forward ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions	USD ($)	JPY (¥)
Long [Member] | Australia, Dollars
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ (1)
Long [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds
Derivative, Notional Amount	(45)
Long [Member] | South Africa, Rand
Derivative, Notional Amount	(80)
Long [Member] | United States of America, Dollars
Derivative, Notional Amount	(93)
Short [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds
Derivative, Notional Amount	(43)
Short [Member] | Canada, Dollars
Derivative, Notional Amount	(2)
Short [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro
Derivative, Notional Amount	(16)
Short [Member] | Japan, Yen
Derivative, Notional Amount	(50)	¥ (1,153)
Short [Member] | United States of America, Dollars
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ (71)

Income Taxes - Income before in

Income Taxes - Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. income before income taxes	$ 198	$ 130	$ 150
Foreign income before income taxes	254	271	194
Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests	$ 452	$ 401	$ 344

Income Taxes - Comparative Anal

Income Taxes - Comparative Analysis of Components of Income Tax Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current
U.S. federal	$ 64	$ 38	$ 25
State and local	5	3	4
Foreign	83	92	81
Total current income tax expenses	152	133	110
Deferred
U.S. federal	(1)	2	(4)
State and local	1	7	2
Foreign	(3)	(11)	14
Total deferred income tax expenses	(3)	(2)	12
Income tax expense	$ 149	$ 131	$ 122

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
U.S. Federal statutory rate	35.00%
Reducing in tax loss carryforward due to realization domestic and state tax loss	$ 3	$ 6
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	127	139
Income tax expense (benefit)	149	131	$ 122
Impact on earnings related to reversal of valuation allowance	15
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Reconciling Items, Amount		11
Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	731
Estimated income tax liability related to unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	150
Uncertain tax positions that would affect the effective tax rate if recognized	110	101	107
Liability for interest on unrecognized tax benefits	6	6	7
Estimated decrease in unrecognized tax benefits related to the expiration of foreign statute of limitations and the conclusion of foreign income tax examinations that may occur within the coming year	10
Maximum [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Penalties accrued	1	1	1
Accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions	1	1	2
Liability for penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	$ 2	$ 3	$ 2

Income Taxes - Reconciliation o

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Income Taxes Computed at Statutory U.S. Federal Income Tax Rate to Income Tax Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense computed at the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate	$ 158	$ 140	$ 120
Foreign income taxed at different rates	(15)	(21)	(21)
Taxes on repatriation of dividends	9	4	9
Remeasurement of estimated tax on unremitted earnings	(4)	0	(17)
State and local taxes on income, net of U.S. federal income tax benefit	11	8	6
Changes in valuation allowance for tax loss carryforwards and credits	13	12	27
Foreign tax holidays	(7)	(6)	(5)
Investment and R&D tax credits	(26)	(10)	(8)
Foreign earnings subject to U.S. federal income tax	3	7	5
Adjustment of prior years taxes	2	(2)	(1)
Impact of foreign tax law changes	0	0	(3)
Tax contingencies	4	0	6
Other	1	(1)	4
Income tax expense	$ 149	$ 131	$ 122

Income Taxes - Components of Ou

Income Taxes - Components of Our Net Deferred Tax Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. federal	$ 0	$ 0
State	14	15
Foreign	72	75
Tax credit benefits	89	86
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	54	55
Pensions	50	56
Bad debts	2	2
Sales allowances	8	7
Payroll and other accruals	34	38
Other accruals	55	58
Valuation allowance	(127)	(139)
Total deferred tax assets	251	253
Tax over book depreciation	40	51
Total deferred tax liabilities	40	51
Net deferred tax assets	$ 211	$ 202

Income Taxes - Reconciliation76

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Deferred Taxes to Deferred Taxes Shown In Balance Sheet (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Reducing in Tax Loss Carryforward Due To Realization Foreign Tax Loss	$ 13	$ 12
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	127	139
Income tax expense	149	131	$ 122
Impact on earnings related to reversal of valuation allowance	15
Balance Sheet:
Current portion - deferred tax asset	0	81
Non-current portion - deferred tax asset	218	143
Current portion - deferred tax liability shown in other current liabilities	0	(4)
Non-current portion - deferred tax liability	(7)	(18)
Net deferred tax assets	$ 211	$ 202

Income Taxes - Reconciliation77

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of our Uncertain Tax Positions (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current	$ 0	$ 4
Current portion - deferred tax asset	0	81
Uncertain tax positions -
Balance January 1	114	115	$ 107
Gross increases in tax positions in current period	7	8	15
Gross increases in tax positions in prior period	14	5	0
Gross decreases in tax positions in prior period	(4)	(5)	(1)
Gross decreases - settlements	(1)	(2)	0
Gross decreases - statute of limitations expired	(7)	(7)	(6)
Balance December 31	$ 123	$ 114	$ 115

Income Taxes - Tax Years Open t

Income Taxes - Tax Years Open to Examination in Primary Jurisdictions (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
United States - due to NOL
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax years open to examination in primary jurisdictions	2,000
China
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax years open to examination in primary jurisdictions	2,005
Spain
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax years open to examination in primary jurisdictions	2,003
Canada
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax years open to examination in primary jurisdictions	2,012
Brazil
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax years open to examination in primary jurisdictions	2,010
Mexico
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax years open to examination in primary jurisdictions	2,010
Belgium
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax years open to examination in primary jurisdictions	2,013
Germany
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax years open to examination in primary jurisdictions	2,013
United Kingdom
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax years open to examination in primary jurisdictions	2,013

Common Stock - Additional Infor

Common Stock - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 1999	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	May. 15, 2013	May. 13, 2009	Mar. 12, 2002
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number				1,144,719	1,186,655	1,187,404	1,336,579	1,144,719	1,454,003
Authorized common stock available for issuance under the plan				135,000,000				135,000,000
Common stock, par value				$ 0.01				$ 0.01
Common stock, shares issued				65,067,132				65,067,132	64,454,248
Treasury stock shares				7,473,325				7,473,325	3,244,692	2,844,692
Term for stock options (in years)			3 years					1 day	5 years	4 years 10 months 24 days
Restriction period for restricted common stock			3 years
Decrease in basic earnings per share								$ 0.03	$ 0.06	$ 0.09
Share based compensation								$ 15,000,000	$ 13,000,000	$ 13,000,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options								$ 6,000,000	$ 12,000,000	$ 6,000,000
Weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted									$ 26.48	$ 19.91
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number				941,607				941,607
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value				$ 18,000,000				$ 18,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price				$ 31.85				$ 31.85
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term								3 years 9 months
Total Intrinsic value of options exercised				$ 1,000,000	$ 0	$ 6,000,000	$ 3,000,000	$ 10,000,000	$ 30,000,000	$ 19,000,000
Total fair value of shares vested								$ 6,000,000	$ 6,000,000	$ 5,000,000
Weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted stock granted								$ 52.85	$ 55.26	$ 36.40
Total fair value of restricted shares vested								$ 7,000,000	$ 8,000,000	$ 6,000,000
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased		550,000										350,000,000	400,000
Stock repurchased during the period	$ 22,000,000	$ 27,000,000						$ 213,000,000
Treasury stock average cost per share	$ 56.06	$ 49.33						$ 50.32
Share-based Compensation, Effect on Earnings Per Share, Basic								$ 0.03	$ 0.06	$ 0.10
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Restriction period for restricted common stock								3 years
Stock Option
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Compensation expense related to nonqualified stock options								$ 2,000,000	$ 3,000,000	$ 6,000,000
Unrecognized compensation costs				2,000,000				$ 2,000,000
Unrecognized compensation costs, weighted average period								3 months
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Cash received from stock option exercises								$ 4,000,000	10,000,000	15,000,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options									26,000,000
Restricted stock, restricted stock units, long term performance units, SARs
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation costs				14,000,000				$ 14,000,000
Unrecognized compensation costs, weighted average period								1 year 9 months
Share based compensation								$ 12,000,000	13,000,000	17,000,000
Restricted Stock
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation costs				$ 15,000,000				$ 15,000,000
Unrecognized compensation costs, weighted average period								2 years 5 months
Weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted stock granted				$ 44.24	$ 57.98	$ 56.06	$ 53.40
Supplemental Stock Ownership Plan
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Authorized treasury shares available for purchase under the supplemental stock ownership plan			1,100,000
2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Authorized common stock available for issuance under the plan																4,000,000
2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Authorized common stock available for issuance under the plan														3,500,000	2,300,000
Count of each share from a stock option award against shares available for issuance under the plan															1
Count of each share from a full value award against shares available for issuance under the plan														1.49	1.25
Shares of common stock remain authorized for delivery				3,042,433				3,042,433
United States | Stock Option
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Cash received from stock option exercises										$ 24,000,000
United States | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options									$ 14,000,000
2013 [Domain]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Treasury stock shares										2,294,692
2014 [Domain]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Treasury stock shares									2,844,692
Less - Common Stock Held as Treasury Stock, at Cost
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount											$ 200,000,000
Less - Common Stock Held as Treasury Stock, at Cost | Open Market [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock repurchased during period	400,000	450,000						4,228,633
Less - Common Stock Held as Treasury Stock, at Cost | Tenneco Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock repurchased during period		100,000
Maximum [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Term for stock options (in years)			20 years
Minimum [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Term for stock options (in years)			7 years
2012 Through 2014 [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Restriction period for restricted common stock								3 years
2014 Through 2016 [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Restriction period for restricted common stock								3 years

Common Stock - Assumptions Used

Common Stock - Assumptions Used for Calculating Fair Values of Stock Option Awards (Detail) - $ / shares	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 1999	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock Options Granted
Weighted average grant date fair value, per share (in dollars per share)			$ 26.46	$ 19.84
Weighted average assumptions used:
Expected volatility		0.00%	52.80%	66.40%
Expected lives (in years)	3 years	1 day	5 years	4 years 10 months 24 days
Risk-free interest rates		0.00%	1.70%	0.80%
Dividends yields		0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Common Stock - Stock Options St

Common Stock - Stock Options Status and Activity (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Shares Under Option Outstanding Beginning Balance	1,186,655	1,187,404	1,336,579	1,454,003	1,454,003
Share Under Option, Canceled				(20,427)
Shares Under Option, Forfeited	(5,066)		(7,531)
Shares Under Option, Exercised	(36,870)	(749)	(141,644)	(96,997)
Shares Under Option Outstanding Ending Balance	1,144,719	1,186,655	1,187,404	1,336,579	1,144,719	1,454,003
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted Average Exercise Prices, Outstanding, Beginning Balance	$ 33.99	$ 34	$ 32.03	$ 31.16	$ 31.16
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Canceled				23.75
Weighted Average Exercise Prices, Forfeited	39.81		47.36
Weighted Average Exercise Prices, Exercised	11.49	19.48	14.68	20.78
Weighted Average Exercise Prices, Outstanding, Ending Balance	$ 34.69	$ 33.99	$ 34	$ 32.03	$ 34.69	$ 31.16
Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years	3 years 8 months	3 years 10 months 24 days	4 years 2 months 12 days	4 years 3 months 17 days		4 years 4 months 24 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding, Beginning Balance	$ 19	$ 30	$ 31	$ 33	$ 33
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercised	1	0	6	3	10	$ 30	$ 19
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding, Ending Balance	$ 19	$ 19	$ 30	$ 31	$ 19	$ 33

Common Stock - Nonvested Restri

Common Stock - Nonvested Restricted Shares (Detail) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Granted					$ 52.85	$ 55.26	$ 36.40
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested Restricted Shares, Beginning Balance	471,979	479,103	485,981	286,051	286,051
Nonvested Restricted Shares, Granted	32,264	7,824	17,164	350,101
Restricted Shares, Vested	(1,427)	(14,948)	(13,008)	(150,171)
Nonvested Restricted Shares, Forfeited	(5,974)		(11,034)
Nonvested Restricted Shares, Ending Balance	496,842	471,979	479,103	485,981	496,842	286,051
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning of Period	$ 52.15	$ 52.07	$ 51.70	$ 42.35	$ 42.35
Granted	44.24	57.98	56.06	53.40
Vested	35.62	49.98	46.37	37.86
Forfeited	54.76		48.85
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, End of Period	$ 51.65	$ 52.15	$ 52.07	$ 51.70	$ 51.65	$ 42.35

Preferred Stock - Additional In

Preferred Stock - Additional Information (Detail) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Authorized shares	50,000,000	50,000,000
Par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Outstanding shares	0	0

Pension Plans, Postretirement84

Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	Jan. 02, 2012retirement_plan	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)retiree	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension benefit obligations		$ 841		$ 841
Pension benefit obligations with funding requirements		770		770
Pension Fund assets available to fund pension benefit obligations		657		657
Pension benefit obligations with no funding requirements		71		$ 71
Acceptable tolerance limit of investment allocations for securities				5.00%
Employer contributions				$ 25
Expected contributions in 2013				$ 15
Defined Benefit Plan, Other Information				21
Minimum retirement age for eligible employees of the post retirement plans				55 years
Minimum years of service for eligible employees of the post retirement plans				10 years
Prior period correction		$ 11
Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Period Adjustment, Number of Retirees Entitled to Benefits Not Included | retiree		170
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate				7.00%	6.50%	7.00%
Defined Benefit Plan Ultimate Health Care Cost Year Five				4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Retirement Savings Plan | retirement_plan	1
Maximum percentage of salary deferral allowed under the Employee Stock Ownership Plans		75.00%		75.00%
Defined Compensation Plan, Amended Employee Match Percentage on One Hundred Percent of Employee Contributions				3.00%
Defined Compensation Plan, Amended Employee Match Percentage on Fifty Percent of Employee Contributions				50.00%
Expense recorded relating to employee matching contribution				$ 27	$ 25	$ 23
Maximum [Member]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Compensation Plan, Amended Employee Match Percentage on Fifty Percent of Employee Contributions				5.00%
Postretirement
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contributions				$ 9	8
Percent of eligible employees who participated in voluntary buyout, more than			60.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Other Information				50
Prior period correction				$ 0	$ 15
One percentage point increase effect on postretirement benefit obligation				15
One percentage point decrease effect on postretirement benefit obligation				13
Postretirement | Maximum [Member]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan effect of one percentage point increase on service and interest cost components				1
Defined benefit plan effect of one percentage point decrease on service and interest cost components				$ 1
Postretirement | Minimum [Member]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Compensation Plan, Amended Employee Match Percentage on One Hundred Percent of Employee Contributions				100.00%
Defined Compensation Plan, Amended Employee Match Percentage on Fifty Percent of Employee Contributions				3.00%
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected contributions in 2013				$ 9
Equity Securities
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Targeted pension plan allocations in debt securities				70.00%
Debt Securities
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Targeted pension plan allocations in debt securities				30.00%

Pension Plans, Postretirement85

Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits - Pension Plan Assets Classes of Securities (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefits | Equity Securities
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Debt Securities	51.00%	70.00%
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefits | Debt Securities
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Debt Securities	49.00%	30.00%
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefits | All Other
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Debt Securities		0.00%
Foreign | Equity Securities
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Debt Securities	61.00%	60.00%
Foreign | Debt Securities
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Debt Securities	30.00%	32.00%
Foreign | Real Estate
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Debt Securities	2.00%	4.00%
Foreign | All Other
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirment Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Debt Securities	7.00%	4.00%

Pension Plans, Postretirement86

Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits - Plan Assets Using Fair Value Hierarchy (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 657
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefits | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	35	$ 43
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefits | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | U.S. large cap
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	33	41
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefits | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Cash held in bank accounts
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	2	2
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefits | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	267	291
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefits | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | U.S. large cap
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	63	134
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefits | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | U.S. Small Cap
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	15	25
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefits | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Non-U.S. mid cap
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	25	24
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefits | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Emerging Markets
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	8	8
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefits | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | U.S. corporate bonds
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	35	5
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefits | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | U.S. other fixed income
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	113	95
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	157	180
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | U.S. large cap
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	28	31
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | U.S. mid cap
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	3	4
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Non-U.S. large cap
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	46	57
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Non-U.S. mid cap
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	16	20
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Non-U.S. small cap
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	1
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Emerging Markets
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	2	0
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Non-U.S. treasuries/government bonds
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	29	41
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Non-U.S. corporate bonds
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	18	20
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Non-U.S. municipal obligations
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1	1
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Non-U.S. other fixed income
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	2	1
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Non-U.S. real estate
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1	0
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Cash held in bank accounts
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	11	4
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	192	203
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | U.S. large cap
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	24	25
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | U.S. mid cap
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	5	5
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | U.S. Small Cap
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		0
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Non-U.S. large cap
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	66	68
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Non-U.S. mid cap
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	15	16
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Non-U.S. small cap
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	3	6
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Emerging Markets
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	4	3
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | U.S. corporate bonds
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	3	5
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | U.S. other fixed income
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		0
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Non-U.S. treasuries/government bonds
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	28	27
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Non-U.S. corporate bonds
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	21	27
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Non-U.S. mortgage backed securities
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	3	2
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Non-U.S. asset backed securities
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	2	0
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Non-U.S. other fixed income
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Non-U.S. real estate
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	6	6
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Insurance contracts
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	12	13
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	8	9
Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Insurance contracts
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 8	$ 9

Pension Plans, Postretirement87

Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits - Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Assets (Detail) - Foreign - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Asset Allocation Targets [Line Items]
Balance at December 31 of the previous year	$ 9	$ 8
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	(1)	1
Ending Balance at December 31	$ 8	$ 9

Pension Plans, Postretirement88

Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits - Significant Concentrations of Risk (Detail) - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investment in Tenneco stock	$ 33	$ 41
Investment in Tenneco stock as a percentage of total plan assets	5.00%	5.60%

Pension Plans, Postretirement89

Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits - Summary of Amount Recognised in Balance Sheets for Pension Plans and Postretirement Benefit Plan (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Interest cost		$ 6	$ 6	$ 5
Prior period correction	$ 11
Employer contributions		25
Fair value at December 31	657	657
Actuarial loss		6	4	4
Prior service cost		(2)
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits, Noncurrent	0	0	0
Noncurrent liabilities	(318)	(318)	(339)
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Benefit obligation at December 31 of the previous year		143
Interest cost		17	20	19
Benefits paid		(9)	(8)
Benefit obligation at December 31			143
Actuarial loss		8	7	9
Prior service cost		0	1
Foreign
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Interest cost		15	18	17
Actuarial loss		8	7	10
Prior service cost		5	5
Postretirement
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Benefit obligation at December 31 of the previous year		143	112
Service cost			0
Interest cost		6	6
Actuarial (gain)/loss		1	18
Prior period correction		0	15
Benefits paid		(9)
Benefit obligation at December 31	141	141	143	112
Employer contributions		9	8
Unfunded status at December 31		(141)	(143)
Actuarial loss		49	53
Prior service cost		(6)	(10)
Net amount recognized at December 31	(98)	(98)	(100)
Current liabilities	(9)	(9)	(9)
Noncurrent liabilities	(132)	(132)	(134)
Net amount recognized	(141)	(141)	(143)
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit | United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Benefit obligation at December 31 of the previous year		448	421
Settlement		(8)	(53)
Service cost		1	1
Interest cost		18	20
Actuarial (gain)/loss		(21)	77
Benefits paid		(22)	(18)
Benefit obligation at December 31	416	416	448	421
Fair value at December 31 of the previous year		334	347
Settlement		(8)
Actual return on plan assets		(11)	23
Employer contributions		9	23
Fair value at December 31	302	302	334	347
Unfunded status at December 31		(114)	(115)
Actuarial loss		232	230
Prior service cost		0	1
Net amount recognized at December 31	118	118	116
Current liabilities	(2)	(2)	(10)
Noncurrent liabilities	(112)	(112)	(105)
Net amount recognized	(114)	(114)	(115)
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit | Foreign
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Benefit obligation at December 31 of the previous year		483	442
Currency rate conversion		(46)	(41)
Settlement		(2)	0
Service cost		9	8
Interest cost		15	18
Administrative expenses/taxes paid		(2)	(2)
Plan amendments		2	0
Actuarial (gain)/loss		(17)	73
Benefits paid		(18)	(17)
Participants' contributions		1	2
Benefit obligation at December 31	425	425	483	442
Fair value at December 31 of the previous year		392	379
Currency rate conversion		(38)	(32)
Settlement		(2)	0
Actual return on plan assets		8	40
Employer contributions		16	22
Participants' contributions		1	2
Fair value at December 31	357	357	392	$ 379
Unfunded status at December 31		(68)	(90)
Actuarial loss		144	172
Prior service cost		5	5
Net amount recognized at December 31	81	81	87
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits, Noncurrent	6	6	8
Current liabilities	(3)	(3)	(3)
Noncurrent liabilities	(71)	(71)	(95)
Net amount recognized	$ (68)	$ (68)	$ (90)

Pension Plans, Postretirement90

Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost - benefits earned during the year	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Interest cost	6	6	5
Net amortization:
Actuarial loss	6	4	4
Prior service cost	(4)	(7)	(6)
Prior period correction	0	9	0
Net pension costs	8	12	3
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost - benefits earned during the year	1	1	1
Interest cost	17	20	19
Expected return on plan assets	23	25	22
Settlement loss	(4)	(21)	0
Net amortization:
Actuarial loss	8	7	9
Net pension costs	7	24	7
Foreign
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost - benefits earned during the year	9	8	9
Interest cost	15	18	17
Expected return on plan assets	21	23	20
Settlement loss	0	0	(1)
Net amortization:
Actuarial loss	8	7	10
Prior service cost	1	2	1
Net pension costs	12	12	$ 18
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit | United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation	(8)	(53)
Interest cost	18	20
Net amortization:
Actuarial loss	232	230
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit | Foreign
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation	(2)	0
Interest cost	15	18
Net amortization:
Actuarial loss	$ 144	$ 172

Pension Plans, Postretirement91

Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits - Amounts to be Reflected as Component of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	$ 5
Prior service cost	(2)
Total	3
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	232	$ 230
Prior service cost	0	1
Total	232	231
Net actuarial loss	7
Prior service cost	0
Total expected amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income in 2013	7
Foreign
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	144	172
Prior service cost	5	5
Total	149	$ 177
Net actuarial loss	7
Prior service cost	1
Total expected amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income in 2013	$ 8

Pension Plans, Postretirement92

Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits - Amounts Recognized for Pension and Postretirement Benefits in Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Change in total actuarial loss, Before-tax amount	$ (7)	$ (124)
Amortization of prior service cost included in net periodic pension and postretirement cost, Before-tax amount	(3)	(5)
Amortization of actuarial loss included in net periodic pension and postretirement cost, Before-tax amount	23	18
Other comprehensive income - pension benefits, Before-tax amount	13	(111)
Change in total actuarial loss, Tax Benefit	2	35
Amortization of prior service cost included in net periodic pension and postretirement cost, Tax Benefit	0	1
Amortization of actuarial loss included in net periodic pension and postretirement cost, Tax Benefit	(4)	(5)
Other comprehensive - pension benefits, Tax Benefit	(2)	31
Change in total actuarial loss, Net-of-tax amount	(5)	(89)
Amortization of prior service cost included in net periodic pension and postretirement cost, Net-of-tax Amount	(3)	(4)
Amortization of actuarial loss included in net periodic pension and postretirement cost, Net-of-tax Amount	19	13
Other comprehensive income - pension benefits, Net-of-tax Amount	$ 11	$ (80)	$ 85

Pension Plans, Postretirement93

Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits - Projected Benefit Obligation Accumulated Benefit Obligation and Fair Value of Plan Assets for All Pension Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	$ 416	$ 448
Accumulated benefit obligation	416	448
Fair value of plan assets	302	334
Foreign
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	337	349
Accumulated benefit obligation	332	344
Fair value of plan assets	$ 262	$ 253

Pension Plans, Postretirement94

Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits - Estimated Pension Plan Benefit Payments (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
2,016	$ 22
2,017	30
2,018	22
2,019	24
2,020	24
2021-2025	120
Foreign
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
2,016	17
2,017	16
2,018	17
2,019	20
2,020	20
2021-2025	$ 102

Pension Plans, Postretirement95

Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits - Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Ultimate Health Care Cost Year Five	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate	4.30%	4.10%
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefits
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate	4.40%	4.10%
Foreign
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate	3.50%	3.30%
Rate of compensation increase	2.70%	3.40%

Pension Plans, Postretirement96

Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits - Weighted-Average Assumptions used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate	4.10%	4.80%	4.10%
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefits
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate	4.10%	4.80%	4.10%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	7.80%	7.80%	7.80%
Foreign
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate	3.20%	4.30%	4.20%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	5.90%	6.10%	6.20%
Rate of compensation increase	3.00%	3.30%	3.40%

Pension Plans, Postretirement97

Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits - Amounts to be Reflected as Component of Net Periodic Cost (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	$ 5
Prior service cost	(2)
Total	3
Postretirement
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Prior service cost	$ (6)	$ (10)

Pension Plans, Postretirement98

Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits - Estimated Subsidies Under Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 9
2,017	9
2,018	9
2,019	9
2,020	9
2021-2025	$ 44

Pension Plans, Postretirement99

Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits - Assumptions Used to Determine Postretirement Cost (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Discount rate, Benefit Obligation	4.30%	4.10%
Discount rate, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	4.10%	4.80%	4.10%

Segment and Geographic Area 100

Segment and Geographic Area Information - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015operating_segmentgeographic_segmentproduct_segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments | geographic_segment	3
Number of Product Segments | product_segment	2
Number of Operating Segments | operating_segment	6

Segment and Geographic Area 101

Segment and Geographic Area Information - Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Net sales and operating revenues	$ 2,031	$ 2,025	$ 2,130	$ 2,023	$ 2,004	$ 2,081	$ 2,241	$ 2,094	$ 8,209	$ 8,420	$ 7,964
Revenues from external customers									8,209	8,420	7,964
Earnings before interest expense, income taxes, and noncontrolling interests	128	$ 116	$ 155	$ 120	83	$ 140	$ 156	$ 113	519	492	424
Total assets	3,967				3,996				3,967	3,996	3,830
Other
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Net sales and operating revenues									0	0	0
Earnings before interest expense, income taxes, and noncontrolling interests									(87)	(124)	(85)
Total assets	0				0				0	0	0
Intersegment revenues
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers									0	0	0
Intersegment revenues | Other
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers									0	0	0
North America | Clean Air Division
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Net sales and operating revenues									2,851	2,815	2,658
Earnings before interest expense, income taxes, and noncontrolling interests									244	237	229
Total assets	1,209				1,156				1,209	1,156	1,030
North America | Ride Performance Division
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Net sales and operating revenues									1,313	1,351	1,255
Earnings before interest expense, income taxes, and noncontrolling interests									155	143	124
Total assets	692				659				692	659	628
North America | Intersegment revenues | Clean Air Division
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers									16	25	8
North America | Intersegment revenues | Ride Performance Division
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers									10	10	10
Europe, South America & India | Clean Air Division
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Net sales and operating revenues									1,835	1,974	1,934
Earnings before interest expense, income taxes, and noncontrolling interests									52	59	57
Total assets	713				789				713	789	827
Europe, South America & India | Ride Performance Division
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Net sales and operating revenues									944	1,032	1,046
Earnings before interest expense, income taxes, and noncontrolling interests									(5)	40	(7)
Total assets	499				503				499	503	552
Europe, South America & India | Intersegment revenues | Clean Air Division
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers									100	114	111
Europe, South America & India | Intersegment revenues | Ride Performance Division
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers									28	38	41
Asia Pacific | Clean Air Division
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Net sales and operating revenues									1,037	1,022	852
Earnings before interest expense, income taxes, and noncontrolling interests									121	101	84
Total assets	596				593				596	593	544
Asia Pacific | Ride Performance Division
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Net sales and operating revenues									229	226	219
Earnings before interest expense, income taxes, and noncontrolling interests									39	36	22
Total assets	226				227				226	227	213
Asia Pacific | Intersegment revenues | Clean Air Division
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers									0	0	1
Asia Pacific | Intersegment revenues | Ride Performance Division
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers									46	43	32
Reclass & Elims
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Net sales and operating revenues									0	0	0
Earnings before interest expense, income taxes, and noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Total assets	$ 32				$ 69				32	69	36
Reclass & Elims | Intersegment revenues
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers									$ (200)	$ (230)	$ (203)

Segment and Geographic Area 102

Segment and Geographic Area Information - Revenue from External Customers (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Net sales and operating revenues	$ 2,031	$ 2,025	$ 2,130	$ 2,023	$ 2,004	$ 2,081	$ 2,241	$ 2,094	$ 8,209	$ 8,420	$ 7,964
Clean Air Systems And Products
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Net sales and operating revenues									5,723	5,811	5,444
Clean Air Systems And Products | Aftermarket
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Net sales and operating revenues									318	318	327
Clean Air Systems And Products | Original Equipment
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Net sales and operating revenues									5,405	5,493	5,117
Clean Air Systems And Products | Original Equipment | OE Value-add
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Net sales and operating revenues									3,489	3,559	3,282
Clean Air Systems And Products | Original Equipment | OE Substrate
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Net sales and operating revenues									1,916	1,934	1,835
Ride Control Systems And Products
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Net sales and operating revenues									2,486	2,609	2,520
Ride Control Systems And Products | Aftermarket
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Net sales and operating revenues									941	976	953
Ride Control Systems And Products | Original Equipment
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Net sales and operating revenues									$ 1,545	$ 1,633	$ 1,567

Segment and Geographic Area 103

Segment and Geographic Area Information - Revenue Percent by Major Customers (Details) - Net Sales	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
General Motors
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Customer accounted for ten percent or more of net sales	15.00%	15.00%	15.00%
Ford
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Customer accounted for ten percent or more of net sales	13.00%	13.00%	14.00%

Segment and Geographic Area 104

Segment and Geographic Area Information - Geographic Information Table (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule Of Geographical Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	$ 8,209	$ 8,420	$ 7,964
Long-lived assets	1,356	1,351	1,316
Total assets	3,967	3,996	3,830
United States
Schedule Of Geographical Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	3,362	3,348	3,144
Long-lived assets	496	473	448
Total assets	1,726	1,696	1,552
China
Schedule Of Geographical Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	1,101	1,079	875
Long-lived assets	203	192	158
Total assets	696	683	602
Germany
Schedule Of Geographical Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	807	955	941
Long-lived assets	108	113	120
Total assets	258	319	358
Mexico
Schedule Of Geographical Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	431	423	397
Long-lived assets	35	34	31
Total assets	158	156	126
Canada
Schedule Of Geographical Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	387	413	387
Long-lived assets	41	52	59
Total assets	146	164	182
Other Foreign
Schedule Of Geographical Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	2,121	2,202	2,220
Long-lived assets	473	487	500
Total assets	1,099	1,133	1,200
Reclass & Elims
Schedule Of Geographical Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	0	0	0
Long-lived assets	0	0	0
Total assets	$ (116)	$ (155)	$ (190)

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Capital and Lease Commitments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Estimate of authorized expenditures required to complete facilities and projects	$ 89
Operating Leases, 2016	38
Operating Leases, 2017	28
Operating Leases, 2018	18
Operating Leases, 2019	13
Operating Leases, 2020	13
Operating Leases for subsequent years	15
Capital Lease, 2016	1
Capital Lease, 2017	1
Capital Lease, 2018	1
Capital Lease, 2019	1
Capital Lease, 2020	1
Total rental expense	$ 61	$ 64	$ 58

Commitments and Contingencie106

Commitments and Contingencies - Environmental Matters (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Environmental remediation accrual, discounted basis	$ 14
Portion of environmental remediation costs recorded in other current liabilities	2
Portion of environmental remediation costs recorded in deferred credits and other liabilities	$ 12
Weighted average discount rate	1.80%
Environmental remediation accrual, undiscounted basis	$ 17
Expected payments of environmental remediation costs, 2016	2
Expected payments of environmental remediation costs, 2017	1
Expected payments of environmental remediation costs, 2018	1
Expected payments of environmental remediation costs, 2019	1
Expected payments of environmental remediation costs, 2020	1
Expected payments of environmental remediation costs, thereafter	$ 11

Commitments and Contingencie107

Commitments and Contingencies - Other Legal Proceedings, Claims and Investigations (Details)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015LegalMatterdefendent	Dec. 31, 2015State
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of states for which we are subject to an audit with respect to payment of unclaimed property | State		11
Number of years subject to audit with respect to payment of unclaimed property		30 years
Current docket of active and inactive cases nationwide relating to alleged exposure to asbestos from our product categories | LegalMatter	500
Number of defendants in many asbestos related cases | defendent	100

Commitments and Contingencie108

Commitments and Contingencies - Warranty Accrual Table (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 26	$ 24	$ 23
Accruals related to product warranties	15	24	20
Reductions for payments made	(18)	(22)	(19)
Ending Balance	$ 23	$ 26	$ 24

Supplemental Guarantor Conde109

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Ownership percentage of existing and future material domestic owned subsidiaries	100.00%

Supplemental Guarantor Conde110

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Statement of Comprehensive Income Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net sales and operating revenues —
External									$ 8,209	$ 8,420	$ 7,964
Affiliated companies									0	0	0
Net sales and operating revenues	$ 2,031	$ 2,025	$ 2,130	$ 2,023	$ 2,004	$ 2,081	$ 2,241	$ 2,094	8,209	8,420	7,964
Costs and expenses
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)	1,688	1,707	1,764	1,686	1,685	1,735	1,851	1,754	6,845	7,025	6,734
Engineering, research, and development									146	169	144
Selling, general, and administrative									491	519	453
Depreciation and amortization of other intangibles									203	208	205
Costs and expenses									7,685	7,921	7,536
Other income (expense)
Loss on sale of receivables									(4)	(4)	(4)
Other income (expense)									(1)	(3)	0
Total other income (expense)									(5)	(7)	(4)
Earnings before interest expense, income taxes, and noncontrolling interests	128	116	155	120	83	140	156	113	519	492	424
Interest expense —
External (net of interest capitalized)									67	91	80
Affiliated companies (net of interest income)									0	0	0
Earnings (loss) before income taxes, noncontrolling interests and equity in net income from affiliated companies									452	401	344
Income tax expense									149	131	122
Equity in net income (loss) from affiliated companies									0	0	0
Net income (loss)									303	270	222
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									56	44	39
Net income (loss) attributable to Tenneco Inc.	$ 68	$ 52	$ 78	$ 49	$ 21	$ 78	$ 81	$ 46	247	226	183
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Tenneco Inc.									127	41	231
Reclass & Elims
Net sales and operating revenues —
External									0	0	0
Affiliated companies									(969)	(1,005)	(922)
Net sales and operating revenues									(969)	(1,005)	(922)
Costs and expenses
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)									(969)	(1,005)	(922)
Engineering, research, and development									0	0	0
Selling, general, and administrative									0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization of other intangibles									0	0	0
Costs and expenses									(969)	(1,005)	(922)
Other income (expense)
Loss on sale of receivables									0	0	0
Other income (expense)									(48)	(38)	(58)
Total other income (expense)									(48)	(38)	(58)
Earnings before interest expense, income taxes, and noncontrolling interests									(48)	(38)	(58)
Interest expense —
External (net of interest capitalized)									0	0	0
Affiliated companies (net of interest income)									0	0	0
Earnings (loss) before income taxes, noncontrolling interests and equity in net income from affiliated companies									(48)	(38)	(58)
Income tax expense									0	0	0
Equity in net income (loss) from affiliated companies									(402)	(451)	(300)
Net income (loss)									(450)	(489)	(358)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Tenneco Inc.									(450)	(489)	(358)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Tenneco Inc.									(450)	(489)	(358)
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Net sales and operating revenues —
External									3,711	3,727	3,498
Affiliated companies									411	403	350
Net sales and operating revenues									4,122	4,130	3,848
Costs and expenses
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)									3,442	3,391	3,103
Engineering, research, and development									70	81	66
Selling, general, and administrative									193	211	187
Depreciation and amortization of other intangibles									87	86	78
Costs and expenses									3,792	3,769	3,434
Other income (expense)
Loss on sale of receivables									(1)	0	0
Other income (expense)									41	26	(1)
Total other income (expense)									40	26	(1)
Earnings before interest expense, income taxes, and noncontrolling interests									370	387	413
Interest expense —
External (net of interest capitalized)									(2)	(1)	(2)
Affiliated companies (net of interest income)									54	73	70
Earnings (loss) before income taxes, noncontrolling interests and equity in net income from affiliated companies									318	315	345
Income tax expense									43	94	60
Equity in net income (loss) from affiliated companies									84	129	32
Net income (loss)									359	350	317
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Tenneco Inc.									359	350	317
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Tenneco Inc.									359	350	317
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Net sales and operating revenues —
External									4,498	4,693	4,466
Affiliated companies									558	602	572
Net sales and operating revenues									5,056	5,295	5,038
Costs and expenses
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)									4,372	4,639	4,553
Engineering, research, and development									76	88	78
Selling, general, and administrative									295	302	260
Depreciation and amortization of other intangibles									116	122	127
Costs and expenses									4,859	5,151	5,018
Other income (expense)
Loss on sale of receivables									(3)	(4)	(4)
Other income (expense)									6	9	59
Total other income (expense)									3	5	55
Earnings before interest expense, income taxes, and noncontrolling interests									200	149	75
Interest expense —
External (net of interest capitalized)									3	4	5
Affiliated companies (net of interest income)									(56)	(75)	(72)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes, noncontrolling interests and equity in net income from affiliated companies									253	220	142
Income tax expense									106	37	62
Equity in net income (loss) from affiliated companies									0	0	0
Net income (loss)									147	183	80
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									56	44	39
Net income (loss) attributable to Tenneco Inc.									91	139	41
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Tenneco Inc.									91	139	41
Tenneco Inc. (Parent Company)
Net sales and operating revenues —
External									0	0	0
Affiliated companies									0	0	0
Net sales and operating revenues									0	0	0
Costs and expenses
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)									0	0	0
Engineering, research, and development									0	0	0
Selling, general, and administrative									3	6	6
Depreciation and amortization of other intangibles									0	0	0
Costs and expenses									3	6	6
Other income (expense)
Loss on sale of receivables									0	0	0
Other income (expense)									0	0	0
Total other income (expense)									0	0	0
Earnings before interest expense, income taxes, and noncontrolling interests									(3)	(6)	(6)
Interest expense —
External (net of interest capitalized)									66	88	77
Affiliated companies (net of interest income)									2	2	2
Earnings (loss) before income taxes, noncontrolling interests and equity in net income from affiliated companies									(71)	(96)	(85)
Income tax expense									0	0	0
Equity in net income (loss) from affiliated companies									318	322	268
Net income (loss)									247	226	183
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Tenneco Inc.									247	226	183
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Tenneco Inc.									$ 127	$ 41	$ 231

Supplemental Guarantor Conde111

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 287	[1]	$ 282	[1]	$ 275	[1]	$ 223
Restricted cash	1		3
Receivables, net	1,112		1,088
Inventories	682		688
Deferred income taxes	0		81
Prepayments and other	229		284
Total current assets	2,311		2,426
Other assets:
Investment in affiliated companies	0		0
Notes and advances receivable from affiliates	0		0
Long-term receivables, net	13		12
Goodwill	60		65
Intangibles, net	22		26
Deferred income taxes	218		143
Other	100		106
Total other assets	413		352
Plant, property, and equipment, at cost	3,418		3,490
Less — Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(2,175)		(2,272)
Plant, property and equipment, net	1,243		1,218
Total Assets	3,967		3,996		3,830
Short-term debt (including current maturities of long-term debt)
Short-term debt — non-affiliated	86		60
Short-term debt — affiliated	0		0
Accounts payable	1,376		1,372
Accrued taxes	37		40
Other	295		327
Total current liabilities	1,794		1,799
Long-term debt — non-affiliated	1,124		1,055
Long-term debt — affiliated	0		0
Deferred income taxes	7		18
Postretirement benefits and other liabilities	$ 524		$ 551
Commitments and contingencies
Total liabilities	$ 3,449		$ 3,423
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	43		35		20		15
Total Tenneco Inc. shareholders’ equity	433		497		433
Noncontrolling interests	42		41
Total equity	475		538		472
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	3,967		3,996
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	2		10		6		4
Restricted cash	0		0
Receivables, net	299		408
Inventories	333		312
Deferred income taxes			49
Prepayments and other	67		96
Total current assets	701		875
Other assets:
Investment in affiliated companies	1,146		1,064
Notes and advances receivable from affiliates	938		944
Long-term receivables, net	11		12
Goodwill	22		22
Intangibles, net	9		10
Deferred income taxes	122		76
Other	42		40
Total other assets	2,290		2,168
Plant, property, and equipment, at cost	1,281		1,236
Less — Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(851)		(845)
Plant, property and equipment, net	430		391
Total Assets	3,421		3,434
Short-term debt (including current maturities of long-term debt)
Short-term debt — non-affiliated	0		0
Short-term debt — affiliated	164		243
Accounts payable	484		478
Accrued taxes	6		(15)
Other	125		134
Total current liabilities	779		840
Long-term debt — non-affiliated	0		0
Long-term debt — affiliated	1,583		1,730
Deferred income taxes	0		0
Postretirement benefits and other liabilities	$ 424		$ 418
Commitments and contingencies
Total liabilities	$ 2,786		$ 2,988
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0		0
Total Tenneco Inc. shareholders’ equity	635		446
Noncontrolling interests	0		0
Total equity	635		446
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	3,421		3,434
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	285		272		269		219
Restricted cash	1		3
Receivables, net	1,241		1,309
Inventories	349		376
Deferred income taxes			25
Prepayments and other	162		188
Total current assets	2,038		2,173
Other assets:
Investment in affiliated companies	0		0
Notes and advances receivable from affiliates	13,291		10,589
Long-term receivables, net	2		0
Goodwill	38		43
Intangibles, net	13		16
Deferred income taxes	28		14
Other	47		53
Total other assets	13,419		10,715
Plant, property, and equipment, at cost	2,137		2,254
Less — Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,324)		(1,427)
Plant, property and equipment, net	813		827
Total Assets	16,270		13,715
Short-term debt (including current maturities of long-term debt)
Short-term debt — non-affiliated	73		54
Short-term debt — affiliated	147		220
Accounts payable	955		1,000
Accrued taxes	31		31
Other	221		241
Total current liabilities	1,427		1,546
Long-term debt — non-affiliated	21		44
Long-term debt — affiliated	13,226		10,516
Deferred income taxes	7		18
Postretirement benefits and other liabilities	$ 100		$ 129
Commitments and contingencies
Total liabilities	$ 14,781		$ 12,253
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	43		35
Total Tenneco Inc. shareholders’ equity	1,404		1,386
Noncontrolling interests	42		41
Total equity	1,446		1,427
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	16,270		13,715
Tenneco Inc. (Parent Company)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0		0		0
Restricted cash	0		0
Receivables, net	0		0
Inventories	0		0
Deferred income taxes			7
Prepayments and other	0		0
Total current assets	0		7
Other assets:
Investment in affiliated companies	891		764
Notes and advances receivable from affiliates	4,788		4,844
Long-term receivables, net	0		0
Goodwill	0		0
Intangibles, net	0		0
Deferred income taxes	68		53
Other	11		13
Total other assets	5,758		5,674
Plant, property, and equipment, at cost	0		0
Less — Accumulated depreciation and amortization	0		0
Plant, property and equipment, net	0		0
Total Assets	5,758		5,681
Short-term debt (including current maturities of long-term debt)
Short-term debt — non-affiliated	13		6
Short-term debt — affiliated	0		9
Accounts payable	0		0
Accrued taxes	0		24
Other	3		3
Total current liabilities	16		42
Long-term debt — non-affiliated	1,103		1,011
Long-term debt — affiliated	4,208		4,131
Deferred income taxes	0		0
Postretirement benefits and other liabilities	$ 0		$ 0
Commitments and contingencies
Total liabilities	$ 5,327		$ 5,184
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0		0
Total Tenneco Inc. shareholders’ equity	433		497
Noncontrolling interests	0		0
Total equity	433		497
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	5,760		5,681
Reclass & Elims
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0		$ 0		$ 0
Restricted cash	0		0
Receivables, net	(428)		(629)
Inventories	0		0
Deferred income taxes			0
Prepayments and other	0		0
Total current assets	(428)		(629)
Other assets:
Investment in affiliated companies	(2,037)		(1,828)
Notes and advances receivable from affiliates	(19,017)		(16,377)
Long-term receivables, net	0		0
Goodwill	0		0
Intangibles, net	0		0
Deferred income taxes	0		0
Other	0		0
Total other assets	(21,054)		(18,205)
Plant, property, and equipment, at cost	0		0
Less — Accumulated depreciation and amortization	0		0
Plant, property and equipment, net	0		0
Total Assets	(21,482)		(18,834)
Short-term debt (including current maturities of long-term debt)
Short-term debt — non-affiliated	0		0
Short-term debt — affiliated	(311)		(472)
Accounts payable	(63)		(106)
Accrued taxes	0		0
Other	(54)		(51)
Total current liabilities	(428)		(629)
Long-term debt — non-affiliated	0		0
Long-term debt — affiliated	(19,017)		(16,377)
Deferred income taxes	0		0
Postretirement benefits and other liabilities	$ 0		$ 4
Commitments and contingencies
Total liabilities	$ (19,445)		$ (17,002)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0		0
Total Tenneco Inc. shareholders’ equity	(2,039)		(1,832)
Noncontrolling interests	0		0
Total equity	(2,039)		(1,832)
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	$ (21,484)		$ (18,834)
[1]	Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase.

Supplemental Guarantor Conde112

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Statement of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Activities
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities		$ 517		$ 341		$ 503
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of assets		4		3		8
Cash payments for plant, property, and equipment		(286)		(328)		(244)
Cash payments for software related intangible assets		(23)		(13)		(25)
Payments to Acquire Other Productive Assets				(3)		(5)
Change in restricted cash		2		2		(5)
Net cash used by investing activities		(303)		(339)		(266)
Financing Activities
Retirement of long-term debt		(37)		(462)		(16)
Issuance of long-term debt		1		570		0
Debt issuance cost on long-term debt		(1)		(12)		0
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation		6		26		24
Purchase of common stock under the share repurchase program		(213)		(22)		(27)
Issuance of common stock		6		19		20
Increase in bank overdrafts		(22)		6		(6)
Net increase/decrease in revolver borrowings and short-term debt excluding current maturities of long-term debt		102		(70)		(22)
Net decrease in short-term borrowings secured by accounts receivable		30		(10)		(40)
Intercompany dividends and net increase (decrease) in intercompany obligations		0		0		0
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest partner		0		5		0
Purchase of noncontrolling equity interest		0		0		(69)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest partners		(44)		(30)		(39)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities		(172)		20		(175)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(37)		(15)		(10)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents		5		7		52
Cash and cash equivalents, January 1		282	[1]	275	[1]	223
Cash and cash equivalents, December 31 (Note)	[1]	287		282		275
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Operating Activities
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities		204		44		270
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of assets		0		0		1
Cash payments for plant, property, and equipment		(114)		(106)		(102)
Cash payments for software related intangible assets		(16)		(5)		(19)
Payments to Acquire Other Productive Assets				(3)		0
Change in restricted cash		0		0
Net cash used by investing activities		(130)		(114)		(120)
Financing Activities
Retirement of long-term debt		0		0		0
Issuance of long-term debt		0		0
Debt issuance cost on long-term debt		0		0
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation		0		0		0
Purchase of common stock under the share repurchase program		0		0		0
Issuance of common stock		0		0		0
Increase in bank overdrafts		0		0		0
Net increase/decrease in revolver borrowings and short-term debt excluding current maturities of long-term debt		0		0		0
Net decrease in short-term borrowings secured by accounts receivable		0		0		0
Intercompany dividends and net increase (decrease) in intercompany obligations		(82)		74		(148)
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest partner				0
Purchase of noncontrolling equity interest						0
Distribution to noncontrolling interest partners		0		0		0
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities		(82)		74		(148)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		0		0		0
Increase in cash and cash equivalents		(8)		4		2
Cash and cash equivalents, January 1		10		6		4
Cash and cash equivalents, December 31 (Note)		2		10		6
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Operating Activities
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities		311		314		244
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of assets		4		3		7
Cash payments for plant, property, and equipment		(172)		(222)		(142)
Cash payments for software related intangible assets		(7)		(8)		(6)
Payments to Acquire Other Productive Assets				0		(5)
Change in restricted cash		2		2
Net cash used by investing activities		(173)		(225)		(146)
Financing Activities
Retirement of long-term debt		(22)		(9)		(2)
Issuance of long-term debt		1		45
Debt issuance cost on long-term debt		0		0
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation		0		0		0
Purchase of common stock under the share repurchase program		0		0		0
Issuance of common stock		0		0		0
Increase in bank overdrafts		(22)		6		(6)
Net increase/decrease in revolver borrowings and short-term debt excluding current maturities of long-term debt		20		(13)		(43)
Net decrease in short-term borrowings secured by accounts receivable		0		0		0
Intercompany dividends and net increase (decrease) in intercompany obligations		(21)		(75)		121
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest partner				5
Purchase of noncontrolling equity interest						(69)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest partners		(44)		(30)		(39)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities		(88)		(71)		(38)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(37)		(15)		(10)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents		13		3		50
Cash and cash equivalents, January 1		272		269		219
Cash and cash equivalents, December 31 (Note)		285		272		269
Tenneco Inc. (Parent Company)
Operating Activities
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities		49		21		48
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of assets		0		0		0
Cash payments for plant, property, and equipment		0		0		0
Cash payments for software related intangible assets		0		0		0
Payments to Acquire Other Productive Assets				0		0
Change in restricted cash		0		0
Net cash used by investing activities		0		0		0
Financing Activities
Retirement of long-term debt		(15)		(453)		(14)
Issuance of long-term debt		0		525
Debt issuance cost on long-term debt		(1)		(12)
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation		6		26		24
Purchase of common stock under the share repurchase program		(213)		(22)		(27)
Issuance of common stock		6		19		20
Increase in bank overdrafts		0		0		0
Net increase/decrease in revolver borrowings and short-term debt excluding current maturities of long-term debt		82		(57)		21
Net decrease in short-term borrowings secured by accounts receivable		30		(10)		(40)
Intercompany dividends and net increase (decrease) in intercompany obligations		56		(37)		(32)
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest partner				0
Purchase of noncontrolling equity interest						0
Distribution to noncontrolling interest partners		0		0		0
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities		(49)		(21)		(48)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		0		0		0
Increase in cash and cash equivalents		0		0		0
Cash and cash equivalents, January 1		0		0		0
Cash and cash equivalents, December 31 (Note)		0		0		0
Reclass & Elims
Operating Activities
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities		(47)		(38)		(59)
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of assets		0		0		0
Cash payments for plant, property, and equipment		0		0		0
Cash payments for software related intangible assets		0		0		0
Payments to Acquire Other Productive Assets				0		0
Change in restricted cash		0		0
Net cash used by investing activities		0		0		0
Financing Activities
Retirement of long-term debt		0		0		0
Issuance of long-term debt		0		0
Debt issuance cost on long-term debt		0		0
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation		0		0		0
Purchase of common stock under the share repurchase program		0		0		0
Issuance of common stock		0		0		0
Increase in bank overdrafts		0		0		0
Net increase/decrease in revolver borrowings and short-term debt excluding current maturities of long-term debt		0		0		0
Net decrease in short-term borrowings secured by accounts receivable		0		0		0
Intercompany dividends and net increase (decrease) in intercompany obligations		47		38		59
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest partner				0
Purchase of noncontrolling equity interest						0
Distribution to noncontrolling interest partners		0		0		0
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities		47		38		59
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		0		0		0
Increase in cash and cash equivalents		0		0		0
Cash and cash equivalents, January 1		0		0		0
Cash and cash equivalents, December 31 (Note)		$ 0		$ 0		$ 0
[1]	Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase.

Quarterly Financial Data (Un113

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net Sales and Operating Revenues	$ 2,031	$ 2,025	$ 2,130	$ 2,023	$ 2,004	$ 2,081	$ 2,241	$ 2,094	$ 8,209	$ 8,420	$ 7,964
Cost of Sales (Excluding Depreciation and Amortization)	1,688	1,707	1,764	1,686	1,685	1,735	1,851	1,754	6,845	7,025	6,734
Earnings Before Interest Expense, Income Taxes and Noncontrolling Interests	128	116	155	120	83	140	156	113	519	492	424
Net Income Attributable to Tenneco Inc.	$ 68	$ 52	$ 78	$ 49	$ 21	$ 78	$ 81	$ 46	$ 247	$ 226	$ 183
Basic Earnings per Share of Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 1.18	$ 0.89	$ 1.27	$ 0.81	$ 0.34	$ 1.29	$ 1.34	$ 0.76	$ 4.14	$ 3.72	$ 3.03
Diluted Earnings per Share of Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 1.17	$ 0.88	$ 1.26	$ 0.80	$ 0.33	$ 1.27	$ 1.32	$ 0.75	$ 4.11	$ 3.66	$ 2.97

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACC114

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts And Notes Receivable
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 16	$ 14	$ 14
Charged to Costs and Expenses	4	4	1
Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Deductions	4	2	1
Balance at End of Year	16	16	14
Deferred Tax Assets
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	139	135	118
Charged to Costs and Expenses	15	15	19
Charged to Other Accounts	(3)	(3)	8
Deductions	(24)	(8)	(10)
Balance at End of Year	$ 127	$ 139	$ 135